Build Elite Perimeter Players: 3 Keys from UConn’s Kimani Young

Coach ,

f you’re looking to develop guards who can truly impact the game, there’s a simple but powerful framework shared by Kimani Young of University of Connecticut men's basketball:

The Level. The Development. The Chair Drill.

These three concepts can completely change how your players grow on the perimeter.

1. THE LEVEL (What does it really take?)

Every player says they can dribble, pass, and shoot.

But the real question is:

Can they do it at YOUR level?

At the highest levels, perimeter players:

• Beat defenders cleanly and consistently
• Make reads that elevate teammates
• Shoot with range, confidence, and repetition

As Coach Young emphasizes, shooting is the separator. If you can shoot — you can play.

And not just make shots…

Can your players hit 8/10 consistently in workouts from game spots?

That’s the standard.

The Level

2. DEVELOPMENT (The part no one can fake)

The best perimeter players aren’t built in workouts…

They’re built in hours no one sees.

Coach Young’s philosophy is simple:

• You don’t need fancy tools
• You don’t need a trainer every day
• You need a ball, a rim, and repetition

Real development looks like:

• Daily ball handling (no days off)
• Game-speed reps
• Building confidence through volume

As he puts it:

👉 If you’ve put in the work, an open shot feels disrespectful.

That mindset is what separates average from elite.

Kimani Young on Development

3. THE CHAIR DRILL (Where it all comes together)

One of their staples at UConn is the Chair Drill — and it checks every box:

• Footwork ✔️
• Pace ✔️
• Game actions ✔️
• Finishing ✔️

Within one drill, players are working:

• Backdoor cuts
• One-dribble rip attacks
• Playing low and explosive
• Creating angles and finishing through contact

It’s not just a drill…

👉 It’s game simulation with intensity and purpose

And most importantly — it’s done at a high pace.

The Chair Drill

Final Thought

Perimeter skill development isn’t complicated…

But it does require standards.

• Demand a higher level
• Commit to real development
• Drill it with purpose (Chair Drill mindset)

That’s how you build guards who can actually play.

Thank You Coach Young for Sharing!

If you want to go deeper into Coach Young’s full teaching system and see how UConn develops elite perimeter players, we’ve bundled Coach Young and Hurley's clinic altogether for you.

👉 UCONN 4 Course Bundle

Let’s keep building.

-The Coaches Clinic Community of Coaches helping Coaches