Coaching Youth Basketball 2006

Coaching Youth Basketball: 

Coaching Youth Basketball SYA Basketball Coaches Training Class Winter 2005-2006 D. Vennergrund, R. Korman, F. Krebs

Goal of this Class: 

Goal of this Class Develop Confident, Competent Basketball Coaches To accomplish this goal, we will provide Information Resources Contacts

Why Now? : 

Why Now? SYA Basketball relies on volunteer coaches, overwhelmingly parents Some are drafted! Over time our experienced coaches retire Our new coaches need a strong foundation on which to build Our experienced coaches can benefit from a refresher

Agenda: 

Agenda Part 1 – Coaching Fundamentals Part 2 – Communication Part 3 – Safety Part 4 – Volunteer Building Director Part 5 – Resources

Part 1 – Coaching Fundamentals: 

Part 1 – Coaching Fundamentals What is a Coach?

Exercise 1 – Your Memories: 

Exercise 1 – Your Memories As a child, who was your most favorite coach? List three attributes that best describe your coach:

Exercise 1 – Your Memories: 

Exercise 1 – Your Memories As a child who was your least favorite coach? List three attributes that best describe your coach:

What is a coach? : 

What is a coach? A teacher A leader A friend A role model A guide A parent A sibling

Coaches Primary Responsibilities: 

Coaches Primary Responsibilities Provide a safe physical and emotional learning environment Communicate in a positive manner Teach the tactics and skills of basketball Teach the rules of basketball Direct players in competition Help players become fit and value fitness for a lifetime Help young people develop character

Tools to being an Effective Coach: 

Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor

Comprehension: 

Comprehension Understand the basic elements of basketball: rules, tactics, and skills. How can you improve your comprehension? Field Study Research Practice

Comprehension – Field Study: 

Comprehension – Field Study Attend local youth league, high school, college, and pro games. Attend basketball clinics SYA Coaching Clinics Volunteer at basketball clinics

Comprehension – Field Study: 

Comprehension – Field Study Attend referee training clinics SYA Referee Clinics Work with more experienced coaches Watch games on TV with a purpose

Comprehension – Research: 

Comprehension – Research Books Organizations (AAU, YBOA, etc.) Web Sites

Tools to being an Effective Coach: 

Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor

Outlook: 

Outlook What is your coaching outlook? What are your goals? What are your priorities?

Self-Evaluation #1: 

Self-Evaluation #1 What would make you most proud? Knowing each player enjoyed playing for you. Seeing that all players improved their basketball skills. Winning the league championship.

Self-Evaluation #2: 

Self-Evaluation #2 Which statement best reflects your thoughts about sport? If it isn’t fun, don’t do it. Everyone should learn something every day. Sport isn’t fun if you don’t win.

Self-Evaluation #3: 

Self-Evaluation #3 How would you like your players to remember you? As a coach who was fun to play for. As a coach who provided a good base for fundamental skills. As a coach who had a winning record.

What is your Outlook ?: 

What is your Outlook ? A’s - Having fun is most important to you. B’s - Skill Development attracts you to coaching C’s - Winning is your top priority Is there a right answer here?

What Outlook does SYA want of it’s coaches?: 

What Outlook does SYA want of it’s coaches? Athletes First, … Winning Second Winning is an important part to competition -- but second to the athletes well-being, development, and enjoyment.

Tools to being an Effective Coach: 

Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor

Affection – What is it? : 

Affection – What is it? A genuine concern for the players in your care A love for kids A desire to share your love and knowledge of the game The patience and understanding to allow every participant to grow in their development in basketball

How to Demonstrate Affection (1): 

How to Demonstrate Affection (1) Make an effort to get to know each player on your team Use their first names as soon and as often as you can Treat each player as an individual Empathize with players trying to learn new and difficult skills It takes 6-8 weeks to master a new skill

How to Demonstrate Affection (2): 

How to Demonstrate Affection (2) Treat players as you would like to be treated Always be in control of your emotions Show your enthusiasm for being involved with your team Keep an upbeat and positive tone in all your communications Especially e-mail !

