CURRICULUM

2016 Working Draft

F O R R EVIEW P U R P OS ES O N LY
02 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 03

Contents
Jr. NBA Overview 04

Jr. NBA Philosophy 05

Jr. NBA Pathway 09

Jr. NBA Levels

ROOKIE 10

STARTER 20

Always Fun ALL-STAR 30

Building Skills
MVP 40
Cultivating Values
Developing Wellness
04 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 05

Overview Philosophy

The Jr. NBA is the official youth basketball The Jr. NBA Philosophy is to share the game of basketball
with youth across the world by teaching skills, values, The ABCD’s
participation program of the NBA. The Jr. NBA and wellness in a positive and fun environment. The
of the Jr. NBA

includes a free, membership-based program for Jr. NBA’s holistic approach is intended to strengthen
the culture of youth basketball, teach life lessons, and A
existing youth basketball leagues/organizations. empower youth to live a full and healthy life. The Jr. NBA Always Fun

The membership is to help encourage and support believes this philosophy leads to developing complete B
and well-rounded basketball players and individuals.
youth basketball participation and improve the Building Skills

C
overall youth basketball experience. The Jr. NBA The Jr. NBA philosophy manifests itself in our curriculum Cultivating Values
through the ABCD’s of the Jr. NBA. The ABCD’s of the
aims to develop a lifelong passion for the game of Jr. NBA are the foundation of the curriculum and define
D
Developing
basketball in boys and girls by teaching them the what the Jr. NBA stands for. Each element of the ABCD’s of Wellness

the Jr. NBA is equally important and works with the other
fundamentals of the sport while instilling core values components to develop well-rounded basketball players
including teamwork, respect and sportsmanship. and people. Please see below for the ABCD’s of the Jr. NBA.

The 6 Ways that

Jr. NBA Players
Experience Fun
A LWAYS FUN

We love the game of basketball because at its core, it’s FUN! Achieving Goals

Basketball should be fun at every level, and as Jr. NBA players Mastering Skills
make progress in their development, their understanding Loving the
of fun also evolves. So whether it’s encouraging a first- Process

time player as she learns to dribble, or helping a young High Fives

& Smiles
boy set goals, the game should always be oriented around
fun. Fun is always a part of the Jr. NBA curriculum. Cheering for
Others

Interactive Games

Positive
Encouragement

Continued
06 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 07

B UILDING SKILLS Skill Categories

Building basketball skills is an essential part of learning

the game. The Jr. NBA recognizes that skill development Ball-Handling
is a process that is especially important to youth players. Passing
The Jr. NBA uses a skill progression checklist that helps
Shooting
players advance through developmental levels.
Footwork &
Conditioning
As Jr. NBA players master skills and advance in the
Rebounding
curriculum, skill categories grow more advanced. This
approach helps Jr. NBA players to continually develop and Offense

enjoy the positive reinforcement of mastering new skills! Defense

C ULTIVATING VALUES
Character
Building Values
The game of basketball provides everyone involved the
opportunity to learn countless life lessons. The lessons
learned in the Jr. NBA curriculum will be with our players Teamwork

for a lifetime. Therefore, the Jr. NBA makes it a priority to Sportsmanship

cultivate these core values throughout all programming. & Fairness

Leadership

A key tenet of the Jr. NBA philosophy is to incorporate a Respect D EVELOPING WELLNESS

character-building messages into every practice. Values Aspects of

Responsibility Wellness
are also taught in unscripted situations, and we encourage One of the best parts of the game of basketball is that
Confidence
our coaches to embrace those opportunities as well. The & Humility it promotes wellness across many dimensions of life.
Jr. NBA character lessons will undoubtedly go beyond the The Jr. NBA wants to address, educate, and encourage Active Lifestyle
Positivity &
court and help youth players in other areas of their lives. Receptiveness young players to be healthy in each of these areas. Time
Management

The Jr. NBA believes that developing as a complete Injury

Prevention
person is more important than developing just as a
basketball player. Whether it is understanding more about Nutrition

nutrition or learning time management skills, themes Rest & Recovery

of wellness will be applied throughout the curriculum. Healthy
Relationships

Balanced lifestyle
08 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 09

Jr. NBA Pathway

The Jr. NBA Pathway has been developed to help

players, parents, coaches, and organizations
better understand the process of improvement.

The Jr. NBA pathway is a developmentally-based

progression that depends on players mastering new
skills before advancing to the next level. The Jr. NBA
Development Pathway is not based on a player’s
age, but rather his or her proficiency at key skills.

The Jr. NBA Pathway is divided into four levels.

ROOKIE STARTER ALL-STAR MVP

PAGE 10 PAGE 20 PAGE 30 PAGE 40

The Jr. NBA Pathway and its four levels are derived from the *Long Term Athlete
Development Model. At each level, there will be unique methods, messages,
skills, and drills that incorporate and teach the ABCD’s of the Jr. NBA.

* The Long Term Athlete Development Model is an approach to athlete-centered sport that combines skill
instruction with long-term planning and an understanding of human development to produce athlete
10 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 11

Rookie Level ABCD’s

At the Rookie level, the game is all about fun, being active, and learning
basic fundamental skills. This is the first introduction to basketball
for most players and it should be a positive experience. Five-on-five
competitions should be limited until later in the level(s). The goal of the
Rookie level is to engage in activity and form a base of motor skills.

