#1 Book for Teaching Players How to Shoot a Basketball

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Basketball Shooting by Dave Hopla is the best book for coaches and players to master shooting a basketball. It is so detailed and comes with a DVD that is awesome. Here are our top reasons why every SERIOUS basketball player and coach should own this book:

This is the best purchase you can make for you cannot go wrong.

Click here to view on amazon: https://amzn.to/46alnp5

  1. Author: Dave Hopla (@DaveHopla) Coach Hopla consistently makes over 98% of his shots. in our humble opinion he is the World’s Best Shooting Instructor. His instruction has been perfected after decades of studying the art of shooting. His book is amazingly detailed and breaks down the correct form of shooting mechanics. His BEEF technique will make any player a better shooter and will help coaches create better shooters. His shooting tips are easy to understand and remember. Players and coaches of all ages and skills levels can benefit IMMENSELY from learning from the best!l.
  2. DVD: The book includes and incredible DVD that explains the concepts in the book. It shows the drills so players and coaches can have a complete understanding of how to shoot the basketball correctly. The DVD is and awesome compliment to the details in the book.
  3. Drills, Drills, Drills: The drills in the book are fantastic shooting drills for rookie and veteran players. Drills are explained clearly. The logic behind the drill is also shared, so coaches and players not only understand the “HOW” but alos the “WHY.” Players who apply these drills will see immediate results and will be on the way to becoming a better shooter.
  4. Pictures: The pictures do a great job of presenting a visual that might answer questions. There are plenty of pictures that all are very helpful. Coach Hopla stresses the “Footwork is the Foundation.” There are great pictures that show the proper stance for shooting the basketball. There also are images that show incorrect stances. Later on pictures are used to show correct and incorrect elbow positioning.
  5. Decades of Shooting Instruction in One Book: I do not think there is a person in the world who thinks more about shooting a basketball than Dave Hopla. He has instructed youth players just picking up a basketball to some of the best players the world has ever seen in the NBA. He knows about the KISS teaching philosophy and about the proper learning progression.
  6. Shot Charts & Shooting Evaluations: The final chapter provides players and coaches with the tools to record and evaluate a shot. The check list can help a player determine which areas have been mastered and also the areas that need improvement. If a player applies all the information in the book and records workout, there will be real improvement over days, weeks, months, and hopefully years.

I cannot say enough about this resource for players, coaches, and parents.

Click here to purchase on amazon: https://amzn.to/46alnp5

Knock Knock Basketball Jokes

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Google Search “Knock Knock Basketball Jokes”