Tools to being an Effective Coach: 

Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor

Character – Be a Good Role Model: 

Character – Be a Good Role Model How can you build character in your players? By modeling appropriate behaviors for sport and life. Think of kids as Xerox machines -- they will copy everything you say and do … Not just what you “preach”

Demonstrating Good Character: 

Demonstrating Good Character Challenge, support, encourage, and reward every player Be in control of your emotions before, during, and after every practice and game If you make a mistake - do not be afraid to admit you were wrong.

Tools to being an Effective Coach: 

Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor

Humor: 

Humor Humor is a very powerful tool. When people are laughing most of their defensive mechanisms are down -- you can pour in the knowledge. Use humor to respond to miscues and other mishaps. Don’t dwell on the negative, and never ridicule a player or play.

How to Inject Humor into Practices: 

How to Inject Humor into Practices Make practice fun by including a variety of activities if you find yourself bored or running a stale practice - call us -- we have 100’s of activities to share. Keep all players involved in games and skills work Limit the standing around watching time Consider laughter to be a sign of enjoyment, not a problem -- but praise Smile !

Tools to being an Effective Coach: 

Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor

Part 2 – Communication: 

Part 2 – Communication Sending and Receiving Information

Communication: 

Communication What is communication? Sending and Receiving Information Verbal Communications Non-verbal Communications Our actions speak louder than our words !

Sending Effective Verbal Messages: 

Sending Effective Verbal Messages Be positive and honest Don’t nag Don’t use cheerful clichés that cover-up issues Use Positive Words: AND, Nice idea, good attempt, try to, do Avoid Negative Words: BUT, NOT, next time don’t, you need to, you should

Sending Effective Verbal Messages: 

Sending Effective Verbal Messages Start with what was good, then what needs to be improved. Players will listen to constructive criticism in small doses when given large amounts of worthy praise.

Sending Effective Verbal Messages: 

Sending Effective Verbal Messages State it clearly and simply Organize your thoughts before you speak Be accurate, brief, and helpful Use language your players will understand Don’t go on and on

Sending Effective Verbal Messages: 

Sending Effective Verbal Messages Say it loud enough, and say it again. Use a loud, clear voice - players will tune out garbled and weak commands Enthusiasm can motivate your players But don’t dominate the practice with a constant, booming voice If at first they do not understand, say it again in a slightly different way Use Verbal Short-Cuts “BEEF”, “Up and Wide”, “Finish”, “Attack”, “Deny”

Sending Effective Verbal Messages: 

Sending Effective Verbal Messages Be consistent Stay on message Don’t contradict yourself Never use sarcasm with a child “Way to Go” after a mistake is confusing and corrosive to a players spirits

Sending Non-Verbal Messages: 

Sending Non-Verbal Messages Be consistent in verbal and non-verbal communications Your gestures always trump your words Use appropriate facial expressions Your face tells all - and the players will study it like a map – smile Use appropriate body language What does head down and shoulders slumped tell you? Hands on your hips and jaw-clenched?

Sending Non-Verbal Messages: 

Sending Non-Verbal Messages Use appropriate physical contact A hand shake or high five A pat on the shoulder An arm around the back A Hug Are all appropriate and human ways of showing concern, approval, and joy. Be pleasant, confident, and vigorous!

Receiving Information : 

Receiving Information To communicate effectively one must be a good receiver! Pay Attention focus on the verbal and non-verbal messages Listen Actively give full attention establish eye contact repeat back what you’ve heard, paraphrase show that you care

Constructive Feedback: 

Constructive Feedback When a mistake is made, everyone knows it, ignore it and focus on the solution. Which do you prefer to hear? Don’t pass the ball to the post when she is double teamed! When the post is double teamed look to pass to the open wing.

