Basketball Playbook

Upward Basketball
Coach Playbook
2012 Upward Unlimited.
Upward and Upward Basketball are registered trademarks of Upward Unlimited.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL READERS VERSION
Copyright 1995, 1996, 1998 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
2010 Orange. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations in this publication are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSON
NIV 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction......................................................................................... 3
Section one: Practice

Practice Chart...................................................................................... 6
Warm-Up Activities............................................................................... 7
Skills and Drills.................................................................................... 7
Offensive Plays.................................................................................. 25
Mid-Practice Huddle (Devotions)..................................................... 32
Practice 1..................................................................................... 33
Practice 2..................................................................................... 35
Practice 3..................................................................................... 37
Practice 4..................................................................................... 40
Practice 5..................................................................................... 42
Practice 6..................................................................................... 44
Practice 7..................................................................................... 46
Practice 8..................................................................................... 48
Practice 9..................................................................................... 50
Practice 10................................................................................... 52
Last Practice Devotion................................................................... 54
Section two: Games

Game Format..................................................................................... 58
Rules for Play..................................................................................... 59
K5 Rules Modifications....................................................................... 61
Substitution Forms............................................................................. 64
Star Distribution Forms....................................................................... 70
Upward Basketball Coach Playbook
Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to Upward Basketball! As a coach, you will have an incredible
opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the players on your team this
season. Your league will equip you with all the resources you need as you
invest your time and talents in the lives of children and families.
This coach playbook outlines basic skills and drills to use as well as practice
devotions for the mid-point of each practice. Your playbook also contains a
complete list of rules unique to Upward Basketball as well as your substitution
forms and a star distribution form to use on game days.
Be sure to check out the coach resources on MyUpward.org. There you will
find the Coachs Sideline, a weekly practice plan customized for your teams
age group. Each one contains an individual skill focus with corresponding
drills, team meeting topics and the appropriate mid-practice huddle devotion.
An additional resource for you is the coach training guide. This guide details
the role and responsibilities of an Upward Basketball Coach while teaching
the basics of the substitution system. If you did not receive a coach training
guide at the coach training conference, please see your coach commissioner
or league director.
Section One:
Practice
Section One: Practice
Suggested Practice Chart

Below is a suggested practice chart to help you organize your practices. This
chart can be used in conjunction with the Coachs Sidelines or it can be used
independently. Either method will help you plan an organized practice.
Practice
Practice Focus
Team Meeting
Get to know each other

Evaluate skills
Set practice rules
Teammate introductions
Discuss practice ground rules
Introduce basic footwork,
dribbling, and shooting skills
Practice rules
Footwork (see page 8)

Dribbling (see page 11)
Shooting (see page 18)
Continue skill
evaluation
Teach common
violations
Teach basic offensive
skills
Re-introduce players and

coaches
Discuss some common
violations
Traveling
Double dribble
Palming or carrying
the ball
Footwork (see page 8)

Ball Handling (see page 11)
Dribbling (see page 11)
Shooting (see page 18)
Teach additional
violations
Teach lining up for free
throws
Teach additional
offensive skills
Teach rebounding
Teach defensive skills
Review traveling double

dribble, and palming the ball
Discuss game format and
substitution system
No double-teaming
No pressing in the
backcourt
Passing and Receiving

(see page 15)
Defense (see page 23)
Rebounding (see page 21)
Teach 3-second
violation
Discuss positions on
the court
Skill development
Review defensive rules

Games situations and court
spacing
Three-second
violation
Common fouls
Help defense
Rebounding (see page 22)

Defense (see page 24)
Scrimmage or more drills
Teach offensive
movement
Continue to teach court
spacing
Discuss practice focus

Review the last game
Review basic rules
Review all rules as a

fun quiz
Offensive plays
(see page 25)
Areas the need
improvement from the game
6-11
Continue skill
development
Analyze game
performances, coach
through improvements
Review the last game and

improvements that need to
be made
Discuss practice focus
Continue to review
rules for clear
understanding
Work on both offense and

defense
Areas that need
improvement
4
week of
first game
Rules to Cover
Skills & Drills
Warm-Up Activities
Use the first five minutes of practice to get the players moving. This can be done
by incorporating athletic development exercises like the examples below or by
incorporating a drill from an earlier practice.

Power jumps - With players in a standing position and their arms above
their heads, have them jump up and down.

Feet on fire (running in place) - This drill helps players get their feet
moving.

Jumping jacks - Instruct players to count out loud.
Skills and Drills

This section reviews the fundamental skills of basketball, explains why each is
important and emphasizes the skills basic teaching points. Each skill is followed
by a basic drill that reinforces the skill. This drill is acceptable for any age
group as it introduces the concept of the skill. For more drills for each skill, as
well as complete practice plans, go to
MyUpward.org.
KEY TO DIAGRAMS
Many of the drills described in this

playbook require one ball per player. If
you are limited in the number of balls
you have for practice, you will need
to modify the drill by creating lines
based on the number of balls you have
available.
Player
Player movement without the ball
Dribble
Pass
Shoot
Rebound
Screen
Coach
Sequence
Cone
Use this key for the drills located on pages 9-30.
FOOTWORK
Proper footwork promotes balance, quickness, and readiness to make something
happen on the court. Being proficient at this will improve a players performance
both offensively and defensively.
Ready Position
Players get into an athletic stance - feet shoulder width apart, arms and
legs bent, and weight shifted slightly forward to the balls fo the feet
Triple Threat Position
Position the basketball in the shooting pocket with shooting elbow over
knee
Provides the player the option to pass, shoot or dribble
Jump Stop
Allows a player to establish a pivot with either foot off a dribble or pass
Leap/jump should be low to the floor (like sitting in a chair), not a high
jump
Both feet hit floor at the same time good balance
Land on floor in triple threat position
Front Pivot and Reverse Pivot
Lift heel, protect ball, stay low, and lead with elbow
Allows a player to pivot in one or more directions by keeping one foot
planted on the ground to move away from defenders, while protecting the
basketball
Footwork Drills
Footwork Line Drills (no basketball required)
1. Players form lines on baseline or sideline two players deep
2. Use cones or mark the court for starting/stopping spots minimum 3
spots
3. No basketball necessary players
dribble and hold imaginary
basketball
Spot #4
4. Players will start/stop on voice

command or whistle
Spot #3
5. Players should stop at each spot with

jump stop and land in triple threat
position
Spot #2
Spot #1
6. Pause between stops/starts to check

for proper balance
7. Second player in line starts as the
preceding player leaves first spot
Rotate the following footwork line drills:

Jump Stop/Triple Threat
Jump Stop/Triple Threat/Right Front Pivot
Jump Stop/Triple Threat/Left Front Pivot
Jump Stop/Triple Threat/Right Reverse Pivot
Jump Stop/Triple Threat/Left Reverse Pivot
Have each player raise his or her hand in the air that coincides with the desired
pivot direction. This will help each player pivot in the correct direction.
Variation: Add basketballs after your players understand the above concepts.
Allow them to practice the above skills after picking up their dribble and receiving
passes.
Pivot Drill (no basketball required)
Players should spread out in your practice area no basketball necessary
Players start in triple threat position, protecting an imaginary basketball
Instruct players to establish a pivot foot
Practice half-turns and front/reverse pivots
Repeat with opposite foot established as the pivot
Variation: Add basketballs and defenders after your players understand the
above concepts. Allow them to practice the above skills after picking up their
dribble and receiving passes.
10
BALL HANDLING AND DRIBBLING

