Basketball Training for Beginners

Mark Aquino
Feb 1
4 min read

If you are reading this, chances are you or your child is just getting started with basketball.

And if we were standing in a gym together right now, this is the first thing I would tell you.

You do not need to rush. You do not need fancy drills. You do not need to compare yourself to anyone else.

You need a solid foundation and a clear path forward.

I coach beginners all the time. Kids. Teens. Even adults who are picking up the game later in life. The questions are always similar, and the concerns are real. Am I doing this right? Where do I start? How do I build confidence without overwhelming myself or my child?

Let me walk you through how I approach basketball training for beginners and why it works.

What Basketball Training for Beginners Should Focus On

When I work with beginners, I am not trying to create highlights.

I am trying to create comfort.

Beginner training should focus on:

● Learning how the body moves on the court

● Feeling comfortable with the ball

● Understanding simple concepts without pressure

● Building confidence through repetition

If those things are in place, improvement follows naturally.

Start With Movement and Balance

Before we even talk about shooting or scoring, I want beginners to learn how to move.

Everything in basketball starts from the ground up.

I focus on:

● A balanced athletic stance

● Jump stops under control

● Learning how to pivot

● Moving forward and sideways with purpose

When players learn how to stop and move correctly, the game slows down for them. That is when learning really starts.

Ball Handling for Beginners

Ball handling is not about speed when you are starting out.

It is about control.

I tell my players this all the time. If you are comfortable with the ball, you will feel more confident everywhere else on the court.

Beginner ball handling should include:

● Dribbling in place with the right hand

● Dribbling in place with the left hand

● Keeping your eyes up

● Staying relaxed instead of tense

Once that feels natural, we add simple movement. Walking. Changing direction slowly. Nothing rushed.

Confidence comes from familiarity.

Shooting Starts Close to the Basket

One of the biggest mistakes I see with beginners is shooting from too far away too soon.

I always start close.

Here is what I focus on:

● Balanced feet

● Proper hand placement

● A relaxed shooting motion

● A soft follow through

I do not worry about how many shots go in early on. I care about how the shot looks and how it feels. Good habits early save a lot of frustration later.

Simple Drills I Use With Beginners

Beginner drills should be simple enough to repeat and clear enough to understand.

These are drills I actually use in practice.

Stationary Dribbling

● 30 seconds right hand

● 30 seconds left hand

● Eyes up

● Stay relaxed

Why this matters: It builds comfort and coordination without pressure.

Close Range Form Shooting

● One hand shooting

● Stand close to the hoop

● Focus on balance and follow through

Why this matters: It teaches proper mechanics without forcing strength.

Defensive Slides

● Low stance

● Short side to side movement

● Hands active

Why this matters: Defense teaches balance, effort, and body control early.

How Often Beginners Should Train

More training is not always better.

For most beginners, I recommend:

● 2 to 3 sessions per week

● 30 to 60 minutes per session

● Focused work, not rushed work

Rest matters. Improvement happens when the body and mind recover. I would rather see consistent effort over time than burnout.

Confidence Comes Before Results

If there is one thing I want parents and players to understand, it is this.

Confidence matters more than outcomes.

Beginners need:

● Permission to make mistakes

● Clear instruction

● Encouragement, not pressure

● A positive environment

When players feel safe learning, they try harder. When they try harder, they improve.

A Message for Parents

If you are a parent reading this, your role is huge.

You help most by:

● Encouraging effort, not perfection

● Letting your child enjoy the process

● Avoiding comparisons

● Supporting consistency, not intensity

Basketball should build confidence, not anxiety.

Training Safely and the Right Way

Beginner basketball training should always match a player’s age and stage of development.

Youth development principles supported by the National Alliance for Youth Sports help guide safe and positive sport participation.

For age appropriate physical activity and long term development guidelines, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides evidence based recommendations.

These principles guide how I coach and how players should develop over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should a beginner start basketball training?

Most kids can start learning basic skills around ages 5 to 7. Early training should focus on fun, movement, and coordination.

Does a beginner need private training?

Not always. Group training or guided home practice can be effective if fundamentals are taught properly.

How long before a beginner sees improvement?

Most players start feeling more confident within a few weeks of consistent practice. Skill development is gradual.

Should beginners play games right away?

Yes, in low pressure environments. Games help players apply skills and learn decision making.

What is the most important skill for beginners?

Comfort with the ball. When players feel comfortable dribbling and moving, everything else becomes easier to learn.