6-week pre-season training program for Under-12s

• Focus on fundamental skills development, good passing, looking up when dribbling
• Keep the session moving as U12s tend to lose focus quickly
• Embrace the chaos and remember, they are just kids learning to play

Here's a complete 6-week pre-season training program for an Under-12 basketball team, structured for skill development, team concepts, and game-readiness. It includes detailed warm-ups, skill drills, scrimmages, and coaching points to maximise player growth.

Under-12 Pre-Season Basketball Training Program

Duration: 6 Weeks
Sessions per week: 2
Session length: 75 minutes

Program Goals:

✅ Improve fundamental basketball skills (dribbling, passing, shooting, defense)
✅ Enhance game awareness through decision-making drills
✅ Develop teamwork and communication
✅ Build confidence and conditioning for the season ahead

Week 1: Fundamentals & Conditioning

Focus: Ball-handling, passing, footwork, and endurance

Warm-up (15 min)

• Dynamic stretches & agility drills – High knees, lateral shuffles, jumping jacks
• Dribbling relays – Players navigate cones while maintaining control of the ball
• Passing accuracy challenge – Players pass to targets or teammates while moving

Skill Development (40 min)

• Dribbling: Weak-hand control, hesitation moves – Players dribble with their non-dominant hand while incorporating hesitation moves to change pace.
• Passing: Bounce, chest, and overhead passing (on the move) – Players pass to a moving target while running up the court, focusing on accuracy and timing.
• Footwork: Jump stops, pivoting, triple-threat stance – Players catch the ball, land in a balanced position, and pivot to find a passing or driving option.
• Shooting: Form shooting & layup fundamentals – Players shoot close-range shots focusing on proper hand placement and follow-through.

Scrimmage & Games (15 min)

• 3v3 half-court games focusing on spacing and passing

Cool-down (5 min)

• Light jogging, stretching, and team reflection

Week 2: Ball Control & Defense

Focus: Handling pressure, defensive positioning

Warm-up (15 min)

• Full-court dribble & sprint drill – Players dribble at full speed while keeping control
• Reaction passing drill – Players make quick passes while moving and reacting to cues

Skill Development (40 min)

• Dribbling: Attack moves (crossover, behind-the-back, spin) – Players execute different dribble moves while advancing toward the hoop or defender.
• Defense: Stance, slide, closeouts, 1-on-1 defensive drill – Players stay low in a defensive stance, slide laterally, and close out on a shooter.
• Rebounding: Box-out technique & outlet passing – Players practice sealing their opponent, securing the rebound, and making a quick outlet pass to start a fast break.

Scrimmage & Games (15 min)

• 2v2 & 3v3 emphasis on on-ball defense

Cool-down (5 min)

• Stretching & mindset talk

Week 3: Layups, Shooting, and Fast Breaks

Focus: Efficient scoring and transition offense

Warm-up (15 min)

• Full-court layup relay – Players race downcourt finishing with a layup
• Passing on the move drill – No-dribble passing to improve quick ball movement

Skill Development (40 min)

• Layups: Euro step, reverse layup, off-hand finishes – Players drive to the basket, practicing different layup variations with defenders.
• Shooting: Catch-and-shoot, off-the-dribble shots – Players receive a pass, square up, and shoot or take one dribble into a jump shot.
• Fast Break: 3-man weave into finishing drill – Three players pass while running full-court, finishing with a layup before sprinting back on defense.

Scrimmage & Games (15 min)

• 4v4 fast-break controlled scrimmage

Cool-down (5 min)

• Recovery stretches

Week 4: Half-Court Offense & Team Concepts

Focus: Movement without the ball, spacing, and decision-making

Warm-up (15 min)

• Passing & cutting drill – Players pass, cut, and replace positions
• Defensive shell drill – Players rotate and help on defense

Skill Development (40 min)

• Spacing & movement: Pick-and-roll basics – One player sets a screen while the ball handler reads the defense and decides whether to drive, pass, or shoot.
• Off-ball cuts: Backdoor, L-cut, V-cut – Players cut quickly toward the basket or three-point line after passing to get open for a shot.
• Defensive rotations: Help-side, closing out – Defenders shift to the correct position to provide help on drives and close out on shooters.

Scrimmage & Games (15 min)

• 5v5 half-court offensive execution

Cool-down (5 min)

• Breathing exercises & light stretching

Week 5: Game Situations & Pressure Play

Focus: Decision-making under pressure

Warm-up (15 min)

• Full-court pressure dribbling drill – Players practice keeping control against a defender
• Defensive footwork drill (1v1 full court) – Players pressure the ball while maintaining defensive stance

Skill Development (40 min)

• Handling defensive pressure: Trapping & escape dribbles – Ball handler is double-teamed and must use a retreat dribble or pass to escape.
• Passing out of pressure: Overhead, skip passes – Players practice making high, long passes to break defensive traps.
• Shooting under pressure: Contested shot drills – Players shoot while a defender closes out, forcing them to release quickly under pressure.

Scrimmage & Games (15 min)

• 4v4 controlled scrimmage, shot-clock situations

Cool-down (5 min)

• Stretching & team chat

Week 6: Competition & Team Chemistry

Focus: Reinforcing skills & building confidence

Warm-up (15 min)

• Fun dribbling & passing challenges

Skill Development (40 min)

• Shooting competition: Knockout, Around the World – Players compete in shooting challenges that emphasize accuracy and quick decision-making.
• Defensive challenge: 1-on-1 stops – One offensive player attacks while a defender tries to stop them from scoring.
• Small-sided games: 3v3, 4v4 with coaching adjustments – Teams play in a controlled game format, emphasizing ball movement and teamwork.

Scrimmage & Games (15 min)

• Full-court scrimmage, coaching adjustments mid-game

Cool-down (5 min)

• Team awards & goal setting

Coaching Tips for U12 Basketball:

✅ Emphasise fundamentals but introduce team play concepts
✅ Encourage communication & decision-making
✅ Make drills competitive yet development-focused
✅ Foster confidence & accountability