ROOKIE ALWAYS FUN

High-Fives & Smiles

BUILDING SKILLS

See Skill Checklist

CORE VALUES

Sportsmanship
& Fairness
DEVELOPING WELLNESS

Active Lifestyle

Positive
Encouragement Confidence

Interactive Games Respect

One very important In the early stages of In their first In this level, Jr. NBA
way we can ensure that the Rookie level of the introduction to players are encouraged
the players have fun is curriculum, players basketball, many to lead an Active
through our high-fives, should play the game players have a tendency Lifestyle. Getting
smiles, and positive voluntarily in their free to be individualistic exercise from multiple
encouragement. time because it’s an and shy, others see the sports and activities
Coaches, parents and activity that they enjoy. game as an opportunity helps create healthy
organizers should use As their enjoyment to develop new habits for the rest
these tools of body grows and they mature, friendships. Players at of their lives. Being
language and positive basic fundamentals this level may be very active also translates
reinforcement to of the game will be aware of their feelings to better productivity
create an enjoyable acquired. Some of the and the feelings of in school and overall
environment. Fun also fundamentals that others. Therefore, it is health. This foundation
plays out through a are introduced in the important to emphasize of being active
variety of skill-related, Rookie level include sportsmanship develops a base for
interactive games. having a good athletic & fairness, instill athletic development
Whether it’s a relay stance, running, confidence, and teach in basketball and
race, or dribble tag, jumping, stopping, them to respect each beyond. Encourage
these skill-related balance, ball-handling, other. By incorporating players to be active!
games make it fun passing, receiving, these messages on a
to learn and play. and shooting. These daily basis, players will
movements and skills grow in their social
will lay the foundation understanding and
for skills acquired sport etiquette.
later in the pathway.
12 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 13

ROOKIE LEVEL ROOKIE LEVEL

Skill Checklist Practice Plans

At the conclusion of the Rookie Level, Jr. NBA players should be proficient at each of The chart below indicates approximate amounts of time to be spent on each portion of
the following skills. Judging proficiency at this level is the responsibility of the coach. practice. The six practice plans to follow are samples that reinforce Rookie level principles.

Ball Handling Footwork & Conditioning

 Toss & Catch  Athletic Stance/Triple Threat

 Stationary No Dribble Control Series  Defensive Stance/Slide Cultivating Values

Competing & Developing Wellness
 Stationary Dribble Control Series  Controlled Running

 Stationary Dribble Low, Middle, High  Change of Pace Warm-Up &

Injury Prevention
 Walking Control Dribble  Change of Direction Team
Concepts 10% 5%
 Stationary Crossover  Two Foot Jump Stop 5%
 Walking Crossover  Pivoting
 Jogging Dribble 10%
Offense
 Running Dribble
 Pass & Cut

Passing  Ball Reversal

 Hitting the Target  Triple Threat TOTAL

 Catching & Receiving  Drive and Kick (Pass)
PRACTICE
TIME
 Stationary Chest Pass  Give & Go

 Stationary Bounce Pass

Defense
 Pass to a Moving Player
 Defensive Stance
 Catch and Pass Quick Decision
 Defensive Slide

Shooting  Stay between Man and Basket 70%

 Form Shooting  Hands Up
Building
 Strong Hand Lay-Up Skills
Other
 Big Step Shooting
 Understand the Basketball Court Markings
 One-Dribble Shooting
 Introduction to Rules (Travel, Double
Dribble, Out of Bounds, Scoring)
Rebounding

 Jump, Catch and Land

14 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 15

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 1 ROOKIE LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 2 ROOKIE LEVEL

Cultivating Sportsmanship Have players define good sportsmanship Cultivating Active Have players define active lifestyle
Values & & Fairness Values & Lifestyle
5% Developing What is playing fair 5% Developing Try new sports
Wellness Wellness
Explain basic rules Explain the benefits

Give examples & identify positive

examples at the end of practice
Warm-Up Dynamic Heel walks Jog backwards
& Injury Warm-Up
5% Prevention Toe walks Walking straight leg-kicks
Warm-Up Basketball IQ Run to that Line Interactive Game:
& Injury Warm-Up Encourages players to know the court Skip forward 1 foot hops
5% Prevention markings while preparing to practice Skip backwards 2 foot squat and leap
Walk around the court identifying lines Jog forward
Provide players with a way you want
them to get to any line & announce both
the way to get there & the line Building Ball-Handling Toss & catch: Add a clap
Skills
70% Stationary ball control series: Add Figure 8

Building Ball-Handling Toss & catch Stationary dribble control series: Add holding
Skills up fingers for the players to call out
70% Stationary no dribble control series

Stationary dribble control series Passing Stationary partner bounce & chest-passing

Passing Stationary wall passing Shooting Teach the fundamentals of lay-ups

Shooting Teach Shooting Fundamentals Footwork & Teach what a good stance is
Conditioning
Triple Threat
Footwork & Start & stop with jumpstop
Conditioning

Team Offense Teach the fundamentals of cutting

Concepts
Team Offense Pass is faster than dribble 10% Introduce offensive concept of pass and cut
Concepts
10%
Defense Teach man to man principle of staying
between your man & the basket

Competing Fun Games Dribble Relays Competing Fun Games Dribble Freeze Tag Game
10% 10%
16 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 17

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 3 ROOKIE LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 4 ROOKIE LEVEL

Cultivating Confidence Have players define confidence & Cultivating Respect Respect Coaches Talk through examples
Values & explain how to build confidence Values &
5% Developing 5% Developing Respect Teammates Have players identify
Wellness Believe in yourself Wellness areas they can be
Respect Opponents
more respectful
You can do anything
Respect Parents
Coaches support you

Parents support you

Warm-Up Basketball IQ Run To That Line Game
Practice builds confidence & Injury Warm-Up
5% Prevention

Warm-Up Dynamic Leg swings Quick 2 feet Hops

& Injury Warm-Up
5% Prevention Knee squeeze Trunk twists
Building Ball-Handling Stationary control dribble series. Add power dribble
Imaginary dunks Walk on all 4 Skills
70% Stationary cross-over
Running backwards Demonstrate & explain each
Jogging dribble

