Today we hosted our annual Upward Basketball Coach Training with Coach Bob Foley. Coach Foley does a great job of teaching our coaches how to maximize their time during practice while teaching skills of the game. Coach Foley has a great history of coaching at the collegiate level as well as a camp director and instructor.
Coach Foley said a lot of things about basketball today that stood out, but he started the training with this; "You are not coaching basketball, you are coaching kids." Wow! What a statement about the responsibility given to coaches. This statement should turn our attention to the way we instruct / communicate to those playing for us. It's about recognizing each player for their personalities and abilities and working with them in order to grow them in both areas. Coaching kids is also about them having fun! Doing drills and skills that involve them rather than impress them with head knowledge of the game (most of which they will not comprehend or need during a recreational activity in the second grade). Coaching is an opportunity to impact the lives of our youngsters. It's a privilege that allows us to invest in them. And it's a responsibility we need to recognize the potential outcome we can be a part of.
If you are coaching this season, remember the kids want to have fun. Yes, we need to teach them the sport, but don't over coach them. There are great tools available for teaching kids and working with them. Check out the American Sport and Education Program, Bob Foley Next Level Basketball, and Upward.org for more information.
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