  1. Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best basketball jokes.
  2. 1992 Dream Team: Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name all the players on the 1992 USA Basketball Dream team?  (Summer Olympics Jokes)
  3. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe believe how many funny basketball jokes there are?  (Summer Olympics Jokes)
  4. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for in the Emirates NBA Cup? 
  5. Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best basketball jokes for Christmas.
  6. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for this college basketball season? 
  7. 1992 Dream Team: Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the country that lost to 1992 USA Basketball Dream team in the gold medal game?  (Summer Olympics Jokes)
  8. 1992 Dream Team: Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name all the coaches of the 1992 USA Basketball Dream team?  (Summer Olympics Jokes)
  9. Basketball Jokes for the Election: Knock knockout?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the BEST basketball jokes for the election in the world.
  10. 1992 Dream Team: Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name all the members of the 1992 USA Basketball Dream team?  (Summer Olympics Jokes)
  11. USA Men’s Basketball 2024 Olympic Team: Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe tell me the names of the 3 Celtics from the 2024 Championship team who played on the Olympic team in Paris?… Jason Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White.
  12. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Dozen… Dozen who?… Dozen anyone want to come and shoot some basketballs?
  13. Knock Knock Who’s there?… Fred Fred who?… Fred I can’t play basketball today!
  14. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Meow Meow who?… Take meow to the ball game!
  15. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Les Les who?… Les go and play basketball!
  16. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Uriah Uriah who?… Keep Uriah on the ball!
  17. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Wanda Wanda who?… Wanda buy a new basketball?
  18. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe tell me the how many NBA titles Red Auerbach won as a coach of the Boston Celtics? (NBA Champion Coaches)
  19. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for this NBA basketball season? 
  20. 2024 NBA Finals: Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the head coach of the 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics? (NBA Champion Coaches)
  21. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe dress up as a basketball fan for Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  22. 1992 Dream Team: Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the two countries who have won the Olympic Mens’ Basketball Gold Medal since 1992?  (USA & Argentina)
  23. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for this high school basketball season?
  24. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for this youth basketball season?
  25. Boston Celtics Jokes: Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best Boston Celtics basketball jokes.
  26. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Gladys… Gladys who?…. Gladys the best list of basketball jokes for Thanksgiving. Aren’t you? (Thanksgiving Knock Knock Jokes)
  27. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe dress up as a basketball player for Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  28. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe play basketball on Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  29. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe tell me how many NBA titles the Larry Bird won?
  30. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe tell me how many NBA MVPs Larry Bird won?
  31. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe tell me how many NBA Finals MVPs Larry Bird won?
  32. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe tell me the names and numbers for the retired jerseys for the Boston Celtics?
  33. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the starting five for the 1986 NBA Champion Celtics?
  34. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the starting five for the 2008 NBA Champion Celtics?
  35. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the coach who has the most career wins for the Boston Celtics?
  36. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe tell me the last time the Celtics won the NBA Championship? (NBA Champions)
  37. Basketball Jokes for Halloween: Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best basketball jokes for Halloween.
  38. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe dress up as a basketball for Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  39. Basketball Jokes for Veterans Day: Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best basketball jokes for Veterans Day.
  40. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe dress up as a basketball coach for Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  42. 1992 Dream Team: Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name all the members of the 1992 USA Basketball Dream team?  (Summer Olympics Jokes)
  43. 1992 Dream Team: Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the last country OTHER than the USA to win a basketball gold medal countries at the Olympics. HINT: 2004 
  44. Basketball Jokes for the Summer Olympics: Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best basketball jokes for the Summer Olympics. (American Revolution Jokes)
  45. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for in basketball in the Summer Olympics? (Summer Olympic Knock Knock Jokes)
  46. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Noah… Noah, who?… Noah good joke about basketball?
  47. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe Canoe who?… Canoe come over and play basketball? ‍
  48. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Dozen… Dozen who?… Dozen anyone want to come and shoot some basketballs?
  49. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… June… June who?… June know how to tell a good basketball knock-knock joke?
  50. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… June… June who?… June know any good basketball knock knock jokes? (June Jokes & Spring Knock Knock Jokes)
  51. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the head coach of the 1957 NBA Champion Boston Celtics? (NBA Champion Coaches)
  52. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe name the head coach of the 1959 NBA Champion Boston Celtics? (NBA Champion Coaches)

Youth Basketball Jokes

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

Google Search “Youth Basketball Jokes”

