Basketball for Kids

All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them -- Magic Johnson

Hey kid! Have you always loved to bounce the basketball around the house, shoot some tricky hoops out in the garage and avoid your mommy's numberless calls for you to be on time, over the dinner table. Then you are the one who doesn't need any briefing on how to play basketball, because in that case, you already are a player. This game doesn't only give a picture of - a basketball thrown through a hoop, but also there are many more aspects attached to it. For many junior schools, colleges and local areas, basketball is available and taught to many children-- both girls and boys. Usually the basketball teams for kids ranges in age from under 8 to under 18 exhibiting different grades as they progress. These days there are basketball drills for beginners and young players who want to get an encouragement to play this sport boldly, develop for themselves an appropriate discipline towards the basketball rules and regulations, maintain their physical conditions and overall face challenges and have lots of fun to learn and play this game.

Before we move on to know basic basketball drills and a few tips and tricks to hang on in this game, here are some facts you could jot down for your knowledge.

Facts About this Ball Game

• As you must be aware about the layout of the two teams, each consisting of 5 players, the purpose of it is to score points by throwing the ball in the basket of the opponents team, which is approximately 10 ft. high.
• If the dribbling of the ball is maneuvered perfectly, then the long distance passing and shooting techniques come easy to act.
• It is known that, a game in the NBA league has the quarters of 12 minutes each, while at the international levels, the duration of the ball game is divided in the quarters of 10 minutes each.
• The positions of the players in the game are as follows:
  1. Point guard
  2. Shooting guard
  3. Small forward
  4. Power forward
  5. Center

So kids, these are some basic facts about basketball that could come handy to you. Sometimes, from a coaches point of view, the most common faced issue is introducing drills that are fun, interesting, active and which would help to increase the intensity in kids' practice. So keeping this in mind, let's learn some of the competitive drills and steps that could be taught and accomplished in this game.

Youth Basketball Drills

Basketball can have several sets of drills so that the kids get the opportunity to feel motivated and develop the love for the game.

• Circle Dribbling Game: This is a dribbling game, where a circle is formed and all the kids have to dribble within the circle and not go out of it. Here one has to learn to control the ball, walk around inside the circle and try to tap out the opponents ball without losing their own basketball. Lots of concentration is needed in this dribbling drill game.
• The Alabama Rebounding Drill: The main objective of this drill is to make the kids practice rebounding and finish strong around the basket. This drill is more of a physical activity, with no fouls and thus the more rugged it gets, the better kids would learn. The player who gets the rebound is on offense whereas the other one is on the defense. The coach can allot two groups and for each sequence, one player of each group should be sent as a rebounder. A team which scores five baskets first, would be called the winner. Note: A rebounder should not try to tip the ball in, they should pose the ball strong and pull it down with two hands. No pushing, elbowing, tripping, bumping etc, is allowed. Play it safe.
• Kentucky Layup Drill: Familiarly known as 'Kentucky Layups'. This is one of type of a drill, where despite the kids being fagged out, they learn how to condition their mental focus on the finishing layups. There should be two groups, each of them standing under the baskets of the floor at the two ends of the court. The coach must stand at each end of the elbow. The front-line players will have the ball which must be rebounded against the blackboard and passed to the coach. The coach then passes the ball to the player at the 3-point line position and the players dribble it with full speed to attempt a layout. This drill goes on continuously for three minutes. Note: The kids in this drill tend to get exhausted over the practice time and it gets harder for them to make the layups. Hence, the teams should have a low goal set up and let them work it up, as they get confident with the Kentucky drill.

Basketball is the most democratic sport in the state of America. So whether you are a player, a coach, a fan or a spectator, the best way to have the know-how about basketball is to pull down certain pointers relative to it. So, from all the above coaching drills and facts, here is a reference of basketball for dummies that would offer you as a player to expertise on the moves, plays and strategies whether on and off the court and all the way from junior high school to college hoops.

Basketball for Dummies

• To play this sport, the most important thing to note is, basketball equipment like, proper jerseys, shorts, shirts and appropriate shoes for playing. The clothing must be loose, such that it doesn't make you uncomfortable, while the shoes must have a good grip and an air circulation facility. Refer to : best basketball shoes ever.
• Suit yourself up strong for the game on the court. Take a closer look at the entire basketball court size. Study the structure well.
• Get the hang and shape of the basketball. Hunt for good places to play this game and try to familiarize yourself in various moves by practicing daily.
• Moves like offense/defense, fast break defense, free-throw ups, etc, should be learned and conducted well.
• For kids, the basic aspect is, to learn this game's common terms, its language, referee signals, etc, correctly. There shouldn't be any communication mix-up, during the game. Also, understand the non-foul violations.
• Kids learning how to play basketball should try to follow a game show on TV. Adapt the signature moves from the famous basketball players or from any NBA inspiring players.

Remember kids, this is a real fast-paced, lightning game, you need to be sleek and agile to catch up with the game and conquer all your on-court battles. And of course, remember to: "Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game."-- Michael Jordan.