How much rest does my child need, and should they play only basketball?
Guideline- USA
- USA Basketball
- NBA
- Youth recreation
- Under 10
- Ages 7-8
- Ages 9-11
- 2018 guidelines
- Parents
USA Basketball and NBA rest guidelines:
| Age | Rest days per week (minimum) | Months per year in organized basketball (maximum) | Sleep per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-8 | 2 | 4 | 9-12 hours |
| 9-11 | 2 | 5 | 9-12 hours |
Play other sports. The guidelines recommend sampling several sports and delaying specialization in basketball until at least age 14. Specializing before 14 is discouraged.
After a camp or a busy tournament weekend that goes over the weekly maximum, build in extra rest afterward.
Added 21 Oct 2026