Destructive Feedback: 

Destructive Feedback The following are comments heard in recent SYA games: That’s You Tim – That’s your man What are you doing? What were you thinking ? Don’t pass it to Bob, he can’t catch it

But we need to “coach” them: 

But we need to “coach” them Yes - and we will in a positive manner: Tim – close on your man when he is one pass away from the ball That’s You Tim – That’s your man Holly – set up “13” and go left What are you doing? Good idea Caitlyn - try it again What were you thinking ? Nice pass John, Bob catch it ready to shoot Don’t pass it to Bob, he can’t catch it

Communicating with Parents: 

Communicating with Parents Parents need to know that their children are in safe and knowledgeable hands. How can you put the parents at ease? Pre-Season Meeting Open Lines of Communication Get them involved

Pre-Season Parent Meeting: 

Pre-Season Parent Meeting Describe your background and approach to coaching Present your goals for the team Give your preferred method of communication Is it cell phone, email, or face-to-face? Welcome their questions and concerns here and throughout the season Explain your communication guidelines

Pre-Season Parent Meeting: 

Pre-Season Parent Meeting Encourage them to communicate directly with you if concerns arise Review SYA Code of Conduct Review Parents Game Conduct Describe inherent risks in basketball

Parents Game Conduct: 

Parents Game Conduct Positive Cheering Respect for the coach Respect for the opponent Respect for the referees Respect for the game Avoid common problems Parents who “assist” the referees Parents who “coach” from the sidelines

On-Going Communication with Parents: 

On-Going Communication with Parents Be sure to keep the lines of communication open to parents throughout the season. Send messages, solicit feedback Be proactive

Getting Parents Involved: 

Getting Parents Involved Practice Day Run a skills station Volunteer Building Director Assistant Coach Game Day Scoreboard or Book Statistics Video Assistant Coach

Communication with Opponents: 

Communication with Opponents No opponent means no game. We are thankful we have an opponent - they are not the enemy. Tips Visit with the opposing coach before the game Do not be dragged into a feud with the opponents Get along with opposing coach -- competition is on the floor not bench

Communicating with Referees: 

Communicating with Referees Your communication to the referees is extremely influential on your players. YOU MUST SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. How to Treat Referees Greet referees with a handshake, introduce yourself, and if time permits visit a moment. Always show respect for the referees before, during, and after the game. Never make disrespectful remarks or body gestures. Thank them after the game.

Communicating with Referees: 

Communicating with Referees Coaches who “assist” the referees by “calling the game” create numerous problems: Players respect for the referee is diminished. Referees patience will wear thin -- who wants the game on the line when it wears out. Players focus on external circumstances (excuses) in place of internal effort. Referees may respond with less desirable efforts. If you absolutely must discuss a topic with a referee, find a quiet time (time-out, half-time, etc.) and address the referee one-on-one with respect in a quiet voice that no one can overhear.

Part 3 – Safety: 

Part 3 – Safety Be prepared for the unexpected

Planning for Safety: 

Planning for Safety An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Safety Topics: Physical conditioning Equipment and facilities inspection Matching athletes to inherent risks Proper supervision and record keeping Environmental conditions

Physical Conditioning: 

Physical Conditioning To play basketball safely, players must be fit in two ways: Cardio-Respiratory Fitness Muscular Fitness

Cardio-Respiratory Fitness: 

Cardio-Respiratory Fitness How do we make players “cardio” fit? Run - But don’t just run Setup multiple stations, enlist parents and assistant coaches, always have the players in motion. Start slow and add activity -- challenge your players, and monitor their progress. Encourage players to include cardio exercise at home (run, bike, swim, etc.) between practices. 20 to 30 minutes everyday of elevated heart rate is ideal.

Muscular Fitness: 

Muscular Fitness The ability of muscles to sustain strenuous activity for longer periods. Muscular fitness includes strength muscle endurance power speed flexibility

Muscular Fitness : 

Muscular Fitness How do we make players “muscular” fit? Stretch Work the muscles with passing drills, shooting drills, defensive drills, etc Setup multiple stations, enlist parents and assistant coaches, have players in motion. Start slow and add activity -- challenge your players, and monitor their progress. Encourage players to include strength training at home (weights, cross training) between practices. 2 to 3 sessions per week will build flexibility and muscle strength.

Muscular Fitness: 

Muscular Fitness Muscular fitness can prevent injuries but should an injury occur, fitness minimizes damage and speeds recovery. Caveats: Younger children may be too immature to develop much muscle mass - their focus should be on endurance and flexibility.

