March 4, 2024 by: coach

How Players Should Prepare For Basketball Practice

Players should establish a routine for how to prepare for basketball practice.

Basketball is a sport that demands both physical fitness and mental acuity. For youth players, especially those just starting their basketball journey, preparing for practice goes beyond just showing up on time (although that’s a good start). It involves a combination of physical conditioning, mental preparation, and a focus on fundamental skills.

Here are some key tips for young basketball players to make the most of their practice sessions and impress their coaches.

1. Attend To Hydration and Nutrition

Proper hydration and nutrition are basic requirements for any athlete. Before practice, players should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and have a light, balanced meal to fuel their bodies. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can cause discomfort during practice. Come ready to play.

2. Complete A Dynamic Warm-Up

A proper warm-up is essential to prevent injuries and prepare the body for intense physical activity. Players should engage in dynamic stretching exercises to loosen up muscles and increase blood flow.

3. Conduct An Equipment Check

Before heading to practice, players should ensure they have all the necessary equipment, including their jerseys, shorts, basketball shoes, and water bottles. It’s also a good idea to check the condition of their gear to avoid any issues during practice.

4. Focus on Mindset and Focus

Basketball is as much a mental game as it is physical. Players should arrive at practice with a positive mindset, ready to learn and improve. Focus on the goals for the practice session and stay mentally engaged throughout. Be focused and an active listener.

5. Review Goals and Objectives

Before practice begins, players should review the goals and objectives set by the coach for that session. This could include working on specific skills, improving teamwork, or implementing game strategies. A player may also have goals of their own, e.g., To be the player at practice noted for hustling the hardest.

6. Arrive Early

Arriving early shows dedication and allows players to mentally prepare for practice. It also gives them time to chat with teammates, review plays or get in some extra shooting practice. Coaches notice.

7. Wear Proper Attire

Wearing the right clothing and footwear is crucial for performance and safety. Basketball shoes provide the necessary support and traction for the quick movements required in the game.

8. Listen and Learn

During practice, players should listen carefully to their coach’s instructions and actively participate in drills. Paying attention and asking questions can help clarify any fine points.

9. Stay Positive and Encouraging

Basketball is a team sport, and positivity and encouragement go a long way in building team cohesion. Players should support and uplift their teammates, even during challenging drills. It’s not always who is best on the team, but who makes the team best.

10. Stay Hydrated and Energized

Keep a water bottle handy and take short breaks to rehydrate during practice. Snacks like fruit or energy bars can help maintain energy levels.

11. Focus on Fundamentals

Practice sessions are an opportunity to hone fundamental skills like dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense. Players should approach these drills with focus and attention to detail. Practicing things you’ve done many times can be boring, but stay on task and work to improve.

12. Ask for Feedback

Seeking feedback from coaches and teammates is a great way to improve. Players should be open to constructive criticism and use it as a tool for growth. Everyone once started as a beginner.

13. Stay Positive and Resilient

Not every practice will be perfect, and there will be ups and downs. It’s important for players to stay positive, learn from mistakes, and bounce back stronger. Coaches like resilient players. So, do teammates.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, preparation is key to success in basketball, especially for young players. By following these tips and approaching practice with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, young hoopsters can maximize their potential and enjoy a fulfilling basketball experience.

By Mike O’Halloran

Mike has written four books on coaching youth basketball including Youth Basketball Practice Plans.

Overtime

You are on our How Players Should Prepare For Basketball Practice page.

Youth Basketball Tryouts: Lessons Learned

Twenty nervous 10 and 11-year-olds chattered and laughed nervously before basketball tryouts. The numbers worked out well this year as the 20 players would be divided into two equal teams of 10 players.

Our community brings in coaches from other grade levels to serve as independent evaluators and rank players into an “A” pool (top players), a “B” pool (middle-of-the-pack players), and a “C” pool (less advanced). When the rankings are completed, the two head coaches, one of whom was me, could use the rankings as a resource to help select the teams as we alternate picks.

Where Rankings Don’t Always Work

As I observed the tryouts, one of the players caught my eye. Let’s call her Amanda. Amanda was the tallest kid in the group of 20, but not particularly athletic-looking. She appeared clumsy at times. She jumped off the wrong foot for her right-hand lay-up, her dribbling skills were very rugged and like many of the players, her shooting form was lacking.

In scrimmage sessions, she tired quickly and transition play wasn’t her strong suit. However, in half-court play, Amanda was able to secure rebounds and protect the ball. And, she seemed to have a good understanding of where to position herself to get shots off the backboard at close range. However, in the scrimmages, she only made one shot.

When the rankings came back from the independent evaluators, there were 4 players in the “A” pool, 12 in the “B” pool and 4 in the “C” pool. Amanda was placed in the “C” pool. If the number of participants had been different, the “C” pool would have also been the cut pool.

Despite her “C” pool ranking, I selected Amanda as my 2nd pick. The tryout coordinator questioned my selection because so many “A” and “B” pool players were available, but the other coach sighed because she had planned on making Amanda her next pick if I hadn’t chosen her.

The other coach and I had coached many youth basketball teams, and we had both learned the value of having a center who could grab rebounds.

