The NBA and USA Basketball are trying to change the way that the development of young basketball players is approached. On Tuesday morning, the two sides teamed up to announce a new set of rules and standards that will look to aid in the on-court development of children from four unique age groups.
Children ages 7-8, 9-11, 12-14, and grades 9-12 are all broken up into similar age groups, with the hopes that fundamentals can be built when children are getting into the game and developed as they age. The new guidelines touch on a number of different aspects of the game, from the size of the basketballs that children use to how things like defense and three-point shooting are taught at the youngest levels.
Per a release sent out by the NBA and USA Basketball, here are some of the highlights of the new rules, broken down by age groups.
- Ages 7-8: Small basketballs (27.5-inch circumference), eight-foot hoops (when possible), no zone defense, equal playing time for all players, no three pointers.
- Ages 9-11: Slightly larger basketballs (28.5-inch circumference), nine-foot hoops (when possible), no zone defense, equal playing time for the game’s first three quarters, no three pointers
- Ages 12-14: A 30-second shot clock (when possible).
- Grades 9-12: A 24-second shot clock (when possible). Additionally, all recommendations at this level come via FIBA’s rules, which have been adopted by the NBA and USA Basketball.
The complete guidelines for all young players can be viewed here. Things like the size of the court and their free throw lines are impacted as players move up in age, as are things like time out rules and how possessions are determined at the start of games.
In a statement, USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley said “These standards are meant to help coaches and administrators incorporate best practices into their teams and programs according to grade level. The experience for the participant is the most important thing, and we want to make sure children have the opportunity to play basketball in a fun and safe environment that encourages proper development. Regardless of whether a program or team can adopt some or all of the recommendations today, or this year, or in the next few years, USA Basketball and the NBA are committed to encouraging the use of these standards in youth programs throughout the country.”
