Free · Printable · Timed to the minute
Basketball practice plan templates
Three ready-to-run practice plans by age and length, each timed block by block, plus a blank sheet to print and fill in. Drills link to animated diagrams so you and your assistants know exactly how each one runs.
60-minute youth practice
Grades 3–6 · rec or first-year teams · 60 minutes · 9 blocks
Lots of touches, short drills and a game at the end. Young players stay engaged when nothing lasts more than 10 minutes.
| Time | Drill and focus | Min |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:08 | Dynamic Warm-upHigh knees, slides, backpedal; get everyone moving | 8 |
| 0:08–0:15 | Two-Ball DribblingEyes up, pound it low | 7 |
| 0:15–0:23 | Form ShootingClose to the rim, elbow under the ball | 8 |
| 0:23–0:28 | Mikan DrillSoft touch, correct hand each side | 5 |
| 0:28–0:35 | Partner PassingChest and bounce passes, step into it | 7 |
| 0:35–0:43 | 3-Man WeavePass and go behind; no dribbles | 8 |
| 0:43–0:45 | Water break | 2 |
| 0:45–0:57 | Small-sided games (3-on-3)Every player touches the ball | 12 |
| 0:57–1:00 | Free throws & team talkOne thing we did well, one thing to fix | 3 |
90-minute middle school practice
7th and 8th grade · school or club teams · 90 minutes · 11 blocks
Skill work first, then team defense and offense, then a controlled scrimmage. This is the shape most middle school practices follow.
| Time | Drill and focus | Min |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:08 | Dynamic Warm-upFull court, then stretch | 8 |
| 0:08–0:15 | Two-Ball DribblingStationary, then walking | 7 |
| 0:15–0:20 | Mikan DrillCount makes in 60 seconds | 5 |
| 0:20–0:28 | 3-Man WeaveFinish with a layup, then a 2-on-1 back | 8 |
| 0:28–0:35 | Closeout DrillSprint, chop, hand high | 7 |
| 0:35–0:47 | Shell Drill (4-on-4)Jump to the ball on every pass | 12 |
| 0:47–0:50 | Water break | 3 |
| 0:50–1:00 | Partner ShootingFive spots, ten shots each | 10 |
| 1:00–1:15 | Half-court offense: Horns & 5-OutWalk it, then run it against defense | 15 |
| 1:15–1:27 | Controlled ScrimmageStop to teach one or two things | 12 |
| 1:27–1:30 | Free throws & team talkTwo free throws each, then wrap up | 3 |
2-hour high school practice
JV and varsity · 120 minutes · 13 blocks
A full two hours with game-speed defense, an offensive install, special situations and a long scrimmage.
| Time | Drill and focus | Min |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00–0:10 | Dynamic Warm-upFull court | 10 |
| 0:10–0:18 | Ball-handling seriesTwo-ball, then change of direction at speed | 8 |
| 0:18–0:24 | Finishing (Mikan & power layups)Both hands, through contact | 6 |
| 0:24–0:36 | 3-Man Weave into 11-Man BreakPush the pace; outlet fast | 12 |
| 0:36–0:44 | Closeout DrillLive 1-on-1 after the closeout | 8 |
| 0:44–0:59 | Shell Drill (4-on-4)Add penetration and rotations | 15 |
| 0:59–1:02 | Water break | 3 |
| 1:02–1:14 | Partner ShootingGame spots at game speed | 12 |
| 1:14–1:29 | Offense install: Horns & down screensRead the help; make the right pass | 15 |
| 1:29–1:37 | Special situations: BLOB & late gameBox set, safety outlet every time | 8 |
| 1:37–1:39 | Water break | 2 |
| 1:39–1:57 | ScrimmageSituations: up 2 with a minute left | 18 |
| 1:57–2:00 | Free throws under pressureMake two or the team runs | 3 |
Blank practice plan sheet
Print it, fill it in, take it to the gym.
| Time | Drill | Min | Coaching points |
|---|---|---|---|
theextracoach.com · free practice planner and play designer
Practice planning questions
How long should a basketball practice be?
For youth teams, 60 to 75 minutes is plenty. Middle school practices usually run 90 minutes, and high school teams often go 2 hours. Shorter, well-planned practices beat long ones where players stand around.
How should I structure a basketball practice?
Warm up, then individual skills (ball handling, finishing, shooting), then team defense, then team offense, then a scrimmage or game situations. End with free throws and a short team talk. Put water breaks between hard blocks.
How many drills should be in a practice?
Usually 8 to 12 blocks. Keep each drill between 5 and 15 minutes so players stay sharp, and repeat the same core drills each week so practice runs itself.
Is there a free basketball practice planner?
Yes. The Extra Coach lets you build a timed practice plan from your drill library, see every block on the clock, print it for the gym and share it with your staff. It's free to start.
Can I turn my paper practice plans into a digital plan?
Yes. In The Extra Coach, take a photo of a written practice plan or whiteboard and it reads in every drill with its minutes, in order, and adds new drills to your library.