Trust Your Own Eyes

Amanda, from day one, went on to lead our team in both scoring and rebounding that season. Throughout the year, she was our go-to player when we needed a basket. Any knowledgeable ranking of the players at the season’s end would have had Amanda in the top 3 players at least.

Why did the independent evaluators rate Amanda so low? What’s to be learned for conducting tryouts for youth basketball?

Youth Basketball Tryouts: Lessons Learned

Here’s my take:

• Most tryout drills and activities are not the forte of bigger players. Factor that into your evaluations.

Bigger players, especially at younger ages, tend to not perform as well in lay-up form, dribbling skills, and the like, as smaller players. Sure, there are lots of exceptions to that rule. But, many “bigs” are growing into their bodies, and hand-eye and foot-eye coordination can be challenging. Even scrimmages tend to favor guards. Who brings the ball up nearly every time in a tryout scrimmage? It’s the guards.

Players at younger ages are not noted for their strong passing abilities. Bigger players get fewer unearned touches. Based solely on the performance at tryout activities, many clubs might end up with a team of guards. Teams need rebounders. Teams need players who can guard bigger opposing players. Don’t underrate the bigger players — and I say that as a father of 4 players who grew up playing guards.

• Place a premium on height, athleticism, and aggressiveness — they’re hard to teach.

At younger ages especially, many kids come into tryouts not having played a lot. While kids who have played extensively will have more advanced skills, be careful not to rate them too highly on skill development alone.

With more practice time, other players will catch up and may quickly surpass the players who had the lead at tryouts. I remember one 5th-grade tryout where one of the fastest, most athletic kids had the lowest rankings because she had never played basketball before. But, with more practice time, she quickly elevated her game. By the end of the season, she was one of the top 2 players on her team. Lots of practice time will bring the cream to the top.

• Avoid cutting players.

If evaluators have a hard time determining how a player will do for the season ahead as was the case with Amanda, think of the challenges with trying to determine the long-term success of players. Performance at younger ages is not always the best indicator of how players will do in high school.

That’s just one of the reasons that every coach should try and keep all players in the program. Find a way to make it work so that cuts are avoided. Pushback will come from parents who want to be more competitive, parents who want more playing time for their kids, and even at the organization level, but put up your best fight to see that all players get a chance to play.

By Michael O’Halloran

Michael O’Halloran is the author of Youth Basketball Practice Plans and a long-time youth basketball coach.

After using the plans, one coach wrote: “…I coach 5th and 6th-grade girls basketball and after winning only 3 games the previous 2 years combined, I began using your structured practice plans each week and now we are one game away from the League Championship!”

October 25, 2014 by: coach

Basketball Special — Basketball Practice Plans & More

We took 4 of our most popular basketball products and bundled them together, and tried to price them at an irresistible number. The result: The Basketball Special for $39.99.

Here’s what you get:

The flagship product is the Youth Basketball Practice Plans. You get complete practice plans, including pre-practice talking points for 30 practices.

What Youth Basketball Coaches are Saying:

“Thanks for the 30 Practice Plans! I coach 5th and 6th grade girls basketball and after winning only 3 games the previous 2 years combined, I began using your structured practice plans each week and now we are now one game away from the league championship!”

Mike Jadach
JV Coach Assumption School, Ansonia, CT

________

A special offer for youth basketball coaches: If you’re coaching your daughter’s or son’s basketball team this year, we have a complete solution for you. It is a season’s worth of basketball practice plans. It will make your coaching job easier and more rewarding. The core part of the program is 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans.

This season, you’re hoping that your players will learn and play to the best of their abilities, parents will enjoy watching the action, and everyone will have fun. To make the most of the coaching opportunity, it makes sense to you that you need to have a plan. You’ll need an overall plan. You’ll also need ndividual plans for each practice.

The plan needs to address:

What to coach and when? You need to have a plan for what basketball skills should be taught at the first practice and in the early part of the season. You’ll also need to know what can wait until later practices.

Fundamentals. You need to coach strategies, tactics and skills that players can carry with them to future teams. You don’t need intricate plays that players may never use again. Solid man-to-man defense, the pick-and-roll, rebounding and give-and-go are skills that teams execute at every level. This is what you need.

How to keep you players engaged throughout the course of a long season and at every practice. How to balance repetition with variety so that kids stay interested.

Preparing your team for different situations that come up in the course of a game and season. What should players do when they face a zone press? How to inbounds the ball from the sidelines to create a scoring opportunity?

How to make the most of the 10 minutes before each practice when you take the court. Here’s your opportunity to get to know your players better, pass on some valuable basketball knowledge, and teach some life lessons that players will carry on with them long after their days on the hardwood.

A plan will enable you to enjoy the season more fully as you won’t be panicking on practice day worrying about an agenda for the evening’s session. Parents of players and other coaches will notice that you move through your practices with confidence. You’re prepared with 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans. You’re organized. It shows. And, perhaps most importantly, your players will be the primary beneficiaries. They’ll learn a lot, play their best ball and love basketball! We have the solution for you: 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans.

Actual size: 8 1/2″ x 11″ makes it perfect to print out and take along to practice.

