One of a series of coaching guides for Special Olympics Sports Skills Instructional Programs, this booklet focuses on basketball instruction for mentally retarded persons. An initial section introduces the sport and discusses general coaching ideas. Goals, objectives, and benefits are listed along with information on clothing and court preparation. Following a description of warmup activities, teaching methods and assessment measures are provided for two levels of basketball skills in the following areas: passing, catching, dribbling, shooting, rebounding, and defensive play. Additional aspects addressed include team tactics, rules, and sportsmanship. The guide concludes with information on modifications and adaptations, ideas for infusing the sport skills into the academic program, and recordkeeping. (CL)