Each year there are many people who will be coaching a basketball game for the first time.  It can be a very overwhelming situation; many things can occupy your consciousness – referees, parents, minor officials, opposing coach, opposition’s players, and, most importantly, your players.  As fast as the game may seem for many young players it can be equally as fast for the first-time coach.

Throughout the course of the game you will address the players many times.  Learn to be very clear, enthusiastic, and display a sense of confidence when talking to the team or individual players.  While there will be times when it is necessary to be stern with yours players, generally speaking, be positive. Your objective when speaking to your players is speak in a tone that expresses that you believe in them – nothing is worse for players to have a sense that the coach is waiting for them to make a mistake. 

This article is a guide to the new coach with some ideas which may help them through the first few games.

1. Pre-Game Meeting
Coaches should always begin the “game experience” with a pre-game meeting to establish with the players the points you want them to concentrate on during the game. 

As players move through their basketball career the pre-game meeting will become a standard practice, so it is in the best interest of the players to begin this as soon as possible.  Establish a routine of when you are going to meet; at the youth level it may be 10, 15, or 20 minutes before the start of the game.  The time is not important but the meeting time prior to the start of the game should be consistent.  At the youth level it obviously will be difficult to meet a long time before the actual start of the game. However, it is important that you establish with the parents, and players, that you will meet prior to the game and that all players must be in attendance.  Many parents and players think that a 7:00 pm game means show up at 6:55 pm and play; you must change this thought. 

At the youth level discuss with the players one offensive principle and one defensive principle you would like them to focus on during the game (at higher levels of play coaches will usually have a least three points of emphasis offensively and defensively). At the youth level keep the points simple; offensively it might be for the passer to make a basket cut after each pass he/she makes or every time a player catches the ball he/she must face the basket and get into a triple threat stance.  Defensively it could be for all defenders to jump towards the ball on every pass that is made or to stay in a proper defensive stance throughout the entire possession.   These principles should be things you have practiced – don’t emphasize things you have not done in practice.  Remember games are the opportunities to test what you have done in practice. 

In the pre-game talk name the five players who will start the game. This will take away any uncertainty the players have and allow them focus on the game.

Keep the pre-game talk brief and to the point.  It is critical you have the attention of the entire team; do not begin the talk until you have it.  The pre-game talk should be positive and enthusiastic.  At the conclusion of the talk have all the players extend their hands into the middle of a team huddle and have a team cheer, usually saying the team’s name,  nickname or motto.  The team is now free to go into their team warm-up. 

Just prior to the start of the game huddle with the team again, reiterate the points of emphasis and bring the player’s hands together for the final cheer.

2. Worry about what you can control
You cannot control official’s calls, what defence the opponents play, and whether your team’s shots go in.  These are examples of things that will occur during the course of a game that you have no control over.  Don’t worry about them; it is wasted energy, takes your focus away from your team and, most importantly, your players will begin to focus on them.  Playing or coaching basketball is hard enough without worrying about factors you have no control over.  As well you are setting a poor example for your athletes.

3. Time-outs
If you have time-outs use them with a purpose in mind.   Time-outs are opportunities to help your athlete’s regain their focus on the parts of the game they are not doing well or keep focused on what they are doing well.  During these breaks you should praise them about what they are doing well and/or send back onto the floor with specific strategy.  Again it is vital to be brief and  clear.  Do not mistake a large amount of information with quality; follow the old adage - “less is usually more.”  Jerry Tarkanian, the former coach at UNLV said “too much information makes the feet slow”.   

4. Half-time
Give the athletes a few minutes to get hydrated, go to the restroom, and relax.  This will also give the coach time to review what happened in the first half and decide on any changes he/she wants to make for the second half.  Then sit with the team and give positive feedback both individually and as a team.  Finally, communicate the aspects of the game for the players to focus on and make any adjustments you have deemed necessary.  Be brief, enthusiastic and confident when addressing the team.

5. Post Game Meeting
After the teams have shaken hands give your players time to get a drink and gather their clothes, bags, etc and then meet in a designated area away from any distractions.  While the players are gathering their gear, review in your mind what went well and what needs to be improved upon.  Address the team and again be positive; recognize one or two things the team did well and areas that need to be addressed in the next practice.

The post-game meeting is a time when confidence can be built by recognizing individuals who displayed excellent effort on the floor.  For success in basketball, players must play hard, and the post-game meeting gives the coach an opportunity to recognize those players who gave tremendous effort.  Remember, basketball is only a game – don’t beat the players up.  Leave them wanting to come back for more.

Good luck and enjoy the experience!