Full Court Drills For Kids??

Recently I taught my 3rd-5th grade girls how to practice full court drills like 3 man weave, 3 on 3 minus one, and 3 on 2, 2 on 1. After just two practices they can all pretty much do these drills. Why would I teach these drills to young players? Let me explain.

When a young player is in the learning stage of skill development the more you throw at them the more they will adapt (as long as the skill is not to advanced). The reason I like the 3 drills above is because they involve important foundational skills the younger players should be learning.

The 3 man weave- this drill requires players to pass accurately, catch the ball softly, and to run while changing directions. Plus the player have to learn to lead a pass, catch an errant pass, and hustle up the floor to stay with teammates. Great drill for young kids to get excited about.

The 3 on 3 minus one- In the drill players must learn to communicate and help out on defense. It looks like this; 3 players spread out on the baseline and 3 facing them on the foul line extended. If the ball is passed to one of the players on the baseline the person across from them must run and touch the baseline and then hustle back and get in the play. The offensive team takes off 3 on 2. The 2 defenders remaining must talk and stop the ball until the 3rd defender gets back, or at least try to slow it down. This drill teaches the player to stop the ball, communicate, and from an offensive standpoint, push the ball up the floor and make good passes to the open player.

The 3 on 2, 2 on 1- Much like the 3 on 3 minus 1 drill the 3 offensive players on the break must make the correct pass, catch, and decide what to do next. It is a great drill for coaches to stop action and help players see their options.

Because we have spent so much time on dribbling and passing we feel the introduction of the full court drills is appropriate. But if the girls were unable to do the basic skills then full court drills would only lead to frustration.

Give it try and let me know what you found.

Play Hard

Lee

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