Building Ball-Handling Stationary dribble control series including holding Passing Catch and pass quick drill
Skills up numbers & requiring players to be vocal
70% Shooting Form shooting
Stationary cross-over
Big step shooting:
Walking dribble

Rebounding Go get it drill

Passing Pass to a cutting player: Lead the player

Footwork & Defensive stance to slide

Shooting Shoot to self Conditioning
Shoot to a partner

Shoot to the basket Team Offense Reverse the ball, lay-up drill
Concepts
10% Review offensive set: pass & cut
Footwork & Teach what a good defensive stance is.
Conditioning Include change of direction
Defense Stay between man & basket

Teach what a foul is

Team Offense Drive and kick drill
Concepts
10% Defense Defensive communication drill Competing Competitive 1 on 1 Numbers Game
Games
10% Assign every player a number and have them stand
on the baseline. Throw the ball out on the court
and call out 2 numbers. The players with those
Competing Fun Games Coach Says Defense Game
numbers will go for the ball. Whoever gets the ball
10% is offense and the other is defense for 1 shot.
18 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 19

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 5 ROOKIE LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 6 ROOKIE LEVEL

Cultivating Sportsmanship Provide a quote on Sportsmanship Cultivating Respect Provide a quote on Respect
Values & & Fairness Values & Part 2
5% Developing Part 2 Explain any unclear rules 5% Developing Recognize specific examples of good
Wellness Wellness Respect in the last 5 practices
Recognize specific examples of good
sportsmanship & fairness in the last 4 practices Have players try to give examples as well

Warm-Up Stationary Circle stretch: Have the team stand in a large Warm-Up Dynamic 1 foot hops at angles
& Injury Stretch circle. Call out stretches and have them count & Injury Warm-Up
5% Prevention 5% Prevention 2 feet together and hop series
to 10 and then call out another stretch
Line jumps

Building Ball-Handling Stationary control dribble series. Building Ball-Handling Stationary control dribble low, middle, high. Time
Skills Emphasize low, middle and high dribbles Skills them and have them count their dribbles
70% 70%
Walking Cross-over Over/under relay

Running dribble Dribble relay race

Passing Catch and pass quick Passing Stationary bounce & chest cass

Pass it down the line game Pass it down the line game

Shooting Dribble to a lay-up Shooting Dribble to a lay-up

Start with 1 dribble and advance to more
Line shooting game
Big Step shooting

1 dribble shooting Footwork & Pivoting

Conditioning
Knockout Change speeds

Footwork & Pivoting: Teach what a forward

Conditioning Team Offense Teach give & go
pivot is & teach both feet Concepts
10%
Defense Help defense drill
Team Offense Review Offensive Set: Ensure that all players
Concepts understand and can execute with no defense
10%

Defense Hands Up on Defense Competing Competitive 2 on 2

Games
Rebound 10% Both players must touch the ball on each possession

Teach how and when to help a teammate

Competing Competitive 1 on 1 & 2 on 2 Numbers Game

Games
10%
20 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 21

Starter Level ABCD’s

At the Starter level, the fundamental skills begin to be honed and expanded upon. As
players have now been exposed to the game, they will start to understand how to play
in a team setting. It is in the Starter level that we begin introducing team offensive and
team defensive concepts. Again five-on-five competition is limited, yet the frequency
of practices may increase from the Rookie level. The goal of the Starter level is to
continue having fun, develop further skills, and begin to understand team concepts.

STARTER ALWAYS FUN

Mastering Skills
BUILDING SKILLS

See Skill Checklist

CORE VALUES

Teamwork
DEVELOPING WELLNESS

Balanced Lifestyle

Positivity Nutrition

Along with a fun At the Starter level, The Starter level The Starter level
environment and we will build on the continues to build continues to emphasize
skill-related games, basic fundamentals on the values of the players having fun and
mastering skills now previously acquired, as Rookie level while being active, but also
becomes an exciting well as introduce more also emphasizing teaches players how
part of practice. specific skills. Here group activities to lead a balanced
Whether it is making we implement more and collaboration. lifestyle. A balanced
your first left-handed fakes, specific dribble This emphasis on lifestyle includes
lay-up, or dribbling moves, rebounding teamwork will also positive family and
between your legs and much more. increase the need for social interaction, as
for the first time, skill While there is still an encouragement and well as the importance
development is fun! emphasis on individual positive reinforcement of academics. Leading a
This excitement of skill development, among players well-balanced lifestyle
mastering skills should the Starter level will and coaches. The will help players
be a significant part also incorporate Starter level helps remain healthy as they
of the Starter level. team offense and the players see the mature and develop
team defense into game through a lens further interests.
practice plans. beyond themselves, Nutrition is another
and develop the ability key component of the
to be a good friend Starter level as players
and teammate. It is begin establishing
important that we their eating habits.
explain what teamwork Educating the players
is and the impact on the relationship
that it can have on between food, energy,
the team’s success. and performance
is essential.
22 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 23

STARTER LEVEL STARTER LEVEL

Skill Checklist Practice Plans

At the conclusion of the Starter Level, Jr. NBA players should be proficient at each of The chart below indicates approximate amounts of time to be spent on each portion of
the following skills. Judging proficiency at this level is the responsibility of the coach. practice. The six practice plans to follow are samples that reinforce Starter level principles.

