Things You'll Need:
- Coaches whistle
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Step 1
Know the audience. Understand that while these players may appear grown they are still children growing into adulthood. Their lives and hormones are constantly in flux. Keep this in mind as the coaching is taking place.
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Step 2
Vary practices. High School players need variety to keep the practice interesting. If there is too much repetition the players will become bored.
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Step 3
Mix in the basics. Fundamentals such as screen setting, dribbling and shooting mechanics are an extremely import part of the game that players have a hard time developing on their own. Make drills that emphasize these issues an integral part of the teaching process, but do not make them the only focus. Focusing solely on fundamentals for a practice can become monotonous for the players.
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Step 4
Keep the idle players in motion during practice. Not every player can have your full attention or participate in every drill in practice. With this in mind establish side drills that players can take part in. An idle player can become a distraction.
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Step 5
Adjust the system to fit the players and not vice versa. Too many coaches have one system and refuse to adjust it. For example, say a team consists of only small, quick players. In this case, a slow pace system would not be ideal. It would be best to install a fast paced pressing system that plays to the players strengths.
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Step 6
Chart and reward the fundamentals. Again fundamentals are a lost art and a reward system can assist a coach in stressing these attributes in their team. Have an assistant or team manager chart the amount of charges taken, good screens set etc., and reward the players that accomplish these facets of the game properly. Give a player a break from some of the more grueling drills if they are atop the fundamentals chart from last week's game.
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Step 7
Be aware of the influences of summer leagues. The high school basketball landscape has changed in the last 15 to 20 years with the increasing influence of summer leagues. These summer leagues are mostly elaborate pick-up games that rarely stress the fundamentals and team play. They are more about the individual. To offset this, attempt to find a summer league team that fits the needs of the players regarding your system, and recommend this team to your players.
Comments
skinc3 said
on 10/22/2008 Good article, I would argue though that you do need repetition in practice as it makes doing the right things a habit. i.e. You run the shell drill every practice so that players get in the habit of playing help and rotating.