Breaking Bad Habits | Common Mistakes in Youth Basketball and How to Fix Them

Bad habits can creep into a young basketball player’s game without them even realizing it. These habits can hold them back from reaching their full potential. Addressing these issues early is crucial – the sooner young players correct these common mistakes, the better equipped they’ll be to enjoy the game and grow as athletes. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most frequent mistakes made in youth basketball and share practical tips to help parents and players work through them. 

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Common Mistakes in Youth Basketball

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1. Poor Shooting Form

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One of the most common challenges young basketball players face is developing proper shooting form. Many children rely heavily on their arms to generate power, neglecting the role of their legs and overall body coordination. Others fail to follow through on their shots, which can cause inconsistent aim and unreliable results.

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Improper form reduces the likelihood of making baskets and can also lead to frustration as players struggle to improve their shooting accuracy. Over time, bad habits can become ingrained, making them harder to correct later. A solid shooting foundation is necessary for a player’s long-term success, as shooting is a critical skill in nearly every aspect of the game.

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2. Weak Ball Handling Skills

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Ball handling is a foundational basketball skill, yet many young players struggle with dribbling effectively. Common mistakes include dribbling too high, which makes the ball easier to steal, and relying solely on their dominant hand. These habits limit a player’s ability to navigate the court and respond to defensive pressure.

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Versatility in ball-handling opens up more opportunities on the court. A player with strong ball-handling skills can move fluidly, create scoring chances, and adapt to various situations during a game. Weakness in this area often results in turnovers, missed opportunities, and a lack of confidence under pressure.

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3. Lack of Defensive Awareness

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Defense is often overlooked in youth basketball as players focus more on scoring. A common mistake is watching the ball instead of staying aware of the opponent they’re guarding. This lapse in focus allows opponents to slip by unnoticed, leading to easy baskets.

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Other poor defensive habits include standing flat-footed, failing to anticipate plays, or not using proper positioning to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm. A lack of defensive awareness affects individual performance and the team’s ability to control the game. Learning good defensive habits early helps players become well-rounded contributors on the court.

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4. Over-Reliance on One Hand/Side

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Many young players avoid using their non-dominant hand, whether it’s for dribbling, passing, or shooting. This reliance on one side can make their game predictable, allowing opponents to exploit their weaknesses. For example, if a player always drives to the right, defenders can easily block or intercept their moves.

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Developing ambidexterity is critical for versatility and unpredictability. Players who can effectively use both hands become more dynamic and difficult to defend, creating more opportunities to score and support their teammates. Avoiding the non-dominant hand may feel easier at first, but overcoming this habit early pays off significantly in the long run.

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5. Poor Court Vision and Decision-Making

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Court vision allows players to read the game and make smart decisions. Unfortunately, many young players develop a habit of keeping their eyes on the ball while dribbling, which prevents them from seeing open teammates or defensive setups. They may also force risky passes or rush decisions, leading to turnovers and missed opportunities.

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Poor court vision affects teamwork and disrupts the flow of the game. Basketball is a fast-paced sport that requires quick and strategic thinking. Players with good court awareness can anticipate plays, find open teammates, and make decisions that benefit the team. Building this skill early helps players become more effective and confident on the court.

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How to Fix These Mistakes

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1. Shooting Form

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Helping your child improve their shooting form starts with the basics. Encourage them to practice the “BEEF” technique:

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• Balance: Feet shoulder-width apart for a steady base.
• Eyes: Focus on a specific target, like the back of the rim.
• Elbow: Keep it under the ball to guide the shot.
• Follow-through: Snap the wrist down, like reaching into a cookie jar.

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Simple shooting drills close to the basket (without jumping) allow them to focus on technique rather than distance. Recording their shots can also help identify areas for improvement. With consistent practice, these adjustments will lead to more accurate and confident shooting.

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2. Ball Handling Skills

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You can help your child improve their ball-handling skills with regular practice and simple drills. For example:

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• Figure-eight dribbling: Moving the ball around their legs in a figure-eight pattern to improve control and speed.

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• Two-ball dribbling: Dribbling two basketballs at the same time to build coordination and strengthen both hands.

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Motivate them to practice with their dominant and non-dominant hands. Using cones or obstacles for drills can also make practice more engaging while improving precision. With consistent effort, your child will gain confidence and become more effective on the court.

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3. Defensive Awareness

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Improving defensive skills starts with strong fundamentals. Guide your child to maintain a low, balanced stance – knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart – for quick side-to-side movements to stay in front of their opponent.

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Shadowing drills are a great way to build anticipation. Have your child mimic another player’s movements without touching the ball. This helps them focus on reading body language. Remind them to watch their opponent’s torso, not just the ball, to better anticipate plays and react effectively.

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4. Developing Both Hands

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Help your child avoid over-relying on their dominant hand by encouraging specific drills for their non-dominant hand. A great starting point is practicing layups with their weaker hand, focusing on accuracy before increasing speed.

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To make practice more fun, suggest “weak-hand-only” games where they dribble, pass, and shoot using just their non-dominant hand. These exercises challenge them in an engaging way and gradually improve their ambidexterity, making them more versatile on the court.

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5. Court Vision and Decision-Making

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To improve court vision, your child can practice dribbling with their head up. One helpful drill is to set up cones or markers around the court and have them call out the color or number of each as they dribble past it. This helps them learn to scan their surroundings while maintaining control of the ball.

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Quick decision-making can be developed through small-sided games, like 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 scrimmages. These games mimic real-game situations and give players more chances to decide when to pass, shoot, or reposition. Coaches can also introduce drills with a shot clock or focus on quick ball movement to teach players how to think and adapt under pressure.

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How You Can Support Your Child 

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As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s basketball journey. Your involvement can make a big difference in their growth and enjoyment of the game. Here are some ways you can support them:

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• Encourage practice outside of structured sessions: Basketball skills are built over time, and consistent practice is key. Encourage your child to spend time working on their game outside of team practices. This could be as simple as shooting hoops in the driveway, dribbling around the backyard, or practicing free throws at the local court. Help them set small, achievable goals to keep them motivated.

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• Provide positive reinforcement and celebrate progress: Every bit of progress, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Positive reinforcement boosts your child’s confidence and encourages them to keep working hard. Even when they face challenges, focus on their determination and resilience rather than the outcome.

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• Avoid putting undue pressure: While it’s natural to want your child to succeed, it’s important to keep the experience enjoyable and stress-free. Instead of focusing solely on winning games or outperforming others, emphasize the value of effort, teamwork, and personal improvement. Let them know it’s okay to make mistakes – they’re part of the learning process. Your support should be about nurturing their love for the sport, not creating extra pressure.

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• Consider enrolling them in professional coaching programs: If your child is serious about basketball or needs help addressing specific areas of their game, professional coaching programs can be a great option. These programs offer expert guidance, structured training, and tailored drills to help young players develop their skills. Plus, working with a coach can grow their confidence and give them a sense of direction in their basketball journey.

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Conclusion 

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Identifying and addressing bad habits early is a vital step in helping young players grow in basketball. By working to correct these common mistakes, players can build a solid foundation of skills, confidence, and game awareness that will serve them well as they progress in the sport.

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If you’re ready to support your child in overcoming these challenges and unlocking their full potential, consider enrolling them in professional coaching. At Ness Basketball, we’re dedicated to helping young athletes thrive with tailored training programs designed to meet their unique needs. Check out our programs to learn how we can help your child take their game to the next level.

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