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Overview
As a parent, it is a proud day when your child joins his or her first sports team. It is important to you to be involved, which may be leading you to think about coaching. Nervous about the possibility? Don't be! With the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Coaching Youth Basketball, you will quickly and easily learn how to become a successful youth basketball coach. This comprehensive, user-friendly reference guide will help you create a fun and effective learning environment. You have limited practice time and resources, and you need to know how to make the best of them. With this book, you will cover several key concepts that often elude rookie coaches, including:
- Identifying your role and expectations as a coach.
- Tailoring instruction to meet the varying physical abilities of different age groups.
- Creating a safe playing environment.
- Knowing how to effectively coach during both practices and games.
- Learning how to communicate and form alliances with parents, league administrators, game officials and players.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780789733580 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Que |
| Publication date: | 08/03/2005 |
| Series: | Absolute Beginner's Guide Series |
| Pages: | 256 |
| Product dimensions: | 6.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d) |
About the Author
Tom Hanlon has 19 years of professional writing experience - as a journalist, an editor of two coaching magazines, a curriculum writer for a coaching division of a publishing company, and as a book writer and ghost writer for nationally-prominent authors. Tom ghostwrote Teens Can Make It Happen (Simon and Schuster) for Stedman Graham; this book made the New York Times bestseller list in 2000. He has written all or major portions of 39 other books, including seven sport officiating guides, numerous coaches' guides (including baseball; softball; soccer; basketball; and volleyball, among others), and a wide assortment of related sports titles.
Read an Excerpt
IntroductionIntroduction
It all began so innocently.
Just as the youth basketball league administrator asked for a volunteer to coach your son's team, you scratched the top of your head. All the other parents were studying, with sudden keen interest, their thumbnails or shoelaces. No eyes, except yours, were looking forward.
The administrator saw her chance.
"Excellent! We have a new coach!"
To your astonishment, you saw that she was pointing directly at you. Parents, with relieved looks on their faces, turned to look at you. Some smirked. A few chuckled. All were joyful.
"Relax," one parent said. "The season doesn't start till next week."
"My kid's a shooter. You ought to see him shoot that ball. He's always been top scorer," another parent said as he gave you a good view of the bulldog tattooed on his bicep.
"My son plays small forward," another parent added, as if he bought his son the position from the National Basketball Association, which had granted the boy sole rights to play small forward on your team.
"I never knew you could coach, Dad," your son said as you walked to your car.
"Sure I can coach," you said. "How difficult can it be?" You hoped you at least sounded convincing.
Each winter, all across America, youth basketball leagues swing into action. Every year, thousands upon thousands of new coaches are tabbed to guide the players. The majority of those coaches have little or no experience coaching.
If you are one of those coaches, this book is for you. It is intended primarily for coaches of players from 6 to 12 years old, but it is applicable to coaches of older players as well. Use it as your rudder to guide you through your season. Use this book to
- Understand your role, and know what to expect, as a coach.
- Know the keys to being a good coach.
- Realize why kids play sports and consider how this should affect your approach to coaching.
- Bone up on the basic rules of basketball and learn how to impart those rules to your players.
- Provide for kids' safety and respond to emergency situations.
- Learn the general principles of teaching skills and tactics.
- Teach individual skills and team tactics.
- Coach effectively during games.
- Make the sport experience a meaningful and enjoyable one for the kids.
- Communicate effectively with parents, league administrators, referees, and players.
- Form positive alliances with parents, involving them in various ways.
- Plan for your season and your practices.
- Discover the keys to conducting productive practices.
- Celebrate victories and learn from defeats.
- Keep it all in perspective.
This guide presents the foundational concepts that effective coaches follow, and it shows you, step-by-step, how to incorporate those concepts, plan your season, and conduct your practices. It provides many forms you will need, including sample and blank season and practice plans, a sample letter to parents, an injury report and emergency information card, and a season evaluation form. It has games and drills you can use to teach your players the skills and tactics they need to know. It details how to execute the fundamental skills and tactics, so you will know what to teach—and it lays out how to teach. It is also replete with practical tips that will help your season be a success.
