Reducing turnovers in kids’ basketball requires a combination of skill development, practice, and strategic understanding of the game. Here are some tips to help kids minimize turnovers:
Emphasize Ball Control
Teach kids the importance of protecting the basketball and keeping it secure. Encourage them to keep the ball close to their body, use their body as a shield, and use their non-dribbling hand to shield the ball from defenders.
Develop Proper Passing Techniques
Teach kids the fundamentals of passing, including proper hand positioning, using their legs for power, and making accurate passes. Emphasize the importance of passing to open teammates and avoiding risky or forced passes into tight spaces.
Teach Court Awareness
Help kids develop court awareness and improve their ability to read the defense. Encourage them to scan the court for open teammates, anticipate defensive pressure, and make smart decisions based on the situation.
Practice Decision-Making
Incorporate drills and scrimmages that focus on decision-making under pressure. Create game-like situations where kids have to make split-second choices about passing, dribbling, or shooting. Provide feedback and guide them towards making better decisions.
Encourage Proper Footwork
Good footwork is crucial for maintaining balance and control while handling the ball. Teach kids how to pivot, use jump stops, and execute quick changes of direction to evade defenders and maintain control of the ball.
Focus on Dribbling Skills
Help kids improve their dribbling skills, such as ball-handling, dribbling with both hands, and changing speed and direction. The more comfortable they are with their dribbling, the better they will be at avoiding turnovers caused by losing control of the ball.
Practise Patience
Teach kids the importance of being patient and not forcing plays. Encourage them to wait for passing lanes to open up, make calculated decisions, and avoid rushing into situations that may lead to turnovers.
Practice Against Defensive Pressure
Incorporate defensive pressure drills into practice sessions to simulate game situations. This will help kids learn how to handle defensive challenges, stay composed, and make smart decisions under pressure.
Communicate on the Court
Encourage kids to communicate with their teammates to avoid turnovers caused by miscommunication. Teach them to use verbal and non-verbal cues to signal their intentions and create better passing opportunities.
Foster a Positive Mindset
Help kids develop a positive mindset and resilience. Mistakes and turnovers are part of the learning process, so emphasize the importance of learning from those mistakes, staying focused, and maintaining confidence throughout the game.
Remember, reducing turnovers takes time and practice. Encourage kids to enjoy the process of skill development and learning from their mistakes. By implementing these tips and providing a supportive learning environment, you can help kids improve their ball control, decision-making, and overall performance while minimizing turnovers in their basketball games.
