PRACTICE PLANS SKILLS CHECKLIST

All-Star Practice Plans

At the All-Star Level, players will begin to gain strength, quickness and the ability to better react to game situations. Practices will shift towards team concepts and competition, while still heavily emphasizing skill development.

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All-Star Practice Plan 6

Cultivating Values & Developing Wellness

5%
5%

Playing Positions

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Teach the players what the typical roles and responsibilities are of each playing position and then list some of their favorite players at that position:
• Point Guard: primary ball handler and distributor that sets the offensive plays for the team and is usually a good defender.
• Shooting Guard: This player is usually a scorer and a secondary ball handler.
• Small Forward: A small forward is typically a versatile player that can do a little bit of everything on the court.
• Power Forward: This is usually a taller player that can rebound and defend and may be able to stretch the floor and shoot, or score from the post.
• Center: A center is typically the tallest player on the team who protects the basket and scores close to the basket.

Warm Up

5%
5%

Dynamic Warm-Up Part 8

(1 x each)
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  • Hip Hinge
  • Backward March
  • High Knees

Building Skills

40%
40%

Ball Handling

Creative Cone Dribble Drill

(2 minutes)
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  • All players need a basketball (or share) and should stand on the baseline.
  • The players will be divided into groups.
  • The group will have 2 cones in front of them.
  • The players will dribble to the first cone and will make any creative dribble move at the cone.
  • The players will then dribble to the next cone and make any creative dribble move at the cone.
  • After the second cone, the players will dribble out and shoot.

Key Points

The players can work on fun creative moves with no pressure.

1-Hand Between Series

(2 minutes each way)
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  • Have all the players get a ball and find space on the court.
  • Have the players start with the ball in their right hand and dribble 1 time and then wrap the ball around their right leg from back to front with a 2nd dribble.
  • Again, dribble 1 time and then wrap again.
  • Continue this process without touching the ball with the left hand.
  • After doing this for the allotted time, continue taking 1 dribble and now wrap the ball from front to back around the right leg.
  • Continue this process for the allotted time.
  • Next change and do the same process with the left hand.

Key Points

The focus here is to control the ball with one hand by making it wrap around the leg in 1 dribble. If the players can do this continuously without the 1 pound dribble, let them execute the drill without the extra dribble.

Passing

Post Entry Pass

(1 x 5 reps each)
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  • Have the players get in lines on each wing (utilize more baskets if needed).
  • The first 2 players in each line should have a ball.
  • There will also be a defender guarding the ball and a player on the block.
  • The offensive player will work to make a good post entry pass against the defender.
  • Once the player on the block catches the pass, they will make a move to score, get their rebound, and go to the back of the line.
  • The defender will then become the post player and the passer will become the defender.
  • This drill will continue for the allotted amount of reps.

Key Points

Encourage the defense to make this a difficult pass for the offensive player.

Shooting

Backboard Form Shooting

(1 x 8)
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  • Have the players get a ball and utilize as many backboards as possible (partner up if needed).
  • The players will stand a short distance from the basket to the side of the rim and will shoot the ball at the backboard.
  • The goal of this drill is to shoot the ball high and have the ball touch the backboard on the way down.
  • The players will do this for the allotted amount of reps.

Key Points

This drill works on arc and touch as the players work on perfecting their shot.

Loop Shooting Drill

(4 spots of 8 makes)
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  • The players will start in two lines facing the court where the lane line meets the sideline.
  • Each line will have two balls.
  • There will be one player who starts on the court on the block.
  • The player with the ball in front of the player on the court will pass them the ball, the player will shoot and get their rebound.
  • After rebounding, the player will give the ball to the same line they got it from and then go to the back of that line.
  • After the player passes, they will loop around the outside of the shooter to the other side of the lane and catch the ball from that line.
  • The player will shoot, get the rebound, give the ball to the line they got it from and go to the back of that line.
  • The player who made that pass will continue the process of looping behind, shooting, and going to the other line.
  • Have the players shoot from different distances from the basket when you dictate.

jrnba_starter_pp4_loopshootingdrill_diagram1of4 jrnba_starter_pp4_loopshootingdrill_diagram2of4 jrnba_starter_pp4_loopshootingdrill_diagram3of4 jrnba_starter_pp4_loopshootingdrill_diagram4of4

Key Points

Make sure the players go around the outside of the shooter. Also make sure the players get their rebounds quickly and give it to the line they received the pass from.