An adept ball handler and dribbler can make things happen on the court.
Mastering these skills can help create open shots, obtain better passing angles,
and lead to fewer turnovers. A great offensive player must be able to handle
the ball!
Dribble with fingers, not palms similar to typing on a keyboard
Proper body position, with knees bent and body flexed at the waist
Keep head up see the court
Protect the basketball use your non-dribbling arm as an arm bar,
meaning sticking it outward with the elbow slightly bent to protect the
dribble from defenders reaching in
Work both hands be able to go right and left
When picking up a dribble, end in triple threat position
Basic Dribbling Skills:

Control Dribble (Use against defensive pressure)
With body turned to the side, dribble basketball near the back knee
Keep the dribble low and compact, below the knees
Non-dribbling arm should be held out in front of the body to protect the ball
from defenders arm bar
11
Speed Dribble (Use to push the ball up the court and on fast break
situations)
Dribble is pushed out in front of the body but controlled
Retreat Dribble (Use to avoid defensive pressure and to keep dribble alive)
Dribble backwards (hop back) to avoid pressure
Dribble requires a change in speed and change in direction
Dribble teaches players not to habitually pick up their dribble when heavy,
defensive pressure is applied
Crossover Dribble (Use to break down a defender; good penetration move)
Dribble must be kept low when crossing over from one hand to another,
keeping it away from the defender
Use head and shoulder fakes to help sell the move
Explode to the basket with speed dribble after the crossover
Spin Dribble (Use to avoid defensive pressure and to dribble by defender)
Pull the basketball through low during the pivot
Keep the basketball in the same hand until completing the pivot
Pivot should be low and quick with head up
Explode to the basket with speed dribble after the whirl pivot
12
Behind the Back Dribble (Use to break down a defender; good penetration
move)
Use head and shoulder fakes to help sell the move
Swing the basketball behind your waist, turning the hips and driving the
ball down with a snap of the wrist
Slap opposite back thigh during the exchange
Ball Handling Drills (team drills)

(one basketball per player or divide your team into two groups)

Ball Slams With feet shoulder-width apart, have players slap the
basketball with fingers spread wide. Players should slam the ball by
alternating their right and left hands.

Fingertip Drill With feet shoulder-width apart, players pass the
basketball from hand to hand in front of the body using only the fingertips.
Move ball from ankles, to knees, to waist, to chest, to head, and to above
head using the fingertips. Encourage players to keep their arms straight.

Leg Wraps With feet shoulder width apart players pass the ball around
their leg. Can also have them dribble around their leg. Have them go
around each leg.

Body Wraps Players pass the ball around their head, then around their
waist and finally around their knees. Then work their way back up.
13
Dribbling Drills
Dribbling Line Drills (three to five basketballs required)
During all dribbling line drills, you
should stand in front of the players to
Turnaround Point
teach, encourage, and evaluate each
players performance.
1. Players form lines on baseline
or sideline (two players deep)
one basketball per line
2. Use cones or chairs to
represent stopping/starting
points or change of-dribble
spots
3. Players will begin the drills in
triple threat position
4. Players will start/stop/change
dribble on voice command or
whistle
5. Pause between stops/starts to
check for balance, arm bar, and if head is up
6. At the turnaround point, require jump stops with pivots
7. Work opposite hand on return dribble
8. Players should end drills with a jump stop, giving the basketball to the
next player in line
14
Rotate the following dribbling line drills:

1. Speed Dribble
2. Speed Dribble/Control Dribble - on command, stationary control dribble
3. Speed Dribble/Retreat Dribble on command, two to three dribbles
backwards against imaginary defender followed by speed dribble
PASSING AND RECEIVING

Passing and receiving a basketball allows a team to effectively move the ball
quickly around the court. A team that has players with strong passing and
receiving skills will spread the defense and be hard to guard.
Passing Teaching Points:
Two hands on the basketball, with fingers on the sides of the ball
Ball in middle of body
Step toward target
Push thumbs through ball and snap wrists, creating backspin on the
basketball
Extend arms completely as you follow through toward target
Receiving Teaching Points:
Both hands up in ready position show a target
Step toward the ball when passed meet the pass and get into triple
threat position
15
Basic Passing Skills

Two-Hand Chest Pass
Basketball is held with two hands
Passer targets the receivers chest area
Passer steps toward their target with either foot as the ball is thrown
Snap the thumbs down extending the arms
Two-Hand Bounce Pass
Basketball is held with two hands
Passer aims for a spot on the floor about two-thirds (a little more than
halfway) of the way to the receiver
Passer targets the receivers mid-section from the bounce
Overhead Pass
Basketball is held with two hands above head
Passer targets the receivers chest area
16
Passing and Receiving Drills

Distance Passing (one basketball for each pair of players)
Be sure to incorporate all three basic passes into this drill.
1. Pair up players and have them face each other six to eight feet apart
2. Instruct players to pass the basketball back and forth using a chest pass
3. After several repetitions, have each player take one to two steps
backwards and continue passing
4. Continue moving players back until they are passing from a challenging
distance
Two Line Passing (two basketballs required)
Two pairs of players can perform this drill
at one time.
Turnaround Point
1. Pair up players and have them face

each other six to eight feet apart
2. Establish a starting and turnaround
point
3. One player in each pair needs a
basketball
4. Using defensive slides, players move
up and then back down the court
5. While sliding, instruct players to pass
the basketball back and forth using a
chest pass
pairs 6-8
6. Players pass the ball immediately

upon receiving the ball
feet apart
pairs 6-8
feet apart
17
Variations: Both players running up and down the court, rather than sliding.
You may also require the receiver to perform a jump stop upon catching the
basketball and immediately passing it to his or her moving partner.
SHOOTING
Shooting Teaching Points:
Square up shoulders to the basket
Ball on fingertips, not palms
Opposite hand should be lightly placed on side of ball (balance/weak hand)
Practice BEEF principles:

Balance Learn to prepare for the shot by stopping with the feet set,
knees slightly bent, ready to jump (good triple threat position)

Elbow - Proper shooting alignment; ball should be directly over the elbow
with the wrist cocked

Eyes - Pick a spot (front of the rim, back of the rim, etc.) and focus on that
target as the shot is being attempted

Follow through - Release the ball smoothly, completely extend the arm,
and snap the wrist, which should create good backspin on the basketball
Shooting Drills
Lay-Up Steps (no basketball required)
Instruct your players to shout STEP-HOP-SHOOT when performing this drill.
Mirror this drill to practice left-handed lay-ups.
1. Allow players to spread out in your practice area, at least four to five feet
apart
18
2. Players start in triple threat position, holding imaginary basketballs with

heads and eyes up on the target
3. On the STEP command, players step with their left foot (right-handed layups)
4. On the HOP command, players raise their right knee and right arm toward
the basket (visualize a string connecting a players right arm and right
leg)
5. On the SHOOT command, players extend their right arm as they shoot an
imaginary ball
Wall Shooting (one basketball per player or divide your team into two
groups)
This is a great drill to keep idle players busy while running a drill on the court that
may not involve your entire team.
1. Player stands about four to five feet away from the wall
2. Help the player find a reasonable shooting target on the wall
3. Player assumes triple threat position
4. Player shoots the ball at the target, concentrating on elbow in and full
extension
5. Player should finish the shot up on his or her toes with proper follow
through, creating good backspin
Variation: If coaching third- through sixth-grade players, allow them to shoot
using only their shooting/strong hand.
19
Two Line Shooting Drills (one or two basketballs required)

