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Coaches Share all the Time, We Can't Help It

Most coaches feel that they are raising the entire game when players are improving.

Coaches know what works. They see the potential in you.

They want the best for you.

They want to win - just like you.

So, yes, tips and new ideas that work with one player, will probably work again with many players.

Shonn Brown, Charlotte Christian School, Head Coach,
Charlotte, NC, sharing strategies with an assistant coach.

Shaun Wiseman, United Faith Christian Academy, Head Coach
Charlotte, NC, determining the next plays at the State Championships.

A Very Successful Youth Basketball Coach’s Ideas for a Dynamic Team Defense

I asked a coach, "you are a A Very Successful Youth Basketball Coach. What ideas for a Dynamic Team Defense do you have that are Quick, Easy, and Very Effective?" He replied

"John, we had to make it simple and fun. This is what we did:

1. Always fall back to a 1-2-2 formation - 1 quick player at the top of the key; 1 on each elbow; and 1 at each block - before looking to guard someone.

2. Player at key will guard whoever dribbles the ball across half court. The players on the elbows will look to match up with someone on the wings. The block defenders will take anyone positioned around the lane.

3. The perimeter players will switch on ALL ball screens. If your player does not have the ball, then you slide back to your starting point on the lane to help cut off penetration.

4. The lane defenders must keep at least 1 foot in the lane at all times. Make the guards pass the ball out of the lane. Let the other teams' post players shoot jumpers. No layups.

5. Instead of playing "ball-you-man", the mantra was "player-you-basket". Make the other team shoot over you and then you will also be in better position to rebound when they miss.

My greatest memory as a coach was watching my group of inexperienced 12-year-old boys in a city league steadily improve from a 34-18 beating in their first game together to finish with a 7-game winning streak, including a 32-12 victory over that same team.

By the middle of the season, the boys knew that they weren't going to be embarrassed on the court anymore. None of the boys' last 5 opponents scored more than 20 points against us, and - win or lose - you could see the boys' confidence in their abilities grow with each game. By the end of the season our cheer was DEFENSE and we meant it."

Well said, Coach. Now that is a Coaches Tip!

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