  1. Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best youth basketball jokes.
  2. Why do youth basketball players love Oreo cookies?… Because they can dunk them! (Oreo Cookie Jokes)
  3. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Canoe Canoe who?… Canoe come over and play basketball? ‍
  4. Why is basketball the grossest youth sport?… Because they dribble all over the court.
  5. Why was Cinderella never any good at youth basketball?… Because her coach was a pumpkin!
  6. What do an angry bunny and the youth basketball player who can touch the net have in common?… Mad hops.
  7. Tom’s basketball coach has five players: four are named Koko, Momo, Lolo and Jojo. What is the fifth player’s name?… Tom.
  8. Why are youth basketball players messy eaters?… They’re always dribbling. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  9. Where do youth basketball players go to dance?… Basket Balls! (Valentine’s Day Jokes)
  10. Why didn’t the skeleton want to go to the youth basketball game?… Because he had no body to go with.
  11. Why was Rudolph the Reindeer ineligible for his youth basketball team?… He was academically ineligible. He went down in history. (Reindeer Jokes & World’s Best Basketball Jokes)
  12. They’re a youth basketball team in transition… They’re going from bad to worse.
  13. Why is a baby good at basketball?… Because they’re always dribbling.
  14. In what sport is a basket filled but never gets full?… Basketball. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  15. Basketball Pun: “I’m always a basket case during tryouts.” Youth basketball coach
  16. Basketball Pun: A layup… You can bank on that shot.
  17. Why did the basketball team go to the bank?… To bounce their checks!
  18. What kind of stories are told by youth basketball players?…. Tall Tales.
  19. What has a net but can’t catch?… A basketball hoop!
  20. Basketball Pun: I hoop you have a good day.
  21. Two basketball teams play a game. The home team wins, but not a single man from either team scored a basket. How could this be? It was a women’s basketball team!
  22. What did the triangle offense say to the ball?… “You’re pointless.” (Geometry Jokes)
  23. What’s a pirate’s favorite basketball move?… Jump hook. (Pirate Jokes)
  24. Basketball Jokes for New Year’s Eve: Youth Basketball Coach. “I love when they drop the ball in Times Square …… It’s a nice reminder of what my players did all year.”
  25. What’s an egg’s favorite NBA basketball team?… Yokelahomia City Thunder. (Egg Jokes & Oklahoma Jokes)
  26. Why can’t you play basketball with pigs?… They hog the ball. (Pig Jokes)
  27. Why aren’t burgers too good at basketball?… Too many turnovers! (Hamburger Jokes)
  28. What’s the difference between a ball hog and time?… Time passes. (March Madness Jokes & Daylight Saving Jokes)
  29. Why do youth basketball players love cookies?… Because they can dunk them! (Oreo Cookie Jokes)
  30. Why did the youth basketball player bring string to the game?… In case it he had to tie the score!
  31. Basketball Pun: “A layup… You can bank on that shot.” Youth Basketball Coach
  32. What’s a youth basketball player’s favorite kind of cheese?… Swish cheese!
  33. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… June… June who?… June know how to tell a good youth basketball knock-knock joke?
  34. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for this NBA basketball season? 
  35. Basketball Pun: Dunkin’ ain’t just for donuts!
  36. Basketball Pun: “Let’s bounce back from this loss.” Youth Basketball Coach
  37. A first-grade teacher can’t believe her student isn’t hyped up about March Madness. “It’s a huge event. Why aren’t you excited?” “Because I’m not a basketball fan. My parents love football, so I do too,” says the student. “Well, that’s a lousy reason,” says the teacher. “What if your parents were morons? What would you be then?” “Then I’d be a basketball fan.” (Jokes for Teachers & Super Bowl Jokes)
  38. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for this youth basketball season? 
  39. What did Delaware to the youth basketball game?… Idaho, Alaska. Maybe her New Jersey. (Top 50 State Jokes)
  40. Basketball Pun: “Let’s not get too defensive here.” youth basketball coach up 20 points.
  41. Why did the youth basketball player get a job at the bakery?… He wanted to create more turnovers.
  42. Why did the basketball player go to school?… To pass his tests.
  43. Basketball coaches have really focused on “Stop the Steal” since it was introduced in 2016… They really value limiting turnovers and ball security. (Election Jokes)
  44. Basketball Pun: “I’m always a basket case during the youth basketball playoffs.” Youth basketball parent
  45. Basketball Pun: Let’s hoop it up!
  46. Basketball Pun: “I’m always a basket case during the youth basketball season.” Youth basketball parent
  47. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Noah… Noah, who?… Noah good joke about youth basketball?
  48. Basketball Pun: You can’t handle my crossovers.
  49. What do youth basketball cheerleaders drink before they go to a basketball game?… Root beer! (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  50. Why did the basketball player bring a flashlight to practice?… He wanted to shoot some lights out.
  51. “He’s great on the court,” a sportswriter said of a youth basketball player in an interview with his coach. “But’s how’s his scholastic work?” “Why, he makes straight A’s,” replied the coach. “Wonderful!” said the sportswriter. “Yes,” agreed the coach, “but his B’s are a little crooked.” (365 School Jokes)
  52. Basketball Pun: I’m rebounding from last night’s loss.