Putting Fitness into Practice: 

Putting Fitness into Practice Warm-up Stretch, loosen-up, get warm Develop Cardio Fitness Drills with running Develop Muscular Fitness Drills with motor skills Cool-Down Reduce heart rate Monitor every player Pulse, Respiration Rate, Recovery

Equipment and Facilities Inspection – Every Session: 

Equipment and Facilities Inspection – Every Session Inspect Facility and make it SAFE Common Issues in SYA gyms Slick Floors Obstructions Gymnastics Equipment Volleyball Standards Broken or mal-adjusted Rims

Matching Athletes to Risks: 

Matching Athletes to Risks Assign players appropriate match-up 12 year olds can vary by 1 foot and 90 pounds – don’t put your players at risk Advise parents of the inherent risks of basketball – it is a contact sport Discuss mouth guards, goggles, and athletic support in the pre-season parent meeting No Pockets in Shorts No Jewelry No Hard Casts

Proper Supervision : 

Proper Supervision As the coach you must provide proper supervision at all times to prevent injury Prevent dangerous activity Stop horse-play Monitor physical exertion to keep players safe Respond when the unexpected happens

Responding to Injury: 

Responding to Injury Be Prepared Recent CPR and First-Aid Training Carry a First-Aid Kit Have an Emergency Plan Cell Phone Players Contact Sheet in your possession Submit an injury report to the league commissioner

First-Aid and CPR Training: 

First-Aid and CPR Training We encourage all coaches to be certified in Basic First Aid CPR Certification Sources Red Cross BSA

SYA Injury Report : 

SYA Injury Report Who was injured? Contact Information When? Where? What action was taken? Send Information ASAP to Basketball President - Frank Krebs SYA Office - Alice Putnam Include your contact information

Environmental Conditions: 

Environmental Conditions Heat is our primary concern Be sure to hydrate and re-hydrate often Adjust practice to conditions Recommend proper clothing If you practice outdoors – be aware of other environmental hazards High winds Thunderstorms – Lightning Excessive heat and humidity

Part 4 – Volunteer Building Director: 

Part 4 – Volunteer Building Director Be a Good Guest

VBD Program: 

VBD Program Must have at least one VBD in every practice or game Cannot coach and be the VBD in a game setting – need a second per team Must be in a database this year ! Saves us $35 per hour 200 Teams practice 3 hours per week = 600 hours X $35 = $21,000 per week

VBD Program: 

VBD Program Simple Rules Respect the school and school employees No food or drink Top Problems Schedule conflicts Personality conflicts Minor damage Younger siblings Security

VBD – Get Your Team Certified: 

VBD – Get Your Team Certified Watch Video or Go Online https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec/Team_Sports/VolBld_Dir.htm Recruit two others to take the test Send your commissioner a list Wear the Badge !

Part 5 – Resources: 

Part 5 – Resources Be a Student of the Game

Books: 

Books Coaching Youth Basketball, American Sport Education Program Coaching Basketball Successfully, Morgan Wootten Coaching Girl’s Basketball Successfully, Jill Hutchinson Bird on Basketball, Larry Bird Basketball for Dummies, Digger Phelps Free Throw, Dr. Tom Amberry

Important Links: 

Important Links SYA Basketball http://www.syasports.org/ Coaches Registration https://www.youthleaguesusa.com/sya/2006/Volunteer.html Fairfax County CRS http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec/Team_Sports/Athletic_Services.htm Virginia High School League http://www.vhsl.org/ Centreville High School http://www.fcps.edu/CentrevilleHS/activity/winter/index.htm Westfield High School http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/WestfieldHS/athletics/athletics.htm

Local Coaches: 

Local Coaches SYA Select Coaches John Cleveland Otto Jones Ed Knox Robert Korman Dave Vennergrund Tom Watson Area HS Coaches Pat Deegan Wally Horton Mike Johnson Brian Doyle

National Organizations: 

National Organizations AAU www.aaugirlsbasketball.org www.aauboysbasketball.org ASEP - American Sport Education Program On-line Certification in 2004 www.asep.com NFHS - National Federation of High Schools www.nfhs.org Positive Coaching Alliance SYA Clinics coming Soon !!! YBOA www.yboa.org

Your Assignment: 

Your Assignment Provide a safe learning environment Communicate in a positive manner Teach the tactics, skills, and rules of basketball Direct players in competition Help players become fit for a lifetime Help young people develop character