How This Book Is Organized
This book is organized in two parts. Part I covers coaching basics, and provides guidance in a number of areas, include your basic approach to coaching, communication keys, safety principles, and practice planning. Part II delves into the specifics of the skills and tactics your players will need to learn, ending with an entire chapter devoted to games and drills you can use to teach those skills and tactics.
Following Part II are six appendixes that you should find useful. This material includes a sample letter to parents, a medical emergency form, an injury report, blank season and practice plans you can use for your own planning, and a season evaluation form you can use at the end of your season.
Special Elements
Throughout the book you will find the following special elements:
Caution - Cautions give you a loud "Heads up!" regarding issues or situations you want to avoid. These point out pitfalls, potential safety hazards, and any other items that could pose trouble to you or your team.
Note - This is a note element. Notes give you relevant information that doesn't necessarily fit in the text flow.
Tip - Tips are given to help you do something more efficiently or to give you the "inside" view on how to accomplish something related to coaching basketball.
Warning - Warnings are always safety-related and are used with issues or situations of more serious consequence than those associated with cautions.
© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Absolute Beginner's Guide to Coaching Youth Basketball.
Table of Contents.
Introduction.
How This Book Is Organized.
Special Elements.
I. COACHING BASICS.
1. Your Coaching Approach.
Your Coaching Philosophy
Physical Development
Mental Development
Emotional Development
Social Development
Some Final Thoughts on Your Coaching Philosophy
10 Attributes of a Good Coach
Take Your Role Seriously
Be Comfortable with Being in Charge
Be Dependable and Stable
Be Patient
Be Flexible
Enjoy Getting to Know Your Players
Desire to Help Kids Learn and Grow
Be an Encourager
Be Willing to Learn
Have a Sense of Humor
10 Keys to Being a Good Coach
Know the Basics of the Sport
Plan for Your Season and Practices
Conduct Effective Practices
Teach Skills and Tactics
Correct Players in a Way That Helps Them Improve
Teach and Model Good Sporting Behavior
Provide for Players' Safety
Communicate Effectively
Coach Effectively During Games
Know What Success Is
Final Thoughts on the Keys to Being a Good Coach
What to Expect As a Coach
What Is Expected of You As a Coach
Equipment and Insurance
Last, But Not Least: Why Kids Play Basketball
2. Rules of the Game.
Basic Youth Basketball Rules
Court, Equipment, and Time
Players
Scoring
Fouls
Violations
How the Game Is Played
Terms
Signals
Keep on Learning
Teaching Rules to Your Players
Situational Plays
Scrimmages
Brief Discussions
Players' Experiences
3. Communication Keys.
10 Keys to Being a Good Communicator
Know Your Message
Make Sure You Are Understood
Deliver Your Message in the Proper Context
Use Appropriate Emotions and Tones
Adopt a Healthy Communication Style
Be Receptive
Provide Helpful Feedback
Be a Good Nonverbal Communicator
Be Consistent
Be Positive
Communicating with Parents
Preseason Meeting or Letter
Preseason Call
During the Season
Be Understanding-and Set Boundaries
Challenging Situations
Communicating with League Administrators
League Information
Coaches' Meetings and Clinics
Questions and Concerns
Communicating with Opponents and Referees
4. Safety Principles.
Communicating the Inherent Risks
Being Prepared
CPR/First Aid Training
Chronic Health Condition Awareness
First Aid Kit
Providing Proper Supervision
Plan Your Practices
Inspect the Court and Equipment
Provide Proper Instruction
Supervise Each Activity
Responding to Minor Injuries
Cuts and Scrapes
Bruises
Sprains and Strains
Responding to Emergency Situations
Heatstroke
Heat Exhaustion
