Western Port Steelers

WESTERN PORT STEELERS

REPRESENTATIVE COACHING GUIDE

2011 -2012

Contents Contents ...... 2 Preamble ...... 7 Guidelines and Expectations of Representative Coaches at a Glance ...... 7 Related Association Vision Elements ...... 8 Related Policy for Coaches ...... 8 Role of the Director of Coaching ...... 8 Process for Coaching Support from the DOC ...... 9 Defensive and Offensive Philosophies at a Glance ...... 11 DEFENSE ...... 11 OFFENSE ...... 11 FAST BREAK OFFENSE ...... 11 Skills Check List...... 12 Checklist Example Support Drills ...... 16 Ball Handling-Handout No.1 ...... 16 Body Movement-Handout No.2.1 ...... 17 Changing Direction ...... 17 Stopping On the Court ...... 17 The Stride Stop ...... 17 Body Movement-Handout No.2.2 ...... 18 Determining Your Pivot Foot ...... 18 Body Movement-Handout No.2.3 ...... 19 The Forward Pivot ...... 19 The Crossover Pivot ...... 19 The Reverse Pivot ...... 19 Dribbling Definition ...... 20 Unguarded or Open Court Dribble ...... 20 Closely Guarded Dribble ...... 20 Dribbling-Handout 3.1 ...... 21 Crossover Dribble ...... 21 Between the Legs Dribble ...... 21 Dribbling-Handout 3.2 ...... 22 Behind the Back Dribble ...... 22 Reverse Spin Dribble ...... 22

Dribbling-Handout 3.3 ...... 23 Fake Crossover or In and Out Dribble ...... 23 Hesitation Dribble ("Rocker Move") ...... 23 Control Dribble (when the defender is up close on you) ...... 23 Speed Dribble (in the open court) ...... 23 Power Dribble ...... 23 Two-cone Retreat Drill ...... 24 Shooting-Handout 4.1 ...... 25 Fundamentals ...... 25 Proper Grip ...... 25 Hand Contact ...... 25 Shooting Follow-Through ...... 26 Release ...... 26 Trajectory (Flight of the ball) ...... 26 1. How Far You Bend Your Knees Down ...... 27 2. How Quickly You Straighten Your Legs Jumping Up Into the Shot ...... 27 3. How Far you’re Momentum Moves Forward As You Release the Ball...... 28 Become a Great Shooter from Range ...... 29 Shooting-Handout 4.2 ...... 30 The Jump Shot ...... 30 Shooting-Handout 4.3 ...... 31 Lay-up ...... 31 Shooting-Handout 4.4 ...... 32 Free-throws ...... 32 STANCE ...... 32 Mid-Release ...... 32 Full-Release ...... 33 Catch & Shoot from Elbow ...... 34 Dribble & Shoot ...... 34 Shooting Drill #1 - Dribble-Baseline: ...... 34 Shooting Drill #2 - Dribble-Baseline, Back-Dribble Out: ...... 34 Shooting Drill #3 - In the Seam: ...... 35 Reverse Layup ...... 35 Power Layup ...... 35

Set Shot ...... 35 Passing Types Handout 5.1 ...... 36 Chest Pass ...... 36 Bounce Pass ...... 36 Over-head Pass ...... 37 Offensive Position and Moves Handout 6.1 ...... 38 The Triple Threat Position ...... 38 Body Balance - With the Ball ...... 38 Triple Threat Position ...... 38 Individual Offensive Moves ...... 39 Strong Side Drive ...... 39 Crossover Drive ...... 39 Jab Step Into Jump Shot...... 39 Position in the Low Post ...... 40 Wide Target ...... 40 Power Up ...... 40 Leverage ...... 40 Triple Threat - Inverted Post Position ...... 40 Fake Spin, Drop Step - Inverted Post Position ...... 41 More Individual Offensive Moves Handout 6.2 ...... 42 Faking ...... 42 Cutting ...... 42 Front cut ...... 43 Backcut ...... 43 V-cut ...... 43 L-cut ...... 43 Curl-cut ...... 43 Button-hook ...... 43 shallow cut ...... 44 Deep cut ...... 44 Flash Cut ...... 44 Jam-Down, V-Cut ...... 44 Jam-Down, Back Cut ...... 44 Rebounding - Offensive & Defensive Handout 7.1 ...... 45

