Things You'll Need:
- gym access (or open court)
- computer
- one ball per child
- Whistle
- Portable water cooler (and LOTS of cups) if there is no drinking fountain (or bubbler)
-
Step 1
When the parents come to sign their kids up, smile and let them know that help is needed. Even if you don't think you'll need it, it's good to have an extra parent or two around to help with drills. Also have the parents print out their e-mail addresses- that way when you send out an announcement or change, you aren't stuck making 20 minutes of phone calls.
-
Step 2
Either through the school or rec department, sign up a specific time your kids will be on the court. Don't have practice more than two days a week at this level. No matter how hard you or other parents want them to, your kid will not be able to slam dunk. If you practice more than two days a week at this age you also run the risk of burning the kids (or yourself) out. Pick days that work for YOU. You're the coach! Usually Tuesdays and Thursdays work well.
-
Step 3
Only practice for an hour, tops. This isn't high school level, so don't treat it as such. Start with a 5 minute pep talk about what you're going to do for the practice. Let them run around and warm up for 10 minutes and free shoot. Introduce a drill for 5 minutes. Practice drill for 15 minutes. Give them a water break for 5 minutes. Discuss something of interest: history of the game, sportsmanship, etc. for 5 minutes. Have them work on dribbling the ball up and down the court for 10 minutes. Run sprints and it's over!
-
Step 4
Keep it serious, but FUN! If you're dealing with boys, many will still be pretty uncoordinated at this stage. ACCEPT IT and have patience if you have to teach this kid or that kid how to follow through for the 100th time.
-
Step 5
Try not to favor any one (or group) of kids. Don't think kids can't detect who the coach's favorite is. If you favor a few you'll lose the rest.
-
Step 6
Save the sprints for the end of practice, and don't have the little buggers do "suicide" sprints. Up and down the court a few times. Stop and start with your whistle playing "freeze". That kind of thing.
-
Step 7
End with something positive. Have everyone put their hands in a circle and "break!" until next practice.
Comments
favefive said
on 11/26/2007 Excellent, my nieces and nephews would be playing soon! I sent the link to my brother-in-law as he would help in coaching them!
CoachKerry said
on 11/21/2007 Great tips for coaching youngsters! This will keep it fun and also keep them focused on improvement.
A fun way to keep them focused is to have "Pie in the Face" day. If you have a major goal that you want to achieve (i.e. yelling "shot" and boxing out consistently), tell them that if they do this throughout practice, they can throw a pie in your face at the end of practice. A little whipped creme on your face will get them focused on a skill that will be very valuable to them as they grow.