What kind of basketball stratagies are right for coaching 6th graders?

Question

first time coach not wanting to introduce basketball concepts that will be too much for a team of 6th graders to handle.

Answer 1

teach them to dribble, pass and shoot.... too many players these days don't know how to do the basics......

Answer 2

I believe a coach should teach a little beyond the level of thier players. You would instruct a team that has been playing basketball since 2nd grade differently than you would players that started in 5th. When I coach, I strive to build each players confidence in their ability to improve. This helps motivate their commitment to get better. If they don't have the desire to improve, it doesn't matter what your teaching. One component that has helped me in coaching is to bring in a couple older players to help demonstrate proper technique and to play in scrimages. The speed of the game is the primary difference between age groups. When they practice with older players, it builds their confidence and also makes their practices more fun.

As a coach of many years I have the luxary of bringing back older players to help teach the younger ones. But the single best thing I ever did as a coach was to bring in college athletes to help me coach. I went from never finishing higher than 3rd place each season to taking 1st place over the last 4 seasons.

If your fortunate to live in a college town, contact the athletic department and tell them your looking for a student athlete that wants a part time job. Over the years, I've been able to hire for $20 an hour, some of the best players in the country to help teach my kids. The Ad can instruct you on the NCAA regulations that would apply, and the parents have always been happy to help pay for the additional cost.

And the most important thing a coach should never do is take the love of basketball away from a player. As adults, your kids will not remember how may games they won or lost, they will however rememeber if the had a good experience with you. Good luck.

Answer 3

basics - obviously - passing and dribbling the right way - but these kids i assume have been playing basketball for atleast 4 to 5 years and while they know the basics.

offensively - use a motion offense - keep it simple
point - 2 guards - 2 forwords - does not single any out for any position and allows them to develop moving without the ball and screening.

Defensively -
if it is allowed - zone is great - keep it simple - 2-3 zone or 1-2-2 zone - once again allowing you the coach to use multiple people in different postions.

if you have to play man to man - once again keep it simple - do not try and install a complicated team man to man with help defense because it is complicated. But you show them how to play man to man individually, then show them how they can help each other when they see their teammates in trouble- by showing them how to help rather than trying to install a set plan - they will learn without having to feel like they are in school.

Most important - limit or have very little set plays - rarely work at that age and can affect moral if one person is the focus. But at the same time give them credit and direction.
Keep practices fun and team oriented.

dont know if this helps - but it is my philosophy with my players

Answer 4

I have found that simply introducing the basics - passing the ball to the open man; learning to move WITHOUT the ball; shooting the percentage shot instead of the "GLORY" shot; shooting free throws; learning to HATE losing but losing with dignity If you've played your best; and learning that work comes BEFORE success ; that LUCK is the residue of design (Branch Rickey)- usually will take up most of your time. I also have found that the younger kids can pretty much do OFFENSIVELY and DEFENSIVELY what the older kids can do - maybe simplified and with only two or three options instead of half a dozen. Never belittle your players intelligence!

Answer 5

Just stick to the basics. Teach proper shooting technique, dribbling, passing (bounce and chest), defensive stance, and most importantly team work. There is no need to develop a play book for this age group. Just stick to the basics that will provide a good solid foundation for basketball and for life. Relay the importance of being a good teammate and how it can effect their lives!!!

Answer 6

FUNDAMENTALS!!! At the 6th grade level you have a wonderful opportunity to instill the basics in them.

On the offensive front: Dribbling, passing, pick and roll, moving without the ball, post moves, cutting to the ball and shooting

Notice I put shooting last.

On Defense: staying between your man and the basket - the basics of a zone defense if your league allows it, and moving around screens.

These are some of the basics, but they are truly important to learn.

Answer 7

easily..dont positioned on any. purely positioned on lip gloss and lovable outfits! thats the terrific on your age! im going into grade 9 now and sick initiate donning makeup. I recommend you to start donning makeup in grade 8 or 9. yet once you rather need to now then positioned on purely slightly like slightly of mascara or eyeliner. yet i dont think of you are able to. In my college, the grade 6 women who wore makeup have been seen posers, and lg's

Answer 8

F.U.N

F = Fundamentals (Dribble,pass, shoot, defensive guarding)
U = Unity
N = Never give up

Answer 9

DRIBBLE DRIBBLE DRIBBLE
that ios the first thing you have to teach anyonbe before you do anything

Answer 10

teach them the basics and fundamentals and make sure they are having fun! if they arent having fun they will hate it! from now on!