Establishing a Practice Schedule for Basketball
As far as the time of practice is concerned, I feel the best time to practice is right after school. I begin our practice at 3:20 and continue until 5:15 or 5:30, depending on the work planned for the day. I feel it is desirable to have several practice sessions at night before we begin the regular season’s schedule so that we might accustom the players to game conditions. I conduct several game type scrimmages at night before the opening game.
It is my sincere belief that proper practice equipment is one of the most important elements in a successful basketball program. I have uniform practice equipment which is not expensive but very adequate. The squad is issued white practice pants and reversible T-Shirts, so they can merely turn their shirts inside out if they change teams during practice. Our school provides sweat socks, athletic supporter, and white shoes. I feel the boys are much better disciplined if they are all outfitted in the same practice equipment. From the standpoint of the player, this gives him a feeling that he is part of a team and not a member of a disorganized group.
I feel it is equally important for the coach to have some type of uniform that he wears to practice. It is my belief that the coach must set the example if he is to insist upon uniform practice equipment for the team.
If you are fortunate as we are, and have a trainer, take advantage of the situation and make the best use of him. It will give the boy more confidence to be told by the trainer that he is all right than to just have the coach do it. I let our trainer make the decisions on all of our minor injury problems. If he says the boy needs to be taped, that’s it. If he says the boy should miss practice for any reason, I respect his judgment. He also recommends boys to the doctor when he feels it is necessary. On the nights of a game, I make out the lineup, but the trainer advises me on the physical condition of each player. If he decides the boy is not fit, he doesn’t play.
If you do not have a trainer, it would be advisable for you to attend a clinic and work carefully with the trainer there. I am sure the help that you receive from the trainers will provide you with great assistance in getting your boys ready to play.
If you are ever in doubt about an injury suffered by a player, you should consult a doctor immediately. Never take a chance on jeopardizing the health of one of your players by minimizing what appears to be a slight injury. A doctor can erase all doubt about a boy’s physical condition very quickly with an examination.
It is imperative that the coach be in complete control of the team at all times. You should attempt to treat all of the players alike. Give no special favors to the “star,” but rather tell him, he is expected to conduct himself as a “star” off the court as well as on the court. He should set the perfect example for the younger boys. I have found it to be true more often than not, that such was the natural case. The “star” was the “star” both in the classroom, on the street, and on the basketball court.
I have definite training rules that I expect the boys to follow. There was once a time that I felt like many other coaches feel today; to set up training rules for the boys to follow was too dictatorial. I wanted to follow the modern theme of education and let the boys set up their own rules to follow. I found, after a time, that although this is commendable, many of the boys did not actually know what was best for them and thus used poor training techniques I set up a definite time for the boys to be in bed, and in a couple of weeks they felt stronger and could run with the best of them.
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10 Things a Player Should Do Before a Basketball Game
Part of being a player for a basketball team or any sport, is knowing how the game is played, what to do when, and having the proper equipment. Below are ten things as a basketball player is important you do before a game.
1.Know the when and where the game is being played.
Do not wait until the last minute to find out where the game is being played. Talk to your coach at practice to ask for directions and times. Usually a coach will hand out a game schedule ahead of time and confirm the games as they come up. Ultimately, it is still your responsibility as a player to know when and where the game is playing and how you are going to get there.
2. Get your uniform on.
I know this sounds like a real da step, but getting your uniform means making sure your uniform is clean. Put your uniform on at home, you will not have that much time to put it on at the court. If you have a warm up jersey that goes over top of your uniform, put that on at home too so you do not forget to take it.
3. Pack a bag for the game
Pack a small gym bag with your name marked on it, with game shoes, knee pads, support pads you may need like knee braces, small towel, and a water bottle.
4. Get to the court one half hour before your game time.
Most coaches want their players at the court one half hour before game time so they can go through the warm ups and get last minute instructions.
5. Report to the coach to let them know you are there.
When you arrive at the court, immediately report to the coach and let them know you are there. When coaches are making their line-ups, they need to know who is there. If you appear out of no where at game time, you may not get to play as much as you hoped because the coach did not put you in the line up.
6. Change shoes, use the bathroom, and take off all jewelry.
Before the team warm ups, make sure you take care of all the little details so you will not lose any game time. Change into your court shoes right away. Make sure you remove all jewelry and anything plastic or metal like hair clips. If you walk onto the playing court with any of that on, you will be told to get off the court by the ref.
7. Fill up your water bottle.
If you drink more than one water bottle during the game, have two. But make sure you fill your water bottle up before the game. Make sure your bottle is marked with your name on it.
