Coaching Basketball For Dummies Cheat Sheet

When you’re taking on the role of a volunteer youth basketball coach, you can benefit from some inside knowledge of what it takes to be a coach that kids love playing for and learning from and what it takes to make the season one they will remember for all the right reasons for the rest of their lives. This cheat sheet provides you with a quick peek at some of the key elements of coaching youth basketball.

Things to know about coaching youth basketball before the season tips off

Coaching a youth basketball team is full of challenges, but heading into the season being fully prepared can help set you up to lead your players to a fun-filled and rewarding experience that they’ll savor forever. Here are key questions to consider when stepping up to coach a youth basketball team:

• Why am I volunteering to coach?
• How much emphasis do I put on winning?
• What are my goals for the kids during the season?
• How am I going to ensure equal playing time for all my players?
• How am I going to create a positive atmosphere that kids want to be a part of all season long? How do I know if I am making a positive impact on every player?
• How can I help parents keep the season in perspective and be models of great behavior? How do I handle behavior issues during games with parents of my players?
• How do I help kids embrace working hard and always doing their best while enjoying the ups and downs that accompany pursuing growth and improvement?
• If I am coaching my child, what do I need to know to make this work?
• How do I make corrections and point out improper techniques without hurting kids’ confidence and self-esteem?
• How do I build a team that likes playing together, supports each other, and cheers each other’s successes?

What you need to know to get started as a youth basketball coach

As a youth basketball coach, you have an amazing opportunity to help kids learn skills, gain confidence, and develop a life-long love for the sport. To get started, you need to dial into some all-important areas to help ensure you get the season headed in the right direction. Here are a few guidelines to follow to get set up for success before you step on the court:

• Would you want to be coached by you? Kids want to play for coaches who teach, inspire, and truly care about them — no matter their skill level. They also want to participate in fun-filled, action-packed practices that help cultivate skill development.
• Do you know the rules of basketball? A variety of rules are unique to the sport, and different programs enforce different rules based on the age and experience level of the players.
• Can I be a great role model? Kids take their cues from you in many ways. If you yell at referees during games, criticize players for missing shots or turning the ball over, and display negative body language when your team gets beat down the floor and gives up an easy basket, your players will likely adopt these same types of negative behaviors.

Dos and don’ts for coaching youth basketball

Guiding your youth basketball team to a safe, fun-filled, and memorable season requires a lot of planning, focus, and endless energy and enthusiasm every time you gather with your players for practices or games. Here are some of the basics to focus on to help make the season a smooth-running one and a rewarding experience for everyone:

• Do create a coaching philosophy and be sure to stick to it all season long. Make sure it is focused on the kids having fun, being safe, and helping them develop both basketball and life skills.
• Don’t judge your impact by the team’s won-loss record. The true barometer of your coaching is not if the team wins a bunch of games or claims a shiny first-place trophy, but whether all the kids have a fun experience, develop skills, and want to play basketball again next season.
• Do plan your practices in advance. Choose a variety of action-packed drills that keep kids engaged, challenged, and fuel development — and always have a couple of drills in reserve to call upon as replacements in case any of your planned drills flop for any reason.
• Don’t have kids wait in long lines during drills. Learning and fun grind to a halt when kids aren’t moving and engaged in action. Don’t squander valuable practice time with long-winded lectures. Kids learn and develop more by playing than listening to instructions.
• Do focus on teaching fundamentals. Provide lots of encouragement and positive feedback so kids aren’t derailed by frustration and failure while trying to learn and develop skills.
• Don’t harp on mistakes. The most learning takes place when players are nudged out of their comfort zone and must work through challenges and struggles. Applaud kids when mistakes are made because it shows they are stepping up and trying new things — and that fuels development!
• Do have a preseason parents’ meeting before the team’s first practice. Use the meeting to share your coaching philosophy, detail your goals for the season, and discuss how you expect the parents to behave. Also, answer any questions parents have.
• Don’t exclude parents. They can fill valuable roles — assistant coach and team safety coordinator among them — so work with them and keep the communication lines open all season long.
• Do teach players both basketball and life skills. Being a great teammate, displaying good sportsmanship at all times, being respectful, and always doing your best are valuable attributes for success on the basketball court and leading productive lives.
• Don’t overlook the impact you can have on a child’s life. Every moment matters; every interaction during practices and games is impactful; and players will remember you for the rest of their lives.