How to plan a 60-minute youth basketball practice
The best youth practices aren't complicated. They have one clear focus, keep every player moving, and end on a high note.
Start with one focus
Pick a single theme for the day: passing to the open player, protecting the ball, boxing out. Tell the team at the start, coach it during each drill and ask about it at the end. One focus learned well beats five skills rushed.
A 60-minute template
| Block | Minutes | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic warm-up | 8 | Jogging, skips, lunges, then layup lines |
| Skills | 15 | Ball handling and passing, every player with a ball |
| Team work | 15 | Spacing, defense or a simple play tied to today's focus |
| Play | 17 | Small-sided games (3-on-3) with a rule that rewards the focus |
| Review | 5 | One thing that went well, one thing to keep working on |
Keep lines short
If players are standing in line more than they're touching the ball, split into more groups. Use both ends of the court, every hoop, and assistant coaches or parent volunteers.
Plan water breaks
Schedule short water breaks, and let players get water whenever they need it, especially in warm gyms.
Before players arrive
- Walk the court for wet spots or hazards and check the hoops.
- Set out cones and balls so drills start fast.
- Know your league's rules for adult supervision and pickup.
Use our skills and drills library to fill each block.
Free printable: Practice Planner
Plan a focused 60-minute practice in blocks, then sketch drills and note what worked on the court-notes page. US Letter PDF, print as many as you need.