ROOKIE LEVEL
ROOKIE
01
ROOKIE LEVEL
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.
ALWAYS FUN BUILDING SKILLS CORE VALUES DEVELOPING WELLNESS
High-Fives & Smiles See Skill Checklist Sportsmanship Active Lifestyle
& Fairness
Positive
Encouragement Confidence
Interactive Games Respect
One very important In the early stages of In their first introduction In this level, Jr. NBA
way we can ensure that the Rookie level of the to basketball, some players are encouraged
the players have fun is curriculum, players players have the to lead an Active
through our high-fives, should play the game tendency to be Lifestyle. Getting
smiles, and positive voluntarily in their free individualistic or shy, exercise from multiple
encouragement. time because it’s an while others see the sports and activities
Coaches, parents activity that they enjoy. game as an opportunity helps create healthy
and organizers As their enjoyment to spend time with habits for the rest
should use their body grows and they mature, friends. 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.
02
ROOKIE LEVEL
Skill Checklist
At the conclusion of the Rookie 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 Recognizing Open Offense
Teammates
Toss & Catch Pass & Cut
Pivot & Pass
Stationary Control Series Ball Reversal
Stationary Dribble Triple Threat
Control Series Shooting
Drive and Kick (Pass)
Stationary Dribble Stationary Form Shooting
Low, Middle, High Give & Go
Strong Hand Lay-Up
Walking Control Dribble
One-Dribble Shooting
Stationary Crossover Defense
Lay-Up Form
Walking Crossover Defensive Stance
1-2 Step Shooting
Jogging Dribble Defensive Slide
Using the Backboard
Running Dribble Stay between Man
Jump Stop Shooting and Basket
Change of Direction Dribble
Tracing the Ball
Dribble & Balance
Rebounding Change of Direction
Dribble Balance & Push
Jump, Catch and Land
Other
Passing
Footwork & Understand the Basketball
Hitting the Target Conditioning Court Markings
Catching & Receiving Athletic Stance/ Introduction to Rules
Triple Threat (Travel, Double Dribble,
Stationary Chest Pass Out of Bounds, Scoring)
Defensive Stance/Slide
Stationary Bounce Pass
Controlled Running
Pass to a Moving Player
Change of Direction
Catch and Pass
Quick Decision Two Foot Jump Stop
Slide & Pass Pivoting Basics
Leaping
Body Control
03
ROOKIE LEVEL
Practice Plans
The chart below indicates approximate amounts of time to be spent on each
portion of practice. The twelve practice plans to follow are samples that reinforce
Rookie level principles.
Cultivating Values
Competing & Developing Wellness
Warm-Up &
Injury Prevention
Team
Concepts 10% 5%
5%
10%
TOTAL
PRACTICE
TIME
70%
Building
Skills
04