  53. Why was the basketball team so good at math?… They knew how to multiply their scores!
  54. Basketball Pun: I’ve got a court date tonight.
  55. Basketball Pun: You can bank on that shot.
  56. What’s the difference between a dog and a youth basketball player?… One drools, the other dribbles.
  57. Basketball Pun: I’m really on the ball today.
  58. Basketball Pun: This pun is nothing but net.
  59. Basketball Pun: I’m just winging it on the court.
  61. What do you get when you cross a basketball player and a tree?… Tall stories.
  62. What do you call a basketball team with a bad attitude?… The foul line.
  63. Why did the basketball player bring a mirror to the game?… So he could reflect on his plays.
  64. Why did the basketball player go to space?… To shoot for the stars.
  65. What’s a basketball player’s favorite animal?… A hoop-o-potamus
  66. Basketball Pun: Don’t travel too far, you might get called for it.
  67. What New Year’s resolution should a youth basketball player never make?… To travel more. (Travel Guest Blogs & Basketball Jokes)
  68. What do you get when you cross a basketball player and a judge?… Court in session!
  69. What is a youth basketball player’s favorite Christmas song?… “Oh Christmas Three, Oh Christmas Three!”
  70. Why did the youth basketball player visit the bank?… His checks were all bouncing.
  71. What do you call a pig who won’t pass the ball?… A ball hog!
  72. Why can’t you play basketball with pigs?… Because they always hog the ball!
  73. What have scrambled eggs and a losing basketball team got in common? … They’ve both been beaten!
  74. What is Santa’s favorite NBA basketball team?… The Milwaukee Bucks. (Christmas Jokes & Wisconsin Jokes)
  75. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Uriah Uriah who?… Keep Uriah on the ball!
  76. Why did the youth basketball team change their name to the Possums?… Because they play dead at home and they die on the road.
  77. Why did the youth basketball player go to jail?…  Because he shot the ball! (Police Jokes)
  78. How many players are on the basketball court for each team in the youth basketball?… Five! The key is ‘each team’!
  79. What do the basketball players say when they miss a basket?… Shoot!
  80. Why are babies good at basketball?… Because they’re always dribbling!
  81. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… June… June who?… June know any good basketball knock knock jokes? (June Jokes & Spring Knock Knock Jokes)
  82. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Dozen… Dozen who?… Dozen anyone want to come and shoot some basketballs?
  83. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Dozen… Dozen who?… Dozen anyone want to play basketballs?
  84. Knock Knock Who’s there?… Fred… Fred who?… Fred I can’t play basketball today!
  85. Did you hear about the youth basketball team that doesn’t have a website?… They can’t string three “Ws” together. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  86. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Meow Meow who?… Take meow to the ball game!
  87. Why can’t you get a fairly officiated game in the jungle?… They are all cheetahs. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  88. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Les Les who?… Les go and play basketball!
  89. Why violation do ghosts get called for the most in basketball?… Ghoul tending.
  90. What kind of basketball team cries when it loses?… A bawl club.
  91. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… Wanda Wanda who?… Wanda buy a new basketball?
  92. What is a great warm-up song for a youth basketball team?… Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC. (365 Music Jokes)
  93. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… Who are you cheering for in basketball in March Madness? (Summer Olympic Knock Knock Jokes)
  94. What is a basketball coach’s favorite Christmas song?… “Oh Christmas Three, Oh Christmas Three!” (Christmas Tree Jokes & Music Jokes)
  95. What do the winning Super Bowl team, Karl Malone, and the mailman have in common?… They always deliver. (Mailman Jokes & Super Bowl Jokes)
  96. Where do basketball players take their significant others to dance?… Basket Balls! (Valentine’s Day Jokes)
  97. What did the march say to all the madness?… What’s all that bracket. (March Madness Quotes & Top 25 Jimmy V Quotes)
  98. Where do youth basketball players get their uniforms from?… New Jersey!
  99. Why are frogs so good at basketball?… Because they always make jump shots!
  100. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… June… June who?… June know any good basketball knock knock jokes? (June Jokes & Spring Knock Knock Jokes)
  101. The psychology instructor had just finished a lecture on mental health and had proceeded to give an oral quiz to the freshman class.  Speaking specifically about manic depression, the instructor asked, “How would you diagnose a patient who walks back and forth screaming at the top of his lungs one minute, then sits in a chair weeping uncontrollably the next?”  A young man in the rear of the room raised his hand and answered, “A youth basketball coach?” (Top Psychology Jokes)
  102. Why did the basketball team join a craft club?… Because they wanted to learn how to make baskets!
  103. They’re a team in transition… They’re going from bad to worse.
  104. Why do the Lakers have to drink their coffee black?… There is no more KAREEM. (Coffee Jokes)
  105. My college graduation was held inside the basketball arena and man was it hot. It must have been like 5,000 degrees in there. (Graduation Jokes)
