Questions From Subscribers...

It's 2014 and I still see what was mentioned by Coach Jeff. The kids are taught to press, trap, execute plays and they do well in 5/6th grade, even in Jr High, winning games. When they reach HS, though, it all falls apart. I've seen the players throw fits on the court, because the other team could dribble right, and left (among the many other fundamental skills). The frustration got to them, because they could not accomplish what seemed so simple. I get 3 hours total per week for practice. In that time, I spend maybe 20 mins, tops, going over one offensive play (just so we have an idea and can adjust in-game from there). The rest of the time is spent on fundamentals. I'll do the same drills 2-3 consecutive practices, then build on that drill or institute a new drill. I think the kids disliked it at first (they were used to coming to practice, stretch, 5on5 for about 45m - an hr., then go over plays), but after a bit they saw their progress and attitudes changed. It's still a work in progress and a constant battle with the other coach, but it's one I'm willing to keep facing head-on. My advice - check out this site "religiously" and ask/comment all the time. I played, never thought coaching, but now I see what I missed - A quality coach that wants to build a player, not just a winner, and give that player the tools to succeed at each level, as well as in life.

Thanks Breakthrough Basketball for all the wonderful info, advice, drills, ideas, thoughts, etc.

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Joe says: 12/16/2014 at 5:50:57 PM Larry, thank you for the kind words. We're glad that the site has been helpful for you. Like     login   register

thanks for the encouragement on these important fundamentals. As a parent 'thrown' into coaching this season, I'm afraid to unknowingly teach bad habits to our 6th grade girls. By encouraging & strengthening shooting form, moving with the ball, layups, strong/smart passes, and pivots-I can stay focused and confident that I actually AM making a difference!

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Hi Charles,

Thank you for the kind words. We hope to have more videos in the future. We will update everybody of the new articles, drills, and videos in our newsletter.

If you have not already, make sure to sign up for our newsletter at: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/freebooks.html

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Hello!
Your site is great! My son whose twelve has been introduced to basketball and has been practicing more frequently and wants to join a league (I will introduce him the your website also). With the information here on the site along with practice he should see great skill improvement. Will there be more video footage of drills in the future? I have seen another site that has video demostrations, however, their site doesn't contain the other additional information you've provided.

Thank you,

Charles H.

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Scott,

With kids at that age and ability, you should work almost 100% on skill development.

I know you don't want to hear this but do NOT worry about winning!! Even if you practiced 2 hours every day, you still don't have enough time for skills which is what these kids need in the long run.

Instead of worrying about winning, put them in a position where they can experience other successes…

For example, if you work on shooting form, you can chart their progress and show their improvement in shooting percentage during practice. Celebrate these small successes!

Maybe you can also measure things like turnovers, rebounds, and celebrate improving in those areas. Show them how they are improving!

Kids want to be successful and have fun. But unfortunately not everyone can win.

And let's face it. There are just too many youth coaches that teach presses and traps to take advantage of young kids that aren't strong enough to throw out of a trap.

These kids aren't learning "situational" basketball. They just trap to take advantage of kids that aren't developed yet.

Those kids would be much better off learning fundamentals, skills, situational basketball, and half court execution. Those traps and bad habits they are developing now (learning from pressing and shooting 3's) won't work when they get into high school and above. The fundamentally sound kids will kick their butts.

Teach your players the right thing now, and know that in 4 years, when you watch them play high school ball, you'll be the person that helped them succeed at that level. That's much more fun and fulfilling than winning a few more games in 6th grade.

Here are some important skills to work on:
- Shooting form and footwork
- Jump stops
- Pivots and situational footwork (back pivots, front pivots, sweeps, drop step, step through)
- Offensive fundamentals (basics of reading screen and cutting)
- Ballhandling
- Lay ups
- Passing
- Basic man-to-man defense

For offense, show the basic spacing and show a 2 or 3 simple cuts and movements. Let them play and have fun from there. You won't have time to teach an offense. If the parents don't like it, give him this link and tell them this is even what NBA and college coaches recommend.

Here's a few links you might like:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/fundamentals.html
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/youthbasketball.html
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/qa/q1-verybasicyouthdrills.html

Good luck!

Jeff Haefner
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com

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