Players rotate lines after each turn. After several repetitions shooting from one
side of the goal, change the designation of both lines and shoot from the other
side of the court.
1. Players form two lines opposite the goal in each corner of practice area:
a shooting line and a rebounding line (use cones or chairs to mark a
starting point)
2. Shooting line: Assume triple threat position, showing ready hands to
receive a pass
3. Rebounding line: Players should block out an imaginary defender and
rebound the ball above their head.
4. The player from the rebounding line secures the rebound and dribbles
to a designated cone, makes a good jump stop landing in triple threat
position, and uses proper passing techniques when passing to the next
shooter in line
5. Shooter receives the basketball and performs the drill as instructed by a coach
Rotate the following two line shooting drills:

Lay-ups Stress jumping off
the proper foot and using the
backboard (STEP-HOP-SHOOT)
Rebounding Line
20
Shooting Line

Pull-up Off the Dribble Set a cone
at desired shooting spot (stress good
jump stop and use of backboard when
shooting from appropriate angle)
Rebounding Line
Shooting Line
REBOUNDING
When discussing offensive rebounding, remind players that each shot taken by
a teammate is a pass to them! Second chance points (put-backs) can be a big
contributor to a teams offensive production.
Rebounding Teaching Points:
Defensive player stays between the opponent and the basket
Using a front or reverse pivot, the defensive player pivots and makes
contact with the opponents body when the ball is shot (block out)
Defensive players should yell shot to signal a rebounding opportunity
Hold the block out position momentarily, with the head up and body
facing the goal
Release the block out - be hungry for the basketball
Secure the basketball
Be strong with the basketball, keeping the ball at chin level with elbows out
21
Rebounding Drills
Rebound Outlet Drill no defender (one basketball required)
1. Facing the basket, players form two lines: one at the corner of the freethrow line (elbow), the other at the
foul line extended (wing)
2. Coach stands at the other elbow
with a basketball. Coach throws
the ball off the backboard closest
to him/her
3. First player in line at elbow
catches the rebound with strong
hands, elbows out, and ball to the
chin. He/she then pivots toward
first player in the wing line and throws a two-handed chest pass
4. Player from the wing line passes ball back to the coach
5. Both players swap lines and drill is repeated with second players in each line
Rebound Outlet Drill with defender (one basketball required)
1. Facing the basket, players form two lines: one at each corner of the freethrow line
2. Place one player at each wing area to serve as an outlet receiver
3. The player in the front of each line will turn his back toward the basket
(defensive player), facing the next player in line (offensive player)
4. When the coach shoots the basketball, the defensive players will yell
shot and pivot into the offensive players to obtain a good block out
5. Offensive players cannot move
22
6. Once a defender secures the basketball, he or she will pivot and throw a
crisp overhead outlet pass to an outlet receiver
7. Players rotate from offense/to defense/to outlet receiver/to back of the line
Variations:
Use one line instead of two

When the ball is shot, the offense can move and try to score off a missed shot
DEFENSE
Defense Teaching Points:
Proper defensive stance

Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart
Knees bent, with waist slightly bent forward
Good balance ready to move and slide
Place weight on the inside front of the feet but not on

the toes
Extend arms to the side, slightly bent
Open hands, so palms face the offensive player
Ball/you/basket principle: When the offensive player being

guarded has the ball, the defensive player should stay between
this assigned offensive player with the basketball and the
basket
See the ball at all times
Sprint down the floor on a change of possession, stopping any fast breaks
23
Defense Drills
Defensive Slides (no basketball required)
Focus on players feet sliding (rather than hopping or skipping) and players
maintaining a proper defensive stance. Have fun with this drill! Allow players
to express enthusiasm and desire by slapping the playing floor and yelling
DEFENSE on command. Drill should last 20-30 seconds. Allow short rest and
repeat as desired.
1. Allow players to spread out in practice area, at least four to five feet apart
2. On command, players yell DEFENSE and freeze in the defensive stance
3. On command (either verbal or hand signals), players will slide left, right,
up, and back
Zigzag (no basketball required)
Focus on players making a drop step each time
they turn (rather than crossing their feet) and on
players sliding correctly while maintaining a proper
defensive stance.
1. Form a line of players at one end of your
practice area
2. Set-up cones or chairs in a zigzag pattern,
spaced 10-12 feet apart (minimum 3 spots)
3. On command, the first player in line will
assume the correct defensive stance and will
slide in a zigzag pattern as dictated by the cones or chairs
4. Next player in line starts as the preceding player leaves first spot
5. As each player reaches the final spot, he or she should sprint back to the
end of the line
24
OFFENSIVE PLAYS (3rd-6th Grade Only)

The following offensive plays are provided to help your team with floor spacing
and floor balance. These plays are intended for third- through sixth-grade teams.
However, every teams talent level will vary.
Reminder: View the Skills and Drills videos on the coach section of MyUpward.
org for live demonstrations of the following offensive plays.
Half-Court Sets
Box Set Motion
Scoring Options:
1. Player 5 posting up down on ball-side block
diagram 1
2. Player 4 coming off of low screen

3. Player 3 cutting to the free-throw line

Players 2, 3, 4, and 5 are in the box

offensive set (diagram 1)
Player 1 (point guard) yells MOTION or

GO to start the play (player 1 should keep
dribble alive until making a pass)
Players 4 and 5, who are standing

outside the lane area at the free-throw
line extended areas, will screen down for
players 2 and 3 (diagram 2)
Before the screens occur, players 2 and 3

will take two to three steps toward the lane
area (to set up their defenders) and then
make hard V-cuts to their respective wing
areas (diagram 2)
diagram 2
25
Player 1 will pass the basketball to

player 2 or 3 (assume player 2 in
this example) who will square up to
the basket (diagram 3)
Player 5, post player on the ballside of the court, will post up for
two seconds (diagram 3)
After two seconds, player 5 will

screen away for opposite post
player - player 4 (diagram 3)
As player 5 turns to screen away

for the opposite post player, player
3 will cut toward the free-throw
line and player 1 will fill his or her
spot at the wing (diagram 3)
If a pass cannot be made to player

4 coming off the low screen or to
player 3 on the cut to the lane area,
player 3 will move to the top of the
key area to receive a pass from
player 2 (diagram 4)
26
If the pass is made to player 3 at

the top of the key area, team will
be in the box offensive set again
(diagram 5)
diagram 3
After posting up for

two seconds, player 5
screens away for
player 4.
Scoring
Option #1
diagram 4
Scoring
Option #3
Scoring
Option #2
diagram 5
Box Set (Double Down)
diagram 1
Scoring Options:
1. Player 3 coming off of low screen
2. Player 2 coming off the double screen
Procedure:
1. Players 2, 3, 4, and 5 are in the box
offensive set
2. Player 1 (point guard) yells DOUBLE or
GO to start the play (player 1 should keep
dribble alive until making a pass)
diagram 2
3. Player 1 dribbles to right-side of the goal can go to right or left (diagram 1)