5. Practice Plans.
Planning Your Season
Purpose
Tactics and Skills
Rules
Adjusting Your Season Plan
Sample Season Plan
Planning Practices
The Best Option: Simultaneous Stations
Player Safety
Coaching Instruction and Feedback
Sample Practice Plan
Conducting Your First Practice
12 Keys to Conducting Effective Practices
1. Be Prepared
2. Set the Stage
3. Involve Parents
4. Be Active
5. Be Active with a Purpose
6. Make It Fun
7. Provide Instruction
8. Give Feedback
9. Be Encouraging and Supportive
10. Promote Teamwork and Camaraderie
11. Discipline Players As Necessary
12. Wrap Up the Practice
6. Player Development.
The Process for Teaching Skills and Tactics
Set the Stage
Show and Tell
Practice the Skill
Provide Feedback
Six Keys to Mistake Correction
Be Encouraging
Be Honest
Be Specific
Reinforce Correct Technique
Explain Why the Mistake Happened
Watch for Comprehension
7. Game Time!
The Practice Before the Game
Game Particulars
Game Focus
Before the Game
Team Warm-up
Starting Lineups
Last-Minute Words
During the Game
Your Approach to the Game
Player Substitutions
Appropriate Behavior
After the Game
Team Meeting
8. Ingredients of a Successful Season.
A Tale of Two Coaches
Evaluating Your Season
Did Your Players Have Fun?
Did Your Players Learn New Skills and Improve on Previously Learned Skills?
Did You Help Your Players Understand the Game and Its Rules?
Did You Communicate Appropriately and Effectively?
Did You Provide for Your Players' Safety?
Did You Plan and Conduct Effective Practices?
Did Your Players Give Maximum Effort in Practices and Games?
Did Your Players Leave the Games on the Court?
Did You Leave the Games on the Court?
Did You Conduct Yourself Appropriately?
Did You Communicate Effectively with Parents and Involve Them in Positive Ways?
Did You Coach Appropriately During Games?
Did You Win with Class and Lose with Dignity?
Did You Make the Experience Positive, Meaningful, and Fun for Your Players?
II. SKILLS AND TACTICS.
9. Offensive Skills and Tactics.
Triple-threat Stance
Footwork
Pivot
Cut
Jump Stop
Stride Stop
Jab Step
Rocker Step
Dribbling
Control Dribble
Speed Dribble
Crossover Dribble
Spin Dribble
Half-spin Dribble
Passing and Catching
Bounce Pass
Chest Pass
Overhead Pass
Baseball Pass
Catching
Shooting
Outside Shot
Layup
Free Throw
Rebounding
Initial Positioning
Blocking Out
Knowing Where the Ball Is Going
Hustling
Controlling the Ball
Passing Game
Screens
Fast Break
Basic Plays
Pick-and-Roll
Give-and-Go
Inbounds Plays
10. Defensive Skills and Tactics.
Defensive Concepts
#1: Get Back Quick!
#2: Apply Pressure
#3: Cut off Passing Lanes
#4: Deny the Ball Down Low
#5: Don't Commit Unnecessary Fouls
#6: Provide Help
#7: Communicate!
Individual Defensive Skills
Maintain Good Positioning
Use a Slide Step
Get Hands up on Shots
Go for the Steal
Box Out to Rebound
Team Defensive Tactics
Defend Against Screens
Double-team When Appropriate
Use a Full-court Press
Use a Player-to-Player Defense
Use a Zone Defense
11. Games and Drills.
Dribbling Games
Game One
Game Two
Game Three
Passing Games
Game One
Game Two
Shooting Games
Game One
Game Two
Rebounding Games
Game One
Game Two
Various Offensive Skill Games
Game One
Game Two
Game Three
Fast Break Games
Game One
Game Two
Special Plays Games
Game One
Game Two
Game Three
Individual Defensive Skill Games
Game One
Game Two
Game Three
Team Defensive Skill Games
Game One
Game Two
Game Three
III. APPENDIXES.
A. Sample Letter to Parents.
B. Medical Emergency Form.
C. Injury Report.
D. Season Plan.
E. Practice Plan.
F. Season Evaluation Form.
1. Did Your Players Have Fun?
2. -Did Your Players Learn New Skills and Improve on Previously Learned Skills?
3. -Did You Help Your Players Understand the Game and Its Rules?
4. -Did You Communicate Appropriately and Effectively?
5. Did You Provide for Your Players' Safety?
6. Did You Plan and Conduct Effective Practices?
7. -Did Your Players Give Maximum Effort in Practices and Games?
