Parents believe that the youth of today needs to get involved in ball games to divert their attention because of some issues that they may start exploring things that may lead them to the wrong path. Indeed, participating in sports will help them a lot since this is where they learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, determination, and acceptance to name a few. That is why coaching basketball or any kind of sport is a serious task and it is due to the struggles, challenges, difficulties, and responsibilities, which every player must face.
Let’s say that most people think only about winning which is natural and this can be achieved with reliable coaching, as well as the team’s willingness to learn or listen. To shoot a ball is easy but remember that you have opponents who will be guarding or chasing you so that they can get that ball no matter what. In that case, there is no assurance that the team can make a point when he is holding that ball so he cannot be complacent, instead must be alert at all times.
You may have the skills but again there are rules to follow so there must be coaches who may come from a consulting agency with experts in a particular field. Providing a coach to train the young members of the team won’t be a lax job because there will always be an issue with their behavior or attitude. Through the help of consultants or experts, such challenges will be eliminated because they know well how to handle beginners who will someday be professionals in this field.
Practice Preparation
Before the kids arrive, everything you need for the practice must be prepared and ready for use. The moment these children see that all they need was already set up, their mood to learn will rise. Therefore, the coach should make sure that the environment is good enough to boost their interest in basketball.
Aside from the ball, whistle, basket, and court – check these at https://sports862.wordpress.com/2017/11/15/equipments-used-in-basketball/, you should also prepare drills. This includes warm-up exercises like walking, running, dribbling, passing, and shooting the ball. It would be great to prepare reserved drills, too, for added activities. Do not forget that you also need to prepare a first-aid kit just in case someone gets hurt which is unavoidable in their age.
Having Fun
Most coaches are usually serious and with a fierce-looking face but this is not the time to have such looks because the young children might fear you. So you need to make sure that these future basketball players will learn and have fun during the practice days. In this way, you can motivate them that there is so much to enjoy when it comes to this sport.
Remember that this practice is a challenge for you and the child so let them do things repetitively but do not force them because they have their issues. When they can see others participating actively with smiles on their faces and laughter is heard, they will voluntarily join the group to experience the same things, too. I supposed some parents or guardians would be around so it would be a great idea to get them involved in a drill to boost the excitement.
You surely prepared drills so pick the ones that interest them and avoid what makes them bored but if possible, allow these kids to choose a drill that they like most. Avoid pinpointing only at their mistakes, instead focus on the moves where they excel and appreciate every improvement that you can see even when it is just a slight one for them to know that their efforts were not wasted. Always end the session with a drill that most of the children enjoy because that will make them learn more.
Motivation
Motivating a child to learn, play, and do well in sports must start at home because parents know them well. Though it would be great to hear this when coaching, too, so that these young players will exert effort, strive, and won’t be discouraged easily. As their coach, they trust you and your words since you are a professional which means that they will show their best not to disappoint you.
You have to encourage them every day no matter what the result of the game is because they gave their best and they played well so show that you are proud of them. It is not necessary to yell when giving instructions so coaches must control their emotions even after making a mistake which is allowed since they are just beginners.
When something went wrong, turn that as an inspiration to boost their confidence. They are free to make errors anyway, so use words that can inspire and motivate them to learn from that mistake – look at this to know more about these mistakes.
Boost Confidence
Coaching is not just about guiding them on how to go on with the game. As kids, they are less confident because they have fear so the coach has to show their support. You have to find and build confidence in them since this will serve as a lesson that they will carry as they grow older.
Let’s say that after making a wrong move, let them know that this is a part of learning because even professionals can even make mistakes. So give them a comment or feedback that will turn out to be positive because this will encourage them to do well. If possible help them in setting goals for them to feel a sense of direction and satisfaction.
Let them know that you appreciate their efforts by giving them a pat on the back, hugging, shaking hands, or giving a high-five. Always remember to not show any signs of disappointment when they failed to shoot the ball, the other team snatched it, or after falling while running. These are just children who are trying to show what they’ve got and whatever the performance is today will always improve so believe in their abilities and trust them.