4. As player 1 dribbles to the wing area
(attack zone), player 2 will screen away for
player 3 (diagram 1)
5. Player 3 cuts to the ball-side block area
hoping to receive a pass from player 1
(diagrams 1 and 2)
Scoring
Option #1
6. As player 3 cuts to the ball-side block area,

players 4 and 5 will set a double screen in
the middle of the lane for player 2 (diagram
2)
diagram 3
Scoring
Option #2
7. Player 1 looks for player 2 as he or she

curls around the screen for an open jumpshot (diagram 3)
27
Inbounds Plays
Stack (baseline)
1. All four players line-up straight
across from the player throwing in
the basketball (diagram 1)
diagram 1
2. When the passer slaps the

basketball or yells break, the
players move simultaneously as
follows (diagram 2):

First player in line breaks to

ball-side corner
Second player in line cuts to

opposite block
Third player in line moves

straight down to block area
toward the ball
Fourth player in line takes two

to three steps back, serving as
a safety valve
Reminder: This play can also be used

on the sideline, with players moving in
the same pattern as above.
28
diagram 2
*move on the slap of the ball
Box (baseline)
Each player takes a spot outside the lane

area, with the post players (Players 4 and 5)
at the block areas and the perimeter players
(Players 1 and 2) at the free-throw line
extended areas. Player 3 will throw in the
basketball (diagram 1).
When the passer slaps the basketball or
yells break, the players move as follows:
diagram 1
Box Option #1:

1. Player 5 sets a diagonal screen for Player 1
(diagram 2)
2. Player 1 waits for the screen and moves
toward the basketball to the opposite block
(diagram 2)
3. If Player 1 does not receive the basketball,
he or she continues to the ball-side corner
(diagram 3)
diagram 2
4. Player 4 moves up to set a screen on

Player 5, who cuts down toward the weakside block (diagram 3)
5. Player 4 rolls toward the middle of the lane
after setting the screen (diagram 4)
6. Player 2 serves as a safety valve (diagram 4)
diagram 3
29
diagram 4
Box Option #2:

1. Players 4 and 5 screen up for Players
1 and 2 (diagram 1)
2. If a pass cannot be made to either 1
or 2, they each move to the closest
corner (diagram 2)
3. After setting the screens, Players 4
and 5 should roll back toward the ball
(diagram 2)
diagram 1
diagram 2
30
Box Option #3:
1. All four players will take one to two steps

toward the closest sideline to set up their
defenders (diagram 1)
2. Players 5 and 2 will both cross-screen
for Players 4 and 1 on the weak-side
(diagram 1)
3. After setting a screen, Player 5 will turn
around with ready hands (diagram 2)
diagram 1
4. Player 2 will roll back to ball-side, freethrow line extended area to serve as a
safety valve (diagram 2)
Note: All inbounds plays - Players should use
fakes and jab steps to set up their defenders
and get open. Encourage players coming off a
screen to rub shoulders with the screener. As
the person throwing in the basketball can pass
to any teammate, encourage ready hands.
diagram 2
31
Mid-Practice Huddles (Devotions)

The below chart is designed to assist you as your organize and prepare for your
devotions known as the mid-practice huddle. It shows the virtues and verses
for each group of practices. These will be the focus of your practice devotions.
Practice Number
Practice 1
Practice 2-4
Practice 5-7
Practice 8-10
Last practice of
the season
32
Virtue
Verse
None
(Get to Know
You time)
None (Scripture learning

begins at Practice 2)
Self-Control
Everyone should be quick to

listen. But they should be slow
to speak. They should be slow
to get angry.
James 1:19 (b) (NIrV)
Responsibility
Jesus replied: Love the Lord

your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with
all your mind.
Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
Hope
In this world you will have

trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world.
John 16:33 (b) (NIV)
Gospel
Presentation
For God so loved the world

that he gave his one and only
Son, that whoever believes in
him shall not perish but have
eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
Mid-Practice Huddle Devotion 1

Coach:
Gather the players together and get them to sit in a circle. Go around the
circle and have each player share his/her name and his/her favorite food.
Once everyone has shared their name and favorite food, instruct players with
the following:
We all have our favorite foods. But I wonder what you think about a few other
foods. I want you to give each a thumbs up if you like it or a thumbs down
if you dont. Ready?
Strawberries
Brownies
Popcorn
Broccoli
Squash
Cotton Candy
That was fun! Getting to know each other better is something that well do a lot
of this season. As a team, well work hard to encourage one another to do our
best at practices and games!
As you play games during your Upward Basketball Season, you will be rewarded
afterward with different colored stars that each means something special. Your
actions, attitudes and words on game day will determine what star you will get.
These are the game day stars and what they mean:
The blue star represents EFFORT: What does it mean to show effort? It
means working hard to try your best at all times.
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The gold star represents SPORTSMANSHIP: What does it mean to show

sportsmanship? It means treating the people you play with and against
the same way you want to be treated. You show respect for yourself, your
teammates, opponents, the referees and the coach. You play fair and
follow the rules.
The gray star represents OFFENSE: What should you do when you play
offense? The offense is responsible for scoring points. This means doing
your best while trying to move the ball forward together as a team to score
a basket.
The red star represents DEFENSE: What should you do when you play
defense? The defense is responsible for preventing points from being
scored. This requires staying with the player you are guarding and moving
your feet to stay in good position to prevent a basket.
The white star represents CHRISTLIKENESS: What does it mean to be
Christlike? Being Christlike means to do your best to imitate Jesus in every
way through words, attitude and actions. It means loving others and
following Gods Word in the Bible; choosing God over the temptations in
the world around you.
At each practice we will stop to have a Mid-Practice Huddle. We will learn about
God and learn a verse from the Bible together. During this time you will have a
chance to earn a green star.
The green star represents SCRIPTURE LEARNING: What is a Scripture?
Scriptures are verses from the Bible. How can I learn scripture? At different
practices this season I will give you a practice card that has a Scripture
verse on it. Memorize it, think about it, and talk about it with others. Come
prepared to say it during practice and learn more about it!
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Before we get back to practice, I want to tell you all about a great website that
has been designed just for you! TeamUpward.com is your place to play cool
games, watch fun videos and download free music. One of the best things about
TeamUpward.com is there are videos where a former NBA player instructs you
on how to improve your basketball skills. You really need to check it out.
Our team is going to have a great season! Lets pray and then get back to
practice. (Lead the team in short prayer as you thank God for all the players
and a great season ahead.)

Practice Card Reminder: At the end of this practice, remember to distribute the
practice cards entitled Practice 2.
INTRODUCE:

Virtue: SELF-CONTROL is choosing to do what you should do, not what
you want to do.

