Keep us updated on how it goes; I did this for 2-3 years with my dad

and finally my step-sister decided she was better suited as a cheerleader.

Good luck! The main goals at this age are 1) to make it fun; and 2) maybe they learn something and stay interested. To make it fun, try to arrange "game" or skill practices where there are NO LINES. Have enough balls for every player (or have them bring a ball). Dribbling and knocking away another player's ball is a great ball-handling game. I see way too many coaches in multiple sports ruin a practice by having lines for every drill...this is a colossal waste of time. Enlist the assistance of parent/assistant coaches to have multiple stations or small skill games at the same time then kids can rotate.

.......

 

Two-dribble Oklahoma Drill. You'll quickly know what you have. :jump:

You get to practice once a week , right?

 

You don't have time to install plays (even just a few) AND teach everyone how to dribble.

 

Find the one or two that can dribble and make them the PG even if they're the tallest kid on the team. Why? If you don't have a girl that can dribble it doesn't matter what plays you put in and how good your other players are . You'll never get any offense going if you don't keep the ball in the hands of the best dribbler. I'm not saying that person shoots it all the time. I'm saying don't try to be MR Fair Coach and let every kid bring the ball up the floor. My guess is you've got one MAYBE 2 that can play point. ONLY use them.

 

Then every other kid will have a chance to get the ball in their hands which is what Mom and Dad want to see.

 

BTW the offside backdoor is ALWAYS open.

You get to practice once a week , right?

 

You don't have time to install plays (even just a few) AND teach everyone how to dribble.

 

Find the one or two that can dribble and make them the PG even if they're the tallest kid on the team. Why? If you don't have a girl that can dribble it doesn't matter what plays you put in and how good your other players are . You'll never get any offense going if you don't keep the ball in the hands of the best dribbler. I'm not saying that person shoots it all the time. I'm saying don't try to be MR Fair Coach and let every kid bring the ball up the floor. My guess is you've got one MAYBE 2 that can play point. ONLY use them.

 

Then every other kid will have a chance to get the ball in their hands which is what Mom and Dad want to see.

 

BTW the offside backdoor is ALWAYS open.

 

My boys are playing 3rd grade ball. No truer statement than this.

I was talked into coaching a u9 girls basketball team. I've never coached basketball before, but I've played the game since I was little and I've been coaching baseball, softball, and soccer for years, so the coaching aspect isn't new to me at all. I plan on working solely on the fundamentals with the girls, but I have 1 - 1 hour practice with them before playing our first game, and 8 of the 9 girls have never played organized basketball before. Therefore, I'm in need of tips of what to concentrate on during that very first practice (and I only have a half court to work with). Also, anyone have any experience with this age group and what to expect in the games (other than 6 to 2 scores)?

 

Read John Wooden's Practical Modern Basketball. It has a really comprehensive and insightful approach to laying a foundation and building on it.

 

 

If that doesn't work: try throwing things in the locker room, kicking basketballs into the rafters, yelling loudly and just generally show them that you are in charge and it's your way or the highway. Weed them out, because you aren't getting the most out of your team if 2-3 players don't leave in tears by the second week. Girl's youth basketball isn't for every 8 and 9 year old.

 

Teach them to play dirty. Elbows out when you turn up the floor, knees out on picks, bump the rebounder in the back with their chest as they go airborne if they don't have position, grab the offensive player's jersey if you can shield off the ref's view with your body. Sharpened fingernails are a must.

 

Let them know that they have five fouls to make the most of. Nothing easy, no layups. This isn't gym class anymore.

I will light a candle and offer a mass for you. Prayers sent from Lawnboy. :lol2:

First practice and game in the books. Practice was organized chaos as it was an hour cram session on just the basics of basketball. Some picked it up, some didn't, which is what I expected. The first game was much better than anticipated. We scored some baskets against a team that has played together before. I thought it would end up being a long game after the other team would spread the floor and run the high pick for his best player over and over again. She got layup after layup in the 1st quarter.

Resign

First practice and game in the books. Practice was organized chaos as it was an hour cram session on just the basics of basketball. Some picked it up, some didn't, which is what I expected. The first game was much better than anticipated. We scored some baskets against a team that has played together before. I thought it would end up being a long game after the other team would spread the floor and run the high pick for his best player over and over again. She got layup after layup in the 1st quarter.

 

So the other coach is all about winning! Congrats to his team. I hope they go undefeated and his star player wins MVP of the league.

Hope all of your girls touched the ball and learned a little something during the game.

There will be a time for competitive ball. Just not at that age!

So the other coach is all about winning! Congrats to his team. I hope they go undefeated and his star player wins MVP of the league.

Hope all of your girls touched the ball and learned a little something during the game.

There will be a time for competitive ball. Just not at that age!

 

All of the girls had the ball in their hands at least once, and almost all the girls got a shot off. I did designate one girl each quarter to bring the ball up the court on made shots, and another girl to throw the ball in. I encouraged them to take the ball and go off a rebound, and to shoot whenever they got close to the basket. The good things were the girls had fun, the parents weren't upset, and now I know what we need to work on at practice.

All of the girls had the ball in their hands at least once, and almost all the girls got a shot off. I did designate one girl each quarter to bring the ball up the court on made shots, and another girl to throw the ball in. I encouraged them to take the ball and go off a rebound, and to shoot whenever they got close to the basket. The good things were the girls had fun, the parents weren't upset, and now I know what we need to work on at practice.

 

Great job!!

continued best wishes!

All of the girls had the ball in their hands at least once, and almost all the girls got a shot off. I did designate one girl each quarter to bring the ball up the court on made shots, and another girl to throw the ball in. I encouraged them to take the ball and go off a rebound, and to shoot whenever they got close to the basket. The good things were the girls had fun, the parents weren't upset, and now I know what we need to work on at practice.

 

Sounds great. Best of luck to you this year coach.

PRACTICE we talking about PRACTICE... Not a game.

 

Good Luck

Game 2: I learned that all coaches in this league are concerned with 1 thing, winning. After a 5 minute tirade by the opposing coach, we are now allowed to play zone defense. That'll teach the girls how to properly play defense.