We're often asked a very popular question, "What are simple basketball plays for youth?"
There are plenty of defensive and offensive plays for the youth that you can learn for free. Basketball can be a challenging game to understand. Additionally, teaching kids advanced plays will generally lead to chaos in the field.
Therefore, basic plays are essential stepping stones for future athletes and can help them hone their skills and learn the game better. Read on as we explain some easy basketball plays for the youth.
8 Easy and Simple Basketball Plays
1. Ghost
For this play, you need to set up a fake screen on the guard position. This will lead to an easy pass and a simple scoring opportunity. Alternatively, you can have a screen put on the wing by a post player.
Numbers 5, 2, and 1 are key personnel needed for this play. As with any other play, selecting the right player for the right job is paramount. The best available screener on the team should be Number 5.
Number 2 and 1 should be capable of dribbling and getting a point at the rim, respectively.
Play Instructions
You can find the play represented diagrammatically here. The play will follow the sequence explained below.
The point guard will make a pass to number 2, who is waiting on the wing.
Meanwhile, number 5 will set a screen behind number 1's defender.
If open, number 2 will pass to number 1 inside the key.
If points cannot be scored at the basket, number 1 will try and occupy the weak-side corner.
Number 5 will now set a screen for number 2, who is on the wing.
Number 2 will attack the rim using number 5's screen as number 5 moves to the ring, looking for a scoring opportunity.
Simultaneously, numbers 4 and 3 will quickly move into passing spaces for open shots and play safety.
2. Isolation
Isolation is a simple, offensive basketball play for the youth. The idea is to block defenders and allow the ball handler to play against only one remaining inferior defender. It employs four offensive players above the free throw lines to keep the defense busy.
In essence, this is how the play gets its name. Number 5 is usually left isolated inside with the ball handler. Isolation is an excellent play for youth teams since most opponents fail to understand team defense and stick to their respective targets.
Play Instructions
You can find the play represented diagrammatically here. The spacing between the offense is vital for a successful isolation play. However, specific steps for flawless execution are as follows.
Initially, slot players must pass the ball to either of the players on the wing. For example, number 1 passes to number 3, or number 2 passes to number 4.
Then, number 5 must immediately flash for the pass, taking advantage of the inferior defender inside.
After making the pass, the players on the wings will become screens for the players in the slot. Simultaneously, they will switch positions with the slot players, keeping the defenders preoccupied.
This action will allow number 5 to attack in the middle or from the baseline.
3. Flip
Flip is a simple and open play right below the basket. A cross-screen is placed by numbers 2 and 3 at the top, with numbers 4 and 5 attacking the rim. Additionally, number 5 will set the screen to block number 4's defender.
Play Instructions
You can find the play represented diagrammatically here. The steps needed for the execution of the play are as follows.
As soon as number 1 starts the play, numbers 3 and 2 will move to the corner, asking for the pass. This action will result in drawing out their defenders.
Number 5, or whoever is playing post on the side of the ball, will form a screen for number 4.
Number 4 will now call for the ball. Then, effective sealing by number 5 will allow him to call for the pass and make the shot.
4. Yo-Yo
Yo-yo is an easy basketball play that is implemented in the box formation. This play aims to use either of the two players on the posts to score.
For numbers 4 and 5 to sprint to the basket in time, numbers 2 and 3 need to set up strong screens. Therefore, to make this play work, clarity of roles is essential.
Play Instructions
You can find the play represented diagrammatically here. Number 1 has to be good at passing the ball for the play to be successful. Furthermore, the below-mentioned steps are necessary to carry out the play.
Numbers 4 and 5 must be capable of finishing at the rim and going through a strong defense.
The screens for numbers 4 and 5 are set up by numbers 2 and 3 at the start of the play.
Numbers 4 and 5 will move outside and dash towards the basket.
Number 1 will pass the ball to either number 4 or number 5 for the final attack.
If number 1 cannot make the pass to numbers 4 or 5, number 3 will move back and receive the pass. He will then either attack or set up the play again.
