Did you know the entire Introductory Level of the USA Basketball Youth Development Guidebook is available online? While some coaches may think their athletes are beyond the basics, mastering the fundamentals is a never-ending process for athletes at all stages of the sport.

Below are the eight concepts covered in the Introductory Level and an outline of the skills each concept encompasses, along with some of our favorite drills to help teach your athletes to execute.

Ball Handling & Dribbling
This section covers five aspects: How to Hold a Basketball, Familiarity with the Basketball, Triple-Threat Position, Stationary Ball-Handling and Dribbling to Advance the Basketball.

Video: Ladder Dribbling

Footwork & Body Control
Under this section are: Stopping & Landing and Pivoting.

Video: Pass & Follow

Defensive Principles
This section covers: Proper Stance and Introducing Lateral Movement. 

Video: Mass Defense Part 1

Passing & Receiving
In the Passing section are: Bounce Passes, Chest Passes, How to Catch a Bound Pass and How to Catch a Chest Pass from a Teammate.

Video: Push Pass

Defending the Rebounder
At this level, defending the pass is not recommended. Place an emphasis on building players’ confidence with the basics of passing and receiving the basketball instead.

Shooting
Covered in Shooting are: Basic Mechanics, Shooting from the Knees, Shooting from Standing, Shooting from the Ground and Shooting on a Basketball Hoop.

Video: Partner Form Shooting

Team Defensive Concepts
This section teaches: Understand Defending.

Video: Defending the Ball Screen

Team Offensive Concepts
Learn how to teach your team: Proper Floor and Player Awareness, Recognizing Spots on the Floor, Inbounding the Basketball, Spacing and Transitioning from Defense to Offense.

Video: Three-Player Pass & Cut

Ask the USA Basketball coaches panel your coaching questions on Twitter using @USABYouth and #CoachesCorner