Coaching Youth Basketball

Coaching Youth Basketball SYA Basketball Coaches Training Class Winter 2005-2006 D. Vennergrund, R. Korman, F. Krebs Goal of this Class  Develop Confident, Competent Basketball Coaches To accomplish this goal, we will provide • Information • Resources • Contacts  Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 2 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 3 Agenda Part 1 – Coaching Fundamentals Part 2 – Communication Part 3 – Safety Part 4 – Volunteer Building Director Part 5 – Resources Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 4 Part 1 – Coaching Fundamentals What is a Coach? Exercise 1 – Your Memories As a child, who was your most favorite coach? List three attributes that best describe your coach: Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 6 Exercise 1 – Your Memories As a child who was your least favorite coach? List three attributes that best describe your coach: Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 7 What is a coach?        A teacher A leader A friend A role model A guide A parent A sibling Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 8 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 9 Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 10 Comprehension Understand the basic elements of basketball: rules, tactics, and skills.  How can you improve your comprehension?  • Field Study • Research • Practice Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 11 Comprehension – Field Study   Attend local youth league, high school, college, and pro games. Attend basketball clinics • SYA Coaching Clinics  Volunteer at basketball clinics Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 12 Comprehension – Field Study  Attend referee training clinics • SYA Referee Clinics   Work with more experienced coaches Watch games on TV with a purpose Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 13 Comprehension – Research    Books Organizations (AAU, YBOA, etc.) Web Sites Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 14 Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 15 Outlook  What is your coaching outlook? • What are your goals? • What are your priorities? Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 16 Self-Evaluation #1 What would make you most proud? a.Knowing each player enjoyed playing for you. b.Seeing that all players improved their basketball skills. c.Winning the league championship. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 17 Self-Evaluation #2 Which statement best reflects your thoughts about sport? a.If it isn’t fun, don’t do it. b.Everyone should learn something every day. c.Sport isn’t fun if you don’t win. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 18 Self-Evaluation #3 How would you like your players to remember you? a.As a coach who was fun to play for. b.As a coach who provided a good base for fundamental skills. c.As a coach who had a winning record. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 19 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? Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 20 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. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 21 Tools to being an Effective Coach C– Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 22 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 23 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 24 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 ! Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 25 Tools to being an Effective Coach C– Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 26 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” Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 27 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. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 28 Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 29 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. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 30 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 ! Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 31 Tools to being an Effective Coach C – Comprehension O – Outlook A – Affection C – Character H – Humor Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 32 Part 2 – Communication Sending and Receiving Information Communication   What is communication? Sending and Receiving Information • Verbal Communications • Non-verbal Communications Our actions speak louder than our words ! Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 34 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 35 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. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 36 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 37 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” Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 38 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 39 Sending Non-Verbal Messages  Be consistent in verbal and nonverbal 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? Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 40 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! Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 41 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 42 Constructive Feedback   When a mistake is made, everyone knows it, ignore it and focus on the solution. Which do you prefer to hear? a. Don’t pass the ball to the post when she is double teamed! b. When the post is double teamed look to pass to the open wing. Winter 2005-2006 43 SYA Basketball 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 44 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 45 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 46 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 47 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 48 Parents Game Conduct      Positive Cheering Respect for the coach Respect for the opponent Respect for the referees Respect for the game Winter 2005-2006  Avoid common problems • Parents who “assist” the referees • Parents who “coach” from the sidelines SYA Basketball 49 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 50 Getting Parents Involved  Practice Day • Run a skills station • Volunteer Building Director • Assistant Coach  Game Day • • • • Scoreboard or Book Statistics Video Assistant Coach SYA Basketball 51 Winter 2005-2006 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 52 Communicating with Referees    Your communication to the referees is extremely influential on your players. YOU MUST SET A GOOD EXAMPLE. How to Treat Referees 1. Greet referees with a handshake, introduce yourself, and if time permits visit a moment. 2. Always show respect for the referees before, during, and after the game. 3. Never make disrespectful remarks or body gestures. 4. Thank them after the game. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 53 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-onone with respect in a quiet voice that no one can overhear. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 54 Part 3 – Safety Be prepared for the unexpected 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 SYA Basketball 56 Winter 2005-2006 Physical Conditioning To play basketball safely, players must be fit in two ways: • Cardio-Respiratory Fitness • Muscular Fitness Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 57 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. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 58 Muscular Fitness The ability of muscles to sustain strenuous activity for longer periods. Muscular fitness includes • • • • • strength muscle endurance power speed flexibility Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 59 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. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 60 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. Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 61 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 62 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 63 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 64 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 65 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 66 First-Aid and CPR Training  We encourage all coaches to be certified in • Basic First Aid • CPR  Certification Sources • Red Cross • BSA Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 67 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 68 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 69 Part 4 – Volunteer Building Director Be a Good Guest 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 71 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 72 VBD – Get Your Team Certified  Watch Video or Go Online • https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec/Team_Sport s/VolBld_Dir.htm    Recruit two others to take the test Send your commissioner a list Wear the Badge ! Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 73 Part 5 – Resources Be a Student of the Game 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 75 Important Links  SYA Basketball • http://www.syasports.org /  Virginia High School League • http://www.vhsl.org/  Coaches Registration • https://www.youthleague susa.com/sya/2006/Volu nteer.html  Centreville High School • http://www.fcps.edu/Cent revilleHS/activity/winter/i ndex.htm  Westfield High School • http://www.fcps.k12.va.u s/WestfieldHS/athletics/a thletics.htm Fairfax County CRS • http://www.fairfaxcounty. gov/rec/Team_Sports/At hletic_Services.htm Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 76 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 77 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 78 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 Winter 2005-2006 SYA Basketball 79