Scripture Verse: Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be
slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. James 1:19b (NIrV)
Bottom Line: Pause before you lose your temper
Visual/Object Lesson:
Have you ever lost your temper? Have you ever gotten so mad that you did
something mean to someone or maybe even lost control and broke something
because you were angry? (Wait for a few responses)
If youre like me, the smallest things like a little brother messing with your stuff
or your mom calling you down for dinner for the fourth time can just set you off.
Its not that you try to lose your temper. In fact, once you do, you almost always
feel bad. Because unfortunately, when we lose our tempers, we say or do hurtful
things that we cant take back.
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Who here has a remote control with a pause button on it? So you all know
that a pause button freezes a TV show, movie, or video game so you can grab
a snack or answer the phone. How great would it be if you had a pause button
for life? If you could push pause when your sister drinks the last of the juice?
Or when your mom wont let you go to a friends house? Well, we are going to
talk about pushing a mental pause button so we can choose a better response
before we lose our tempers.
Our Scripture verse for the next few weeks tells us that everyone should be slow
to get angry. In other words, when we feel ourselves start to get angry, God
wants us to pause, take a step back, and choose how we should respond
before we do something we cant take back.
Pausing before you lose your temper is a great way to show self-control. Selfcontrol is choosing to do what you should do, not what you want to do. While
you and I might WANT to lose our tempers in the heat of the moment, its always
better to pause and have self-control.
Two of the best ways to pause before you lose your temper are counting to ten
and taking deep breaths. Lets all practice now. Everyone close your eyes and
think about the last time you got really angry or a situation that usually sets you
off quickly. Now, we are going to all take ten deep breaths. (Demonstrate and
count aloud as you lead your team in counting to ten and breathing deeply.) Ok
open your eyes. Doesnt that feel better? Now you are relaxed enough to look at
the whole situation and choose how you should respond.
Application:
Well one thing is for sure we have ALL lost our tempers at one time or another.
The good news is, we can choose to make a different choice next time. No
matter how frustrated or annoyed or mad we get, there is always the choice
to have self-control. The key is to stop and take a break before we respond.
Instead of reacting, God wants us to make a different choice and pause before
you lose your temper.
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3rd - 6th Grade Only

Interaction Questions:
1. Where do you lose your temper the most? At school? At home? While
playing sports? Who do you lose your temper with the most? Your
parents? Siblings? Friends?
2. What kinds of things do you typically do when you lose your temper?
3. What kinds of things could you choose to do instead after counting to ten
like we did?
Prayer:
Thank god for reminding us how important it is to have self-control.
Tell God we dont want to ruin our relationships just because we cant
control our tempers.
Ask God to help us push the pause button next time we feel frustrated to
show self-control.

COACH: DO NOT DISTRIBUTE PRACTICE CARDS AT THIS PRACTICE
REVIEW:

you want to do.

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Bottom Line: God can give you the power to control yourself.
Have you ever done something while you were mad that you later regretted? Like
maybe you screamed at your sister or threw something across the room in a fit
of anger. And once you did it, did you almost immediately want to take it back?
The second the words flew out your mouth or the toy flew out of your hand, did
you wish for a do-over? Those kinds of reactions happen all the time when we
forget about self-control.
God doesnt want us to live without self-control because he knows that if we
did, wed end up hurting others and hurting ourselves. Instead, he wants us to
be protected. In the book of Proverbs, a man named Solomon had something to
say about self-control. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. And lucky
for us, he recorded some amazingly wise things in this little book almost in the
center of your Bible.
Heres what Solomon had to say in Proverbs 25:28 (NIV) he said, Like a city
whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Back when
Solomon lived, cities were always under attack. Armies of men from neighboring
towns would attack a city and attempt to take it over. As a way to protect
themselves, cities were almost always surrounded by high walls. These walls
served two purposes to keep the bad guys out and to keep the good guys safe
and sound.
So in this verse, Solomon is telling us that a man who doesnt have selfcontrolwho does whatever and says whatever without thinking about the
consequencesis like a city with no walls. He is unprotected. But guess what?
When you DO have self-control you and all your relationships are protected. You
wont hurt yourself or someone else in a way you will regret later.
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Application:
Now you might be saying, thats great and all but how am I supposed to control
myself all the time? What if someone really makes me mad, should I just let him
get away with it? The truth is, we automatically want to take matters into our
own hands. But God wants us to know that HE can give us the power to have
self-control. It isnt easy but we dont have to do it alone. Because of his love for
us, God has made a way for us to have a relationship with him. And once you
have that relationship, he is always with you to guide you and help you make
better choices.
And when you choose to show self-control, you will be protected because you
chose to trust and follow God. Just like a city with high walls surrounding it,
your choice to show self-control will protect you and your relationships with the
people around you.
1. Have you ever had something really hard to do? What was it?
2. Did you turn to God for help? How did or could he have helped you?
3. What are a few ways we could lean on God to help us have self-control?
(pray, memorize Bible verses, seek wisdom from the Bible, etc.)
Prayer:

Tell God we are thankful he doesnt ask us to do things that are impossible.

Tell him we can do anything even show self-control- because he is with us.
Ask God to give us the power this week to show self-control.
Ask God to help us be a city with strong walls because weve chosen selfcontrol.
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REVIEW:

you want to do.

Bottom Line: Select your words carefully
Imagine this: What if every single word you said from the moment you woke up
in the morning until the moment you laid your head on your pillow at the end of
the day was recorded on paper for you to read? Sounds pretty silly right? Okay,
lets take it one step further. What if every single word you said ALL day long was
recorded for your mom and dad to read? Does that make you a little nervous?
Does your head start to spin a little bit thinking about the hurtful or careless
words youve said to someone in the heat of the moment?
If you knew that you would have to stand up at the end of the day and explain
all the words you chose that day, do you think youd be more careful about the
words you choose? Do you think youd actually think BEFORE you speak? My
guess is yes! Absolutely!
Now think about it another way. When you say hurtful things, what happens?
When someone makes you mad and you lash out with mean words, how does it
affect the other person? How does to change your relationship?
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Application:
In our Scripture verse, James wisely says that we should all be slow to speak.
In other words, we should stop and think about what we say before we say it.
But so many times, we speak without thinking, dont we? We react in an angry
or hurtful way and immediately wish wed chosen different wordsor no words
at all! Because hurtful words have the power to wound. Helpful words have the
power to heal. When we choose hurtful words, we ruin our relationships and tear
each other down. When we choose helpful words, we strengthen friendships and
build each other up.
We have the power to choose words that wound or words that heal. So the next
time you start to speak out of anger or frustration, stop yourself. Remember
what your words have the power to do. Remember to think before you speak
and choose your words carefully.
1. What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you? How did/does it
make you feel?
2. What is the most hurtful thing anyone has ever said to you? How did/does
it make you feel?
3. How would your life be different if you chose to only say helpful words?
Prayer:
Tell God we want to honor him with our words.
Ask him to help us think before we speak and choose our words carefully.
Tell him we want to choose helpful words, not hurtful words.
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INTRODUCE:

Virtue: RESPONSIBILITY is showing you can be trusted with whats
expected of you.

Scripture Verse: Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 (NIV)
Bottom Line: I can be trusted when I put God first
Do you ever want to be first? First in line. First one in the pool. First in the car so
you can get the window seat. First one down the stairs on Christmas morning.
First picked for the team. First to score a goal. I would guess that if you could
choose your place in any situation, you would almost always choose the first
spot!
If were completely honest with ourselves, we want to win. Nobody wants to lose.
And that drive to win will serve us well on the court. But this me-first attitude
could also get us in trouble. If we let it, the race for first might lead us to do some
things we wouldnt normally do. We might cheat to gain an advantage. Or lie to
get ahead. We might hurt a friendship or a relationship with a sibling if were
always fighting to be first.
For the next few practices, were going to talk about responsibility. Responsibility
is showing you can be trusted with whats expected of you.
Now you might be thinking, what does responsibility have to do with being first?
Well, lets talk about that for a minute.
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What happens if you only look out for yourself? What happens if you knock your
brother over on the way to the car? What happens if you cheat to get the best
grade on a spelling test? What happens if you take off for a cannonball into the
pool without watching where youre going?
In all of these scenarios, somebody is bound to get hurt. And in each of these
situations, the drive to be first or to win causes others to not be able to trust you.
Application:
You see, when it comes to being first, theres something you and I need to
remember. When you are always trying to be first, you end up losing the trust
of everyone around you. But when you put God first, you begin making choices
that prove you can be trusted.
Think about it, what would happen if you thought about how God wants you to
treat your brother before blowing past him on the way to sit in the best seat?
What if you first thought about how God would want you to act when taking a
spelling test or our next basketball game? What would happen if you took a
second to think about how God would want you to behave and treat others at
the swimming pool before jumping in full force?
Chances are, youll begin to make choices that honor God. Instead of pushing
your way to the front, you might see a friend thats always overlooked and give
him the first spot. Instead of being tempted to cheat in order to get ahead, you
might remember the consequences and what God has to say about honesty. If
you want to be given more responsibility and to be seen as someone that can be
trusted, the quickest way to get there is to put God first and follow what he would
want you to do. Because you can be trusted when you put God first.
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1. What does it mean to put God first?
2. Name a few ways you could put God first at home or school.
3. Name a few ways you could put God first in our practices and games.
Prayer:
Tell God we want to be trusted.
Ask God to help us put him first as we earn the right to have more
responsibility.
Tell God we want to honor him in the choices we make instead of always
trying to win or be first.