Defensive Rebounding ...... 45 Correct Foot Work ...... 45 Forward Pivot ...... 45 Reverse Pivot ...... 46 Offensive Rebounding ...... 46 Out Open Post Offence Handout 8.1 ...... 47 Offensive Screens Handout 8.2 ...... 50 Give and Go ...... 50 Screen & Roll ...... 51 Pass and Screen-Away...... 51 On-Ball Front Screen with Pick and Roll...... 52 Skip Pass: ...... 52 Basic Basketball Screens ...... 52 Here's the definition of a screen: ...... 52 Fundamentals of the Screener (Person setting the screen): ...... 52 Fundamentals of the Person Receiving the Screen ...... 53 Basic Screens...... 54 Down Screen ...... 54 Ball Screen ...... 54 Back Screen ...... 55 Away Screen ...... 55 Jump to the Ball ...... 61 Shell Drill ...... 61 Set-up: ...... 61 The Drill: ...... 61 On-Ball Defense ...... 61 Deny Defense ...... 61 Help side Defense ...... 61 Full Denial ...... 62 Help and Recover ...... 62 Defending the Cutter ...... 63 4-on-4, 5-on-5 live shell ...... 63 4-on-4-on-4 (5-on-5-on-5) live shell ...... 63 4-on-4-on-4 (5-on-5-on-5), three stops ...... 63

How to Take a Charge ...... 64 The Run and Jump- Starting Off ...... 67 Fast Break Defense ...... 70 Preventing the fast break ...... 70 Defending the paint area...... 70 Terminology ...... 72 Court Terminology ...... 72 Three Second Area ...... 72 Block ...... 72 Elbow ...... 72 Free Throw Extended Line ...... 73 Top of the Circle (Key) ...... 73 Wing ...... 73 Corner ...... 73 Short Corner ...... 73 Front Court ...... 74 Back Court ...... 74 Court Positions ...... 75 Position #1) Point Guard ...... 75 Position #2) Shooting Guard ...... 75 Position #3) Small Forward ...... 75 Position #4) Power Forward ...... 75 Position #5) Center ...... 75 The Sixth Man ...... 75 Game Terminology ...... 76 Referee Terminology ...... 78 Other References ...... 78 APPENDICES ...... 79 Training policy ...... 79 Selection Policy ...... 81 Coaching Policy ...... 83 Training Planners ...... 85 Coaches Code of Conduct...... 87 Coaching Contract ...... 90

PREAMBLE The coach is the primary interface to the representative club. If the association empowers the coach with knowledge, guidelines and avenues to themselves continue learning, then the experience of athletes and parents stands to be a positive one.

The relationship and confidence a coach is able to engender in their learning community (athletes and parents) is the single most important factor in the positive experience and willingness to continue and improve for participants.

This Coaching Guidebook and the WPBA DOC attempts to empower coaches to provide this experience and asks for the commitment to follow these guidelines in order to maximize the chances to provide such an experience.

GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS OF REPRESENTATIVE COACHES AT A GLANCE Three essential elements exist in any learning scenario – the coach or teacher, the student or athlete and the parent. All stakeholders are essential in providing the most effective learning environment. To have an effective working relationship between all three groups greatly increases the chances of a positive learning experience. To that end;

 All coaches must actively and effectively engage parents and athletes and establish strong working relationships and the ground rules for these relationships. This may include; o Communicating clearly your expectations to parents at the commencement of a season is critical in creating the foundations for a good season. o Parents concerns being addressed at an appropriate time and place which is not straight after a game. The approach and time should be requested and agreed upon. Any discussion needs to be fact not emotion based. o Building a rapport with parents and players on common points of interest

 Coaches will dedicate themselves to covering of skills contained within the age appropriate WPBA skill checklist contained in this document. Each training session will spend a minimum of 50% duration on drills to support these skills and the mastery of them.  All skills within the checklist will be covered within a 4 week cycle but each training session should reflect an element from the categories of defense, ball handling, shooting and passing as a non negotiable.  Further specific skill work will be considered relevant to an athlete’s position within the team, such as centre forwards (post up moves), guards running the floor but it is recognised that specialisation in these areas should become refined at the latter age groups.  Coaches will asses individual athletes against the skills checklist and record these evaluations on the provided lists on at least a monthly basis. These will be checked off by the DOC and forwarded to team members  Coaches will willingly receive constructive evaluation on their training and game day performances.

 Coaches will attend coaches meetings which will be scheduled once a month maximum and all attempts will be to schedule these meetings within normal training windows.  Coaches will abide by the defensive and offensive principles contained in this guide which includes a club transitional offence.  If coaches are struggling in any specific area they will request the support of the ‘Director of Coaching’ firstly or the Junior Rep Committee.  All coaches are bound by the relevant policies of the club as listed and it is their responsibility to familiarise themselves with these policies as well as the Coaches Code of Conduct.  Coaches should have a documented plan of their training session including warm up, drills to cover off, areas to discuss, game analysis etc.  Coaches will aim to improve their own areas of weakness and knowledge.  Coaches will adhere to a dress code at games that includes wearing at a minimum, WPBA polo top and/or WPBA hoodie.  Coaches will be requested to sign off (Coaching agreement in Appendix) that they will abide by these guidelines and expectations before being formally assigned to a team.

RELATED ASSOCIATION VISION ELEMENTS WPBA will communicate and provide defined pathways and programs that produce teams capable of playing at the highest possible level.

Juniors will eventually play senior basketball for WPBA and see it as a club of choice to progress themselves in all areas of development.

