The NBA & USA basketball recently released recommendations to make the game better, more enjoyable and more accessible to develop best practices for young players. The intent is to create an age-appropriate set of rules and standards that prioritize skill and development and health and wellness and that also allow kids to have early success in the sport.

The recommendations include:

• Lower rims – eight-foot baskets for ages 7-8 and nine-foot baskets for ages 9-11 when possible. Lower rims will help develop proper shooting form and increase the chances of success, according to USA Basketball and the NBA.
• The groups recommend using a basketball 27½ inches in circumference for ages 7-8 and 28½ inches for ages 9-11. For girls 12-14 and grades 9-12, the recommendation is a 28½-inch basketball for girls and a 29½-inch basketball for boys.
• No three-point scoring for players 11 years old and younger.
• A 24-second shot clock for high school players and a 30-second shot clock for players 12-14 years old.
• No zone defense for players 11 and under.

The Just Hoops coaching staff sat down & discussed their reaction to the news coming from the NBA & USA basketball. Click on the following link to listen to our reaction via SoundCloud

Just Hoops Reaction to NBA, USA Basketball Recommendations