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1169 Views 3 Replies Latest reply: Apr 29, 2011 8:05 PM by dchilson2 RSS
dchilson2 Rookie
dchilson2
3 posts since
Jan 24, 2011
Currently Being Moderated

Feb 3, 2011 6:50 PM

Rule/game modifications for leagues divisions in the U6 range

Where can I find a resource that has recommendations for league rules in younger age divisions?  (Am specifically in search of U6 league.  We started one this year, and I have some feedback, but wanted to research what the experts say so I am not out of line.)

 

I started to compile advice from a number of different youth basketball sites, but it would be better if someone had a sort of "best practices in youth basketball " tool that showed what good programs do to develop younger players.  If something like this exists, it's what I am looking for.

 

Some specific things I am interested in:

 

1. rim height

2. ball size

3. man to man D. vs. zone

4. fast breaking

5. calling ball handling errors (travel, double dribble, etc - how lenient?)

6. pressing

 

Thanks for any info!!

  • dchilson2 Rookie
    dchilson2
    3 posts since
    Jan 24, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    1. Apr 9, 2011 3:18 PM (in response to dchilson2)
    Re: Rule/game modifications for leagues divisions in the U6 range

    Hi, everyone - just wanted to try this topic again, since I got nada from the first post a couple of months ago.  Specifically, here are the suggestions I plan on making to improve the new 5-6 year old league that I coached in last season.  It was the first season for this league, and some of the things allowed for this age group kind of blew my mind:

     

    1. rim height - Would suggest lowering the rim from the current 9' to 8' - to promote better shot development

    2. ball size - seemed OK - used 27.5

    3. man to man D. vs. zone - I would suggest not allowing zone, mainly so that the kids can learn to play good man D.

    4. fast breaking - is currently allowed in the last 2 min.  - kind of neutral on this, but open to suggestions

    5. calling ball handling errors (travel, double dribble, etc - how lenient?) - VERY few of these currently called - would suggest tightening this up some so that the kids can learn to NOT travel or double dribble.  Plus, it gets extremely unsafe when this is combined with zone defense - it is sort of like football.

    6. pressing - same as 4.

     

    Thanks for any views on these ideas, especially (but not only) from experienced coaches.

  • Coltdoggs Amateur
    Coltdoggs
    9 posts since
    Dec 28, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    2. Apr 29, 2011 1:33 PM (in response to dchilson2)
    Re: Rule/game modifications for leagues divisions in the U6 range

    Here's my $.02....coming from an 11 year official, 10 year youth (rec and travel league board member and coach for a number of years...

     

    Everything needs to be progression...so for a bunch of 6Us....you are just trying to get them on the court and a ball in their hand.

     

    1. rim height - 8'

     

    2. ball size 27"

     

    3. man to man D. vs. zone - man only at this age.  Might even get 5 different colored wrist bands to help the lil' ones know who they have by color rather than remembering a # that's probably tucked halfway down in their shorts anyway!  LOL!

     

    4. fast breaking - sure, why not...it's supposed to be fun for the kids.  the more they score the better and more smiles you'll get.  However, you could put a rule in place that requires the defense to clear out before they advance the ball.

     

    5. calling ball handling errors (travel, double dribble, etc - how lenient?)..Keep it loose unless very flagrant...in that case, blow the whistle and use it as teachable moment with offending team retaining the ball.

     

    6. pressing - no...not until 4th grade and in limited minutes if rec league...if travel...it's wide open at 4th grade.  I think pressing only benefits the team pressing when you have kids that can't even dribble with their eyes up.

  • dchilson2 Rookie
    dchilson2
    3 posts since
    Jan 24, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    3. Apr 29, 2011 8:05 PM (in response to Coltdoggs)
    Re: Rule/game modifications for leagues divisions in the U6 range

    Thanks!  It sounds like my feedback was on the right track, and I appreciate you sharing your experience!

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