Youth Basketball Guidelines: From NBA & USA Basketball!
USA Basketball and NBA put out an official statement for youth basketball guidelines.
For those of you following us since 2006, this isn’t anything new.
However, it’s very refreshing to have these organizations support what you’ve preached and been challenged on...
Here are the guidelines.
Youth should participate in a variety of sports.
Sport sampling during childhood provides a foundation for long-term success, often by allowing young athletes a chance to find a sport that they enjoy and that may ultimately fit them best. For the sport of basketball, multi-sport participation in youth can help an athlete be a better basketball player.
Delay single-sport specialization in the sport of basketball until age 14 or older.
Participation in multiple sports in early childhood is beneficial from a player health and player development perspective. Athletes that reach the highest level of achievement are more likely to have played multiple sports at a young age and delayed single-sport specialization until late adolescence.
Studies of world-class athletes in basketball and other team ball sports have demonstrated that top performing athletes often delayed single-sport specialization until age 16 or later. Thus, delaying specialization until this age range is recommended. However, when considering the need to balance time among school, sports, community activities, and other responsibilities, our experts recognize that single-sport specialization in the U.S. may occur upon entry to high school. Specialization in basketball prior to age 14 is discouraged.
Ensure rest from organized basketball at least one day per week, and extended time away from organized basketball each year.
Daily rest is important for injury prevention, sport development and overall health. Rest days should be taken each week, and extended time off should be taken each year for physical recovery as well as to recharge oneself psychologically. Such an approach helps to maintain motivation for continued participation.
Limit high-density scheduling based on age-appropriate guidelines.
High-density competition scheduling can increase the risk of injury and burnout. Parents, coaches and event directors should be cautious in considering tournaments that schedule multiple competitive events (i.e., games) in short periods of time. Special attention must be paid to rest, recovery and refueling.
Further evaluation of basketball-specific neuromuscular injury prevention training program is warranted.
Such programs appear valuable in reducing lower extremity injuries in other sports. Early results indicate similar benefits in basketball.
Parents and coaches should be educated regarding concepts of sport readiness and injury prevention.
Variations among youth in cognitive and social development, as well as motor skills, should be considered when setting goals and expectations.
Promote personal engagement in youth basketball and other sports.
Sports provide opportunities for children and adolescents to connect with others, build meaningful relationships and take on challenges and leadership roles that promote overall personal development and well-being.
Youth sports should include both organized and informal, peer-led activities.
Peer-led activities allow children freedom to create and challenge themselves. In addition to having structured practices and competitions, basketball organizations should encourage informal, peer-led opportunities for individual growth.
You can also click here to view the entire article.
They also developed age- and stage- appropriate playing guidelines – to include playing rules, equipment recommendations, and competition structure elements – for four age groupings:
- 8 and under
- 9-11 years old
- 12-14 years old
- Grades 9-12
You can also view our current guidelines below...
Breakthrough Basketball Guidelines For Youth Basketball
8 to 10 Year Olds (3rd & 4th Grade):
- Play 3 on 3 basketball. You can also take a look at this article Could 3-on-3 Basketball Be The Best For Youth Players.
- No pressing, traps, or zone defenses.
- Half court man to man defense. (In some situations, you may restrict defense outside 3-point line.)
- No 3-pointers (or move in 3-point line - 13.5 feet to 15 feet)
- Free Throws - 8 to 10 feet from the basket.
- Height of Rim - 8 to 9 Feet
- Junior Ball - 27.5" International Size 5
10 to 12 Year Olds (5th & 6th Grade):
- Start to introduce 5 on 5. (Still use 3 on 3 and other small sided games to teach basketball concepts in every practice.)
- No trapping defenses, zone defenses, or full court zone presses.
- Man to man defense half court. Full court man to man defense in 2nd half.
- Equal playing time for players that give their best effort and follow team rules. Players that violate rules may get reduced playing time.
- No 3-pointers (or move in 3-point line - 15 feet to 18 feet)
- Height of Rim - 9 to 10 Feet
- Intermediate Ball - 27.75” - 28.5" (9") - International Size 6
12 to 14 Year Olds (7th & 8th Grade):
- 5 on 5 basketball. (Still use 3 on 3 and other small sided games to teach basketball concepts in every practice.)
- Man to man defense 50% of the game. Otherwise, no restrictions.
- Fairly equal playing time. As long as they give their best effort and follow team rules, they should play at least 1/3 of the game. (Our goal is to get everyone equal playing time throughout the season.)
- Height of Rim - 10 Feet
- Girls - Intermediate Ball - 27.75" - 28.5" (9") - International Size 6
- Boys - Men's Ball - 29.5" - 30" (9.5") - International Size 7 - There are also arguments that boys of this age should use an intermediate (or women's) ball.
If you'd like to know exactly how to progress through each age group (beginner to advanced), you can also check outThe Youth Coaching System with Jim Huber. It has 64 Practice Plans, Offense, Defense, Skill Development, Coaching Philosophy, and More!
Do you have any questions or suggestions for this article? Let us know by leaving your comments...
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