COACHING PHILOSOPHY & RULES

The WeBasketball coaching philosophy aims to develop individual players into responsible team-orientated players. Along with teaching the basic fundamentals of the game in a context that balances the hard work of drills with the fun of playing games, the program also develops responsibility, discipline, teamwork, and respect for oneself and opponents.

The balance of positive encouragement and instruction is the determining factor in relating to the players. The development of enthusiasm and joy is essential for a successful player, and coaching is guided by this principle. Within a team context, players also develop individually. They are given specific and appropriate teachings for their skill level so they can learn and experience success that engenders confidence, positive self-image, and an eagerness to learn more skills.
While the kids have fun playing basketball, the program has a no-nonsense approach to basketball, where the joy and fun of playing comes through hard work, with respect for authority and opponents.

Rules
The purpose of our rules is to encourage the development of the technical skill level and character of all the players. A natural tendency in basketball is for the more skilled players to handle the ball most of the time and to take most of the shots. By structuring rules that encourage all players to be more involved in handling and shooting the ball, the less skilled players are given more of a chance to play and improve, especially at the technical skill level. In addition, The more skilled players are also encouraged to assume the role of team leaders, cultivating the other players. Thus, their focus becomes more team-orientated.

The general rules* for in-house league play are:
1) All players play equal time.
2) Upon entering half court, the team must pass the ball three times before shooting, unless a player has a clear shot in the key.
3) Player with the ball must cut after each pass.
4) No full court press.
5) No double team on the outside.
6) No trash talking.

*Some of the rules are altered for the older players.

Coaching Principles
1) Integrity
2) Discipline
3) Sensitivity

Safety, Discipline & Communication
There is a hierarchy of human needs, identified by Abraham Maslow. He states that a priority need is that of safety, not only physical safety, but also emotional and spiritual. It is vital to create an environment that is fair and just, where children are clearly explained what is expected of them, and where discipline is consistently and fairly exercised. In such an environment, they will feel safe to learn, to grow and have fun.
Discipline is essential to creating this type of safe environment. Even if a child is picking on someone else, if he is fairly disciplined, he will know that he is safe from someone being mean to him. However, at the time of discipline, their ego (self-conscious sense of self) will often cause them to pout, sulk, feel angry or hurt. This will usually be just temporary and they will quickly resume playing basketball and having fun. Also, their psyche (the total sense of self that includes their ego [self-awareness] and subconscious) will be reassured, because it knows what is true, right and good.

Discipline and corrective comments need to be done in balance or relation with positive comments. I recommend a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of positive comments to corrections. In the case of having discipline a child by having him run or sit out. Upon returning to play it is important to say something positive when they are allowed back to play. By being sure that something positive is said, the improper behavior distinguishes itself as an act separate form the person. I recommend that the coach wait at least 2 or 3 minutes, but not more than 10, before saying something positive.

The most effective, and our standard, way to correct a player is the "compliment sandwich". We start with something that is true and good that the player is doing. Then say the equivalent of "the next step in becoming a better player is..." End with something positive about his/her ability to accomplish this new skill. By relating to a player in this manner, there isn't any criticism.

One note about using humor as a strategy for coaching: while the bottom line is that we want children to work hard and have fun, coaches' humor, though often pleasing to coaches, can confuse children, especially during times of discipline. Don't try to be funny. Situations will just naturally reveal the humor of a given event.

Be aware of children who look for you, who want special attention. This can be a great opportunity for something special to happen, and it is a real compliment to you as a coach.

Also be aware of opportunities to talk with parents about their child. The appropriate time for these conversations is when the parents are dropping off their child or picking him/her up. Parents should not be involved during the camp with any coaching.


--Rick Slettedahl, WeBasketball Director