  106. What is Rudolph’s favorite NBA basketball team?… The Milwaukee Bucks. (Christmas Jokes & Wisconsin Jokes)
  107. What is Santa’s favorite NBA basketball team?… The Milwaukee Bucks. (Christmas Jokes & Wisconsin Jokes)
  108. Which fast-food chain would be a good youth basketball player?… Dunkin’ Donuts. (Donut Jokes)
  109. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Woo… Woo, who?… What are you cheering for in basketball in NBA Finals? (Summer Olympic Knock Knock Jokes)
  110. Why was Cinderella thrown off the basketball team?… She ran away from the ball. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  111. If a basketball player gets athlete’s foot, what does an astronaut get…  Missile Toe! (Top Astronomy Jokes)
  112. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Noah… Noah, who?… Noah good joke about basketball? (Summer Olympic Knock Knock Jokes)
  113. What basketball player would be a great spokesperson for National Taco Day?… Tacko Fall. (Taco Jokes)
  114. What kind of stories are told by basketball players?…. Tall Tales.
  115. Who was the poet of basketball?… Longfellow.
  116. Why did the basketball player visit the bank?… His checks were all bouncing.
  117. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… June… June who?… June know how to tell a good basketball knock-knock jokes?
  118. Basketball sued tennis for no reason… Now they have to go to court!
  119. Why did the basketball sit on the sideline and sketch pictures of chickens?… He was trying to draw fowls / fouls. (Chicken Jokes)
  120. Who is a worm’s favorite basketball player?… Dennis Rodman AKA “the worm.” (Worm Jokes)
  121. What do you call an unbelievable story about a youth basketball player?… A tall tale.
  122. Yo mama so stupid she thought Dunkin Donuts was a basketball team. (Top Coffee Jokes & Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  123. What New Year’s resolution should a middle school basketball player never make?… To travel more. (Travel Guest Blogs & Basketball Jokes)
  124. If a basketball team were chasing a baseball team, what time would it be?… Five after nine. (9:05) (Top Baseball Jokes & Top Sports Jokes)
  125. How do youth basketball players stay cool during a game?… They stand near the fans!
  126. Why was Cinderella such a bad basketball player?… Her coach was a pumpkin. (Top Holiday Jokes & Top Halloween Jokes)
  127. Why is a scrambled egg like a losing basketball team?… Because they both have been beaten. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  128. What’s the difference between a ball hog and time?… Time passes. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  129. What basketball player would be a great spokesperson for autumn?… Taco Fall. (Taco Jokes)
  130. Why are basketball players messy eaters?… They’re always dribbling. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  131. Why was the basketball court dripping wet?… Because the youth basketball player kept dribbling all over it!
  132. Why is basketball the grossest sport there is?… Because they dribble all over the court. (Top 10 Sports Jokes)
  133. What do you call a pig with playing basketball?… A ball hog.
  134. How many NCAA basketball players does it take to change a light bulb?… Only one. But he gets money, a car, and three credit hours for it.
  135. Hanging in the hallway at the High School are the basketball team pictures from the past 40 years. A player in the center of the front row in each picture holds a basketball identifying the year — “62-63,” “63-64,” “64-65,” etc.  One day I spotted a freshman looking curiously at the photos. Turning to me, he said, “Isn’t it strange how the teams always lost by one point?”
  136. What do you call a groundhog that plays basketball?… A ball hog. (Groundhog Day Jokes)
  137. Why do basketball players love chocolate chip cookies?… Because they can dunk them! (Chocolate Chip Cookie Jokes & Coaching Youth Basketball)
  138. What New Year’s resolution should a high school basketball player never make?… To travel more. (Travel Guest Blogs & Middle School Jokes)
  139. Golf is what you play when you’re too out of shape to play basketball.
  140. What do you do when you see an elephant with a basketball?… Get out of the way!
  141. Why can’t you play a fair game of basketball in the jungle?… Because there’s too many cheetahs!
  142. Where is a basketball players favorite place to eat?… Dunkin’ Doughnuts!
  143. What’s the first meal of the day called for basketball players?… Fast Breaks!
  144. Why can’t dinosaurs play basketball?… Because they’re extinct!
  145. Why couldn’t the basketball player listen to his music?… Because he was a record breaker!
  146. What’s the difference between someone who hogs the ball and time?… Time always passes!
  147. Why are basketball players messy eaters?… Because they’re always dribbling!
  148. What’s the difference between a Labrador and a basketball player?… One drools and the other one dribbles!
  149. Why did the coach kick Cinderella off the basketball team?… Because she kept running away from the ball!
  150. What are basketball players favorite type of stories?… Tall Tales!
  151. Basketball Riddle: A man throws a basketball as hard as he can. There is nothing in front, behind or either side of him but the ball comes back and hits him in the face. How can this be? He threw the ball straight up in the air!
  152. Why wouldn’t the basketball team play with the third basketball?… Because it was an oddball out!
  153. What New Year’s resolution should a prep school basketball player never make?… To travel more. (Travel Guest Blogs & Basketball Jokes)

