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1. Provide a safe physical environment. Playing basketball holds an inherent risk, but as a coach you're responsible for regularly inspecting the practice and competition courts (see the checklist for facilities and equipment in chapter 6).

2. Communicate in a positive way. You'll communicate not only with your players but also with parents, referees, and administrators.

Communicate in a way that is positive and that demonstrates you have the best interests of the players at heart. Chapter 2 will help you communicate effectively and positively.

3. Teach the tactics and skills of basketball. We'll show you an innovative "games approach" to teaching and practicing the tactics and skills young athletes need to know—an approach that kids thoroughly enjoy. We ask you to help all players be the best they can be. In chapter 5 we'll show you how to teach basketball skills, and in chapter 9 we'll provide season plans for 8- to 9-year-olds, 10- to 11-year-olds, and 12- to 14-yearolds, respectively. In chapter 8 we'll provide descriptions of all the tactics and skills you'll need to teach and to help you detect and correct errors that players typically make.

4. Teach the rules of basketball. We'll ask you to teach your players the rules of basketball. You'll find the rules in chapter 7.

5. Direct players in competition. This includes determining starting lineups and a substitution plan, relating appropriately to referees and to opposing coaches and players, and making tactical decisions during games (see chapter 6). Remember that the focus is not on winning at all costs, but in coaching your kids to compete well, do their best, and strive to win within the rules.

6. Help your players become fit and value fitness for a lifetime. We want you to help your players be fit so they can play basketball safely and successfully. We also want your players to learn to become fit on their own, understand the value of fitness, and enjoy training. Thus, we ask you not to make them do push-ups or run laps for punishment. Make it fun to get fit for basketball, and make it fun to play basketball so they'll stay fit for a lifetime.

7. Help young people develop character. Character development includes learning caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. These intangible qualities are no less important to teach than the skill of shooting the ball well. We ask you to teach these values to players both by conducting Team Circles after every game and by demonstrating

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