WPBA will create the opportunity for individuals to excel in their chosen field – as a player, coach, referee or administrator.

WPBA will promote best practice in all we do.

Live our core values or respect, integrity, recognition, friendship, accountability and consistency.

RELATED POLICY FOR COACHES These policies can be found at www.wpba.com.au Those in bold are listed at the back of this document in the Appendices.

Discipline policy, Complaints and Grievance Policy, Training Policy, Selection Policy, Coaching Policy.

ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR OF COACHING The primary purpose of the DOC is to support you the coach and ensure you have the best chance of providing athletes and parents with a great sporting experience at WPBA.

Some of the core specific tasks assigned to the DOC include the following;

 Develop a coaching program that will develop the skills and abilities of both players and coaches in the Junior Representative Program.

 Assist in recruiting potential players and coaches from within the WPBA domestic competition into the Junior Representative Program  Be the chairperson and main consultant of the selection panel in the appointment of coaches to respective Junior & Senior Representative teams  Oversee the tryout process of the Junior Representative Program, including assistance in player selections at try outs into teams. This includes having final say in team selection in any case of dispute in selection process.  Oversee training sessions (usually Sunday mornings from 8am onwards), attendance at Friday night home games (usually from 6pm onwards) and be able to provide assessment feedback and advice to coaches and players, as well as conducting individual and group development sessions to improve the skill base of players in the Junior Representative Program.  Monitor the progress of Junior Representative players and coaches and assist in further developing coaches to ensure ongoing improvement.  Promote various coaching clinics to coaches and relay relevant information on to all coaches of the Junior Representative Program.  Run and coordinate the Steelers Academy program for existing Junior Representative players that are selected as elite players and assist their development through an elite program  Run and coordinate the Steelers Development program for players not currently playing Junior Representative to assist in their development in readiness for try outs for the WPBA Junior Representative Program  In coordination with the administration office, routinely go into the local primary and secondary schools and run clinics to promote the WPBA and encourage participation within the WPBA domestic and junior representative program  Be involved with the promotion and participation of Basketball Victoria development programs and NITCP, and encourage appropriate Junior representative players to participate in state team try outs.  Host at least 4 coaches meetings through each Junior Representative season to ensure all matters are addressed

PROCESS FOR COACHING SUPPORT FROM THE DOC The DOC commits to attending and supporting your training sessions on a timetabled basis. Timetabling will also allow flexibility for at call requests by coaches on a needs basis.

To achieve this, coaches need to adhere to the compulsory training session times held within the training policy as this will be the advertised session times to parents and will ultimately form the basis of commitment for some parents. Attendance by the DOC at secondary training sessions for high met teams and optional training session times for development teams (refer training policy) is on a request basis and may not always be able to be fulfilled.

Whenever possible the DOC will attempt to engage in a dialogue with coaches in terms of support and guidance. However, when the guidelines/expectations are not being adhered to, the DOC will follow a three step protocol.

1. Informal discussion and follow up documentation (e.g. email) of areas that need attending and ways to improve or fix the point in question. 2. Need for secondary discussion and follow up documentation again. Formal meeting with DOC and JRC rep with strategies and plans documented going forward.

3. If the guidelines/expectations continue to be ignored then the coach will not coach until a meeting with DOC and JRC member has taken place. The coach will be on a two week mentor program where training sessions are conducted with the DOC and the third is observed. If the guidelines still cannot be followed the coach will be removed.

DEFENSIVE AND OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHIES AT A GLANCE

DEFENSE 1. ENERGY AND EFFORT. Defensive pressure creates offensive opportunities. 2. NO MIDDLE. Force players to the sideline above the free throw line. Ascertain handedness quickly and overplay to the weak hand side 3. FORCE EVERYTHING TO THE BASELINE. Force anyone below the free throw line to the baseline. 4. HELP THE HELPER. It can only happen with good defensive position and vision 5. REACT ROTATE REBOUND. No second chances. 6. DENIAL. Your man can’t score if they don’t have the ball. 7. TALK ,TALK, TALK. Communication actually works

OFFENSE 1. GET THE BALL OUT QUICK. Protect the ball and look for the outlet. 2. PUSH THE BALL. Look for quick transition. 3. RUN THE FLOOR. Run hard to create options and effective transition 4. SPREAD THE FLOOR . Make the defense work. 5. KEEP THE BALL MOVING (PASS OR DRIBBLE). Keep offensive movement. 6. WPBA TRANSITIONAL OFFENCE (ALL MUST KNOW) – Five out. Variations of 4 out 1 in. 3 out 2 in.

