I Need some advice on how to coach youth bball quick

[BSN]

Here's the deal...

The coach of my son's 7th/8th grade basketball team is on medical leave for the next six weeks. My lovely bride volunteered me to coach for the remainder of the season. I have no clue how to run a practice. Nor what are some of the basics of the game.

Can anybody suggest a coaching-oriented/fundamentals of the game DVD I can watch over the next 48 hours. First game is tomorrow. Help.

Edit: You might get a better response with the new subject title.

[TallTitan34]

If you are in the Milwaukee area, I have seen this book at nearly every bookstore.

http://www.amazon.com/Coaching-Team-Basketball-Tom-Crean/dp/0071465650

I haven't read it so I don't know if it's too advanced for the 7th grade 8th grade level, but I'd assume he writes to an audience of coaches at all levels.  I mean you need to have a broader audience than just Bruce Pearl and Rob Jeter 

[LastWarrior]

if you can't get to a bookstore, here's the fundamentals of how to set up a practice (at least for soccer)...

2 hour practice:
15 minute warm-up
30 minute individual skills
30 minute 2 vs. 2 or 3 vs. 3 - for hoops, perhaps 1 vs. 1
30 minute scrimmage
15 minute cool-down

[mustever]

Keep it simple and short,and keep the practices fun.The last thing you want to do is bore the kids where they lose interest.

[MUCrisco]

7th/8th graders are more advanced than you'd think.  I could give you some great drills.  Do you live in Milwaukee?  I'd be willing to meet if you want.  I think people who coach that age group fall into the trap of just teaching the offense.  I think it is more imortant to teach fundamentals.  Drlll them on dribble moves.  Make sure they use their left hand along with their right.  Show them the jump stop.  Teach them how to square up.  Teach them how to rip or sweep.  Teach them the jab series or the sweep series.  Kids that age just want to catch the ball and start dribbling right away instead of squaring up to the basket first.

There are tons of defensive drills that you can do as well, that would involve 1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3, and 4 on 4.  There are loads of boxing out drills as well.  Like I said, if you are in Milwaukee, I would be more than happy to meet with you and show you some drills. 

[avid1010]

First time posting on this site, and it took something unrelated to Marquette basketball to draw me in.  PLEASE don't question my MU fanhood, but I think I can offer a little insight here.  I'll offer what I can, and hope I don't come off as being a "know it all"...as we all know coaching is a very imperfect science!

Anyhow, I've spent a fair amount of time coaching at the middle school level...the time commitment is so much better in comparison to high school ball!  The previous post is very good advice.  Work on the fundamentals, and the high school coaches will LOVE you for it.  My kids could always walk into the high school being good rebounders, defenders, ball handlers, free throw shooters, shooters, etc...  Because of this I always had more past players make the high school teams than the other feeder schools.

Stay away from the zone defense (it can be extremely effective because the lack of good shooters at the middle school level, but is really not best for the kids), and PLEASE stay away from the bo ryan motion offense   I can't believe how many coaches turn their players into robots at such a young age.

I usually start practice with fundamentals (kids are more excited at the start of practice):
Layups, dribbling around cones, two ball dribbling, lane slides, shell drill, etc...  We use many drills that I've watched Crean use in his practices when working on fundamentals...one thing he seems to incorporate into ALL his drills is competition which is good for the kids to learn, but also very fun at this age.  Example:  put the kids into 5 groups, have them race through the cones, winning team gets a drink, losing team does a light run....just have fun with it. 

Then the kids begin to get a little bored so we get into game situations:
We usually scrimmage with an emphasis on ONE focus point at this level (help defense, rebounding, inside/out offense...wherever you see a weakness).

The best way to think of it is simply...you're a teacher and the basketball court is your classroom.  Come up with a lesson plan that you feel will address the objectives you hope to accomplish through engagement of all learners.  The great thing about basketball in comparison to school is the kids truly want to be there!

One last note...don't worry about crazy parents and have a BLAST with the kids.  I think you'll thank your wife because you're in for a lot of laughs and fun if you just enjoy the kids and teach them what you know.  It's a great age group to spend a few hours with!

[only a warrior]

just run them until they puke 

Actually - good luck to you and let us know how it goes.  I coach kindegarten hoops so I am of no help here!

[Avenue Commons]

Give them time to shoot baskets to warm up and always finish with a scrimmage. If you have enough kids, break them down into 2 half court games to make sure they all get live action. In between fill it with drills like the three-man-weave, practicing outlet passes and working on the pick and roll. Here's a link to video Steve Nash made with drills. I haven't seen it, but have heard good things and his play speaks for itself. Maybe Amazon can overnight it to you.

http://www.stevenashmvp.com/

"STEVE NASH MVP INSTRUCTIONAL BASKETBALL DVD
Steve Nash, winner of back-to-back NBA MVP awards, has designed the most comprehensive basketball instructional DVD of its kind. This 2-disc DVD set is truly unique, combining Individual Fundamentals with Team Play and Practice Organization. Who better to learn the game from than basketball's most fundamentally sound player? Plus, go behind the scenes and inside the workout of the NBA's hardest worker in Steve Nash's 20 Minute Real Time Basketball Workout video."


Keep us updated!!! Good luck!!!

[mugrack]

#1 Get a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka
#2 Get a large bucket of ice
#3 tell the kids to practice free throws and don't bother you until the bottle is empty 

[mviale]

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