8. Warm up on the court.
At practice the coach normally will teach your team a warm-up you will go through before each game. If not, just make sure you get out there and takes some shots, dribble, and pass.
9. Mentally warm up.
When you step onto the court for warm ups, you should already be in basketball mode. That means you put aside all your everyday stuff and concentrate on the game. Go over in your mind what you learned at practice about game strategies or new plays. Do not wait until the middle of the game to ask the coach how a certain play is run. Go over what you do not understand with the coach at practice or before warm-ups start. Remember that playing a game is 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical. You want to be prepared in both ways.
10. Listen to the coach for last minute instructions.
After warm ups the coach will talk to you about the game strategies and who is starting. This is an important time for you to listen and focus on what is being said. If you have a question on the coachs instructions, ask. But do not ask the coach questions that do not pertain to that game.
By taking these ten steps before each game, you can be assured you are coming prepared and will be ready to go in when the coach yells your name from the bench. Good luck and remember, learn the game, play the game, and have fun doing it!
Kathy Giegel creates programs for kids,parents, and coachs who want to learn more about basketball.
Find out how someone you know can learn basketball by visiting us at http://www.ges110.com/Courtsidekids.html.
Coaches, Want To Avoid The Hassles Of Parent And Player Trouble?
As a coach, one of the most common problems you will encounter, are the misunderstanding or lack of communications, between your expectations of who and how the game is played to the parents and players expectations. Setting them out for everyone to see in the beginning of the season can prevent a lot of arguments and unhappy parents and players.
Tip 1 The team needs rules.
In the beginning of every season, I list the rules that I want my players and parents to follow through out the season on paper. I explain those rules and consequences to breaking those rules by word and by paper in the form of a contract. The rules are simply stated. At the bottom I have the parents and the players sign the contract. My signature will already be signed below. I then give them a copy of the contract and put my contract in my binder.
Tip 2 Dont let a player slide.
Enforce all the rules on your contract. If a player breaks one of those rules, follow through with the above said consequence. If you dont, the rules wont be taken serious and your team will quickly become out of control.
Tip 3 Sportsmanship
At practice or in a game, your players, parents and you are expected to be on your best behavior. That means no swearing, fighting, insulting or yelling at the ref. If a player starts while on the court, pull them off and sit them on the bench to calm them down. If they continue to act out, warn them you will send them to the locker room or out of the gym. Then follow up on what you warned if they dont settle down. Tell the parents and players ahead of time of what you expect from them in situations that can get ugly. Most times, the players and parents will take their lead from how you as a coach handle things. Be on your best guard.
Tip 4 Being late or absent
Everyone has different reasons why they show up late: other commitments run late, car breaks down, traffic jams, you name it and they will come up with it. As a coach you have to decide on each of them. When our players come late they know they have to run laps. If they miss a practice before a game, their playing time is cut. That all is part of the contract that you enforce from the beginning.
Tip 5 Disruptive Behavior
Now and then you will may have a player who is having a bad day and acts out during practice. You can handle this a couple of ways. One would be to call the player over, find out what the problem is and tell them it is unacceptable on what they are doing. Show them another way to handle the situation better. Another way is to make them run lines on the court to cool them off.
Following these five tips can help prevent some problems down the road. Of course you know as a coach, there is always going to be something. Good luck and remember to teach your players to learn the game, play the game, and have fun doing it!
Kathy Giegel has successfully coached basketball for over 24 years and loves every minute of it! She creates programs for all ages to anyone who wants to learn about basketball. Check out her newest creations at Http://www.ges110.com/courtsidekids.html.
What Makes Up A Basketballs Offensive Team?
In the game of basketball, there are five players allowed on the court from each team at one time. When the team has the ball it is called Offense. What makes up an offensive team? And what are roles of each of these offensive players?
The positions have a title and a number.
Point guard is number one.
Shooting guard is number two.
Forward guard is number three.
Power guard is number four.
Center is number five.
Now lets walk through each of these positions.
The Point Guard (number one) in basketball is like what a quarterback is to a football team. The point guard needs to know the game of basketball thoroughly. They are the player who will direct the offense on court. The point guard will be able to handle the ball, dribble with either hands with their head up and be a good passer.
The Shooting Guard (number two) is typically the teams best outside shooter. Preferably from behind the three point line. This player is also a good ball handler with good judgment, knowing when to shoot and not shoot. Normally, but no always, the shooting guard will bring the ball in.