FAST BREAK OFFENSE 1. 4 man takes the ball out 2. 1 gets outlet pass and looks up the floor 3. 2 and 3 man run wide on both wings looking for the ball to attack 4. 5 man runs middle of the floor looking for the ball before choosing a side to post 5. 4 man trails into the top of the key looking for the ball 6. 1 man slice the floor looking for options once he chooses a side team flows into motion (note motion can be altered depending on personal)

SKILLS CHECK LIST

Western Port Steelers Skills Check List

U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18

Page

Number

Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick

Drill Drill Drill Drill Drill Ball Handling Drill Ball Wraps (Head, Waist, I R M 16 Knees) Figure 8 I R M 16 Monster Walk I R M 16 Finger Tipping I R M 16 Spider Dribble I R M 16 Blur Series I R M 16

Body Movement U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18 Jump Stop I R M 17 Stride Stop I R M 17 Forward Pivot I R M 19 Crossover Pivot I R M 19 Reverse Pivot I R M 19

Ball Handling U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18 Cross Over I R M 21 Between the Legs I R M 21 Behind the Back I R M 22 Reverse (Spin) Dribble I R M 22 Fake Crossover I R M 23 (Inside/Out) Change of I R M 23 Pace/Stutter/Hesitation Control I R M 23 Speed Dribble I R M 23 Power Dribble I R M 23 Retreat Dribble I R M 23

Shooting U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18 Fundamentals I R M 25 - 29 Jump Shot I R I R M 30 Lay-up Strong Hand I R M 31 Lay-up Weak Hand I R M 31 Foul Shots I R M 32 & 33 Catch and Shoot I R M 34 Dribble and Shoot I R M 34 Reverse Layup I R M 35 Power Lay Up I R M 35 Set Shot I R M 35 I= INTRODUCE R=REFINE M=MASTER

Western Port Steelers Skills Check List U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18

Page

Number

Passing

Tick Tick Drill Tick Drill Tick Drill Tick Drill Tick Drill Tick Drill Catching/Receiving (10 I R M N/A Fingers) Move to Ball I R M N/A Chest Pass I R M 36 Bounce Pass I R M 36 Overhead Pass I R M 37 Fake Pass I R M 37 Individual Offence U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18 Triple Threat I R M 38 Jab Step- Strong side drive I R M 39 Jab Step - Crossover I R M 39 Jab Step - Shoot I R M 39 Post Moves-Target Hand I R M 40 & 41 Post Moves-Drop Step I R M 40 & 41 Post Moves-Turn Around I R M 40 & 41 Shot Fakes I R M 42 V-Cuts I R M 42-44 Flash Cuts I R M 42-44 Flare Cuts I R M 42-44 Curl Cuts I R M 42-44 Rebounding U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18 Jumping I R M 45-46 Stance I R M 45-46 Protection of Ball I R M 45-46 Positioning I R M 45-46 Blocking Out I R M 45-46 Team Offence U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18 Court Spacing I R M 47-49 Ball Movement/Reversal I R M 47-49 Pass, Cut & Replace I R M 47-49 Give & Go I R M 50 Dribble entries I R M N/A Screen the ball & Roll I R M 51-52 Screen Away I R M 52 Skip Passes I R M 52 Down Screens I R M 54 Ball Screens I R M 54

Back Screens I R M 55 Cross Screens I R M 55 Fast Break I R M DVD Delay Game/Time I R M DOC Management I= INTRODUCE R=REFINE M=MASTER

Western Port Steelers Skills Check List U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18

Page

Number

Individual Defence

Tick Tick Drill Tick Drill Tick Drill Tick Drill Tick Drill Tick Drill Defensive Stance I R M 56 Maintaining Position I R M 56 Footwork Shuffle I R M 56 Footwork Drop Step I R M 56 Use of Hands I R M Turning the Dribbler I R M 60 Channelling the Dribbler I R M 60 Man to Man-Guarding I R M 61-62 the Dribbler Man to Man-One Pass I R M 61-62 Away Man to Man-2 or More I R M 61-62 passes away Defensive Triangle- I R M 61-62 Pointing Pistols Jumping to the ball I R M 61-62 Closing out I R M 63 Defending Cutters I R M 63 Defending Post Players I R M 63 Defending Screens I R M 63 Taking the Charge I R M 64

Team Defence U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18 Half Court Man-to-Man I R M 66-71 Full Court Man-to-Man I R M 66-71 Run & Jump I R M 66-71 Fast Break Defence & I R M 66-71 Trapping I= INTRODUCE R=REFINE M=MASTER

Western Port Steelers Skills Check List Rules U8 U10 U12 U14 U16 U18 Court Terminology I R/M 72-78 Player Position/Roles I R/M 72-78 Scoring I R/M 72-78 Double Dribbles I R/M 72-78 Travel I R/M 72-78 Backcourt Violation I R/M 72-78 Jump Ball-Start of game I R/M 72-78 Jump Ball-Possession I R/M 72-78 Arrow Fouls-Hands I R/M 72-78 Fouls-Blocking I R/M 72-78 Fouls-Shooter I R/M 72-78 Five Fouls on a Player I R/M 72-78 8 Team Fouls I R/M 72-78 3 Seconds in the Key I R/M 72-78 5 Seconds-Held Ball I R/M 72-78 8 Seconds-Backcourt I R/M 72-78 Out of Bounds I R/M 72-78

I= INTRODUCE R=REFINE M=MASTER

CHECKLIST EXAMPLE SUPPORT DRILLS

BALL HANDLING-HANDOUT NO.1

BODY MOVEMENT-HANDOUT NO.2.1 To be able to move quickly around the basketball court, you must constantly adjust your body position so as to make changes of direction. Once you are confident with your body balance, court movement such as body fakes and offensive cuts to the basket become valuable techniques.

