Youth Basketball

Coaching youth basketball is one of our passions and starting today we will be covering this aspect of the game in much greater detail.

The first area that we will focus on is the Coaches Code of Conduct which we feel is crucial if the game is to develop how it should.

We hear of way too many stories, and not just in youth basketball but in all youth sports where coaches (and parents) lose control and just do not have the training or common sense to be mentors to kids.

I am ashamed to say that I have unintentionally violated these codes on a few occasions early in my coaching career. It really shows the importance on becoming certified and at least getting some training when dealing with coaching/teaching kids.

We will also be bringing you a Parents and Spectators Code of Conduct as well which should open a few eyes. Remember that these codes are not just for youth basketball so please forward the address of this page to anyone you think might benefit.

I obtained this document from the Victorian Basketball Association of Victoria, Australia when I was coaching “down under” back in 1999.

Coaches Code of Conduct

• Be reasonable in your demands on young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm
• Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
• Wherever possible, group players according to age, height, skills, and physical maturity
• Avoid over-playing the talented players. The “just-average” players need, and deserve, equal time.
• Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Never ridicule children for making mistakes or losing a competition.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players
• The scheduling and length of practise times and competition should take into consideration the maturity level of players
• Develop team respect for the ability of the opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and opposing coaches.
• Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to recommence play
• Be aware of the role of the coach as an educator. As well as imparting knowledge and skills, promote desirable personal and social behaviours
• Seek to keep abreast of changes in the sport; ensure that the information used is up to date, appropriate to the needs of the players and takes into account of the principles of growth and development of children.

Interview with Australian Coach and Friend Mike Craw
Click below

Personal Coaching Observations

Basketball is a great game. It is fast, exciting and fun to play and watch. Over the years I have seen many changes in how the game has been played but the fundamentals have always remained the same.

It’s the same in every sport.Fundamentals are key to having fun, especially when you are a young player just learning how to play youth basketball.

If you cannot run and stop with good footwork, or if you cannot dribble and pass well and if you cannot shoot the ball or even defend then you will not have as much fun as you could if those skills were properly introduced and taught.

I truly think that coaches need to focus on developing young players that can do all of these things. The winning comes later. Passing, catching, shooting, dribbling, footwork are all the cornerstones of successful adult players but these skills must be taught very early on in a players career.

This is no secret. We as coaches have all heard this before but I gurantee you that when you start playing games you start to focus more on winning and what plays you are going to run rather than on teaching kids HOW to play.

More on this in the future. Please share your ideas on this below and we would also love for Coaches to share their youth basketball drills which emphasize fundamentals and How to play the game.

One of the best sites I have found on Youth Basketball Coaching is Coach Like a Pro. Check it out when you get a chance. It is a very good website.

Please check out some Youth Basketball Video Below