Coaching in the "Dark Ages"

Coaching is an art form which is mastered my very few coaches in comparison to the many who try. Just because you have a soccer team or basketball team doesn't make you a coach.

You would have thought that coaching would have evolved with all the technological advancements, but.... nope.

Now tell me if you've seen this basketball practice routine:

(12 year old girls)

-10 laps around the gym

-Everyone gets on the baseline doing defensive foot fires while each player individually sprints the full length of the court only to return to the baseline foot fires.

3 minutes 2 sets

Can you say lactic acid! Getting Slowwweerrrrrr.

-Full court lay-ups.

10 minutes

They're slackin'. Love that muscle ACID.

-15 minutes working with the guards doing ball handling drills and the big men on the post drills

-20 minutes running through "The Offense." (screens, back screens, shallow cuts)This is done with constant stopping to correct every error he sees in execution. Even editing the offense when it does not meet his desired outcome.

-30 minutes scrimmaging- This is done with constant reference to what "They just went over!"

-5 full court suicides

Now, this coach's typical practice breeds a team that does not perform well on the court. They are not fast. They do not run the offense during the games because of fear to challenge the defense. They lack confidence and often look as if they are not even having fun!

Now I don't know about you but, basketball should be FUN!

He should design his practices specifically to meet the needs of his kids. Separate running alot from speed drills. They are not the same. And infuse some FUN!

He should be teaching his kids the offense in sections and then piece it together so the kids become confident. And stop yelling at his kids for his lack of ability!

Kids learn in environments that are fun, energetic and positive. Kids are not objects, they are people with emotions that need to be met. Meet them with passion and commitment to a Love for Coaching. They will respond from fear for a short time before they say..... HMMM.... I don't like this!

Finally after the season is over, he should turn in his whistle! Enough!