CHANGING DIRECTION For each change of direction, you must push off with your outside foot.

Because you need to change direction so many times throughout a game, you must be able to do it in one step, as shown above.

STOPPING ON THE COURT There are two ways to stop effectively on the court – the jump stop and the stride stop.

THE JUMP STOP Both feet land on the court together.

THE STRIDE STOP A single foot lands on the court followed by the next foot. This stop is used more often because it allows a quicker more balanced stop.

BODY MOVEMENT-HANDOUT NO.2.2 The basketball rules state that a player in possession of the ball must keep one foot in contact with the court where the pivot foot originally landed until the player shoots passes or dribbles the ball. The other foot may move freely and step in any direction, within the limitations of the court.

If the offensive player is closely guarded by the defence, they have five seconds to take up an option of shooting, passing or dribbling and if they do not, the referee will likely call the player for a violation and the ball will be awarded to the other team.

In order to be able to move your whole body and remain in a stable position, it is essential that you pivot.

Pivoting can be performed in a forward stepping motion towards the defensive player or a backward/reverse stepping motion away from the defensive player.

DETERMINING YOUR PIVOT FOOT

When an offensive player is stationary on the court, there are two ways the pivot foot can be determined. Firstly, if the offensive player receives the ball with only one foot grounded, then the grounded foot automatically becomes the pivot foot, secondly if the offensive player receives the ball with both feet grounded, then the player can determine which foot they prefer to use as a pivot foot.

There are two possible ways of creating a pivot foot when a player is on the move and then receives the ball.

BODY MOVEMENT-HANDOUT NO.2.3 There are three distinct pivots with some variations which can be used to lead into your offensive options of shot, pass or dribble. You usually would only pivot if the defense were close to you.

THE FORWARD PIVOT

From the triple threat position stepping forward alongside the defence, not releasing your pivot foot until you are ready to move past the defence.

THE CROSSOVER PIVOT

From the triple threat position stepping across to the opposite side of the defence, the ball also moves from one hip below the knees to the other hip as you step. Once alongside the defence you are ready to move past the defence.

THE REVERSE PIVOT

From the triple threat position stepping back away from the defence reaching for the ball. If the defence continues to pursue the ball a further reverse pivot will allow you to step towards your offensive end of the court ready to move past the defence.

There are only attacking pivots regardless of a reverse of forward pivot. All pivots allow you to continue to stay in control and to attack the basket.

Treat all pivots as attacking pivots regardless of a reverse of forward pivot. All pivots allow you to continue to stay in control and to attack the basket. A good reverse pivot will enable protection of the ball and space to move around the aggressive defence.

DRIBBLING DEFINITION Dribbling as a rule; is the only way you may individually move anywhere on the court when in possession of the ball. You may do this by bouncing the ball repeatedly with one hand at a time. The violation called “Double Dribble” is when you either dribble using two hands or by dribbling then picking it up and then dribbling the ball again.

UNGUARDED OR OPEN COURT DRIBBLE

The faster you move, the further you push the ball out in front.

CLOSELY GUARDED DRIBBLE

1. When closely guarded, keep your body between the defensive player and the ball. This will give greater protection of the ball. 2. Never dribble without a reason. You should only dribble to give yourself a better shot at the basket or to give yourself a better pass to a team mate.

DRIBBLING-HANDOUT 3.1 There are many times throughout a game or training session, when dribbling the ball that you need to change direction and therefore change hands. When changing direction you must look at the method that will give you the most protection of the ball and allow you to change quickly and effectively.

Here are four methods you may practice:

CROSSOVER DRIBBLE

Is the simplest to perform and is usually used in open court when not closely guarded by defence. The crossover is more difficult to perform when closely guarded as it allows the defence a direct look at the ball with no basic protection. If you wish to use this method under close guard, then you should accompany it with a fake in one direction and crossover in the other direction.

BETWEEN THE LEGS DRIBBLE

This method of changing direction allows you to use your leg for protection and is performed sometimes with a jump stop then a step in the new direction. It is not a method that is used for high speed change of direction.

DRIBBLING-HANDOUT 3.2

BEHIND THE BACK DRIBBLE

This method of changing direction allows you to use your body for protection. When placing the ball behind your back, the dribbling hand should move towards the opposite hip.

I.e. Right hand to back left hip or Left hand to back right hip as the ball bounces behind you, a step must be made in the new direction. Keep body balance low when attempting this method of change.

