G-League Rules & Guidelines Per Division
League Rules:
Hustle G-League: Bridging Fun and Competitive Basketball for Youth Excellence
Hustle G-League combines the best of recreation and competitive basketball for players of all skill levels who love the game and strive to improve. By incorporating USA Basketball guidelines, we promote health, wellness, and consistent play standards. Our mission is to create a youth basketball environment that prioritizes well-being, personal growth, and enjoyment.
Basketball stands tall as the champion of youth sports, captivating millions of young enthusiasts. The court is more than just a place to play—it’s a playground for personal growth, camaraderie, self-belief, leadership, and physical vitality. Despite its widespread appeal, basketball has often lacked a comprehensive playbook for health and wellness.
The Hustle Basketball G-League addresses the early obsession with winning and the need for a clear roadmap for players. We ensure that every player not only thrives but also enjoys their journey in the game, fostering their growth and love for basketball every step of the way.
Join us to experience a program that balances competition with personal development, making basketball more rewarding than ever. The Hustle G-League is your path to excellence, where passion meets progress.
League rules take input from USA Basketball recommendations.
If you have any questions regarding the rules, please email info@hustlebasketball.com
Our volunteer coaches and paid trainers are dedicated to embodying and promoting the philosophies and focus areas of our Hustle G-League
Points of emphasis per age division:
7U DIVISION
Here are three important principles that every 6 and 7-year-old should leave with after a season in the Hustle G-League:
- Fun and Positive Experience: Above all else, the youth basketball experience for 6 and 7-year-olds should be fun and positive. Coaches should focus on creating an environment where kids enjoy coming to practice and playing games. Positive reinforcement, encouragement, and a love for the game should be instilled in each child. Building a strong foundation of passion for basketball at this age is essential.
- Basic Skills Mastery: Emphasize fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. Ensure that every child leaves with a basic understanding of these skills. Drills and practices should be age-appropriate and focused on building muscle memory. Mastery of these skills forms the cornerstone for future success and enjoyment in basketball.
- Teamwork and Sportsmanship: Teach the importance of teamwork, sharing, and good sportsmanship from the very beginning. Encourage players to work together, support each other, and show respect for coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials. These values are not only essential in basketball but also in life.
9U DIVISION
As children progress to the 8 and 9-year-old age group, it's important to build upon the foundational principles established earlier while introducing more advanced concepts. Here are three essential principles for 8 and 9-year-olds in Hustle G-League:
- Skill Progression: Continue to emphasize skill development, but now introduce more advanced techniques such as layups, defensive positioning, and basic team strategies. Ensure that players leave the season with improved proficiency in these skills, building on the fundamentals they learned in previous years.
- Game Understanding: Teach players the basics of game strategy, including positioning, spacing, and the importance of teamwork on both ends of the court. Help them understand the rules and flow of the game, as well as how to make smart decisions under pressure. Encourage players to think strategically and adapt to different game situations.
- Character Development: Beyond basketball skills, focus on character development. Promote values like resilience, discipline, and accountability. Teach them the importance of hard work and perseverance, instilling a growth mindset that will serve them not only in basketball but in all aspects of life.
11U DIVISION
For 10 and 11-year-olds in Hustle G-League, the focus should be on further refining their basketball skills, enhancing their game understanding, and nurturing their competitive spirit. Here are three vital principles to instill in this age group:
- Advanced Skill Development: Continue to hone their fundamental skills while introducing more advanced techniques such as ball handling under pressure, shooting accuracy, and defensive strategies like man-to-man and zone defense. Encourage players to work on their weak areas while further strengthening their strengths. Individual skill development should remain a priority.
- Game IQ and Team Play: Teach players to read the game better, make quicker decisions, and understand the nuances of team play. Emphasize concepts like off-ball movement, pick-and-roll, and fast breaks. Encourage them to communicate on the court, recognize opportunities, and support their teammates. This age group should start to grasp the importance of teamwork and how it contributes to success.
- Competitive Mindset: Introduce a more competitive atmosphere while maintaining a focus on sportsmanship. Emphasize the value of hard work, discipline, and dedication in achieving success. Teach them how to handle both victories and defeats gracefully, instilling a resilient attitude that will serve them well in basketball and in life.
13U DIVISION
For 12 and 13-year-olds in Hustle G-League, it's essential to build on their previous experiences and prepare them for more advanced levels of competition. Here are three crucial principles for this age group:
- Skill Specialization: Encourage players to specialize in specific positions or skills while continuing to refine their overall basketball abilities. Provide opportunities for them to explore their strengths and interests, whether it's becoming a proficient shooter, a solid defender, or a playmaker. Develop their basketball IQ by introducing more complex offensive and defensive strategies.
- Tactical Understanding: Dive deeper into tactical aspects of the game, including advanced offensive plays, defensive schemes, and situational awareness. Teach players how to read opponents, anticipate plays, and make strategic decisions under pressure. Emphasize the importance of adaptability and recognizing changing game dynamics.
- Leadership and Character: Promote leadership qualities and character development. Encourage players to lead by example, communicate effectively on the court, and support their teammates. Teach them the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Instill a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility both on and off the court.
15U DIVISION
For 14 and 15-year-olds in Hustle G-League, the focus should be on refining their basketball skills, enhancing their basketball IQ, and preparing them for more competitive levels of play. Here are three essential principles for this age group:
- Positional Mastery: Encourage players to specialize in specific positions or roles on the team while maintaining proficiency in a variety of skills. Whether they are guards, forwards, or centers, players should deepen their understanding of their position's responsibilities, both offensively and defensively. Specialized training in their chosen positions will help them excel.
- Advanced Basketball IQ: Elevate their basketball IQ by delving into advanced offensive and defensive strategies. Teach them how to recognize and exploit opponent weaknesses, execute complex plays, and adapt to different game situations. Encourage players to think strategically, make quick decisions, and take on leadership roles within the team.
- Leadership and Character Development: Foster leadership skills, responsibility, and character development among players. Encourage them to mentor younger teammates, lead by example, and communicate effectively on and off the court. Emphasize qualities like sportsmanship, perseverance, and integrity, preparing them to be not only skilled athletes but also responsible young adults.