8. Did Your Players Leave the Games at the Gym?
9. Did You Leave the Games at the Gym?
10. Did You Conduct Yourself Appropriately?
11. -Did You Communicate Effectively with Parents and Involve Them in Positive Ways?
12. Did You Coach Appropriately During Games?
13. -Did You Win with Class and Lose with Dignity?
14. -Did You Make the Experience Positive, Meaningful, and Fun for Your Players?
Index.
Preface
Introduction
It all began so innocently.
Just as the youth basketball league administrator asked for a volunteer to coach your son's team, you scratched the top of your head. All the other parents were studying, with sudden keen interest, their thumbnails or shoelaces. No eyes, except yours, were looking forward.
The administrator saw her chance.
"Excellent! We have a new coach!"
To your astonishment, you saw that she was pointing directly at you. Parents, with relieved looks on their faces, turned to look at you. Some smirked. A few chuckled. All were joyful.
"Relax," one parent said. "The season doesn't start till next week."
"My kid's a shooter. You ought to see him shoot that ball. He's always been top scorer," another parent said as he gave you a good view of the bulldog tattooed on his bicep.
"My son plays small forward," another parent added, as if he bought his son the position from the National Basketball Association, which had granted the boy sole rights to play small forward on your team.
"I never knew you could coach, Dad," your son said as you walked to your car.
"Sure I can coach," you said. "How difficult can it be?" You hoped you at least sounded convincing.
Each winter, all across America, youth basketball leagues swing into action. Every year, thousands upon thousands of new coaches are tabbed to guide the players. The majority of those coaches have little or no experience coaching.
If you are one of those coaches, this book is for you. It is intended primarily for coaches of players from 6 to 12 years old, but it is applicable to coaches of older players as well. Use it as your rudder to guide you through your season. Use this book to
- Understand your role, and know what to expect, as a coach.
- Know the keys to being a good coach.
- Realize why kids play sports and consider how this should affect your approach to coaching.
- Bone up on the basic rules of basketball and learn how to impart those rules to your players.
- Provide for kids' safety and respond to emergency situations.
- Learn the general principles of teaching skills and tactics.
- Teach individual skills and team tactics.
- Coach effectively during games.
- Make the sport experience a meaningful and enjoyable one for the kids.
- Communicate effectively with parents, league administrators, referees, and players.
- Form positive alliances with parents, involving them in various ways.
- Plan for your season and your practices.
- Discover the keys to conducting productive practices.
- Celebrate victories and learn from defeats.
- Keep it all in perspective.
This guide presents the foundational concepts that effective coaches follow, and it shows you, step-by-step, how to incorporate those concepts, plan your season, and conduct your practices. It provides many forms you will need, including sample and blank season and practice plans, a sample letter to parents, an injury report and emergency information card, and a season evaluation form. It has games and drills you can use to teach your players the skills and tactics they need to know. It details how to execute the fundamental skills and tactics, so you will know what to teach—and it lays out how to teach. It is also replete with practical tips that will help your season be a success.
How This Book Is Organized
This book is organized in two parts. Part I covers coaching basics, and provides guidance in a number of areas, include your basic approach to coaching, communication keys, safety principles, and practice planning. Part II delves into the specifics of the skills and tactics your players will need to learn, ending with an entire chapter devoted to games and drills you can use to teach those skills and tactics.
Following Part II are six appendixes that you should find useful. This material includes a sample letter to parents, a medical emergency form, an injury report, blank season and practice plans you can use for your own planning, and a season evaluation form you can use at the end of your season.
Special Elements
Throughout the book you will find the following special elements:
Caution - Cautions give you a loud "Heads up!" regarding issues or situations you want to avoid. These point out pitfalls, potential safety hazards, and any other items that could pose trouble to you or your team.
Note - This is a note element. Notes give you relevant information that doesn't necessarily fit in the text flow.
Tip - Tips are given to help you do something more efficiently or to give you the "inside" view on how to accomplish something related to coaching basketball.
Warning - Warnings are always safety-related and are used with issues or situations of more serious consequence than those associated with cautions.
© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.