The Small Forward Guard (number three), dont let the name fool you, this player can be any size. They too should be a good ball handler. Their strengths are that they are quick on their feet and can move the ball away from the defense more efficiently. Also they should have the ability to drive to the basket and make quick jump shots.
The Power Forward (number four) player will be your best inside shooter. Not only will they shoot well from underneath and on rebounds, they will be able to shoot well from the corner and high post area. This player will be strong and a very aggressive rebounder.
The Center (number five) is typically the tallest person on the team. They are a good rebounder for both offense and defense. The Center should know how to play with their back to the basket. They will also have strong, aggressive moves on offense.
Understanding what skills are needed for each of these five offensive positions will help any player who wants to become the best basketball player they can be. Good luck and remember learn the game, play the game, and have fun doing it!
What makes up a Basketballs Offensive Team?
In the game of basketball, there are five players allowed on the court from each team at one time. When the team has the ball it is called Offense. What makes up an offensive team? And what are roles of each of these offensive players?
The positions have a title and a number.
Point guard is number 1
Shooting guard is number 2
Forward guard is number 3
Power guard is number 4
Center is number 5.
Now lets walk through each of these positions.
The Point Guard (number 1) in basketball is like what a quarterback is to a football team. The point guard needs to know the game of basketball thoroughly. They are the player who will direct the offense on court. The point guard will be able to handle the ball, dribble with either hands with their head up and be a good passer.
The Shooting Guard (number 2) is typically the teams best outside shooter. Preferably from behind the three point line. This player is also a good ball handler with good judgment, knowing when to shoot and not shoot. Normally, but no always, the shooting guard will bring the ball in.
The Small Forward Guard (number 3), dont let the name fool you, this player can be any size. They too should be a good ball handler. Their strengths are that they are quick on their feet and can move the ball away from the defense more efficiently. Also they should have the ability to drive to the basket and make quick jump shots.
The Power Forward (number 4) player will be your best inside shooter. Not only will they shoot well from underneath and on rebounds, they will be able to shoot well from the corner and high post area. This player will be strong and a very aggressive rebounder.
The Center (number 5) is typically the tallest person on the team. They are a good rebounder for both offense and defense. The Center should know how to play with their back to the basket. They will also have strong, aggressive moves on offense.
Understanding what skills are needed for each of these five offensive positions will help any player who wants to become the best basketball player they can be. Good luck and remember learn the game, play the game, and have fun doing it!
Kathy is a coach of 23 years for elementary basketball. She is a creator of programs for anybody who wants to learn about the game of basketball. Starting out or have a passion for the game? Visit her site at http://www.ges110.com/courtsidekids.html
Celebrity Information On Renowned Athlete; Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born in 1963 on the 17th of February and retired from the basketball scene from which he exploded and along with others were beginning to make names for themselves.
Throughout his prolific career from the Eighties to the Nineties he has been a truly outstanding basketball player and coach.
Jordan has been considered a remarkable asset at both ends of the spectrum in relation to how the sport is played and how it is viewed. He was elementally instrumental in making the sport a worldwide forum for fans of all generations and nationalities.
Jordan ended a fifteen-season career with a regular-season average score of over thirty points per game, won six championships with the Chicago Bulls, and currently owns a part in the Charlotte Bobcats. Jordan is considered by most to be the greatest basketball player of all time, with numerous awards and much acclamation for his abilities. Popular, he has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated a record of forty-nine times since 1983. He was named Sportsman of the Year by the magazine in 1991. In 1999, Michael Jordan was named the greatest athlete of the twentieth century by the ESPN sports network.
He was listed as being second only to Babe Ruth in the Associated Press’ list of the top athletes of the 20th century. His leaping ability has been vividly proven by his feats of dunking a basketball from the foul line, earning him nicknames like Air Jordan.
As a young child in school, Jordan was remarkable athlete that came to skill in three sports at once, and eventually singled this down to basketball but had to endure a few seasons of being refused from the varsity basketball team. Jordan then earned an athletic scholarship to the University of North Carolina. While there, became a better player over the time spent working with the team-oriented system.
After winning a player of the year award in 1984, he left to join the NBA Draft, and was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the first round as the third pick overall. Jordan played thirteen seasons for the Bulls and two with the Washington Wizards. He was generally used as a shooting guard, and was just as versatile a threat at point guard and small forward.
Throughout his career, Michael Jordan, a gifted, has proved himself worthy of all the attention and praise garnered through his skills and talents, and has since lent his valuable knowledge to coaching.
Bill Wallmuller aka Mr. Merokee is the founder of Merokee Enterprises and author of the Celebrity Information Website: http://www.celebrity information.info