Ball Handling Passing Rebounding

 Advanced stationary  Overhead pass  Boxing out

no dribble control series Cultivating Values
 3 Man weave  Pursuing the ball
 Jog dribble to & Developing Wellness
Competing
1 foot stop & push  Outlet pass  Protecting the ball
 Running pass Warm-Up &
 Stationary dribble Offense Injury Prevention
low, middle, high  Pass fakes
 Screening
 Cone dribbling 5%
 Pass off the dribble 15% 5%
 On the ball screens
 Stationary in-out  Post entry pass Team
control dribble  Off the ball screens Concepts
 Fast break passing
 Stationary front-back  V-cut
control dribble 15%
Shooting  Fast break spacing
 In & out dribble move & concepts
 Weak hand lay-ups
 In & out crossover  Square up and rip through
dribble move  Shooting off a ball screen TOTAL
 Shooting off an away screen
 Pass, cut and replace PRACTICE
 Spin move
 Shot fake and drive TIME
 Retreat dribble  Stepping into the shot
with both feet  Basic post play
 Figure 8 dribble
 Euro-step lay-ups
 Stationary 2 ball Defense
dribble same time  Drop step lay-ups
 On ball defense
 Stationary 2 ball  Dribble move to shot
 Deny
dribble alternate  Free throws
 Jump to the ball 60%
Footwork &  Half court man to man Building
Conditioning Skills
 3 Man shell
 Triple threat
 Disadvantage spacing
 Forward and reverse pivots & concepts

 Jab step
Other
 Drop step slide
 F ull explanation of rules
24 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 25

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 1 STARTER LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 2 STARTER LEVEL

Cultivating Teamwork Have players define Cultivating Balanced You & players define
Values & Values & Lifestyle
5% Developing Give examples 5% Developing Explain the benefits
Wellness Wellness
Give examples & identify positive
examples at the end of practice

Warm-Up Active Stretch Heel walks Jog backwards

Warm-Up Basketball IQ Run To That Line Advanced Game & Injury
& Injury Warm-Up 5% Prevention Toe walks Straight leg kicks
5% Prevention Encourages players to know the court
markings while warming up for practice Skip forward Lunges

Show players lines and points on the court Skip backwards Side lunges

Provide them with a way you want to Jog forward Demonstrate & explain
run to any area and announce both

Building Ball-Handling Stationary low middle high

Building Ball-Handling Advanced stationary-control series: Skills
60% Dribble through cones: Teach the players to
Skills Time the players as they count their wraps
60% take a dribble, plant their outside foot and
Jogging 2 Dribbles balance on 1 foot- then then dribble through the next cone
crossover: Establish balance and good 2 ball dribble same time
footwork for a push out of a crossover
Passing Outlet passing
Passing Stationary chest, bounce & overhead pass
Outlet pass to running passes
3 man weave: Teach the players to pass to the furthest
player from them and then run behind that player
Shooting Form shooting

Shooting Form shooting Free throws: Relax & develop a routine

that you can do every time
1 dribble shot
Shooting off an away-screen
Knockout

Rebounding Box out stationary player

Rebounding Teach the proper box out form

Footwork & Reverse pivots: Repeat to help players

Footwork & Triple threat start, stop & pivot Conditioning gain comfort & balance
Conditioning

Team Offense 3 on 0 pass and replace: The ball starts in the middle,
Team Offense Teach what a screen is and how to set a good screen Concepts when the player passes he cuts. The weakside player
Concepts 15%
15% replaces the spot & the cutter fills the empty space
Defense Teach what it means to jump to the ball
Teach Offensive Set

Defense 3 man shell defense.

Competing Competitive 3 on 3 on 3: If a team scores they take the ball
Games and go to the other end against a 3rd group.
15% Competing Competitive 3 on 3 half court
Defensive stops give that team the ball Games
15% Start by passing and cutting
through or screening away

Short 4 on 4 game
26 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 27

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 3 STARTER LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 4 STARTER LEVEL

Cultivating Positivity Have players define Believe in yourself Cultivating Nutrition Food is energy
Values & Values &
5% Developing Give examples We can do it. We believe 5% Developing Impact of eating enough
Wellness Wellness
Impact of eating good foods

Importance of hydration

Warm-Up Active Line Hops Staggered step

& Injury Warm-Up Warm-Up Leadership Follow the leader warm-up
5% Prevention 2 feet front to back 1 foot front to back 5% & Injury Warm-Up
2 feet side to side 1 foot side to side Prevention Have each player lead 1 warm-up drill of their choice

Building Ball-Handling 1 foot balance stationary dribbling Building Ball-Handling 1 foot balance and push to a crossover
Skills Skills
60% Zig zag dribble with light 60% Retreat dribble: Teach the players to plant
defense: Work on changing directions while their foot and retreat dribble to space
having a defender in front of them to distract
2 ball stationary dribble
In & out dribble move
Passing Run & pass
Passing Pass fakes
Pass. Pressure. Rotate
3 person passing with defense: Work on passing
by a defender. Once the player passes, they Passing to wing off the dribble: Add light defense and
follow their pass and become the defender keep the offensive within a narrow space to make
a pass to a player on the wing who makes a v-cut

Shooting Form shooting

Rebounding Box out active player
Weak hand lay-ups

Shooting from a ball-screen Shooting Euro step lay-ups

Drop step lay-ups

Footwork & Jabsteps
Conditioning Dribble to cone crossover shoot: Have the
player attack the cone and stay low on the
crossover until they raise up to shoot
Team Offense V-cut: Teach the proper footwork and timing
Concepts to get open for the ball on the wing. Shooting off a screen
15%
Square up & rip through
Team Offense Teach ball screens: Emphasize good
Review offense Concepts timing & shoulder to shoulder
15%
Defense Teach how to deny: Put a hand in the passing lane Work on offense

Shell defense Defense Teach close outs: Emphasize breaking down early,
having their hand up and keeping their butt down
Competing Competitive 3 on 3 no dribbling: No dribbles will 4 on 4 shell
Games encourage passing & cutting
15%
Quick 5 on 5 Competing Competitive 3 on 3 pass and screen away
Games
15% 3 on 3 pass and ball screen

Quick 5 on 5 game
28 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 29

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 5 STARTER LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 6 STARTER LEVEL