11 Player Youth Basketball Substitution Rotation

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

Google Search “11 Player Youth Basketball Substitution Rotation”


An 11 man rotation for youth basketball is a big challenge. As a youth coach it is always good to follow a substitution pattern that guarantees playing time for each player. Some leagues have minimum playing time requirements. This rotation is based on a league policy that requires a 25% minimum playing time for each player (8:00 out of 32:00).

Rank Each Player: It is helpful to rank each player: above average, average, and below average.Players will be given playing time that corresponds to their rank on the team.

Option #1 Number System / Equal Playing Time: A coach can assign a number system for his team 1 – 11. This makes substitutions really simple. Select the “shift” time and simply have the players sit on the bench by number. Players will rotate in the game. A coach should try to balance height and skill to have balance with each unit. (possible set up)

32 minute game: to keep it simple a coach can divide the quarter in half. The following is based on four 8-minute quarters.

1st Quarter:

Shift #1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Shift #2: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 

2nd Quarter:

Shift #3: 11, 1, 2, 3, 4

Shift #4: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

3rd quarter:

Shift #5: 10, 11, 1, 2, 3

Shift #6: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

4th Quarter

Shift #7:  9, 10, 11, 1, 2,

Shift #8:  3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Playing Time Breakdown

1 – 7 = 16:00 (50%)

8, 9, 10, 11 = 12:00 (37.5%)

Variation #1 Mix the number up: Create a new list each week. A coach can rotate the players in 1 – 7 so no one player is #1. Similarly rotate 8 – 11 so that no player is last all the time.

Variation #2 Pick up where you left off: If a coach is a believer in equal playing time, simply start the next game with the next rotation. This will be the fairest. It will keep most parents happy. And it will allow all players to develop. At the younger ages this is probably the best option (recommendation). 

Game #2 Shift #1: 8, 9, 10, 11, 1 

Variation #3: Use the number system for the 1st 3 quarters, then play the best players. Through 3 quarters the playing time would be the following: 

1 – 8 3 shifts = 12:00 (27.5)

9 – 11 2 shifts = 8:00 (25% if no additional time)

There will 40 minutes of playing time for the 4th quarter (8 minutes X 5 sports) #9 will have not played in 3rd quarter, so it would make sense to find him some time in the 4th or give him a little time in the 3rd.

Option #2 Even Units plus one (4-4-3}: Divide the top 8 players into two even groups based on height and position. Try to create as much balance as possible. With the bottom 3 players, have them rotate the 5th spot on the floor. A coach can switch the 3 rotating players each game to guarantee even playing time for all players if this fit his / her philosophy.

Unit #1 (1-4)

Unit #2 (4-8)

Players 9 – 11 will have 2:40 shifts x 4 quarters = 10 minutes per game

Player #9 8:00 – 5:20

Player #10 5:20 – 2:40

Player #11 2:40 – 0:00

Playing Time Breakdown

1 – 8 = 16:00 (50%)

9, 10, 11 = 10:00 (31.25%)

4th Grade Travel Team Basketball Tryout

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

Google Search “4th Grade Travel Team Basketball Tryout”

If you are looking at this page THANK YOU! Here is an outline of a tryout schedule for 4th grade boys. It is not perfect, but hopefully some of the ideas and drills will be helpful as other coaches plan and run a 4th grade tryout.

4th Grade Practice #1

Team Goals:

  1. MOST IMPROVED ball-handling & shooting team in the league.
  2. Run the Floor & Make Lay-ups / Run the Floor & DON’T GIVE UP  Lay-ups
  3. Play great team, especially HELP SIDE, defense 5 vs. 1

6:00 – 6:05 Shooting Knockout* See who can shoot and make lay-ups. Players who are knocked out go to lay-up basket. Record winners. Record finalists. 

Dribbling: Evaluate how comfortable the players are with the basketball! 

Ballhandling

6:05 – 6:15 Dribble lines: ball drills and full court dribbling drills. 

