Beginning Coaches Should Focus on the Basics

Basketball for the younger ages is a relatively simple game. Of course it gets more advanced as the player matures. But for the beginning youth coach it is a pretty basic game and should be kept so.

Basketball for the younger ages is a relatively simple game.  Of course it gets more advanced as the player matures. But for the beginning youth coach it is a pretty basic game and should be kept so.  Here are some ideas for the beginning basketball coach.

When coaching young basketball players, it is important to approach the game from a simple  plot and then add the frills and skills as the players progress. Think in terms of the basic advantages listed below, evaluate your players and then take logical actions to get the most from their strengths.

The fastest way to attack in basketball is with the pass.
Why do coaches allow players to dribble when they can pass so much faster? One most common faults in basketball is dribbling too much. Not only is it difficult for a ballhandler to shake a defender, the odds of a turnover increase with every bounce. However, a defender cannot even hope to outrun a pass. Many teams never grasp this fact and insist on dribbling around the perimeter, a complete waste of time because the defense can easily adjust.

Have the ball.
Possession is golden.  The team with the ball dictates what happens next and the defense is forced to react to that.  Do not lose sight of that powerful advantage. There is no defense that can not be beaten. The offense just needs to be patient, protect the possession, and strike when the advantages are in their favor.

Focus on conditioning and footwork.
It doesn't matter how tall or how quick you are if you are not fit enough to use those advantages for the length of a game.  Many close games fall apart in the final quarter because one team cannot keep up. Defenses tire out and scoring increases.  The frequency of turnovers rises with fatigue, creating easy baskets for the team in better shape.  Early in the season try to devote as much as a third of your practice to conditioning.  If you can't run, you can't play. Its that simple.

Keep it fun
Don't lose focus on the fact that these are beginner basketball players and it is all for nought if they do not enjoy the experience.  Focus on basics and fundamentals and fitness, but also allow the players to have fun and enjoy the game. 

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