Cultivating Teamwork Provide a quote on teamwork Cultivating Balanced You & players define
Values & Part 2 Values & Lifestyle
5% Developing Recognize specific examples of good 5% Developing Explain the benefits
Wellness teamwork in the last 4 practices Wellness

Have players try to give examples as well

Warm-Up Active Stretch Heel walks Jog backwards

Warm-Up Basketball IQ Run to That Line Advanced Interactive Game & Injury
5% & Injury Warm-Up Toe walks Frankenstein kicks
5% Prevention
Prevention Demonstrate and explain the purpose
Skip forward Lunges

Skip backwards Side lunges

Building Ball-Handling Stationary crossover: Have players push Jog forward Demonstrate & explain
Skills themselves out of their comfort zone
60% with all the stationary dribbling
Building Ball-Handling Figure 8 dribble
2 ball stationary dribble-alternate Skills
60% 2 ball stationary dribble-together & alternate: Add
In-out control dribble doing it at different levels, low-middle-high
Front-back control dribble Jog to in & out crossover
Moving in & out move: Get the hand over the Spin move
top and really push off the opposite foot
Passing 3 line run and pass to a lay-up: Do this
Passing Run & pass full court and limit dropped passes
Pass pressure rotate Moving fast break passing
Post entry decision making & passing: See the
help side and the post defender while also Rebounding 1 on 1 on 1 rebounding drill: Box out & pursue the ball
noticing the offensive players balance
Shooting In & out crossover to shot
Rebounding 2 on 2 box out drill Post turn and shoot

Shooting Shot fake to drive: Sell the shot fake 3 man, 2 ball shooting

Weak hand lay-ups

Team Offense 3 on 2 and 2 on 1 concepts: Explain proper spacing,
Post drop step lay-ups Concepts balance and decision making offensively
15%
In & out move to shot Work on sets

Defense 3 on 2 and 2 on 1 concepts: Defensively

Team Offense Fast break spacing: Post players run
Concepts teach timing, rotation and decisions
to the rim & guards stay wide
15%
Work on team sets
Competing Competitive 5 on 5: Stop play to make coaching points
Games
Defense 3 on 3 shell with screen 15%

Competing Competitive 3on3 Pass & Ball Screen

Games
15% Implement minimum pass rule

5 on 5
30 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 31

All-Star Level ABCD’s

At the All-Star level, Jr. NBA players will begin to gain strength, quickness and the
ability to better react to game situations. Practices will shift more towards team
concepts and competition, while still heavily emphasizing skill development.
There is usually a greater time commitment required at the All-Star level as
the number of team practices increases. The goal of the All-Star level is to

ALL-STAR
begin applying skills and team concepts more directly into game situations.

ALWAYS FUN BUILDING SKILLS CORE VALUES DEVELOPING WELLNESS

Achieving Goals See Skill Checklist Leadership Time Management

Loving the Process Humility Rest & Recovery

At the All-Star level we By the All-Star level, The All-Star level player At the All-Star level
widen the experience players should should understand players face more
of fun to include have a pretty good the values taught at demands in all areas of
beating previous bests understanding of the previous levels and their lives, and learning
or achieving goals. basic fundamentals. will begin to develop how to prioritize
Many players gain In this level, players leadership skills. The and have good time
such a love for the should continue to players need to be management skills is
game that they derive challenge themselves encouraged, educated essential. Knowing how
great joy from practice as they become more and shown how to lead. to balance completing
itself. Players begin efficient with dribble As leadership skills homework, visiting
loving the process moves, getting open, and ability advance, with friends, practicing
of development and shooting in different we want to continue skills, and getting good
see their deliberate situations, and passing instilling confidence but rest is a new challenge.
practice as a way to around defenders. when necessary teach Understanding rest &
reach new heights. These fundamentals humility. Teaching recovery is also important
will continue to grow, players the healthy at this level. Rest and
but now it becomes balance between recovery not only means
important to see these confidence and sleep, but also stretching,
skills applied in game humility is an ongoing icing, and other recovery
situations. Footwork & and ever important techniques such as yoga.
conditioning can also responsibility. It is important that players
impact the outcome of understand how being
games at the All-Star rested and implementing
level and now become recovery methods
an area of emphasis. will lead to feeling
better, and potentially,
performing better.
32 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 33

ALL-STAR LEVEL ALL-STAR LEVEL

Skill Checklist Practice Plans

At the conclusion of the All-Star Level, Jr. NBA players should be proficient at each of The chart below indicates approximate amounts of time to be spent on each portion of
the following skills. Judging proficiency at this level is the responsibility of the coach. practice. The six practice plans to follow are samples that reinforce All-Star level principles.

Ball Handling Footwork & Conditioning

 Behind the back dribble  Run & turn forward & backward
 Between the legs dribble  Crab dribble Cultivating Values
& Developing Wellness
 Dribble 1 ball, catch & pass a 2nd ball Rebounding
Warm-Up &
 Stationary 1-hand control pass  Live rebounding drills with contact Injury Prevention
 Moving 1-hand control pass  Tag on perimeter Competing
5%
 Creative dribbling 5%
Offense
 Pull back dribble
 L-cut 25%
 Stationary 2 ball dribble with contact
 Baseline drive fill the corner
 2 Ball creative dribbling
 Backdoor cut
Passing
 Post pass action (cut, relocate, screen)
 Backdoor pass
 Post player spacing on drives TOTAL
 1-Hand ball control passing PRACTICE
 Basic set plays
 Post entry pass
TIME
 Transition offense
 Skip pass
 Motion offense
Shooting
Defense
 Step-back shot 25% 40%
 Post defense (before the catch,
 Screens off the ball shots after the catch, after the dribble)
(curl, straight, out)
 Defending ball screens
 Screens on the ball shots
(pull-up, stop behind, split)  Defending away screens Team
Concepts
 Reverse lay-up  Help the helper Building
Skills
 Extended lay-up  Full court man to man and zone