REVERSE SPIN DRIBBLE

This method of changing direction also allows you to use your body for protection. Your body must stay between the ball and the defensive player. When dribbling in one direction, your approach is nearly side on, with the ball almost behind you. To change direction, you pivot on the non-ballside foot, spinning around and at the same time changing dribbling hands, and then move the ball off in new direction.

Alternatively, the Reverse Spin Dribble can be performed without changing hands. (See Below) The ball returns the hand same dribbling hand and is pulled around as the body spins around the defence. This dribble takes more practice and is easier to lose control, however, once perfected can be performed at a greater speed than the above Reverse Spin Dribble using a change of hands.

Excessive dribbling can take the effectiveness out of your team’s offence slowing the tempo down and cuts down your team work.

DRIBBLING-HANDOUT 3.3

FAKE CROSSOVER OR IN AND OUT DRIBBLE The "in and out" dribble is a good fake move to help you get around a defender and take it to the hoop. With this move, you make one bounce in front of you as if you were going to crossover, but instead of picking the ball up with your other hand, you just roll your dribbling hand over the top of the ball, and bring it sharply back and go hard around the defender. For example, if you are dribbling right-handed, make one dribble to the left in front of you and "dip" and put your weight on your left foot. To the defender, this looks like you will crossover and go left. Instead, roll your right hand over the top of the ball and bring it back quickly to the right, push off the left foot, and go hard around the right side of your opponent.

HESITATION DRIBBLE ("ROCKER MOVE") This is another fake move to help you get around the defender in the open court. You speed dribble up to the defender, then suddenly come to a stop by putting your inside foot forward and "rocking" backward onto your outside foot. Then as the defender closes, you blow around his side, resuming the speed dribble, straight to the hoop. For example, you are speed dribbling with your right hand. As you approach the defender, you stop suddenly by putting your left foot forward, and then rocking back on the right foot. This hesitation throws the defender's timing off. Then push hard off the right foot, and speed dribble around his right side. You can also use this move and combine it with a crossover dribble and go hard left.

CONTROL DRIBBLE (WHEN THE DEFENDER IS UP CLOSE ON YOU) When a defender is guarding you closely, you should use the "control dribble". Keep in a somewhat crouched, bent over position. Keep your body between the ball and the defender. Keep the ball low to the floor, behind and close to your body. Keep your other arm straight out in front of you, as a guard against the defender. You can't push off, or grab the defender, but you can keep a "stiff-arm" to keep the defender from reaching around you. Do not stop your dribble until you can either pass or shoot. Once you stop your dribble, you are "dead in the water" (a boat with no engine)... and the sharks (the double team) will close in on you soon.

SPEED DRIBBLE (IN THE OPEN COURT) To move the ball quickly down the floor use the "speed dribble". Push the ball forward, ahead of you several feet. Bounce the ball at least waist high. As always, keep your head up, and visualize the whole court, so you can find the open teammate. Move as fast as you can, but never faster than you can control the ball. You must always be in control. As Coach Wooden has said, "You must be quick, but never hurry." Often a jump stop at the end of the speed dribble will allow you to maintain control and avoid a traveling call.

POWER DRIBBLE This dribble is used when the defense is right on you ready to steal the ball. Almost turn sideway putting your body between the defender and the ball, get low and wide to help keep defender away and for your balance. Your forearm should be up in an armbar position to protect the ball and look over to see the floor and teammates. Dribble low and at or behind your rear foot away from the defender. Move in a slide step dribble. Click here for video example.

TWO-CONE RETREAT DRILL This drill helps to simulate handling the ball against pressure or a trap. It works on keeping your head up and using a retreat dribble. Basketballcoach.com states that it is a great cardiovascular drill as well. Position cones about 10 feet apart in a straight line. Dribble at the first cone and touch it with your non-dribbling hand, then dribble backwards in a retreat dribble toward the starting cone. Note that the key is to remember to see the floor during the retreat dribble and angle your body to protect the ball. When you reach the original cone, touch it with your non-dribbling hand, cross over and repeat the drill with your other hand.

SHOOTING-HANDOUT 4.1

FUNDAMENTALS For basketball players to become successful shooters, they must understand the basic techniques of shooting and then put them into practice. Shooting practice must include correct technique while shooting and practice must be held frequently to establish muscle memory, hand/eye coordination and mental confidence. All players have different abilities to learn new skills, maintain existing skills and build confidence. The common factor that all basketball legends of the game comment on regarding their skills is that they put extra practice time into their shooting.

Not all great shooters have had text book shooting techniques. These great shooters have established their own successful shooting techniques through endless hours of shooting practice. The following techniques are however known as the most successful shooting techniques outlined in most basketball books published.