$39.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:12:end]

Get instant access to “The Well-Prepared Coach — Youth Basketball Coaching Program.” You’ll receive a full-season’s worth of basketball practice plans — 30 practices in all — complete with practice agendas, drills and teaching points. Each practice session is set for 90 minutes of court time.

Publish Date: July, 2010

Pre-practice meeting outline

This 88 page e-book includes: pre-practice meeting agendas, basketball practice plans, inbounds plays, sideline plays, simple offensive plays, where to go for more ideas, basketball drills, and off-season, driveway workout, and more. See table of contents pages below.

The basketball practice plans include a minute-by-minute breakout of each exercise along with the coaching points you should emphasize for each. The practice plans typically include “Meat” and “Potatoes” sessions for each practice. “Meat” sessions address basketball basics like: man-to-man defense, team defense, rebounding, shooting and more. “Potatoes” sessions include: power lay-ups, moving without the ball, free throw shooting, post offense and more. The appendices include diagrams and graphics to enable you to quickly grasp and explain coaching concepts.

HOW TO USE THE BASKETBALL PRACTICE PLANS. Print the pre-practice plan on one side of an 8.5 x 11″ sheet and the practice plan on the flip side. Either attach the one sheet to a coaching clipboard or fold it and put it in your pocket. It’s advised to review each agenda before the practice, but if you’re running late, you can just grab the sheet and the bag of basketball and be on your way. You’ll be ready to go. Here’s an example of a sideline play diagram in 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans.

30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans strongly recommends that coaches meet with their players for usually about 10 minutes before court time. The pre-practice meeting has many benefits. First of all, it usually ensures that player are dressed and ready to go when court time is available. But, it’s also the time for a coach to get to know the players better. It gives players some time talk a bit and ask questions.

Coaches can cover important basketball topics, team news and updates and prepare players for what’s going to happen at practice. The extra time provides the coach the opportunity to pass on some important life lessons: the value of hard work, the importance of sportsmanship and the power and magic of teamwork. To make it easier for you to implement pre-practice meetings, 30 pre-practice agendas, with talking points, are also included.

So, here’s what you get in 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans:

• 30, ninety‐minute practice plans for 4th – 8th grade teams. Exercises, explanations and teaching points.

• 30 agendas and talking points for pre‐court-time meetings. Don’t miss your opportunity to really get to know your players and cover important topics.

• A “Driveway Workout” for your players’ off‐season efforts.

• Proven inbounds plays and sideline plays.

• “The Special Play” — This play results in a surprising number of open lay‐ups in games. In fact, this one play accounted for more than 1/2 of our points in several games! When you have to have a basket at a key point in the game, here’s the ticket.

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About the Author

MICHAEL O’HALLORAN has coached his 4 children on 15 different basketball teams. His 5th grade girls’ team won the Minnesota State Championship in 2010. He authored Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching your Daughter’s 4th ‐ 8th Grade Basketball Team and co‐created “The Well‐Prepared Coach™” line of coach handout and award certificate printables. He’s the founder and editor of Sports Feel Good Stories.com. Blogs.com selected the site as a “Top 10 Youth Sports Blogs for Parents.” His “Never Forget They’re Kids” approach to coaching sports places an emphasis on learning, having fun, and creating memorable experiences for players.

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KEY BENEFITS — 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans

• A proven winner. The topics covered in these practice plans, and the order in which they’re taught, have led to many a successful season, dozens of tournament trophies and a Minnesota State Championship title.

• A time saver. You’ve heard the expression, “Plan the work, and work the plan.” A big part of your coaching role has been completed for you with this purchase. You won’t have to worry on the ride to the gym about what you’re going to cover with your players at practice as you’ll be organized and prepared.

• A new sense of confidence in your coaching. By having a complete plan in place for every pre-practice meeting and every practice, you’ll be more relaxed and be able to enjoy the process more.

• A more competitive team. With tested strategies that work — including inbound plays, sideline plays and a “Driveway Workout” for off-season development — your team will have the advantage.

• A great experience for your players. Basketball is a fun sport, but even the most dedicated players can get bored or not feel challenged unless the coach keeps them engaged throughout the season. These practice plans will keep your players involved as they improve their games and have a lot of fun in the process.

30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans — A $29.99 Value

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BUNDLED ITEM

Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching Your Daughter’ 4th-8th Grade Basketball Team

Publish Date: July, 2010

A guide for volunteer basketball coaches — especially those coaching girls in 4th – 8th grades — provides an easy to follow approach to coaching and managing your team.

O’Halloran’s “Never Forget They’re Kids” philosophy places an emphasis on learning, having fun and creating memorable experiences for players.

This basketball coaching book covers important fundamental basketball topics like defensive and offensive skills, rebounding know-how, shooting technique (including the 2 most common shooting flaws for this age group and how to address them), your coaching approach on the bench and practice preparation.

For young basketball players, it’s not all about X’s and O’s. What sets this apart from other basketball coaching books are topics like:

· 30 ideas to keep kids interested in basketball — From a “Rock n’ Roll” practice to a “Slam Dunk Photo Session,” you’ll learn some proven concepts to keep your players engaged during the season. Kids will look forward to practices as much as games.

· A detailed explanation of how to handle your first player meeting and your first parent meeting. A sample introductory email to parents is included.