REVIEW:

expected of you.

Bottom Line: I can be trusted when I make the most of what God has given to
me. (Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30)
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Have you ever had anyone tell you that you have a natural talent for something?
Maybe you can draw or maybe you can hear a melody once and play it back
on the piano from memory. Maybe you love to build things and have a knack
for figuring out how things fit together. Maybe youre really great at basketball!
Whatever your skill or talent might be, did you ever think about what would
happen if you DIDNT use it? If you knew you had a talent and you chose to do
nothing with it?
Theres a story in the book of Matthew that Jesus told about three men. Their
boss decided to go on a journey so he gave each of them part of his money. Lets
say to the first guy, he gave 50 dollars. To the second, he gave 20 dollars and to
the last he gave 10. Now the first two men were smart. They went out and used
the money in a way that doubled it! So the first man ended up with 100 dollars
while the second ended up with 40.
But guess what the last guy did with his 10 dollars? He buried it! Now, if you
were that master, who would you be frustrated with? The two men that doubled
your money or the one who buried it in the ground? Thats right the guy who
buried your money.
Application:
So what does this story have to do with you and me? Why would Jesus choose
to tell it? Well, in this particular story the master is our Heavenly Father and
the money is the gifts and talents that God has given us. If you have a knack
for art, or writing, or music or basketball, or anything else, God wants you to use
those gifts not bury them and act like they dont exist.
See the master in this story was proud of the men who chose to use his money.
And because they proved they could be trusted with a little, their master said he
would trust them with more in the future.
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Our ultimate responsibility, as our verse says, is to love the Lord with all our
heart, our soul, and our mind. When we first love God with everything weve
have, its only natural for us to choose to use the gifts and talents God has given
us. When we do that, we show him that we can be trusted with more and more.
This is true for me. I know that I can be trusted, when I make the most of what
God has given to me. And once you discover the unique gifts and abilities God
has given to you, you will be trusted with more, too.
1. What abilities do you think God has given to you?
2. What abilities do you see in your teammates, friends, or family?
3. Name a few ways we can use the abilities we mentioned in a way that
would make God proud.
Prayer:
Thank God for reminding us today that he has given us unique gifts and
abilities.
Ask God to help us discover what our gifts and talents are and how to best
use them to make him happy.

REVIEW:

expected of you.
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Bottom Line: I can be trusted when I choose to help others
Ever wish you were older? Old enough to drive a car? Old enough to make your
own decisions? Old enough to stay up as late as you want? Or how about this?
Maybe you wish your parents would just see that you ARE able to take care of
yourself and give you more responsibility.
The truth is that responsibility goes hand-in-hand with trust. When youve proven
you can be trusted, youre given more responsibility. Maybe your mom or dad
waited to see if you could take care of the neighbors dog for the weekend
before agreeing to get you a dog of your own. Maybe you had to prove that you
could handle riding your bike in your own cul-de-sac before your mom would
let you ride to your friends house down the street. Whatever the privilege or
responsibility, chances are you had to prove that you could be trusted first.
Name some responsibilities that youve been given around the house. (examples
taking out the trash, cleaning your room, finishing your homework, feeding
the dog)
What happens if these responsibilities arent met? (examples the trash piles
up, your room is a total disaster, you get in trouble with your teacher, the dog
howls all night because hes hungry)
Now name some things youre responsible for that help someone else?
(examples helping your brother with his homework, feeding the neighbors
dog while theyre out of town, help your mom carry in the groceries)
Application:
The best way to be given bigger responsibilities is to follow through and do what
youre asked to do. But Ill take it one step further. One BIG way you can show
youre ready for more responsibility is by helping others.
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Think about it, when you choose to help your brother with his homework, when
you choose to help your neighbor by feeding his dog or when you choose to
help your mom by carrying the groceries, youre showing others that they are
more important than you. When you are willing to sacrifice your own time to
help someone else, you show them that you really care about their needs. And
when you do, you show that you can be trusted and that you are responsible.
Who can remember our Scripture verse? (ask players to say aloud) Right after
that verse, Jesus also says you should love your neighbor as yourself. It
is our responsibility, given by God to love HIM first, and then also love our
friends and neighbors. So look for ways this week to help those around you.
Seek out opportunities to make someones day a little easier and watch your
responsibilities grow because you can be trusted when you choose to help and
love others.
1. What are some ways you have helped others in the past?
2. How could we all help each other on this team?
3. Why does it show responsibility when we help others?
Prayer:
Ask God to help us find ways we can help those around us this week,
Thank him for loving us.

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INTRODUCE:

Virtue: HOPE is believing that something good can come out of something
bad.

Scripture Verse: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I
have overcome the world. John 16:33 (b) (NIV)
Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember God has a bigger story
Anybody here like to work on puzzles? (pause for responses) When you work
on a puzzle, whats the first thing you do? (pause for responses) I would guess
that at some point you take a long hard look at the picture on the front of the
box. Then maybe you pull out all the edge pieces and lay them out to create the
frame. Or maybe you like to wing it and just start throwing pieces together till
something fits.
The truth is our lives are like big puzzles. Every day in our lives is a piece of a big
puzzle. On good days, the piece seems to fit perfectly. After all, everyone loves
a good day. But what about the bad days? What about the difficult situations?
How do we make those pieces fit into our puzzles? If we could see the box lid or
the full picture of our lives, we might choose to take out the pieces we dont like
the hard stuff, the difficult days, the mistakes well later regret. But we cant
see the picture on the box. We are only given one piece at a time.
Application:
And guess what? Did you know that God has a bigger story, too? In fact, his
story is WAY bigger and WAY better than ours. We can be a part of it because
of what hes done for us. Because God sent his one and only Son to save us, we
can have a relationship with God. And guess what? God holds the puzzle box lid.
He knows what the whole picture looks like. And when we believe and trust that
God knows where every piecegood and badfits, its easier to believe that
something good can come out of something bad. Thats what hope is and thats
what we will be talking about over the next few weeks.
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So when you have a hard day, remember, God has a bigger story. He is in
control and his story is bigger and better than anything we can imagine. Once
we choose to trust him, we can have hope that things will get better.
1. Has there been or is there now something in your life that doesnt seem
to fit? That doesnt make sense?
2. What does it mean to be a part of Gods bigger story?
3. Does it give you hope to know that God sees the picture of your whole life
and even more? Why or why not?
Prayer:
Thank god for allowing us to be a part of his Big Story.
Ask God to help us remember that even when things go wrong, he is still
in control.