 Spin to shot Other

 Transition catch and shoot  Advanced rules

 Post moves (up & under, hook)  Special situations
34 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 35

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 1 ALL-STAR LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 2 ALL-STAR LEVEL

Cultivating Leadership Have players attempt to define Cultivating Time Have players try to define Explain how to
Values & Values & Management budget time
5% Developing Give examples & Identify positive 5% Developing Teach them how
Wellness examples at the end of practice Wellness to prioritize Share the benefits

Warm-Up Active Stretch Walking quad-skip: Lateral groin stretch-

& Injury Do a dynamic stretch butt kicks Warm-Up Active Stretch Do a dynamic stretch Ankle rotations-
5% Prevention & Injury to ½ court-do an active jog forward & turn
to ½ court-do an active 5% Prevention
Lunge-high knees movement back backwards
movement back
Heel walk-later push Walking TFL stretch, Stance resistance-
Walking hamstring-
jog forward Walking arm light foot taps butt kicks
stretch-karioka Walking shoulder swings: Planks-igh knees
Toe walk-jog backwards
Light foot taps 3 &
change directions
Building Ball-Handling Stationary 2 ball dribble: Same time & alternate
Skills
40% Zig zag between the legs: Add speed when possible Building Ball-Handling Moving 2 ball dribble
Skills
Zig zag behind the back 40% Dribble 1 ball, catch and pass a 2nd ball

Passing Backdoor pass: Timing & use 1 hand Passing: Between the leg wrap to right hand pass
Partners
Full court 5 man weave Between the leg wrap to left hand pass

In-out control dribble to one hand pass.

Shooting Catch and shoot

1 dribble step back shot Shooting Reading a down screen

2 dribble jumpstop shot Curl cut shot

Straight cut shot

Rebounding Backboard toss-rebound, keep it high, finish:
Offensive rebound to quick putback Out cut shot
Backboard toss-rebound, chin it, pivot,
outlet: defensive rebound to outlet Rebounding 5 second box out drill

Footwork & Lane slides Footwork & 5 spot close out & slide back
Conditioning Conditioning

Team Offense Backdoor cut: Good timing, set it up, plant and go Team Offense L-cut to shot
Concepts Concepts
Extra pass 25% Drive baseline & fill the corner shot
25%
Motion offense
Defense Close out, trace ball, active hands

5 on 5 shell: Teach players the importance of Defense Defending away screens

having active hands and getting deflections Defending ball screens

Competing Competitive 1 on 1 cut throat: If the offensive player Competing Competitive 2 on 2 with ball screen: Emphasize the ball screen
25% Games 25%
scores, they remain on offense Games offensive and defensive points of emphasis
5 on 5: with 10 second shot clock 5 on 5 with wait past 30 seconds to shoot
36 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 37

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 3 ALL-STAR LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 4 ALL-STAR LEVEL

Cultivating Humility Have players try to define Cultivating Rest & Define rest
Values & Values & Recovery
5% Developing Provide a quote about humility 5% Developing Explain the types of recovery
Wellness Wellness
Teach the benefits

Warm-Up Dynamic Jog down & back 3 vertical jumps sprint out Warm-Up Active Imaginary Hurdle Walk Forward & Backward
& Injury Warm-up & Injury Stretch
5% Prevention Backwards lunge 1 foot forward bound 5% Prevention Chop While Slowly Moving Laterally

1 Foot hops Circle Tag

Building Ball-Handling Cone dribbling with moves: Attack a series Building Ball-Handling Stationary 1,2,3, cross 2, 3: Pound the ball hard
Skills of cones with specific dribble moves Skills for 3 dribbles, then crossover for 3 quick dribbles
40% 40% then pound for 3 quick dribbles and continue
Passing: Stationary 1 hand control passing Stationary behind the back dribble, low, middle, high
Partners
Sliding 1 hand control passing In circle creative

Shooting Reading a ball screen Passing 3 man weave full court for a lay-up
Defender over pull-up
Shooting Reverse lay-ups
Defender under stop behind
Transition run to catch and shoot
Defender under re-screen-pull up
Big spin to shot
Hedge split for a lay-up

Rebounding Team backboard toss in the air

Rebounding 4 on 4 shell rebounding: Offense
doesn’t move until the shot
Footwork & Run & turn
Conditioning
Footwork & Elbow close out, zig zag
Conditioning
Team Offense Where strong side post spaces on ball side
Concepts drive/weak side drive: Teach the players how
Team Offense Post pass & cut 25%
Concepts to move to the open space as a post player
25% Post pass & relocate when another player is driving to the basket

Post pass & screen Teach where strong & weak side posts space to on drives

Offensive sets
Defense Help the helper

Defense Defending the post before the catch

Defending the post on the catch Competing Competitive 2 on 2 post entry: work on post passes and relocation
Games
Defending the post after the dribble 25% 5 On 5 use offense

Competing Competitive 1 on 1 cut throat: If the offensive player

Games scores, they remain on offense
25%
5 on 5: with 10 second shot clock
38 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 39

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 5 ALL-STAR LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 6 ALL-STAR LEVEL

Cultivating Humility Why should we be humble Cultivating Time What is a good use of time after school?
Values & Part 2 Values & Management
5% Developing Discuss example of confident vs. cocky 5% Developing Part 2 What is a good use of time in practice
Wellness Wellness

Warm-Up Leadership Have a player(s) lead Warm-Up Dynamic Do a dynamic stretch Lateral groin stretch-
& Injury Warm-Up & Injury Warm-Up to ½ court, do an active butt kicks
5% Prevention 5% Prevention movement back
Lunge-high knees
Walking quad-skip
Heel walk-lateral push
Walking hamstring-
Walking arm
Building Ball-Handling 2 ball stationary with partner foul: jog forward
Skills stretch-karioka
As one partner dribbles 2 basketballs, have
40% Toe walk-jog backwards
the other partner apply pressure and foul