· An inexpensive and simple way to create a team website and how to use your camcorder to make the most of the basketball season.

· Team nickname ideas and slogan suggestions like “There’s no traffic on the extra mile” and “Teamwork makes the Dream work.”

NOTE: Except for a couple of practice ideas that might not appeal to boys, e.g. “Wacky Hair Day,” the entire book is relevant for boys teams in 4th – 8th grades.

________________________________

Book Excerpt

“Keys to My Approach

• Be positive. Kids accomplish the most when they feel confident.

• Breakdown complicated activities into bite-size chunks.

• Encourage a risk-taking environment. The effort needs to be rewarded even if the result is lacking.

• Empower players to think on their own.

• Never forget they’re kids.”
________________________________

What people are saying about Never Forget They’re Kids

“This is a great book in a lot of ways, the least of which is the basketball stuff, which is pretty helpful by the way and very appropriate for the age level of youth athletes the author is writing about. The best part of this book is the advice the author gives concerning dealing with the parents of the players.

I wish I had a copy of this book when I started coaching all too many years ago. This section of the book alone makes it worth the purchase price to me. It also has good information on organization for a youth sports team as well as positive suggestions for a philosophical approach to coaching young athletes.”

–Kevin Sivils – author of Game Strategy and Tactics for Basketball

KEY BENEFITS — Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching Your Daughter’ 4th-8th Grade Basketball Team

• Increase your basketball coaching knowledge. You’ll learn successful strategies and tactics to use for your team on offense and defense to make your team more competitive.

• Make it fun and engaging for your players. It’s not all about winning for players. Learn 30 different ideas for keeping things interesting for players including a slam dunk photo session and a rock-and-roll practice. Youth basketball should be about learning and having fun. This book will teach you how to teach and have fun along the way.

• Generate enthusiasm from players and their parents. A guide for setting team objectives, running your first meeting with players, and your first meeting with parents. Includes a template for your first email to parents.

• Know what to do from the bench during games. You’ll learn tips on having the right philosophy and mindset as you’re teaching and coaching from the bench during games.

• Create a memorable season for your players. Suggestions on how to create a team website easily, incorporate film sessions for your team and more.

Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching Your Daughter’ 4th-8th Grade Basketball Team — A $19.99 Value

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BONUS #1

The Well-Prepared Coach Basketball Award Certificate Printables

Includes 114 basketball certificates to recognize players — both boys and girls — coaches, team parents and more. Designs include: “Coolest Coach,” “Prime Time Player,” “All Universe,” “You’re an All Star,” and “Clutch Player.” It’s a fun way to plus up your season-ending team party. As a coach or team manager, you’ll look polished and well-prepared with these awards.

Customer’s Comments “I’ve frequently created my own certificates to recognize players and the team manager at our season-end wrap-up parties. They were always well-received but I can’t wait to hear the reaction to these awards. They look great and there are lots to choose from; some for boys, some for girls, some for all players and even some for assistant coaches. There’s a big difference between these professional looking award certificates and the ones I prepared. Very cool!”

– Hal Barnes

Includes 57 designs for color printers and the same 57 designs for black ink printers. Print as many of these basketball award certificates as you like on the paper of your choice. Designs are set to work on the standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper size. You can personalize each certificate with players’ names, team names and your personal comments.

More designs:

KEY BENEFITS — The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Award Certificate Printables

• Make your players and team members smile! Kids, and adults for that matter, love to hear words of praise. Here’s a cool way to give your players, assistant coaches and team parents a feel-good boost. Present the certificate and heap on the praise. Your players may never forget it.

• Quick and easy to do. In no time, you’ll have professionally designed certificates that look fantastic.

• Print as many as you like for your team. It’s a great value.

• Choices. 57 different designs to choose from. There’s something for everyone.

• Design that stands out from the crowd. These professionally designed certificates look great on refrigerators, bulletin boards and bedroom walls.

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Award Certificate Printables — A $19.99 Value

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BONUS #2

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Coach Handout Printables

Makes your life easier!

Print as many as you like. Designs are set to work on standard paper: 8.5″ x 11.” Basketball coaching forms were designed to make your job easier. Coaching forms include: “Player Expectations,” “Parent Expectations,” “Shot Tracker,” “Basketball Homework,” “Basketball Play,” “Treat Sheet, “Emergency Contact Information,” “Practice Plans,” and more.

Customize each form with your own comments, team name and personal info. Print as many as you’d like for your team. It’s a fun way to plus up your team communications. Parents will appreciate being kept in the loop. As a coach or team manager, you’ll be better organized and look polished and well-prepared. Each form can be personalized, either via printer or hand-written notes, with your own personal agenda topics.

KEY BENEFITS — The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Coach Handout Printables

• Keep your parents and players in the loop. These coaching forms will make it easy for you to share team information.

• Print as many as you like for your team. Use these forms season after season.

• Great design makes a difference. Players and parents will pay more attention to your communications.

• You’ll look polished and well-prepared. With coaching forms like the “Shot Tracker” and “Basketball Homework,” you’ll not only be working to improve your team, but you’ll look good in the process.

• Quick and easy to do. Create valuable coaching forms in minutes.