diagram

Full Court Transition Shooting Drill

(games to 9 makes)
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  • A minimum of 9 players are needed to execute this drill.
  • Divide the players into 3 groups, 1 group will line up on the baseline on 1 side of the court, another group will line up on the baseline in the middle of the court, and the 3rd group will line up on the baseline on the other side of the court.
  • Place 1 player from each line on the opposite baseline with a ball.
  • Place 1 player from each line at half court.
  • And make sure the first person on the baseline has a ball.
  • The player at half court will run towards the line on one of the baselines.
  • The player with the ball on the baseline will pass the ball to the player who will catch and shoot.
  • After shooting, the player will get the rebound and go to the back of the line.
  • After passing, the player will run all the way towards the other baseline and catch a pass from the opposite baseline and shoot.
  • After the shot, the player will get their rebound and get ready to be a passer from that baseline.
  • Following the pass, the player will sprint to the opposite end to catch and shoot.
  • The rule is, pass and run the length of the floor to catch and shoot.
  • The coaches can mix up the type of shots.
  • After a team makes the dictated amount of shots, the teams can rotate spots on the court.

jrnba_allstar_pp6_fullcourttransitionshootingdrill_diagram1of3 jrnba_allstar_pp6_fullcourttransitionshootingdrill_diagram2of3 jrnba_allstar_pp6_fullcourttransitionshootingdrill_diagram3of3

Team Concepts

25%
25%

Shell Drill 5 On 5 – with Post

(8-10 minutes)
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  • Divide the players into groups of 5 and start with 1 team on defense and one team on offense.
  • The offense should only have players on the perimeter and 1 post player.
  • The offense is only allowed to pass and cut (no screens).
  • After 5 passes, the ball will become live and the offensive team can try to score but are still not allowed to screen.
  • Switch teams every possession.
  • Emphasize post defense and how to help with a post player.

Motion – 4 on 0 – Screens Allowed Away From Ball

(4 minutes)
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  • Place 4 markers on the perimeter and have a balanced line of players behind each one.
  • The first 4 players up will pass and cut or pass and screen away and always fill the open spot on the court when a player leaves it.
  • Encourage the players to work together to move the ball quickly and find and fill the open spots.
  • Complete 5-7 passes before taking a shot.
  • After the shot, the group will get their rebound and go to the back of the lines and the next 4 players will step on and repeat the process.

3 on 2, 2 on 1

(4 minutes)
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  • Start with 3 lines on the baseline (2 on the wing and 1 in the middle).
  • The line in the middle will have basketballs.
  • Place two players on the opposite end as defenders.
  • The first player in each of the 3 lines will go with the ball up the court and try to score in the 3 on 2 fast break.
  • The offense is only allowed 1 shot.
  • Whichever player takes the shot or turns the ball over will get back on defense.
  • The other 2 offensive players will stay there and become the 2 new defenders.
  • The two current defenders will bring the ball back down the court and try to score in the 2 on 1 fast break.
  • This process will repeat with a new group coming on from the baseline and those who just finished going to the back of the lines.

jrnba_allstar_pp6_3on2_2on1_diagram1of6 jrnba_allstar_pp6_3on2_2on1_diagram2of6 jrnba_allstar_pp6_3on2_2on1_diagram3of6 jrnba_allstar_pp6_3on2_2on1_diagram4of6 jrnba_allstar_pp6_3on2_2on1_diagram5of6 jrnba_allstar_pp6_3on2_2on1_diagram6of6

Key Points

Work on spacing and making good decisions in transition.

25 Point Free Throw Game

(1 game)
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  • Utilize as many baskets as possible and have 1 player shooting at a time per basket.
  • Each player will shoot 5 straight free throws until all players have shot.
  • After all players have taken 5 free throws, the player with the highest score wins.
  • The maximum number of points a player can score is 25 points or 5 points per shot.
  • Here is how it is scored:
    • 5 If the player makes the shot nothing but net and the ball is coming back toward the free throw line so that the player can grab the ball with 1 foot still touching the free throw line, the player is awarded 5 points.
    • 4 If the player makes the shot nothing but net and the ball does not come back toward the free throw line and they cannot grab the ball with 1 foot still touching the free throw line, the player is awarded get 4 points.
    • 3 If the player makes the shot but the ball makes contact with the rim (or backboard) 1 time, the player is awarded 3 points.
    • 2 If the player makes the shot but the ball makes contact with the rim (or backboard) 2 times, the player is awarded 2 points.
    • 1 If the player makes the shot but the ball makes contact with the rim (or backboard) 3 times or rolls around on the rim, the player is awarded 1 point.
    • 0 If the player misses the shot, they are awarded 0 points.
  • Have a coach or other players count their points after every shot for 5 shots.

Key Points

This drill teaches the players to be extremely focused on their free throws. Often players will make the shot but will be frustrated with their score. The scoring system also allows them to set goals and beat their record.

Competing

25%
25%

Chase Layup Drill-Full Court

(1 x 3 minutes)
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  • Have players partner up and get one ball for the two.
  • The first player will start with the ball on the elbow and the other player will start on where the lane line meets the baseline.
  • When the coach indicates, the player with the ball will dribble full court for a lay-up while the other player will try to run from behind to contest the lay-up.
  • The next pair will start immediately behind them and each group will switch positions each time.
  • Change spots on the court as the players get more comfortable.

jrnba_allstar_pp6_chaselayupdrillfullcourt_diagram1of4 jrnba_allstar_pp6_chaselayupdrillfullcourt_diagram2of4 jrnba_allstar_pp6_chaselayupdrillfullcourt_diagram3of4 jrnba_allstar_pp6_chaselayupdrillfullcourt_diagram4of4

diagram

Key Points

This drill emphasizes having the players finish layups at game speed with a real defender behind them which forces them to have further concentration.

1 on 1 – Cones

(games to 3)
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  • Have two lines at the top of the key with one line closer to the wing.
  • Both lines will have a cone on the baseline directly in front of them.
  • The coach will also be at the top with a basketball.
  • The first player in each line will have to sprint to the baseline and touch the cone in front of them and then sprint to the wing for 1 on 1.
  • The player that was closest to the wing will be the offensive player and the other player will be defense.
  • Play 1 on 1 with a maximum of 3 dribbles for each possession.
  • After the possession, the next 2 players in line will begin the same process.

1 on 1 – Dribble Out

(games to 3)
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  • Have two lines on the baseline near the sideline with one slightly closer to the top of the key.
  • Both lines will have a cone between above the three point line but before half court directly in front of them.
  • The line closer to the sideline will have a ball.
  • On the coaches command, the first two players in line will go to the cone and around them towards the middle of the court.
  • The player will the ball will dribble the entire way and upon going around the cone, the players will play 1 on 1.
  • After the possession, the next 2 players in line will begin the same process.
  • This should be a fast pace game.
  • Be sure to utilize the other side of the court or other baskets to maximize reps.

3 on 2 Trailer Game

(games to 5 makes)
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  • Divide the players into 2 teams.
  • 1 team will always defend the same basket with 2 players.
  • Each team will also have a player or line of players that start on the sideline at half court.
  • As the first team brings the ball up with three players, as they cross half court, the defending team will have their player at the sideline and half court run to the middle of half court, touch the floor and then help their teammates on defense.
  • After the defensive score or stop, those 3 defenders will go the other direction to score.
  • As they cross half court, the other teams player at the sideline and half court will run to touch the floor at the middle of half court and help their teammates on defense.
  • This process will continue until the allotted score.

Key Points

Encourage the players to score in the 3 on 2 setting before the 3rd defender arrives.

5 on 5 Situational Play

(3 x)
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  • Divide the players into teams and provide a specific game situation.
  • Game situations may be, giving a team the ball and telling them they are winning by 1 point with the ball with 45 seconds remaining.
  • Another game situation may be, losing by 2 with the ball and 2:30 left in the game.
  • Help the players understand game and clock management and reinforce key points that come up in the situational play.

Compliment Session

► + −

Gather the players together. Players group with 1-2 players next to them and share answers to the prompted questions.

  • Ask players to share something they did well, what enjoyed about today’s practice or something positive about another player’s actions.
  • Have players switch groups and ask some players to share their groups answers. Coach can build onto the player responses.

Key Points

All compliments should be natural. Not every player has to give or receive a compliment.

Skills Checklist

PDF Skills Checklist: Preview/Download
PDF Full Skills Checklist

At the conclusion of the All-Star Level, Jr. NBA players should be proficient at each of the following skills. Judging proficiency at this level is the responsibility of the coach.

Ball Handling

    Passing

      Shooting

        Footwork & Conditioning

          Rebounding

            Offense

              Defense

                Other