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A 60-minute youth basketball practice plan

Need a starting point for your next session? This example links five drills with diagrams into a timed practice, then gives players time to use those skills in a game.

Designed as a starting point for players aged roughly 11–14 who are learning passing, finishing and basic defense. Adapt the activities, pace and timings to your players, available baskets and court space. For more ideas, see U13 drills for 11–12 year olds and U14 drills for 12–13 year olds.

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Free. All nine blocks, timings and coaching notes are added for you to edit, then run it from your phone.

Before you start

  • Have balls, access to baskets and enough space for players to move safely. The weave uses a full court; on a half court, swap it for a passing activity suited to your space.
  • Open each linked drill for its diagram, instructions and coaching points. These timings include your explanation and transitions, so simplify the activity if needed.
  • With fewer baskets or a larger group, use small stations and short turns. Adjust the games to your attendance and provide breaks when players need them.

Want a practice pack to print?

The free youth basketball PDF offers a separate 60-minute session built around decision making, with six illustrated drill cards and a blank planning sheet.

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The practice, minute by minute

60 minutes total
  1. 00:008 min

    Dynamic Warm-up Lines

    Prepare for movement and listen to the coach's cues. Leave room between lines and demonstrate each movement.

  2. 00:085 min

    Ball Wraps & Figure 8s

    Control before speed. Give each player space and a ball; challenge them to look up once comfortable.

  3. 00:1310 min

    Three-Man Weave

    Pass ahead and move into the next lane. Walk through the pattern first, then build pace when players understand it.

  4. 00:232 min

    Water and reset

    Drink, check understanding and organise the finishing stations. Allow additional breaks whenever needed.

  5. 00:255 min

    Mikan Drill

    Practise finishing on both sides. Use short turns at each basket so players are practising rather than queuing.

  6. 00:308 min

    Closeout Drill

    Approach under control and stay balanced. Start without a live contest, then add the drill's shooting or one-dribble option when appropriate.

  7. 00:382 min

    Water and set up teams

    Explain one focus for the game: pass and move, finish under control, or recover to defend. Keep the instruction brief.

  8. 00:4016 min

    Small-sided games

    Play 3-on-3 where numbers allow. Use short rounds and rotate players; encourage the passing, finishing and defensive habits just practised.

  9. 00:564 min

    Review and finish

    Ask players what helped them create a good shot and what they will try next time. Note one thing to carry into the next practice.

Put your version on your phone

You can use the example above without an account. To make it your own in Swish Planner:

  1. Tap Copy this plan and create a free account. The nine blocks, timings and coaching notes are added to a new session for you.
  2. Set the date and start time, then swap drills or change the minutes to match your players and court.
  3. Save the session and open Run on your phone. Check the plan before practice, then use the block timer and diagrams courtside.
  4. After practice, note what worked and adjust or duplicate the session for next time.
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Practice plans and courtside run mode are part of the free core. New accounts also get a 14-day Pro trial with no card. Pro is £39/year or £4.99/month (GBP) for extras including printable plans, animated diagram authoring and unlimited teams. Compare the plans.