3 balls with partner

Building Ball-Handling 2 ball creative time: Give the players
Dribble moves up & back Skills 15 seconds and encourage them to be
40% creative with the ball as they dribble
Passing 2 Teams: Transition offense passing
(5 on 4, 4 on 3, 3 on 2, 2 on 1) 1 ball creative time

Pull back
Shooting 3 man shooting repetitions: 3 players & 2
balls, after you shoot, get your rebound and Passing Skip pass
pass it to the teammate without a ball
Read help, post or skip
Rebounding Tag on perimeter
Shooting Chase down lay-ups Post move up & under
Help, ball, help tag
Pull back shot Crab dribble hook hot
Footwork & Big push clock to sprint
Conditioning Rebounding Lane battle for the rebound & score

Footwork & Backpedal, slide, sprint in for lay-up

Team Offense Offensive sets breakdown Conditioning
Concepts
25% Defense 5 possessions, team with the most stops
wins: Have the teams compete to see who Team Offense Dummy offense
can get the most defensive stops Concepts
25% Defense Who is the loudest: Defensive team calls out their
positioning loudly as the offense reverses the ball. Switch
Competing Competitive 1 on 1 with stops: The player must
Games get 2 stops in a row to get off
25% Competing Competitive 3 on 3 half court: Dictate the scenario of
3 on 3: King of the Court Games the game to simulate useful situations
5 on 5 25%
Strong side ball screen

Weak side ball screen

Skip pass

5 on 5
40 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 41

MVP Level ABCD’s

At the MVP level, Jr. NBA players will begin competing more frequently in
order to apply and refine the skills they have developed. Players will begin
to specialize and fit into more specific roles and positions. Team tactics
and game strategy will also be further implemented in the MVP level.

MVP ALWAYS FUN

Cheering For Others

BUILDING SKILLS

See Skill Checklist

CORE VALUES

Responsibility

Receptiveness
DEVELOPING WELLNESS

Injury Prevention

Healthy Relationships

A primary goal of The MVP level is where The MVP level builds The MVP level puts
the MVP level is to players should begin to on previous lessons everything together
fully apply the skills see everything come and adds further from a wellness
developed and together in terms of concepts including standpoint. Injury
knowledge of the game skill development, responsibility and prevention methods
into game situations. As basketball IQ, and team receptiveness. Players including range of
players begin to reach concepts. Players will must understand motion, strength, or
new goals and enjoy be able to read and what it means to be stability exercises helps
the process, they will understand screens, responsible on and off players stay healthy and
find it fun and enjoyable identify defenses, the court as individuals on the court. The MVP
to see their hard work and manage game and as teammates. It is level also promotes
and improvement situations. Repetition at this developmental meaningful & healthy
carry-over into and mastering of level that players should relationships and social
competition. Players skills is important be more readily able to understanding. These
will also see that true while also increasing receive and grow from relationships may
success is defined by time spent on game constructive feedback be with parents and
their team’s success, situations and game and mistakes. Holding other family members,
and not just their own. experience. The MVP players accountable for teammates or
Though it is important level should be one of their actions will teach classmates, as well as
at all levels, cheering growth that allows the them lessons for life romantic relationships
for others takes on player to see how his/ beyond basketball.
a new meaning in her journey through
the MVP level. the pathway has set
him/herself up to be
the most complete
player possible.
42 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 43

MVP LEVEL MVP LEVEL

Skill Checklist Practice Plans

At the conclusion of the MVP Level, Jr. NBA players should be proficient at each of the The chart below indicates approximate amounts of time to be spent on each portion of
following skills. Judging proficiency at this level is the responsibility of the coach. practice. The six practice plans to follow are samples that reinforce MVP level principles.

Ball Handling Offense

 Extensive combination moves  Re-post

Cultivating Values
 2 Ball advanced dribbling  Sealing
& Developing Wellness
 Attacking traps  Taking the defenders space
Warm-Up &
 Scissors dribble  Attacking a trap
Injury Prevention
 Reading the hand over/under crossover  Get hand on top drive
Competing 5%
 Shoulder shimmy 5%
Passing
Building
 Organizing the team
 Baseball pass Skills
 Balancing the floor
30%
 1-Hand pass 30%
 Advanced ball screens
 Behind the back pass
 Advanced schemes
 High-low passing
 Pocket passing
 Offensive alignments
TOTAL
 Lob passing
 Special situations PRACTICE
TIME
Defense
Shooting
 Dictate & keep the offense alert
 Advanced lay-up finishes
 Shot blocking (on the ball, help, open court)
 Floaters
 Advanced screening
 Advanced post moves
 Advanced schemes
 Advanced dribble moves to shot 30%
 Transition
Rebounding  Special situations
 Team contact drills Team
Concepts
44 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 45

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 1 MVP LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 2 MVP LEVEL

Cultivating Responsibility Have players attempt to define Cultivating Injury Have players try to define
Values & Values & Prevention
5% Developing How can we be responsible 5% Developing Why do we & how do we prevent injuries
Wellness Wellness
Give examples & identify positive
examples at the end of practice

Warm-Up Active Stretch All to be done while Jog

Warm-Up Active Stretch All to be done while Jog & Injury with a Ball dribbling a ball
& Injury with a Ball dribbling a ball 5% Prevention Shoulder throw downs
5% Prevention Shoulder throw downs Walking hamstring
Walking hamstring Dribble drop & touch
Dribble drop & touch Walking quad
Walking quad Lateral in out turn
Lateral in out turn Skips
Skips Right knee up &
Right knee up & Knee in to a “T” down, with right arm
Knee in to a “T” down, with right arm pound dribble
pound dribble Open up the chest
Open up the chest 2 dribbles then chop
2 dribbles then chop

