The Art of Teaching Basketball

Coaching Prerequisites

"Player performance is directly related to the coach's knowledge and teaching ability."

Coaching involves three elements: the coach (instructor), the players (learner), and the program objectives.

Athlete's performance is directly related to coach's ability to teach.

• "Amateurs teach amateurs to be amateurs."
• Being organized requires careful planning.
• Identify what the players are to know, how well they need to know them, and under what conditions they are to do them.
• Must teach and adhere to program's guidelines.

Coaches must not only have to know what they are doing, but must also have an enthusiasm and enjoyment for doing it.

• Coach must impart his energy to team.
• The four "E's" of basketball coaching are ENERGY, EMOTION, ENTHUSIASM, and ENJOYMENT.
• Maintain a positive attitude and help players to succeed.
• Coach must be patient and determined.

It's not enough to know your subject, you must also be aware of your player audience.

• Coach must be good at explaining things.
• Communicate by keeping it simple. Talk to players' level.
• Tell them what you are going to teach them, teach them, and tell them what you taught them.
• Clarify rather than confuse.

Three basic keys to successful coaching.

• Teach players to LISTEN.
• Teach players to SEE things rather than just looking at them.
• Teach players to COMMUNICATE. Verbally & with body language (eyes).

Motor learning requires active learning on the part of the players.

• Learning must be performed at game speed.
• Proper execution is important. Recognize mistakes and correct immediately.
• Repetition is a must for motor learning.
• Motor learning also requires mental practice.

© 2001 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics