Any tips for coaching a high school basketball team?

[bradlieus]

So I've gotten the job to coach a grade 9/10 team at a local sports carnival. I used to play bball myself but I've never been one for strategy!

It's not a super serious carnival but it would be great to get a few tips - anybody around here done any coaching?

So far I have emphasised not being selfish, being a good sport and having fun.
Is a zone or man-to-man d better, or does it even matter at this age? For offense I'm thinking a lot of passing to find the open player - again, are any more complicated strategies worth it for school kids?

 

[Quicksilver]

Billyhoyle has dabbled in the past I think so he might be able to give some pointers

 

[lilreddevil]

If you've got big bodies, use a post up game for sure, low-post most likely to draw the double teams. On defence, I've found that man-to-man works if you don't have great fitness and lower-talent players. Probably don't go too hard with the strategies, but tell them if they've got it open just shoot it. Don't look to pass too much either because sooner or later there will be a turnover and might as well take the shot.

 

[Billyhoyle]

Thanks Quicksilver - just got home - knocked off the top team tonight!

Big issue for you before you start doing anything - what level are they? Are they kids who can play or kids who are just having a bit of fun.

My suggestion to you since it's for a carnival and you won't have long to teach anything and it's over in a day anyway -

If they are just kids having fun - just let them have fun! Shoot if your open, pass to the open man, drive if there is room, stay between your man and the basket on d, challenge every shot.


Offense -
Play a very simple pass and cut, or pass and screen away. You want it to be simple for a kid who might not have played before. If the structure is right it will work against a zone as well. Just set 1 or 2 very simple rules.

Defense -
Play man to man and fall back on zone if you need to. They're 15/16 they're pretty accountable to their peers so make them account for an offensive player, you're not going to have too much time to teach too much more. If they are athletic make them play full court otherwise half or quarter court.

However in saying all of that, if they can play - work with what they know already.

 

[Tom12]

What is the size of your team? If you have one considerably taller guy play a 2-3 zone and plonk the big guy under the basket. Force them to shoot threes and if they start making them then go man to man.

 

[LASWEET]

You might want to check up on it because I know that a few carnivals around my area don't allow zoning

 

[Tom12]

You might want to check up on it because I know that a few carnivals around my area don't allow zoning

What age group?

 

[bradlieus]

Wow thanks guys! Half of them are pretty talented and play for local teams, so I probably don't have too much to worry about!
Also have a few very big bodies so I'm liking the post up game and I think they wouldn't have a problem going man-to-man on the defence.

 

[LASWEET]

What age group?

Pretty sure it was upper primary and lower high school, so I guess it's not quite the same age but still...

 

[Tom12]

Pretty sure it was upper primary and lower high school, so I guess it's not quite the same age but still...

Oh yeah that's alright, most comps u12 or lower is no zones allowed, don't really get why though

 

[Billyhoyle]

Oh yeah that's alright, most comps u12 or lower is no zones allowed, don't really get why though

because it's lazy, require little teaching and also at 12/14s they are not strong enough to shoot over the zone.

Many levels ban it although it is hard to police. I think the most notable banning used to be the under 14 nationals

 

[Tom12]

because it's lazy, require little teaching and also at 12/14s they are not strong enough to shoot over the zone.

Many levels ban it although it is hard to police. I think the most notable banning used to be the under 14 nationals

Oh that makes a bit more sense now, I just asked someone who went to nationals in 2011 and yeah they weren't allowed to play zone

 

[drobfan8]

because it's lazy, require little teaching and also at 12/14s they are not strong enough to shoot over the zone.

Many levels ban it although it is hard to police. I think the most notable banning used to be the under 14 nationals

I loathe the zone, you are essentially daring the other team to beat you with great ball movement and shooting, something most young teams struggle with, they basically beat themselves most times.

 

[drobfan8]

If you want to win games, press.

I coach at the High School level and u/23 rep level.

Most kids struggle to beat presses.

A good press will kill High school teams and it's a fast and open game (you will give up some easy lay ups to the other team also) but with kids at that age it's all about getting them moving.

a 1/3/1 press is very effective and easy to learn. The other team will pass the ball straight to you in most cases.

Here is a nice explanation. But even if you do this press poorly you will still see results.

http://www.angelfire.com/nc/ezyduzits12steptools/1_3_1_trapping_zone_press.html

Press after ANY made basket.

Then all you have to teach them on offense is how to make lay ups and free throws. It takes way too long teaching High school kids how to run a pick n roll or even space the floor well.

Let us know what you decide and how your team goes. You'll find just the slightest bit of direction and this level of competition will help.

Good luck

 

[Billyhoyle]

I loathe the zone, you are essentially daring the other team to beat you with great ball movement and shooting, something most young teams struggle with, they basically beat themselves most times.

had a coach at Under 12 rep level play a zone for 90% of the game. Killed me a little inside