Building Ball-Handling Cone combination moves: These combination

Building Ball-Handling Combination moves Skills moves should be practiced to work on handle but
Skills 30%
Between-cross also to work on the footwork within a move
30%
Between-between In & out behind the back Low & skip

Between-behind Behind behind

In & out behind

Passing Baseball pass
Passing 3 man weave to 2 on 1
Shooting Jump through the hips finish

2 foot floater finishes Shooting 1 foot floaters: Developing Bigs: 3 floaters

good touch and a good
Catch & shoot group competition Shoot oop
release point on floaters
Guards: Gallop finish
In & out from ½
Rebounding 5 on 5 rebounding drill
court shooting Jamal Crawford

Team Offense Bigs: catch. see the floor. pass. Re-post Rebounding 4 on 4 shell box out
Concepts
30% Up back up pivoting finish
Team Offense Attacking a trap: If trapped and can’t pass
Guards-take the space of the defender & separate Concepts out of it, identify the weakest defender and
30% attack them while looking for splits
Defense Defense dictates. Jump in & jump out
Team sets

Competing Competitive ½ court motion offense Defense Trapping

Games
30% Full court motion offense Team shell defense

Competing Competitive Situational play: 2 minute game with small lead:

30% Games teach players how to play with poise & keep a lead

5 on 5
46 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 47

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 3 MVP LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 4 MVP LEVEL

Cultivating Receptiveness Discuss what it means to be receptive Cultivating Healthy Define what is a healthy relationship
Values & Values & Relationships
5% Developing Discuss why it’s hard to be receptive 5% Developing What does a healthy relationship look like
Wellness Wellness
What does an unhealthy relationship look like

Warm-Up Leadership Follow the leader warm-up: Warm-Up Active Stretch All to be done while Jog
& Injury Warm-up Pick a player(s) to lead & Injury with a Ball dribbling a ball
5% Prevention 5% Prevention Shoulder throw downs
Walking hamstring
Dribble drop & touch
Walking quad
Lateral in out turn
Skips
Building Ball-Handling 2 ball explode out: Have the players alternate Right knee up &
Skills pounding 2 balls. When you hold up an Knee in to a “T” down, with right arm
30% arm, the players should take 1 big explosive pound dribble
Open up the chest
step forward with the foot on that side 2 dribbles then chop
Handling pressure & setting the team up
Building Ball-Handling Scissors
Shooting Same foot, same hand finishes Skills
30% Read hand-over/under cross
Louisville timed shooting
Get hand on top
Rebounding Free throw rebounding
Passing Outlet pass, full court dribble, jump
stop bounce pass lay-up
Footwork & Coach lead defensive slides
Conditioning
Shooting Jab from ½ court shot

Bigs-Shimmy to hook
Team Offense Transition offense: Guard should recognize how to
Concepts balance the floor while 1 big runs to the basket Dribble drop hook
30%
Balancing the floor Guards: Drive. Show it. Stop. Turn

Full court press Drive spin to 2 foot reverse

Defense Transition defense Footwork & Player lead defensive slides

Conditioning
Shot blocking-on the ball

Full court press Team Offense Teach situations from pushed down ball screen
Concepts
30% Dribble hand-off series
Competing Competitive Short full court press games
Games
30% Defense Shot blocking-help side

Competing Competitive Short competitive 5 on 5 games

Games
30%
48 J r. NBA CUR R I CULUM 49

PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 5 MVP LEVEL PERCENTAGE OF
PR ACTICE TIME PRACTICE 6 MVP LEVEL

Cultivating Cheering For Discuss the importance of genuinely Cultivating Receptiveness Being coachable
Values & Teammates cheering for teammates Values & Part 2
5% Developing 5% Developing Give NBA quote & examples
Wellness Wellness

Warm-Up Active Stretch All to be done while Jog Warm-Up Leadership Follow the leader warm-up:
& Injury with a Ball dribbling a ball & Injury Warm-up Pick a player(s) to lead
5% Prevention Shoulder throw downs 5% Prevention
Walking hamstring
Dribble drop & touch
Walking quad
Lateral in out turn
Skips Building Ball-Handling 2 ball creative: The more comfortable players
Right knee up &
Knee in to a “T” down, with right arm Skills are with dribbling 2 balls, the more comfortable
30% and natural they will feel with 1 ball
pound dribble
Open up the chest
2 dribbles then chop 2 ball to shot

Passing Lob passing

Building Ball-Handling Between cross behind series: Time the players for
Skills 20 seconds and see who can dribble between the Behind the back passing
30% legs, crossover in front, then go behind the back.
You must complete all 3 dribbles for it to count as 1. Shooting Shooter, screener, passing line: 1 line has the ball as
the passer. The previous passer runs across the lane
Early cross jabs and sets a screen for a shooter coming off to catch
and shoot. The screener becomes the next shooter
Passing Bigs: Hi low passing
Post entry screen & shot
Guards: Pick & roll pocket pass
Guards-step spin stop shot
Shooting Bigs: Reverse pivot face up series Open stepback
Guards: Between push other direction shot
Footwork & Jab stride pull-back, in & out cross to finish
Pick & roll pocket pass Conditioning

Team Offense Bigs seal: Teach the post players how to seal their
Concepts defender based on their defensive positioning Team Offense Special situations
30% Concepts
3 man screen the screener 30% Less than 10 seconds ball Under, side & full Court

Defense Post cross screen Defense Special situations: Make sure your players know what
plays to run if you don’t have timeouts
Shot blocking-open court
Less than 10 seconds ball under, side & full court

Competing Competitive Situationals

Games Competing Competitive 5 on 5 games
30% Under 10 seconds: Prepare your Games
team for last second games 30%

5 on 5