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Coach Handout Printables — A $14.99 Value

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So here’s what you get:

1.) 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans — A $34.99 Value

2.) Never Forget They’re Kids — A $19.99 Value

3.) Basketball Award Certificate Printables — A $19.99 Value

4.) Basketball Coach Handout Printables — A $14.99 Value

TOTAL VALUE: $89.96

So, what’s your price?

$79? NO!

$69? NO!

$59? NO!

$49? NO!

YOUR PRICE FOR ALL 4 TITLES: $39.99

For only $39.99, you’ll get instant access to these 4 titles. A link will take you to these PDF files where you can save them onto your computer. The PDFs work on both Macs and PCs.

$39.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:12:end]

You’ll receive these 4 titles:

Actual size: 8 1/2″ x 11″ makes it perfect to print out and take along to practice.
A complete season of practice plans with play
diagrams and more


128 page book with photos — the companion
book to 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans


An award certificate maker. Customize and
print as many as you’d like for your players,
assistant coaches and parents

Makes your life easier!
Basketball coaching forms that will make
you look polished and well prepared

60 Day, No-Risk Guarantee: Order The Well-Prepared Coach — Youth Basketball Coaching Program and if at anytime during the first 60 days, you are not 100% satisfied for whatever reason, send me an email and I’ll refund your money in full.

Click “ADD TO CART” button to pay securely by credit card or PayPal.

$39.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:12:end]

Basketball Association Special — a one-year license to use all 4 titles with up to 50 coaches in your club or association — for only $199.99. If you have more than 50 coaches in your association, please contact us for special pricing.

$199 Basketball Association Special

[wp_eStore:product_id:16:end]

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Also coaching baseball? John Blissenbach has authored 25 Youth Baseball Practice Plans. Similar concept, only baseball. Check it out at www.coachingwhiz.com.

October 12, 2014 by: coach

Basketball Practice Plans

Youth Basketball Practice Plans

WHAT YOUTH BASKETBALL COACHES ARE SAYING

“Last year I coached a 5th grade boys basketball traveling team. It was my first year coaching and the kids’ first year playing. I used your practice plans and they were great for me and the kids did real well. This year they are playing 6th grade ball at their school and are so far undefeated. I will be coaching them again after their school season is over and will definitely revisit your practice plans.”

Fred Dubray, Coach – Mobridge, South Dakota

“…I coach 5th and 6th grade girls basketball and after winning only 3 games the previous 2 years combined, I began using your structured practice plans each week and now we are one game away from the League Championship!”

Mike Jadach
JV Coach Assumption School, Ansonia, CT

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When you purchase the 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans ebook, you’ll be immediately sent a link enabling you to download the PDF. The PDF file, which you’ll save to your computer, works on PCs and Macs.

The Well-Prepared Coach — 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans — $29.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:1:end]

Find out more about Youth Basketball Practice Plans

February 25, 2014 by: coach

Offseason Workouts Basketball

What’s included in these MVP Offseason Workouts for Basketball?

Here’s what you get:

– 18 carefully designed, 66 minutes* basketball workouts in this ebook

– Minute-by-minute breakdown of activities for each workout session

– Activities rotate from one to the next quickly to keep players interested and for the aerobic benefit. – Illustrations to help understand activities and an appendix with more detailed explanations on drills.

– Designed for either a 6 weeks time period with 3 sessions each week or a 9 weeks time period with 2 sessions each week. Players who play another sport in the offseason frequently find the 9 weeks time period works best.

– An inspirational story and quote for each workout

Prior to each workout we recommend players read the stories and quotes. Life lessons like never quitting, overcoming obstacles and the power of persistence are reinforced.

– Information young basketball players should know.

Basketball Offseason Training Topics include:

What Coaches Like
Nutrition Advice to help you Play your Best
Set Goals to Achieve More
The importance of rest and sleep
The value of the student athlete

– MVP Tips. Includes insider secrets to rebounding successfully, targeting your shots (aim small, miss small), shooting free throws more effectively, the importance of the first dribble, and many more.

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MVP Offseason Workouts for Youth Basketball

Players get pumped up for their workout sessions with an inspirational story and quote.

Each workout session is 66 minutes long and begins with a warm-up.

Sample: Offseason Basketball Workout

An Appendix in the back includes illustrations to help players understand each exercise. Here’s a sample for two ball dribbling.

Other important topics are addressed related to nutrition, goal setting, getting rest, the importance of being a good student/athlete and what coaches like from players. Here’s an excerpt:

Sample of other advice provided to players: “10 Things Coaches Like” excerpt

MVP Offseason Workouts $23.99 – Available instantly

MVP Offseason Workouts for Youth Basketball — $23.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:19:end]

October 27, 2012 by: Michael OHalloran

Youth Basketball Coaches: 7 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid at Practices

Basketball is inherently a fun sport, and typically youth basketball coaches will find ways to make it fun for players. When allowed to play hoops, most kids are going to have a good time. However, along the way, some coaches find ways to cut into the fun players have and the effectiveness of their team. If you’re coaching a kid’s basketball team, try to avoid these common mistakes.