Coach: If this is your last practice of the season, DO NOT use this devotion.
Instead, use the devotion entitled Last Practice found on page 54 and also
distribute the practice cards entitled Last Practice to each player. If this
is NOT your last practice, use the following devotion and do not distribute
practice cards.
INTRODUCE:
bad.
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Bottom Line: Whatever happens, remember God is stronger than anything.
Whos your favorite superhero? Is it Batman? What about Iron Man? What about
Superman or Captain America? Heres another question, if you could have ANY
super power what would it be?
Maybe you like Batman and Iron Man because of all their cool toys. Maybe you
wish you could run and jump from building to building and shoot crazy webs like
Spiderman. Maybe you wish you could fly or turn things into ice or walk through
walls. It would be pretty amazing to be able to do any of those things wouldnt it?
Application
Its fun to dream about super powers but the truth is, well never be as powerful
or strong as the superheroes we read about in comic books or watch in movies.
But guess what? There is someone real who is more powerful than any imaginary
superhero! Our Heavenly Father can do ANYTHING! He has the power to create
oceans and mountains and you and me. But he doesnt stop there. Through
Jesus he performed miracle after miracle and just when we think he cant get
any more powerful, God showed he was even more powerful than death when
he raised Jesus from the dead.
You see, everyones sin was getting in the way of our relationship with God so
God decided to do something about it. He sent Jesus to take the punishment for
our sin by dying on the cross. And then, just in case we didnt already know how
powerful he is, God raised Jesus from the dead three days later! Thats why its
so easy to have hope when we trust in God. Because whatever happens, God is
stronger than anything!
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1. What are some things that have happened to you or someone you know
that you dont think you are strong enough to handle or overcome?
2. When those things happen, what are some ways we can find hope in
God?
3. How could it change your outlook on life if you knew that God was
stronger than any situation?
Prayer:
Tell God we do believe he is more powerful than any situation we may
face.
Tell God we are so thankful that he send his son Jesus.
Thank God for being powerful enough to bring Jesus back to life so that
we can have HOPE.

Coach: If this is your last practice of the season, DO NOT use this devotion.
Instead, use the devotion entitled Last Practice found on page 54 and also
distribute the practice cards entitled Last Practice to each player. If this
is NOT your last practice, use the following devotion and do not distribute
practice cards.
INTRODUCE:

bad.
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Bottom Line: Whatever happens, tell others what God has done
Hope is an interesting word. We hope for a lot of things. We hope we do well
on a big test. We hope our mom or dad remembers to pack a dessert with our
lunches. We hope our team will have a winning season. We hope the teacher
will forget about that spelling test. But theres more to hope than just making a
three point shot or chocolate chip cookies.
Hope is more than the silly things we wish for. Real hopehope that things will
turn out all right in the endonly comes from one place: a relationship with
God. In John 16:33, it says, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!
I have overcome the world.
In this world, we will have troubleguaranteed. We can all think of situations
in our own lives that have been hard or that you wish were different. Maybe
your dad has recently lost his job. Maybe youve been having a hard time in a
certain subject in school and you cant see how youll pass the class. Maybe your
parents are fighting and you wonder if theyll be okay. While I cannot guarantee
that these specific situations will work outafter all, thats the trouble this verse
is referring toI can guarantee one thing. God is still in control, despite the
circumstances we might faceafter all, he has already overcome the world!
Application:
Because of what we have seen God do in the Bible, in our own lives and in the
lives of others, we can have hopereal hopeeven when things are bad. Hope
is believing something good can come out of something bad. And while you and
I may not be able to see the good that will come out of a bad situation, we can
certainly tell others about the amazing things we have seen God do.
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Since we know and believe that Gods story is so much bigger than just today
and because we have seen how God is more powerful than anything we can give
others hope. We know that in the end, God wins! He sent his one and only Son to
save us and now we can live forever in heaven with him. He promises to make all
things right in the end if we choose to trust him. And that is definitely something
to talk about. So remember whatever happens, tell others what God has done.
1. Has anyone ever cheered you up when you were down? How?
2. Do you know someone who is going through a hard time right now?
Would you like to share?
3. How would it help them if you shared what you have seen God do?
Prayer:
Tell God we are thankful for his love and that he gives us HOPE.
Ask God to help us be bold to tell others about what he has done for us.
Mid-Practice Huddle Last Practice of the Season

last practice card to your players.
Bottom Line: God loves you and gave us Jesus to trust and follow.
INTRODUCE:
You are part of Gods Big Story!
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Scripture Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life. John 3:16 (NIV)
Introduction:
Weve had a GREAT season! Its been so much fun watching each of you become
better players and better friends with each other! Weve learned a lot about
basketballbut weve also learned a lot about ourselves and about others.
Think about the things that weve learned during our huddle time this year. Do
you remember the three virtues weve discussed? What were they?
(Allow players to answer the question.)
First we learned about Self-Control. Self-control is choosing to do what you
should do, not what you want to do. This includes taking a moment to pause
before we lose our temper when we get angry. It also means choosing our words
carefully before we speak, especially when were mad. God wants us to turn to
him in those times when we feel like we are losing self-control.
Then we learned about Responsibility. Responsibility is showing you can be
trusted with whats expected of you. When we make wise choices and put God
first, thats when we can be trusted. We also should use the talents and gifts God
gave us so we can be trusted even more. We can also show were responsible
when we choose to help others.
We also learned about Hope. Hope is believing that something good can come
out of something bad. We learned that no matter what happens to us, we can
know that God is stronger than any superhero and that we have Hope in knowing
that God has a bigger story planned for each of us. He wants us to not only know
this story for ourselves, but to tell others about it as well.
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Listen to this weeks verse, For God so loved the world that he gave his one
and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)
We have all made mistakes. The Bible tells us that because of sin, we are
separated from God. But because God loves us so much, he provides a way
back to him. Our verse teaches us that this way is through his son, Jesus. He
sent his only Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life on earth and then pay the price
for all of our sins on the cross. And because of that act of forgiveness, we can
be with God forever.
Ive got something else to tell you. Did you know that you are part of Gods BIG
STORY? Thats righthe has a BIG STORY and each one of you are in it! You will
learn more about that BIG STORY at the awards celebration. Its gonna be great!
Lets pray to God and thank him for all hes done for us.
Prayer:
Thank God for an awesome season!
Thank God for teaching us about Self-Control, Responsibility and Hope.
Thank God for sending his son Jesus for each one of us and always
forgiving us when we mess up.
56
Section Two:
Games
57
Section Two: Games
Rules for Upward Basketball

Game Format
A referee leads both teams in prayer at center court before every game.