PROPER GRIP

HAND CONTACT

SHOOTING FOLLOW-THROUGH The correct follow through can make a huge difference in your ability to accurately and successfully make baskets. Whilst the shooting base and grip outlined in Shooting General is important, the follow through is just as important. This follow through has to also become part of an automatic shooting motion that does not change from shot to shot. Frequent practice builds the muscle memory, hand/eye coordination and mental confidence required to become a reliable high percentage shooter.

RELEASE

TRAJECTORY (FLIGHT OF THE BALL)

PRACTICE DOES NOT MAKE PERFECT. PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.

More often than not, a shot is missed because the shooting technique lacked in power resulting in the ball hitting the front of the ring. Most people believe it is a simple bend of the knees that produces more power for the shooter but there is much more to energising your shot than simply bending the knees further. Some energy comes from strength in the upper body however most is generated from a strong base and bending the knees to extract energy from the legs.

The process of bending the knees to obtain energy involves three key energy sources and all three need to be practiced and understood by the shooter. To be able to self-coach your shot, you have to know what these energy sources are.

The three energy sources from bending your knees during shooting are:

1. How far you bend your knees down. 2. How quickly you straighten your legs jumping up into the shot. 3. How far your momentum moves forward as you release the ball.

Each of the above three energy resources can be adjusted to find additional power to energise your shot. Simply put, the further you move away from the basket, the more power you will need. As you move away from the basket, you have to make an adjustment to find more power for your shot.

1. How Far You Bend Your Knees Down The further you bend your knees down prior to shooting the ball, the more mechanical leverage you can establish.

Bending your knees down further can produce extra power. Looking back at the basketball shooting legends, you will find that many of these legends learn to have their knees well bend in a low position way before they have received a pass. It is important that you practice adjusting the amount of bend in your knees so you can feel the extra power that can be generated.

2. How Quickly You Straighten Your Legs Jumping Up Into the Shot You can bend your knees all you want but if you do not understand the speed adjustment in straightening your legs while shooting the ball, you will not fully harness the full power of bending your knees during shooting.

If you bend your knees down extremely low but only come up slow during your release then you have not utilise the full power available from bending your knees. Alternatively you could bend your knees only slightly but come up extremely fast and still find more energy than the shot requires. It is important that you practice adjusting the speed in which you straighten up your legs during the shooting process so you can feel the extra power that can be generated the quicker you straighten your legs.

3. How Far you’re Momentum Moves Forward As You Release the Ball. One of the most untapped energy sources in shooting is establishing some momentum forward during your shooting process. When you are close to the basket, you do not need any momentum forward at all and can easily find enough power to shoot the ball. As you move out away from the basket, additional power is needed.

You can bend your knees lower like in point 1 or you can come up quicker as outlined in point 2 however, to find even more power you can create some momentum forward towards the basket during the shooting process. It is important that you practice adjusting the momentum forward during the shooting process so you can feel the extra power that can be generated by establishing

28 movement towards the basket. While shooting, check where on the court you took off from and where you landed. Try increasing the distance between the take off point and the landing point and feel the extra power that you generate for shooting.

Become a Great Shooter from Range Once you have become comfortable in adjusting the above three energy sources, become an expert in using all three. Keep an eye on where your missed shots are hitting the ring and adjust your power accordingly. The more you practice this adjustment during your individual shooting sessions, the more natural and subconsciously your body finds the energy and makes the adjustment during a game.

SHOOTING-HANDOUT 4.2

THE JUMP SHOT

General Tips

 Try to maintain balance while shooting. Shooting when off balance will reduce your percentage chance of a successful basket.  Never take your eyes off the target. Do not look at the ball or the offensive player. The target is above the front and centre of the ring.  As the ball is released, the head, hand, ball and ring must be in line. This is maintained during the follow through.  Be aware that about 2 in every 3 shots which miss may be overthrown.  Once correct shooting procedure has been established, the only way to ensure consistency is through frequent practice.  Release the ball at the peak of the jump.  Where possible, jump straight up, in line with the basket.

SHOOTING-HANDOUT 4.3

LAY-UP It is the highest percentage shot you can take in a game of basketball.

Why is it a high percentage shot?

1. This shot is taken as close to the basket as you can get. 2. With a little practice can be performed easily. 3. You can use your left or right hand to shoot the ball. Therefore it is a more versatile and accurate shot.

The example below is a lay-up from the right side of the basket.

1st Step - "Approach"

Pick up the ball up off your dribble or receive the ball from a pass when your right foot is forward.

2nd Step – “Low”

The ball is brought close to your body as the left foot moves forward.

3rd Step – “Power up”

You must power up out of your second step and pull your knee up.

4th Step – “Release”

Once at the peak of your jump, release the ball towards your target.

Once you are confident with your right hand lay up, completely reverse the foot work and shooting hand, and practice left hand lay-ups. Left hand lay-up means power up with your right foot and release the ball with your left hand.