5. Cross BLOB
Cross baseline out-of-bounds is a simple play that involves inbound passes to the weaker side. A cross-screen follows the pass for the player to score inside. Throughout this play, number 3 must set up a screen for number 5's defender.
Number 1 must hide the pass as best as possible so that the play is not given away to the opposition. This play tries to catch the opponent by surprise. However, overdoing it makes it ineffective.
Play Instructions
You can find the play represented diagrammatically here. Despite being easy to understand, the play requires practice before execution. The steps needed to complete the play are as follows.
Number 2 will cut towards the inbounder and then sprint to the weak side of number 3's screen.
He will receive the pass from number 1, who will rush to the corner across after passing the ball.
Number 3 will now set a screen on number 5's defender. Subsequently, number 5 will get the pass on the basket and look to score.
6. Cross SLOB
The cross sideline out-of-bounds play is meant for those teams which have great post players. Like the Cross BLOB, the play requires a couple of quick passes so the ball can get to the opposite corner.
Concurrently, a screen is provided to a player to score from within the paint. Numbers 3 and 5 are key players to carry out this play successfully. Number 5 must be the best player at the post, and number 3 must provide an effective screen.
Additionally, number 3 must also be ready to receive a pass by number 5 if he fails to score.
Play Instructions
You can find the play represented diagrammatically here. The step-by-step guide to the play is as follows.
Number 4 will set a screen on number 2's defender to block him. Subsequently, number 2 will sprint to receive the inbound pass.
After setting up the screen, number 4 will continue moving to the weak-side wing.
Here number 2 will pass the ball to number 4. Meanwhile, number 3 will set up a screen for number 5's defender.
Number 4 will then pass the ball to number 5, who will finish scoring close to the basket.
If the opposing team manages to block the pass to number 5, number 3 should try receiving the pass and try for a mid range shot.
7. Quick Stagger
Quick stagger involves setting up staggered screens at the start of the play. Subsequently, it allows an opportunity to take a mid range shot or a layup.
Number 1 needs to perform a leadership role in this play and must be excellent at decision making. He will choose to make the pass to either number 3 or 4, who will take the final shot.
Number 4 should be capable of hitting accurate mid range shots consistently. Numbers 4 and 5 must also have the capability to set up strong screens.
Play Instructions
You can find the play represented diagrammatically here. The play will unfold in the following sequence.
Number 1 will dribble the ball towards number 4's corner. Simultaneously, number 2 will slide towards the same corner.
Numbers 4 and 5 will set up staggered screens for number three on the weaker side of the play. Meanwhile, number 3 will set himself up to receive the pass from number 1.
Number 4 will block the defender with number 3 for as long as possible while also waiting for number 1 to pass him the ball. Then, Number 1 will throw the ball to number 4 if he thinks it is more feasible to take the mid range shot. Number 4 should also expect to receive the ball if he sees number 3 bogged down by the defenders.
8. Screen and Roll
Screen and roll is a quick play with a pick and roll at the beginning. An additional screen is, however, placed at the back.
Number 5 has to be quick towards the basket to score. Setting up a good screen should be number 4's top priority.
Play Instructions
You can find the play represented diagrammatically here. The play will unfold in the following sequence.
Number 1 will move with the ball towards number 5's side of the court. Meanwhile, number 5 will set up a screen for number 1.
As number 5 is setting up this screen, his defender will likely cover him. Number 4 should take this opportunity to place himself as a screen behind number 5's defender.
Number 5 will roll off number 4's screen and wait to receive the pass from number 1.
Simultaneously, number 4 will pop up to receive the pass from number 1. Usually, the defenders will be expecting number 5 to receive the pass and leave number 4 undefended, allowing him to take the shot.
Final Words: Simple Easy Basketball Plays
Basketball is an excellent game for the youth to vent out their frustrations while learning a healthy sport. The plays discussed in this article are easy to coach and practice. They will help hone their skills and improve the team's standards overall, increasing their interest in the sport itself.
These simple basketball plays will go a long way in helping them master and develop the fundamentals of the game.
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