Fun Basketball Drills For 7 8 Year Olds
Basketball is a great sport for children to learn. It helps them develop their coordination, team-building skills, and overall fitness. However, teaching basketball to children can be challenging, especially if they are just starting. In this article, we will share some fun basketball drills for 7-8-year-olds that will help them learn the game and have fun at the same time.
Dribbling Drills
Dribbling is one of the most important skills in basketball. These drills will help children improve their dribbling skills:
- Red Light, Green Light: In this drill, the coach will shout "red light" or "green light." When the coach says "green light," the children start dribbling. When the coach says "red light," they must stop immediately. This drill helps children develop their reaction time and control over the ball.
- Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course with cones or chairs. The children must dribble the ball around the obstacles without touching them. This drill helps children develop their ball control and spatial awareness.
- Freeze Tag: This drill is similar to red light, green light, but with a twist. When the coach says "freeze," the children must stop dribbling and freeze. Once they are frozen, they cannot move until another child unfreezes them by dribbling the ball under their legs. This drill helps children develop their dribbling skills while having fun.
Shooting Drills
Shooting is another important skill in basketball. These drills will help children improve their shooting skills:
- H-O-R-S-E: This is a classic basketball game that helps children develop their shooting skills. One child takes a shot, and if they make it, the other children must take the same shot. If they miss, they get a letter. The first child to spell out "horse" loses.
- Hotspot: Set up different spots on the court with different point values. For example, the closer to the basket, the fewer points, and the further away, the more points. The children must try to shoot from each spot and accumulate as many points as possible. This drill helps develop shooting accuracy and decision-making skills.
- Partner Passing: Pair the children up and have them pass the ball back and forth. Each time they catch the ball, they must take a shot. This drill helps children develop their shooting and passing skills.
Team Drills
Teamwork is essential in basketball. These drills will help children develop their team-building skills:
- Passing Circle: The children form a circle and pass the ball to each other. The coach will shout out a number, and the children must pass the ball that number of times before shooting. This drill helps children develop their passing and teamwork skills.
- Three-on-Three: Divide the children into two teams of three. Each team has to pass the ball around and try to score. This drill helps children develop their ball movement and teamwork skills.
- Foul Shooting Contest: Divide the children into two teams and have them take turns shooting free throws. The team with the most free throws made at the end of the game wins. This drill helps children develop their shooting skills while also promoting teamwork.
These are just a few fun basketball drills for 7-8-year-olds. Remember to keep the drills simple, fun, and age-appropriate. By doing so, you will help children develop a love for the game while also teaching them important skills.