what do basketball coaches look for in a short player?

Question

im 13 and i am very short...but i really want to make the middle school basketball team

Answer 1

spunk..........
Ability to play solid D........
quickness...........

Answer 2

I've been a coach for more than 20 years and I will tell you that size does not make the player.

Things that will work to your advantage will be speed, ball-handling skills and the ability to shoot.

However, if you are going to playing with a bunch of bigger guys under the bucket and they are going to be the meat of the offense, I would say skills that are just as important or maybe even MORE important would be the ability to see the whole floor, to manage the offense and to be a utility player (setting screens, making passes).

Lots of times coaches will use smaller players as floor generals. Someone who can be patient and protect the ball while waiting for the rest of the team to set up an offense.

Defensively, small players can be an asset, again, because of speed (in getting down the floor to stop a fast break, for example), and coming up with steals a bigger player might not be able to make.

Do you play soccer? Soccer players always make good basketball players!

Good luck!

Answer 3

Chances are you are going to be a point guard. So things the coach will be looking for in you is: speed, passing ability, floor vision, leadership, dribbling, basketball IQ, and character. Don't try to impress him with the normal stuff like scoring because you might have a hard time. Impress him with getting the ball to the right person at the right time, playing defense with all you got, being a leader to your teammates, and generally hustling all over the floor.

Answer 4

For examples, I would look at the career of Mugsy Bogues or currently Earl Boykins. Both are short, but had/have successful careers. You have to be relatively fast (speed), quick (good agility), a good ball handler, shooter, and passer.

On Offense:
Since you are shorter, you have to be quick enough to get around a defender since most are taller to shoot/layup or create some space between you and the defender and have a quick release on your jump shot as not to be blocked.

On Defense:
You have to play pretty tight and use all of your arms and legs and be sure to keep in front of the player who has the ball. It also helps to be good at stealing.

Best of luck getting on the team.

Answer 5

I'm only 12 but to my knowledge a player such as your self should be able to run fast enough, be except that the coach will give you a point guard position and try your best.when playing a PG position make sure you can hold the ball right .Basically have fun and do your best hope you make the team.

Answer 6

Middle school is a little different. You'll really have an edge if you can handle the ball and get others involved, since there probably aren't many of those. Just work your tail off to impress the coach. You want to get his attention in a good way and you'll have a huge edge if you play every play like it's your last.

Answer 7

Most shorter players make it on the team by playing the guard position. This means excellent ball handling/dribbling skills. Be fast on your feet (quick direction change and body control) and fast with your hands (able to steal the ball and dribble very well with both hands while keeping your head up so you can see where everyone is on the court).

Answer 8

Hey, I'm 15 and 5'2". My coach makes the shorter players point guards, but you should also know the wing position. You should have good court vision and ball control, and should be able to pass well. It helps to be able to shoot from around and past the free-throw line. And you need to know the fundamentals, like boxing out. Good Luck.

Answer 9

Being that you are short, you will be considered for the 1 and 2 position ( 1: Point Guard, 2: Shooting Guard ). They both require speed, agility, good shooting quality, also good handling. So your best bet would be to keep your speed up, practice your shooting, also practice in dribbling well with both hands, that's always a plus. Good luck in tryouts!!!

Answer 10

OK im in my high school varsity team( 1 of the best teams in NYC) and im average height...not to brag i am a starter i played power forward....there are only 2 short kids on my team who are like 5'4...when they got picked the coach looked for speed, jumpshots, ball handles, and assists.

Answer 11

DRIBBLING....if you are short then you have the ability to dribble lower than most people because you are closer to the ground and if you can dribble lower you would be a great assest to get the ball down the floor...you would make a great point guard......speed is probably number two!!