12 Ways To Help Coach A B-Ball Team With No Basket Ball Skills
My wife and I recently volunteered to
coach a team for a youth's basketball league. While she has accumulated
major clout in the sport, my b-ball skills consist solely of tossing
bawled up paper into the nearest waste basket. If you're like me, don't
worry, were not a complete lost cause. Here's 12 ways to positively
contribute to the team's success.
Emails:
- Send emails introducing the coach and yourself to the team. This can include who you are, background experience, and goals for the season. (I will share a sample of this in a future post).
- A second email sent shortly after, can mention expectations for practice and games and include a copy of the game schedule.
- Send an email after the first game with a continued excitement for the season as well as excitement if you experienced a win.
- Other emails you may be needed for inclement weather cancellations, amendments to the game schedule, or any other information that needs to be shared with parents.
{Tip: CC your coach on all emails so
they are aware of everything going on.}
Texts:
- Respond to text messages parents may send about a child not being at practice, arriving late, or who won't make games, or questions that may arise.
{Tip: If there is any important
information, be sure to inform the head coach ASAP.}
Emergency Contacts:
Be sure to have a list of all parents names and phone numbers of each child on your team. Have these numbers
available at all times. It may be helpful to create an index card for
each child with their name, parent's name and phone numbers and any
allergies they may have. Hole punch and place the cards on a ring
for easy access.
First Aid Kit:
Put together a small
first aid kit. It can include latex gloves, band aids, an ice pack,
antibacterial wipes and peroxide spray.
{Tip: If you not comfortable using
certain products on children (such as peroxide), have the parents do
so, if they choose.}
{Tip: For ice pack, the gel filled ones
that you can place in the fridge or freezer may be better than having
to deal with actual melting ice.}
Team Notebook:
Keep a log with game information. This
should include the team you are playing, the date of game, if you are
the home team or visitor, the location, player attendance, and the
final score.
As a bonus, you can mark the points
each player makes in the game (such as free throws and shots) and
list positive moments players had.
Meet and Greet:
Smile and speak to children and parents
as they walk in for practice or games. Remember players names or
write them down with an identifying factor to help your coach recall
them quickly and as needed.
Snacks:
Check with the coach to see if they
would prefer to bring snacks or would like for the parents to take
turns bringing them. If parents are providing them, create a schedule
so each parent knows when it is their week to provide snack.
{Tip: Be aware of any allergies
children may have, provide a healthy snack if possible.}
Equipment:
Be sure that all equipment
is ready and available for practice. Be certain it is all accounted
for and put away afterward.
Learn Drills:
During down time, take
the opportunity learn more about the sport you are coaching. For
instance, in basketball learn the proper form to shoot the ball,
proper dribbling, and proper terms. This way you can assist the coach
in some drills.
Help and Supervision:
During practice
keep an eye on children if they go for a water break or bathroom
break. Tie loose shoelaces, check on players who fall down during
practice and games, monitor children while the coach steps away, be
familiar with parents, so that you can locate them if needed.
On the bench:
Stay near the bench at
games so you can record points, assist players with opening and
closing drinks, picking up anything dropped on floor, placing
jackets, and tying shoes. You may also need to keep up with the clock
and subbing players out, letting the little ones know who they are
subbing for, and having them ready to enter the game.
Role Model:
Show up for every practice.
Dress like you are ready to play ball, even if you aren't playing. At
practice be in the huddle when the coach is speaking. At the end of
the games, be in line to high five the opposing team when the players
do. Remind the children in between time they are doing great. Cheer
them on. Respect your coach and honor their decision making.
{Tip: Each coach is different, but
don't be afraid to offer suggestions and give feedback. Be supportive
but remember that your coach makes the final decisions.}