1.) Starting practices with long lectures when court time is available

Kids generally come to practice excited to play. When court time is available, it’s best not to open the practice with a lecture. Instead, jump right into a warm-up activity like having all players, with their own basketballs, dribble in a zig-zag fashion down the court. Coaches that tip things off by trying to communicate important coaching points at the start of practice will usually find an inattentive group, full of pent-up energy and not in a listening mode.

By executing one or two activities first, a coach will find players in much more receptive mode. If you need to communicate a lot of information to your team, plan on meeting 10 minutes prior to court time availability and cover your points at that time. Talking to players when they’re catching their breaths is easier than when they’re wishing they were out on the court playing.

2.) Over-using your whistle

The best coaches I’ve seen coaching youth basketball develop a rapport with their team. They don’t need a whistle to call everyone together. Coaches don’t need to flaunt their authority by blowing a whistle or by always yelling.

Classroom teachers know that sometimes the best way to quiet down a class isn’t to raise their voices; rather it’s to lower the volume of their voices. It forces a class to be quiet so they can hear. Don’t get me wrong, when scrimmaging, the use of whistles is very effective. But, during the regular course of practice, ask yourself how much you need to use a whistle.

3.) Staying too long with the same drill

Teaching kids how to play basketball requires repetition. By doing things the correct way over and over again, the action becomes a habit. But, you usually can’t teach a skill completely in one exercise. Don’t try to. To keep practices interesting and fun, think about breaking practices down into 10-minute chunks.

Sometimes you might have an exercise that requires the use of multiple, 10-minute periods. But, keep things moving. Players’ attention spans are short and new activities will keep them challenged. Don’t be afraid to come back to similar drills in future practices. It’s better to practice one fundamental 6 times for 10 minutes throughout 6 practices; than to practice it twice for 30 minutes at 2 practices.

4.) Making the team run killers

By moving quickly from one drill to the next and choosing drills that involve a lot of running, players should be getting a lot of conditioning from the practice plans you’ve put together. Running lines or killers (or whatever you want to call it) may be good for aerobic conditioning, but doesn’t advance basketball skills. If you’re going to have players run, have them run dribbling the ball or playing defense. Good coaches put together practice plans that develop enough conditioning to remove the need for drills like killers.

5.) Scrimmaging too much

I’m always surprised by the number of coaches who use virtually all of their practice time having inter-squad scrimmages, or, the coach who tries to schedule scrimmages for every practice. While there’s a need for scrimmaging, focused drills enable players to grasp concepts more effectively and should make up the lion’s share of most practices – especially at the start of a season.

No doubt that scrimmaging is easier for a coach, as it doesn’t require much planning. Players will generally like it as well, after all, many have a pure love of the game. But, it’s a combination of drills, teaching, and scrimmaging in practice that will develop the best team and get the most out of your players.

6.) Focusing on set offensive plays

Every youth coach should be thinking about how I can get my players ready for their future seasons in basketball. Teaching fundamentals like defensive positioning, dribbling with both hands, pick-and-roll, how to cut to the basket, and how to box out for rebounding provides players with building blocks that will not only help players this year but also in subsequent years.

Coaches who focus on set offensive players may enjoy some short-term rewards for their team that season, but it’s unlikely that coaches down the line would use the same plays. Practicing the same set of plays over and over again provides little future value. Give your players the building blocks that will enable them to succeed in any system.

7.) Having no season plan for practices

New youth basketball coaches often ask the question, “Where do I begin?” It’s a great question. New and experienced coaches should not only ask, “Where do I begin?” but also, “What should I teach in the middle and at the end of the season?” By starting the season with an overall practice plan, you can begin to think through when the best time to teach certain concepts will be. I’m a big believer in starting out teaching defense.

I like starting with defense because if we can slow down opponents from scoring, we should be able to compete in most games. I also like incorporating into early practices how to deal with ball pressure, full-court presses, and half-court presses. If teams don’t know how to handle those, you can be on the bad side of some big losses. There’s a lot to teach youth basketball teams, and the order you teach it in can make a difference. Think through when the best time is to teach shooting form, inbound plays, your offensive flow, rebounding, passing, etc. Just as a good coach plans each practice, a good coach will have an overall plan for the season.

By Michael O’Halloran

O’Halloran is the author of 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans and Never Forget They’re Kids – Ideas for Coaching your Daughter’s 4th – 8th Grade Basketball Team. He has coached basketball for 15 years.

November 20, 2011 by: coach

Passing in Basketball Makes Great Teams

Consider the impact of the passing game in team sports. The teams that pass the best score the most points, and that usually means that they win the most games. Passing effectively and unselfishly can be the decisive factor in many games across many sports.

Take pro football. For some time, the passing game has reigned supreme. In days gone by, the run set up the pass. Now, the pass sets up the run. The most successful teams possess a quarterback who can complete passes with regularity. The Packers’ Aaron Rodgers showcases what a strong passer can do for a team: win lots of games including the Super Bowl.

At the 2010 World Cup, Spain dominated play with their short passing game to claim the men’s title. Other teams had no answer for their quick passing, possession style of play. In hockey, passing is so important that the sport’s scorekeepers can recognize more than one player for an assist. The assist that leads to the assist — the “Gretzky Pass” in some quarters — counts as an assist in a player’s stats. Don’t think passing isn’t important in other sports.

