Complete Coaches Guide
Mattahunt Community Center
Ages 8-13
Complete 7-Week Curriculum Guide
Pee Wee
Hoops
A comprehensive, game-based binder playbook designed to build skills progressively, foster character, and maximize court fun.
90 MIN
Session Length
7 WEEKS
Progressive Plan
CO-ED
Inclusive Model
Standard Practice Structure (90 Mins)
10 MIN
Warm-Up
15 MIN
Footwork
20 MIN
Weekly Skill
15 MIN
Skill Game
20 MIN
Scrimmage
10 MIN
Review
Week 1 Playbook
Basics & Ball Handling
Concept: Respect
Weekly Objectives & Fundamentals
Introduce court safety, names, and establish the Triple Threat Position (knees bent, ball tucked, eyes up). Master basic stationary and moving dribbles.
Scrimmage Rule
Every player must execute at least one dribble before passing or shooting.
Drill 1: Red Light, Green Light (10 Mins) Warm-up
Setup: Players line up along the baseline with a ball. Coach stands at half-court.
Script & Cues:
"Eyes on me! When I say 'Green Light', push the ball down, knees bent. 'Red Light', stop in triple threat!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Slapping with palm. Fix: Dribble with finger pads like playing a piano.
Modifications:
Rookie: Walk. All-Star: Use non-dominant hand or crossovers at red light.
Drill 2: Dribble Freeze Tag (15 Mins) Skill Game
Setup: All players dribbling in half-court. 2 taggers (no ball) try to touch players. Unfreeze by crawl-through.
Script & Cues:
"Keep your head up! Protect the ball with your off-arm (arm-bar). Feel the defender!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Looking at the ball. Fix: Check coach's flashcard numbers.
Modifications:
Rookie: Taggers walk. All-Star: Taggers must dribble a ball too.
Drill 3: Cone Zig-Zag Dribbling (15 Mins) Skill of Week
Setup: Cones placed 6 feet apart in a zig-zag line. Players weave through.
Script & Cues:
"Dribble with your right hand on the right side, switch to left as you crossover at the cone!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Crossing high over hips. Fix: Crossover below your knees.
Modifications:
Rookie: Slow walking. All-Star: Add retreat-dribbles before the crossover.
Drill 4: Sharks & Minnows (15 Mins) Skill Game
Setup: Minnows must dribble baseline-to-baseline. Sharks try to poke ball away.
Script & Cues:
"Use speed when there is open space, protect the ball with your body when a shark gets close!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Dribbling straight at taggers. Fix: Use change-of-direction cuts.
Modifications:
Rookie: Wider boundaries. All-Star: Must complete a spin move to pass half-court.
Mattahunt Basketball Complete Playbook Page 2 of 8
Week 2 Playbook
Passing & Catching
Concept: Communication
Weekly Objectives & Fundamentals
Focus on chest, bounce, and overhead passes. Teach the receiver to show 10 fingers (target). Emphasize step-and-push technique and jump stops.
Scrimmage Rule
Teams must complete at least 3 completed passes before shooting.
Drill 1: Partner Passing Setup (15 Mins) Footwork
Setup: Partners stand 10-12 feet apart. Progress from stationary chest passes to bounce and overhead passes.
Script & Cues:
"Step toward your partner! Thumbs down on release. Catch with soft hands!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Catching with flat hands. Fix: Catch like a diamond shape.
Modifications:
Rookie: Closer distance (8 ft). All-Star: Must pivot around defender before passing.
Drill 2: Circle Passing Game (15 Mins) Skill Game
Setup: Players form a large circle. 1-2 defenders in the middle try to tip the passes.
Script & Cues:
"No eye-balling! Use fake-passes to look off the defender, then zip a bounce pass!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Passing high over defender. Fix: Step around, bounce pass low.
Modifications:
Rookie: No defense, pass clockwise/counter. All-Star: Two defenders in center.
Drill 3: Passing Relay Races (15 Mins) Competition
Setup: Two teams in columns. Run side-by-side downcourt, passing back and forth with chest/bounce passes.
Script & Cues:
"Lead your partner! Don't pass behind them. Jump-stop to catch and balance!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Dribbling instead of passing. Fix: No dribbling allowed in relay.
Modifications:
Rookie: Slow jog, short passes. All-Star: Add layup finish at the end.
Drill 4: Knockout Passing Challenge (15 Mins) Competition
Setup: Targets placed on wall/cones. Players race to score 10 direct hits using correct pass styles.
Script & Cues:
"Step-aim-fire! Hit the bullseye. Snap those wrists!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Lazy floaters. Fix: Push off back foot to generate zip.
Modifications:
Rookie: Big targets. All-Star: Small dynamic targets (moving cones).
