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The following are playing time guidelines based on grade of USA Basketball, the #1 Resource for Youth Basketball Coaching.

The information below can be found at the Youth Guidelines section of USA Basketball.

PLAYING SEGMENT: AGES 7-8 / Grades 1, 2, & 3

PLAYING TIME: Equal playing time

SET DEFENSE: Only player-to- player defense throughout the competition

PRESSING DEFENSE: Pressing is not allowed throughout the competition

DOUBLE-TEAM /CROWDING: Double-team / crowding is not allowed throughout the competition

STEALING FROM THE DRIBBLER: Stealing from a dribbler is not allowed throughout the competition

PLAYING SEGMENT: AGES 9-11 / Grades 4, 5 & 6

PLAYING TIME: Equal playing time in periods 1-3. Coaches discretion in the 4th period and each extra period

SET DEFENSE:

  • Only player-to-player defense throughout the competition
  • Player-to-player defense may be extended full court in the 4th period and each extra period
  • Leading team may not extend the defense over half court when leading by 25 points or more

DOUBLE-TEAM /CROWDING: Double-team/crowding is not allowed throughout the competition. Coach’s discretion throughout the competition.

STEALING FROM THE DRIBBLER: Coach’s discretion throughout the competition.

PLAYING SEGMENT: AGES 12-14 / Grades 7 & 8

PLAYING TIME: Coach’s discretion throughout the competition.

SET DEFENSE:

  • All allowed throughout the competition at coach’s discretion
  • Pressing allowed throughout the competition
  • Leading team may not press when leading by 25 points or more

DOUBLE-TEAM /CROWDING: Allowed throughout the competition at coach’s discretion.

STEALING FROM THE DRIBBLER: Coach’s discretion throughout the competition.

PLAYING SEGMENT: GRADES 9-12

PLAYING TIME: Coach’s discretion throughout the competition

SET DEFENSE:

  • All allowed throughout the competition at coach’s discretion.
  • Pressing allowed throughout the competition.
  • Leading team may not press when leading by 25 points or more.

DOUBLE-TEAM /CROWDING: Allowed throughout the competition at coach’s discretion.

STEALING FROM THE DRIBBLER: Coach’s discretion throughout the competition.