1st / 2nd Grade PAL Basketball Rules

General Setup: 

• Hoops are lowered all the way down

• Teams are 4 on 4.

• Youth size basketball (28.5)

• 7 minute quarters, running time, 1 minute between periods, 5 minute halftime

• Automatic time out at 3 ½ minutes of each quarter (substitutions)

• Coaches should ref their own games.  Get an assistant to corral your bench players.  Get a parent to run the clock.

Points of Emphasis

• Playing Time should be divided equally among all players.

• Defense: Emphasis should be on fun and safety.  Teams should play man-to-man defense:  match up before the jump ball, halftime, and each substitution.  Try to slow the kids down, and dial back the defense to encourage some offensive play if necessary, otherwise it can be less fun.  Hands up in passing lanes.  Emphasize moving feet for defensive position and avoid reaching.  Players should stay between the player they are guarding and the basket.  Discourage physical contact.

  • There is no stealing off the dribble, unless the offensive player CLEARLY loses control of the ball on their own and not due to interference from the defensive player.

  • Shot blocking not allowed - tell the kids to play shot defense with feet on the ground and hands straight up.  

  • Defense can steal the pass, but players should be instructed to focus more on staying between their man and the basket vs. defending passing lanes.  Use your discretion here.

• Fouls/Violations, Speed of Play: Coaches will referee their games each week.  

  • When fouls and violations are called, coaches should use them as “teachable moments,” explaining the rules if necessary and how to avoid the foul/violation in the future, without interrupting the flow of the game too much.  

  • Violations NOT CALLED: Backcourt, 10-second count, 3 second/lane violations, (however this should be part of the teaching that bigger players can not just hang out in the lane).

  • Traveling violations: Coach/Referee will be lenient in calling traveling violations to keep the flow of the game going.  However, excessive traveling or carrying the ball should be called.

  • Double dribbles should be called, however the ball can be given back to the offending team.

  • Coaches should try to slow the game down and limit the physical contact.

• Score: Try to emphasize the goal of playing to learn and being a good teammate rather than playing to win.  The time clock provided will show the time, but no score.  Keeping score at the Grade 1/2 level for all to see is not something we have done.  Kids usually know the score anyway.

• Keep Grade 1/2 players, coaches, and parents focused on fun.  Please use your discretion carefully.  Seek consensus from the other coach on calling the game given the level of play.  If a lesser skilled player turns the ball over, consider keeping possession and just inbound the ball on the side.  

• Inbounds:  NO FULL COURT PRESS.  Over the half court or under the basket, allow plenty of space to allow the offense to inbound the ball cleanly

  • Once a shot is attempted by Team A, and rebounded or possession is given to Team B, Team A must get back past half court to allow Team B to bring the ball up court.