Mattahunt Basketball Complete Playbook Page 3 of 8
Week 3 Playbook
Shooting Fundamentals
Concept: Confidence
Weekly Objectives & Fundamentals
Master B.E.E.F. form (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through). Guide players in layup footwork: right foot/knee up for right layups, left up for left.
Scrimmage Rule
No long shots allowed. Emphasize layups, bank shots, and close-range selections.
Drill 1: BEEF Form Shooting (15 Mins) Skill of Week
Setup: Players stand 4-5 feet away from the basket. Keep feet shoulder-width, shooting hand only.
Script & Cues:
"Bend knees! Keep your elbow in. Reach up into the cookie jar on follow-through!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Chicken wing elbow. Fix: Direct shooting elbow directly to rim.
Modifications:
Rookie: Use two hands, close range. All-Star: Step back after 3 swishes.
Drill 2: Layup Lines (15 Mins) Footwork
Setup: Two lines at 45-degree angle. Line 1 drives & shoots; Line 2 rebounds & passes.
Script & Cues:
"Drive up with a string tied from your hand to knee! High on the glass!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Wrong foot takeoff. Fix: Lay down ring markers (Left, Right, Jump!).
Modifications:
Rookie: Start stationary, 1-step layup. All-Star: Introduce left-handed layups.
Drill 3: Around the World (15 Mins) Skill Game
Setup: Cones placed at 5 spots around the key. Players must hit shots in order to advance.
Script & Cues:
"Focus on balance. Deep breath before each shot. Hold the cookie-jar hand!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Rushing the shot. Fix: Force a 1-second pause on catch.
Modifications:
Rookie: Short spots (3 ft). All-Star: Must make two in a row.
Drill 4: Spot Shooting Competition (15 Mins) Competition
Setup: Split team into two groups. Spot-baskets yield points. Teams race to 30 points.
Script & Cues:
"Sprint to spots! Keep up the intensity. Call out your points loud!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Poor rebound transitions. Fix: Designate a constant rebounder.
Modifications:
Rookie: Larger rims/lower hoop. All-Star: Defense added on close-out.
Mattahunt Basketball Complete Playbook Page 4 of 8
Week 4 Playbook
Defense & Rebounding
Concept: Effort
Weekly Objectives & Fundamentals
Focus on a low, wide Defensive Stance. Stay between the ball and the basket. Practice "Boxing Out" by looking at the player, pivoting, and sealing them off with the butt/hips.
Scrimmage Rule
Earn +1 extra point for defense stops and box-out rebounds.
Drill 1: Mirror Slide Drill (10 Mins) Warm-up
Setup: Partners face each other. Lead player moves laterally; defensive partner mirrors.
Script & Cues:
"Stay low! Nose on their chest. Keep your feet wide—never cross them over!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Clicking heels or jumping. Fix: Slide with a wide base (big-to-bigger feet).
Modifications:
Rookie: Slow pace. All-Star: Lead player can make explosive fake cuts.
Drill 2: Slide & Close-Out Relay (15 Mins) Skill of Week
Setup: Players slide laterally across lane, sprint out to close on a cone, chop feet, and put high hand up.
Script & Cues:
"Sprint, then chop-chop-chop feet to stay in control! High hand up!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Blowing past the cone. Fix: Short, choppy steps on final 3 feet.
Modifications:
Rookie: Coach guides rate. All-Star: Added dynamic drive threat.
Drill 3: Box-Out Competition (15 Mins) Skill Game
Setup: Defender and offensive player face off at the elbow. Coach shoots; defender box-out.
Script & Cues:
"Find your player first! Turn, seal with your hips, and grab that ball high!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Only looking at rim. Fix: Body contact first, then look up.
Modifications:
Rookie: Stationary walks to box out. All-Star: Full physical 1-on-1 clash.
Drill 4: Rebound Battle (15 Mins) Competition
Setup: 3 on 3. Coach shoots; defense tries to grab ball and secure outlets; offense tries to tip-in.
Script & Cues:
"Check out! Stay low, arms up! Yell 'Ball' when you secure the rebound!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Pushing behind player. Fix: Move feet around to block front.
Modifications:
Rookie: Rebounds off soft balls. All-Star: Transition to instant fast break.
Mattahunt Basketball Complete Playbook Page 5 of 8
Week 5 Playbook
Offensive Movement
Concept: Teamwork
Weekly Objectives & Fundamentals
Introduce off-ball movement to create space. Master the Give-and-Go, basic **V-Cuts** to get open, and maintain optimal 12-15 ft spacing on the court.
Scrimmage Rule
Earn +1 extra point for any basket scored directly off an assist.
Drill 1: Pass & Cut - Give-and-Go (15 Mins) Skill of Week
Setup: Player at top passes to wing, runs hard toward the basket, catches return pass, and finishes.
Script & Cues:
"Pass, then snap a quick cut to the basket! Put your target hands up!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Slow jogging cut. Fix: Explode after releasing the pass.