Like these other team sports, passing is basketball is critical. One extra pass can mean the difference between a wide open 2-foot shot vs. a 12-foot pressured shot. I loved the response the Ricky Rubio gave when asked what was his favorite play in basketball. Rubio’s response was the assist because it made 2 people happy: the passer and the shooter.

Michael Jordan was a phenomenal player for some time, but he didn’t win an NBA championship until he realized that he’d have to pass more and depend on his teammates to win games. Some of the best teams in the NBA history possessed players who were phenomenal passers. The Celtics’ Bob Cousy and the Lakers’ Magic Johnson immediately come to mind. You don’t even have to look very far back to last season’s Dallas Mavericks who won the NBA championship with an unselfish team style of play.

At any level in basketball, if you want your team to play at its best, work on your players’ passing. It starts with an attitude, but also incorporates court vision and tactical know-how. At younger ages, court vision can be a challenge especially as players are just beginning to learn how to dribble. For a coach, it takes patience and lots of repetition. But, when one of your players finds an open player under the basket for an easy lay-up, you’ll know the work was worth it.

Soccer: Spain’s Clinical Passing

Best NBA Assists

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Be ready for your basketball practices with a complete plan that will help you get the most from your team while making your job a whole lot easier. These are complete plans that cover the 10 minute pre-court time meeting and 90 minute practices on the court.

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PRE-SEASON SPECIAL:

4 E-Books for just $39.99

1.) 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans — A complete season’s worth of plans. These basketball practice plan templates and tips will have you ready for practice in 2 minutes!

2.) Never Forget They’re Kids — A youth basketball coaching book to share techniques on teaching, keeping things fun and creating memorable experiences for players.

3.) The Well-Prepared Coach Basketball Coaching forms — Shot tracker, players expectations, treat sheet, and more.

4.) Basketball Award Certificate maker — From basketball certificate templates, customize awards for your players, coaches and team parents and print as many as you like for your team. From “She (or He) Got Game” to “All-Universe.”

June 22, 2010 by: coach

Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching your Daughter’s 4th-8th Grade Basketball Team

A guide for volunteer basketball coaches — especially those coaching girls in 4th – 8th grades — provides an easy to follow approach to coaching and managing your team.

O’Halloran’s “Never Forget They’re Kids” philosophy places an emphasis on learning, having fun and creating memorable experiences for players. 128 pages with photos, play diagrams and the “Driveway Workout.”

The book covers important fundamental basketball topics like defensive and offensive skills, rebounding know-how, shooting technique (including the 2 most common shooting flaws for this age group and how to address them), your coaching approach on the bench and practice preparation.

For young basketball players, it’s not all about X’s and O’s. What sets this apart from other basketball coaching books are topics like:

· A detailed explanation of how to handle your first player meeting and your first parent meeting. A sample introductory email to parents is included.

· An inexpensive and simple way to create a team website and how to use your camcorder to make the most of the basketball season.

· Team nickname ideas and slogan suggestions like “There’s no traffic on the extra mile” and “Teamwork makes the Dream work.”

NOTE: Except for a couple of practice ideas that might not appeal to boys, e.g. “Wacky Hair Day,” the entire book is relevant for boys teams in 4th – 8th grades.

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Book Excerpt

“Keys to My Approach

• Be positive. Kids accomplish the most when they feel confident.

• Breakdown complicated activities into bite-size chunks.

• Encourage a risk-taking environment. The effort needs to be rewarded even if the result is lacking.

• Empower players to think on their own.

• Never forget they’re kids.“

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Reg.: $19.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:2:end]

What people are saying about Never Forget They’re Kids

I wish I had a copy of this book when I started coaching all too many years ago. This section of the book alone makes it worth the purchase price to me. It also has good information on organization for a youth sports team as well as positive suggestions for a philosophical approach to coaching young athletes.”

–Kevin Sivils – author of Game Strategy and Tactics for Basketball

KEY BENEFITS — Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching Your Daughter’ 4th-8th Grade Basketball Team

• Increase your basketball coaching knowledge. You’ll learn successful strategies and tactics to use for your team on offense and defense to make your team more competitive.

• Make it fun and engaging for your players. It’s not all about winning for players. Learn 30 different ideas for keeping things interesting for players including a slam dunk photo session and a rock-and-roll practice. Girls basketball should be about learning and having fun!

• Know what to do from the bench during games. You’ll learn tips on having the right philosophy and mindset as you’re teaching and coaching from the bench during games.

• Create a memorable season for your players. Suggestions on how to create a team website easily, incorporate film sessions for your team and more.

When you purchase this ebook, you’ll be immediately sent a link to a site that will enable you to download the PDF file to your computer. The PDF file works on PCs and Macs.

Reg.: $19.99
[wp_eStore:product_id:2:end]

June 22, 2010 by: coach

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Award Certificate Printables

Includes 114 award certificates to recognize players — both boys and girls — coaches, team parents and more. Basketball certificate templates include: “Coolest Coach,” “Prime Time Player,” “All Universe,” “You’re an All Star,” and “Clutch Player.”

It’s a fun way to plus up your season-ending team party. As a coach or team manager, you’ll look polished and well-prepared. Designed by award-winning designer Greg Johnson, many have recognized these as the best basketball certificates available. Give your players basketball awards that they’ll remember.

