Coaching kids basketball should be enjoyable, but it is also a vital duty to play in terms of player development. Because children are sensitive at such a young age, a negative experience might permanently put them off from the activity. A fantastic experience, on the other hand, might ignite a passion for the game that will last a lifetime.
You must understand your job as a young basketball coach. As a result, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on teaching young basketball. You’ll be on your way to providing your kids with a wonderful basketball experience if you follow the tips below!
Read more: 5 ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Keep it Simple
This is the most crucial factor to remember while coaching any child sport. Sports are just that: a game. Games are intended to be enjoyable, especially for children. Ascertain that your children are enjoying themselves while playing the game.
Don’t be too cocky with your guidance. Please feel free to inquire about the children’s or parents’ season. Inquire about what they’d want to do more of and how things may be made more enjoyable. You don’t have to act on every piece of input you get, but it’s OK to inquire.
You’re there to assist the youngsters to learn the game and keep things light at the end of the day. While a child basketball coach, you must remember that the players are much too young for the game to be taken seriously, and this is something you must remember as you instruct.
Start With the Basics
It’s easy to get enthusiastic about training your team and search the web for advanced exercises and techniques, but the fact is that even the most “advanced” players need to start with the basics.
Some of the finest young basketball players have some of the most egregious behaviors. You could have a lethal three-point shooter, but he fires from his hip because he lacks the power to make a great jump shot.
So, what are the fundamentals?
Form shooting
Ball handling
Passing
Triple threat position
Defensive stance
Boxing out
Screening
Build Skills, Not Drills
This ties in with the previous tip, but make sure you’re developing players that improve at skills rather than exercises. What I mean is that there are several silly drills on the web that you could have your squad participate in. Your players would improve their shooting from one foot from the free-throw line if you practised a certain drill every day for ten minutes, but is it a skill that can be applied to a real game? Not too sure.
Ensure that the workouts you make your kids do are teaching them real-world skills that they can apply in games, not simply something that looks interesting on the internet. Consider whether the drill you’re going to do will be effective in the skill development section while you’re putting together your practice schedule.
Don’t Burn Your Kids Out
Allow your children to take a rest. Allow them to participate in other sports. Playing in tournaments every weekend is not a good idea. Burnout is quite common in young sports, and this is because kids seldom receive time away from the game. They’re always playing and being driven to improve their skills.
While there is a time and place for them to concentrate on their games, it does not have to be 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They require a break. They must be allowed to be children. Keep this in mind while planning practices, games, and competitions.
You should also encourage your children to participate in other sports. Don’t put them in a box by forcing them to play basketball at an early age. They should investigate everything.
Read more: FINDING THE SOLUTION TO DECLINING YOUTH SPORTS PARTICIPATION NUMBERS