Modifications:
Rookie: Empty hoop. All-Star: Guided defender on wing.
Drill 2: V-Cut Setup (15 Mins) Footwork
Setup: Players practice walking a defender deep into the paint, planting their foot, and springing back to the wing.
Script & Cues:
"Walk 'em in, plant hard with outside foot, and burst out to get open!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Rounding off the cut. Fix: Touch a cone to guarantee a sharp point.
Modifications:
Rookie: Focus on footwork steps. All-Star: Added active defense.
Drill 3: Spacing Tag (15 Mins) Skill Game
Setup: 3 players on perimeter can pass to move ball. Taggers try to touch active player holding ball.
Script & Cues:
"Always keep distance! If your neighbor drives closer, slide over to balance!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Grouping up in one corner. Fix: Floor mats as assigned zones.
Modifications:
Rookie: Walks only. All-Star: Add defensive screening rules.
Drill 4: 3-on-0 Spacing Movement (15 Mins) Competition
Setup: 3 lines downcourt. Move ball solely with passing. No player can dribble or run in same track.
Script & Cues:
"Spread the floor! Keep the lanes wide. Pass and balance."
Mistakes & Fix:
Crossing paths mid-lane. Fix: Run strictly along designated lane lines.
Modifications:
Rookie: Stationary spacing. All-Star: Race against clock to score.
Mattahunt Basketball Complete Playbook Page 6 of 8
Week 6 Playbook
Basketball IQ & Fast Break
Concept: Smart Basketball
Weekly Objectives & Fundamentals
Master fast break advantages. Learn when to attack or pass. Help players recognize defensive alignment and coordinate transitions from defense to offense.
Scrimmage Rule
Limited-dribble game (Max 3 dribbles per possession) to push transition.
Drill 1: 2-on-1 Fast Break Attack (15 Mins) Skill of Week
Setup: Two offensive players push court against one defender. Force defender to commit before passing.
Script & Cues:
"Drive at the defender's outside shoulder! Commit them, then feed your teammate!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Passing too early/late. Fix: Pass when defender is inside arms' length.
Modifications:
Rookie: Defender is a cone first. All-Star: Expand to a 3-on-2 attack.
Drill 2: Numbers Fast Break (15 Mins) Skill Game
Setup: Coach calls out a number (e.g., "3"). Three offensive and three defensive players sprint out to clash.
Script & Cues:
"Communicate quickly! Find your matchups! Protect the hoop first."
Mistakes & Fix:
Losing track of ball. Fix: Call out ball-handler out loud.
Modifications:
Rookie: Offense starts with advantage. All-Star: Double-numbers trap match.
Drill 3: Transition Sprint Relay (15 Mins) Footwork
Setup: Squad runs downcourt, executes quick floor-tap jump-stops, turns, and retrieves defensive outlets.
Script & Cues:
"Turn and hustle! Keep eyes up to catch incoming outlet passes."
Mistakes & Fix:
Running blindly backward. Fix: Run forward, head over shoulder.
Modifications:
Rookie: Moderate running. All-Star: Heavy defensive contest on catch.
Drill 4: 3-on-2 Fast Break Scramble (15 Mins) Competition
Setup: 3 on offense push against 2 defenders back. When defense intercepts, the game triggers a reverse outlet.
Script & Cues:
"Fill the lanes! Left lane, right lane, and middle runner. Find the open man!"
Mistakes & Fix:
Forcing contested shots. Fix: Extra pass to the wide-open wing.
Modifications:
Rookie: Unlimited time. All-Star: Must shoot within 7 seconds.
Mattahunt Basketball Complete Playbook Page 7 of 8
Week 7 Tournament
Championship Day Plan
End of Season
Event Pacing
- 00-15 Min: Dynamic Station Warm-Up
- 15-40 Min: Skills Challenge (Races/Shooting)
- 40-75 Min: Championship Tournament (3v3 or 5v5)
- 75-90 Min: Award Ceremony & Recognition
Player Recognitions
Ensure every single player receives positive feedback and recognition.
Most Improved
Best Teammate
Hustle Award
Sportsmanship
Olympic-Style Skills Challenge
Station A: Fast Dribble & Layup Race
Players sprint weaving through 4 cones, finish with a successful layup (score + tip), then power-dribble back. Time stops when they cross baseline.
Station B: Hot Shot Contest (60 Seconds)
Players get 60 seconds to take shots from marked cones. Spot values: Under Rim (1 pt), Elbow (2 pts), Deep Perimeter (3 pts). Player must retrieve own rebound.
Station C: Free Throw Contest
Each player gets 5 consecutive free throws. Correct BEEF follow-through rewarded by cheering teammates. Keep clean tallies for final board.
Core Coaching Philosophy Reminder
"Winning is fun, but development, effort, respect, and positive memories are our true championships at Mattahunt!"
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