K5 division games will consist of six 4-minute segments and an 8-minute
halftime. All other divisions will play six 6-minute and an 8-minute halftime.
Games consist of two 18-minute halves and an eight-minute halftime.
A coin toss or other impartial method determines which team receives
possession first. In jump-ball situations, possessions will alternate.
During each segment the clock runs continuously stopping only at the end
of each segment for predetermined substitutions.
No timeouts are used in Upward Basketball.
At the end of each segment, the team that receives the ball next is based
upon the direction of the possession arrow. Therefore, an end-of-theperiod shot is encouraged.
Teams switch goals at halftime.
No scores are kept in the K5 or first- and second-grade divisions.
Any games ending in a tie should remain a tie.
No division standings are maintained in any division.
Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines and encourage their players
without stepping in the playing area. K5 coaches are allowed on the court
with the players.
All coaches will adhere to the substitution system (for more information
on the substitution system, see your coach training guide or visit
MyUpward.org).
58
Section Two: Games
Rules for Play

Except where the rules unique to Upward apply, play is governed by the National
Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Rules Book (website: www.
nfhs.org).
1. Man-to-man defense will be played at all times. Zone defenses are not
allowed.
2. Defensive players must stay within arms reach of the player theyre
guarding. (Isolation plays are not part of Upward Basketball because they
take away the opportunity for improvement for all players and contradict
the spirit of the rules. This prevents defenders from sagging or crowding
an area of the court to gain a defensive advantage.)
3. Double-teaming is not allowed. Help defense is strongly encouraged in
the following instances:

Picks and Screens: Defensive switching is allowed on offensive picks
or screens. The non-screened defender can help his or her teammate
by temporarily switching until the teammate recovers to defend their
offensive player. This is commonly referred to as help and recover.

Fast Breaks: During any fast break (when the team that gains
possession of the ball pushes it quickly into the opponents end of
the court, hoping to get a good shot off before the other team has a
chance to set up on defense), another defensive player not assigned to
the ball handler may help in order to slow or stop the fast break. Upon
stopping the fast break, defenders should return to guarding their
assigned players.

Lane Area: If a defender is in the lane, and the player he or she is
guarding is within arms reach, the defender is allowed to provide help
defense.
59
Section Two: Games
4. At the beginning of each segment, both coaches should lineup the

players at mid-court and match them up by ability without giving verbal
cues. If both coaches and referees foresee a match-up problem due to
position and height, players can be shuffled around to create a better
game situation.
5. Full-court presses are not allowed. Defensive players may not guard their
opponents in the backcourt.
6. Backcourt violation will not be called due to the shortness of the court
in cross-court play. However, if playing full court on a regulation-size
court (84 feet), this violation should be called.
7. The offense must purposefully attack the defense in every situation
no stalling. After a warning from the referee, a violation will be called
resulting in a turnover.
8. Referees will call and explain all violations. The detail of explanations will
vary according to the age group and understanding of the players and
should decrease as the season progresses.
9. When possible, referees will advise players of potential violations before
the violation occurs.
10. The three second restriction (lane violation) should not be called in the
kindergarten or first- and second-grade divisions. However, coaches and
referees should encourage offensive movement in and out of the lane
area.
11. No technical fouls or protest of games.
12. No score will be given for a basket in the wrong goal. The offensive team
will be able to retain possession via an inbounds play.
60
Section Two: Games
13. A player committing two fouls in one segment must sit out the
remainder of that segment. The next player in the rotation comes in as
the substitute. This does not change the normal rotation, because the
fouled-out player does not come back into the game until scheduled to
do so. The player who comes in as a substitute gains extra playing time.
This extra time does not affect the predetermined substitution system.
Note: In a second foul situation, when a team only has five players
at a game, replace the substitution rule with a two-point penalty by
awarding the fouled team two additional points. The opposing team
then takes possession.
14. Non-shooting fouls result in the ball being taken out on the side by the
offended team (no bonus rule). All shooting fouls result in free throws.
Note: In the K5 division, no fouls result in free throw attempts. After a
foul is called, play will continue inbounds at the spot of the foul.
15. The game clock runs continuously, with the following rules going into
effect when fewer than two minutes remain in the game:
Non-shooting fouls result in the offensive team getting one point and the ball.

Shooting fouls result in the offensive team scoring two points. The
opposing team then takes possession.
Players fouled in the act of shooting and making the basket are
credited with the basket plus one point. The opposing team then takes
possession.
K5 Rules Modifications
Players participating in your K5 age division are new to the basic concepts of
basketball and are also developing motor skills needed to play the game. With
this in mind, Upward Sports has developed some rule modifications specifically
for this age division. These modifications are found in areas of the game format
as well as some common basketball adjustments. The chart below details
different areas of basketball to show what is allowed for each age division:
61
Section Two: Games
RULE
SCORE IS KEPT
NO
Stealing of ball from dribbler allowed
NO
Stealing of pass allowed
NO
Violation called for two hands on the

ball while dribbling
NO
Double dribbling (stopping and

restarting) resulting in a turnover
No
(Called but not a
turnover)
Traveling called resulting in a turnover
No
(Called but not a
turnover)
Feet shuffling during shot set-up called

as a travel
NO
Fast breaks allowed off loose balls,

muffed passes or dribbles
NO
Fast breaks allowed off of made baskets

and/or rebounds
NO
3-second violation
NO
Backcourt violation called
NO
Coaches
62
K5
Allowed on court
with players
Section Two: Games
1st-2nd Grade
3rd-4th Grade
5th-6th Grade
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
YES
YES
NO
Yes, unless playing

cross court
Yes, unless playing

cross court
Allowed to walk
sidelines
Allowed to walk
sidelines
Allowed to walk
sidelines
63
Section Two: Games
Week ____
Players Name
Week ____
Players Name
64
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Game
Day
Stars
Game
Day
Stars
Section Two: Games
Week ____
Players Name
Week ____
Players Name
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Game
Day
Stars
Game
Day
Stars
65
Section Two: Games
Week ____
Players Name
Week ____
Players Name
66
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Game
Day
Stars
Game
Day
Stars
Section Two: Games
Week ____
Players Name
Week ____
Players Name
first Half
18 min
12 min
Second Half
6 min
first Half
18 min
12 min
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
6 min
18 min
12 min
6 min
Game
Day
Stars
Game
Day
Stars
67
Section Two: Games
Week ____
Players Name
Week ____
Players Name
68
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Game
Day
Stars
Game
Day
Stars
Section Two: Games
Week ____
Players Name
Week ____
Players Name
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
first Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Second Half
18 min
12 min
6 min
Game
Day
Stars
Game
Day
Stars
69
Section Two: Games
70
Name
Game 2
Game 3
Game 4
Game 5
Game 6
Blue (B): Effort

Gold (Go): Sportsmanship
Gray (Gr): Offense
Red (R): Defense
White (W): Christlikeness
Game 1
Use a pencil to record the color of star that the players receive each game.
STAR DISTRIBUTION FORM

Game 7
Game 8
Section Two: Games
71
Section Two: Games
72

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Basketball Playbook

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Upward Basketball

2012 Upward Unlimited.

Upward and Upward Basketball are registered trademarks of Upward Unlimited.

Section one: Practice

Section two: Games

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Suggested Practice Chart

Get to know each other

Footwork (see page 8)

Re-introduce players and

Footwork (see page 8)

Review traveling double

Passing and Receiving

Review defensive rules

Rebounding (see page 22)

Discuss practice focus

Review all rules as a

Review the last game and

Work on both offense and

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Skills & Drills

Section One: Practice

Skills and Drills

Many of the drills described in this

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

4. Players will start/stop on voice

5. Players should stop at each spot with

6. Pause between stops/starts to check

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Rotate the following footwork line drills:

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

BALL HANDLING AND DRIBBLING

Basic Dribbling Skills:

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Ball Handling Drills (team drills)

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Rotate the following dribbling line drills:

PASSING AND RECEIVING

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Basic Passing Skills

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Passing and Receiving Drills

1. Pair up players and have them face

6. Players pass the ball immediately

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook

Section One: Practice

Upward Basketball Coach Playbook