Do you want to make a difference coaching your youth basketball team?

We live in an era of overbearing parents that forcefully exert their relevance on youth sports. Coaches often channel parental intensity in their coaching styles, screaming at children to perform better in practice and game situations. The joy of playing youth basketball has been extinguished by the new trend of treating every possession like it's the seventh game of the NBA Finals.

There is a better way.

Young players are eager to learn much more than just the machinations of a basketball game. The role of a youth coach is to help the players develop their character. The game of basketball is secondary to teaching skills that will help them grow away from the basketball court. The coach must be available to discuss with their players the issues that arise outside of the basketball court.

Constant criticism turns off your young players. Incessant physical activity makes basketball become a joyless chore for a youth. Incorporate some down time into practice session that includes discussions about things that the kids experience away from the basketball court.

Know the rules of the game so you can impart them with clarity. Young players must know the boundaries of basketball and also the technical terms you'll be using over the course of a practice. Following the rules builds character. Make sure you set the example by not screaming at officials and applauding underhanded tactics ny players are your team.

Youth basketball is about enjoying the game. Winning should be secondary. Teaching young people how to handle a defeat is one of life's waning lessons. Make sure it isn't for you. Winning and losing with class is the paramount lesson to teach young players. The reason we have the smack talk mentality in college and in the pro ranks is because the players haven't been instructed about sportsmanship at the youth level.

Try letting the young players dictate some of the drills to incorporate into a practice. Allowing the players to provide input helps them learn and motivates them knowing they had a voice in the way practice was run. You might be surprised at some of the tougher drills that they choose.

Always have a plan for practice. Bring notes, but be amenable to changing course as unexpected scenarios arise. Don't make coaching basketball practice an impromptu lesson in disorganization. Youth sense when you're not prepared and they respond accordingly.

Training

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