6:15 – 6:20 3 trips, Dribble walk, Dribble March

6:20 – 6:30 2 ball series (together, alternating, escape dribble crossover, between the legs, behind the back) 

Lay-ups

6:30 – 6:40 Rebound & outlet, Full court lay-ups, W lay-ups (1:30)

6:40 – 6:45 Mini Mikans

6:40 – 6:50 2 on 0 fast break, 3 man fast break

SHOOTING

6:50 – 6:55 BEEF, partner shooting

6:55 – 7:00 Range finder

SCRIMMAGE

7:00 – 7:05 ½ court games

7:05 – 7:15 full court Scrimmage

The No-Cut Basketball Travel “A” Team

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

  • Should I Coach Youth Basketball?

The title of this post might seem like a trailer for a scary Halloween movie or a Mike Lupica book. But it can happen and does happen. The big question is how does it happen and then more importantly how should a coach approach the season.

Some grades will have a low turnout for a variety of reasons, but there is always hope until the 1st tryout that a few more bodies might show up.

The goals of a youth basketball tryouts are:

  1. Evaluate the Talent: The tryout should include drills, half-court, and full-court games that will allow the evaluation committee to see the skills level individual players
  2. Select 1 – 4 “Travel Teams:” This is often the most challenging aspect or a tryout because the differences between skill levels of youth basketball players, particularly at younger ages, is not always clear. Many parents will be sending emails to the coaches and directors once the teams are posted.

In this particular situation, 11 players showed up for the tryout. To put this in perspective the grade above this team had over 70 players tryout and there were 4 travel teams. The grade below also was very competitive and had over 50 players tryout.

What Should a Coach Do?

The best thing for a coach to do is stick with the tryout schedule. The coach surely spent a great deal of time preparing a variety of drills and games to assess the skill level of the players. This would be the team he/she will be coaching so it is an amazing opportunity to really focus on the players. The coach can evaluate basketball skills, but additionally work ethic and the ability to listen.

At this particular tryout it was clear there was one particular player who really had no interest in being there. Asking questions like “When will this be over?” and “Are we done yet?”

The good news was there were no cuts and no nasty emails to respond to. The bad news was there were no cuts and there were several, if not ALL players who did not possess the skills be on a “A” Travel Team.

Here is the 4th Grade Tryout schedule

Stay tuned… our next post will be about How to Coach the Worst Team in the League?

Yearly Youth Basketball Coaching Plan

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

The following is a list of youth basketball ideas for each month. Each region of American will have different schedules, so adjust the ideas based on your season and age group.

October

Review Basketball Library: We have always found it helpful to spend some time reviewing your favorite basketball instruction books. This will get your mind thinking basketball.

Youth Basketball: December

Youth Basketball Year: June

Youth Basketball Year: September

#1 Coaching Youth Basketball Book

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

Coaching Youth Basketball-5th Edition by Don Showalter is the best book we have come across for youth basketball coaches. Here are our top 10 reasons why:

This is the best purchase you can make for $5.99 you cannot go wrong.

  1. Author: Don Showalter is the director of youth and sport development of basketball. He has held this position since 2016. He is the most knowledgable individual about developing basketball skills and players. In addition he was a high school coach for 42 years. 42 years! That is greater than the average age of a youth basketball coach. (Made up stat, but probably true.)
  2. 5th Edition: The book stands the test of time. 5 editions is incredible. Many coaches, parents and players have seen the value in this resource.
  3. USA Basketball: He is surrounded by the best minds in basketball. He shares ideas with some of the greatest players and coaches in the world. His job is basketball.
  4. Age Specific Focus: As a youth coach, the age-specific focus is priceless. Coaches all possess a background in basketball, but not a background in 1st or 8th grade basketball. Each age group is capable of learning different skills. This is invaluable for practice planning.
  5. Rule Modifications for different ages: Once again these recommendations come with the support of USA basketball.
  6. Teaching: The goal of coaching youth is to teach young players basketball. It seems teaching is the driving focus of this book.
  7. Drills, Drills, Drills: The drills in the book are fantastic for rookie and veteran coaches.
  8. Pictures: The pictures do a great job of presenting a visual that might answer questions. There are plenty of pictures that all are very helpful.
  9. Coaching Tips: The tips are very helpful in explaining the drill and how it might apply to the bigger picture.
  10. Checklist and Forms: The least enjoyable, but in many ways the most important aspect of coaching. It is all here prepared for all youth coaches.