________________________________

Packaged in a downloadable, PDF file that works on PCs or Macs. Includes 57 designs for color printers and the same 57 designs for black ink printers. Print as many as you like on the paper of your choice. Designs are set to work on the standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper size.

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Award Certificate Printables —
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You can personalize each certificate with players’ names, team names and your personal comments.

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Award Certificate Printables —

Price: $19.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:4:end]

More designs:

Your download PDF file — good on PCs or Macs — comes with complete instructions.

KEY BENEFITS

• Make your players smile! Kids, and adults for that matter, love to hear words of praise. Here’s a cool way to give your players, assistant coaches and team parents a feel-good boost. Present the certificate and heap on the praise. Your players may never forget it.

• Quick and easy to do. In no time, you’ll have professionally designed certificates that look fantastic.

• Print as many as you like for your team. It’s a great value.

• Choices. Lots of designs to choose from. There’s something for everyone.

• Design that stands out from the crowd. These professionally designed certificates look great on refrigerators, bulletin boards and bedroom walls.

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Award Certificate Printables —

Price: $19.99

This basketball award certificate maker comes as a PDF file that works on Macs and PCs. You’ll receive a link after purchase which you’ll click to download the PDF file. You’ll get instant access so you can review the product in full and begin making your stylish award certificates.

[wp_eStore:product_id:4:end] Price: $19.99

June 22, 2010 by: coach

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Coach Handout Printables — Basketball Forms

Basketball coaching forms were designed to make your job easier. Coaching forms include: “Player Expectations,” “Parent Expectations,” “Shot Tracker,” “Basketball Homework,” “Basketball Play,” “Treat Sheet,” “Emergency Contact Information,” “Practice Plans,” and more.

Customize each form with your own comments, team name and personal info. Print as many as you’d like for your team.

It’s a fun way to plus up your team communications. Set expectations, track basketball stat sheet info, and communicate effectively. Parents will appreciate being kept in the loop. As a coach or team manager, you’ll be better organized and look polished and well-prepared.

The downloadable, PDF works on PCs or Macs. Print as many as you like. Designs are set to work on standard paper: 8.5″ x 11.”

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Coach Handout Printables —

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Each form can be personalized, either via printer or hand-written notes, with your own personal agenda topics.

These forms look great when posted on your players' refrigeratiors and bulletin boards!

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Coach Handout Printables —
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[wp_eStore:product_id:5:end]

Contents: Some more forms

These basketball coaching forms come as a PDF file that works on Mac and PCs. You’ll receive a link after purchase which you’ll click to download the PDF file. You’ll get instant access so you can review the product in full and begin customizing your forms for the season.

The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Coach Handout Printables —

Price: $14.99

[wp_eStore:product_id:5:end]

1. Attend To Hydration and Nutrition

2. Complete A Dynamic Warm-Up

3. Conduct An Equipment Check

4. Focus on Mindset and Focus

5. Review Goals and Objectives

6. Arrive Early

7. Wear Proper Attire

8. Listen and Learn

9. Stay Positive and Encouraging

10. Stay Hydrated and Energized

11. Focus on Fundamentals

12. Ask for Feedback

13. Stay Positive and Resilient

Closing Thoughts

Where Rankings Don’t Always Work

Trust Your Own Eyes

Youth Basketball Tryouts: Lessons Learned

• Most tryout drills and activities are not the forte of bigger players. Factor that into your evaluations.

• Place a premium on height, athleticism, and aggressiveness — they’re hard to teach.

• Avoid cutting players.

$39.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:12:end]

CONTENTS

So, here’s what you get in 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans:

About the Author

KEY BENEFITS — 30 Youth Basketball Practice Plans

EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA • EXTRA

BUNDLED ITEM

Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching Your Daughter’ 4th-8th Grade Basketball Team

A guide for volunteer basketball coaches — especially those coaching girls in 4th – 8th grades — provides an easy to follow approach to coaching and managing your team.

KEY BENEFITS — Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching Your Daughter’ 4th-8th Grade Basketball Team

BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS

BONUS #1

KEY BENEFITS — The Well-Prepared Coach — Basketball Award Certificate Printables

BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS • BONUS

BONUS #2

So here’s what you get:

TOTAL VALUE: $89.96

YOUR PRICE FOR ALL 4 TITLES: $39.99

$39.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:12:end]

$39.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:12:end]

$39.99 [wp_eStore:product_id:12:end]

Youth Basketball Practice Plans

What’s included in these MVP Offseason Workouts for Basketball?

1.) Starting practices with long lectures when court time is available

2.) Over-using your whistle

3.) Staying too long with the same drill

4.) Making the team run killers

5.) Scrimmaging too much

6.) Focusing on set offensive plays

7.) Having no season plan for practices

A guide for volunteer basketball coaches — especially those coaching girls in 4th – 8th grades — provides an easy to follow approach to coaching and managing your team.

Book Excerpt

KEY BENEFITS — Never Forget They’re Kids — Ideas for Coaching Your Daughter’ 4th-8th Grade Basketball Team

KEY BENEFITS

The Benefits of Practice Plans

Reviews of Youth Basketball Practice Plans

Basketball Quotes