SHOOTING-HANDOUT 4.4

FREE-THROWS Free-throw shooting should become automatic points for your team and it should also become your highest percentage shot taken in a game. The game is stopped and you are given the ball with no defence on you at the foul line, so the only pressure on you to make the freethrow is made mentally by yourself. The only way a player can produce 80% plus shooting success from the free-throw line is to practice frequently with proper technique. Often teams will look to foul players who are not good free-throw shooters towards the end of the game and those players will be expected to go to the free-throw line and win the game for their team. Making free-throws should be easy points for you and your team.

STANCE

MID-RELEASE

FULL-RELEASE

Hints To Improve Your Percentage

 Find the right amount of bounces prior to your stance and aim position. Bounce the ball in front of your leading or preferred foot. Once this pattern has been established, do not change your routine. Some players prefer not to bounce the ball at all. What ever you decide, keep it the same each time and let it become an automatic routine.  Whenever you shoot around, or during an organized training session, be sure to conclude your session with free throws.  Visualise shooting free throws whenever you can, i.e. during bus trips, at the shopping centre, and so on.  Place pressure on yourself when practicing free throws. Set yourself a goal such as a 90%success rate (i.e. 45 baskets out of 50 shots).  When the perfect technique and rhythm has been achieved, take a photocopy of the shot in your mind and shoot like that for the rest of your life.

CATCH & SHOOT FROM ELBOW

 P1 will be at one wing around foul-line extended, with ball  P2 will be on opposite side wing  P2 will flash to ball-side elbow, receive pass from P1, then immediately pivot, square-up, and shoot.  P2 will follow their shot, get rebound, and move to back of Line 1  After pass, P1 will go to back of Line 2

DRIBBLE & SHOOT With each drill, we do both sides and we have our players start in triple-treat position (page 21), make a jab-step fake or shot fake, and then execute the dribble and shot as indicated in each diagram below. We teach that the left foot is always the pivot foot (for a right-handed player) and vice-versa for the left-handed player. So, when going to the left, right-handed players will make a crossover step (page 22), not a crossover dribble (which can be stolen by a defender). We watch players carefully to make sure they are using the cross-over step correctly and do not travel.

SHOOTING DRILL #1 - DRIBBLE-BASELINE: In diagram A, the first drill is a simple dribble down to the baseline and shoot the mid-range jump shot. Each player gets his/her rebound and goes to the opposite line.

SHOOTING DRILL #2 - DRIBBLE-BASELINE, BACK-DRIBBLE OUT: In diagram B, each player will dribble down to the baseline, then back-dribble out, cross-over dribble and dribble into the seam and shoot the jump-shot. This drill is important because sometimes, in a game, players will dribble down to the baseline, stop the dribble, get trapped and lose the ball. This dribble teaches them to back-dribble out of the baseline and then still find the open shot in the seam.

SHOOTING DRILL #3 - IN THE SEAM: In diagram C, it's a simple dribble move into the seam with the pull-up jump shot. For right-handed players in the right line, this will be a crossover step.

REVERSE LAYUP The player uses the right hand on the left hand side and the left hand on the right side. The “Reverse Lay-up” is used most often when dribbling along on the baseline, or when extending past a defender anticipating a regular lay-up. When shooting the “Reverse Lay-up,” the player’s back is toward the baseline and his shoulders face the court. On this lay-up, the player shoots the ball over his head as he travels away from the rim, finishing by turning his hand so that the fourth and fifth fingers are the last fingers to touch the ball and he “waves” to the basket as he finishes.

POWER LAYUP A “Power Lay-up” is shot off two feet. To shoot a “Power Lay-up,” the player jump stops and squares shoulders to the backboard and not to the rim. If the player squares to the rim, he exposes the ball to a shot blocker; by squaring shoulders to the backboard, the player uses his body’s width to keep the defender away from the ball. A “Power-Lay-up” is used most often to finish post moves or to acquire balance when attempting a shot in the key when contact is expected. By jumping off two feet, the player is stronger and on-balance; therefore, better equipped to absorb contact and score.

SET SHOT The basic basketball shot is simple and beautiful but by no means simplistic. As pointed out previously, everyone shoots the basketball differently. Yet, there is a general procedure that all good basketball shooters more or less follow.

1. Half-bend your knees before shooting a basketball for more potential power 2. Your dominant hand should have its fingers spread out 3. Only the fingertips should be gripping onto the ball 4. Your other hand should support the ball on the side 5. The ball should be brought above the head in one motion 6. At this point, the angles at your armpit, elbow, and wrist is at 90 degrees 7. While extending your knees, extend your forearm and snap your wrist 8. Make sure you follow through with your wrist movement. If it feels natural to jump upon release, do so.

In sum, you are shooting a basketball with the kinetic energy transferred from your legs to your hands. The most optimal case is that the snap of wrist only directs the basketball and adds backspin to it. You should also shoot the basketball as naturally as possible. In the event that the power from your legs is not enough to shoot the basketball, you are forced to use your wrist in a controlled manner. In particular, do not forcefully use your wrist or jerk your wrist for extra power. This will greatly reduce your shot accuracy.

PASSING TYPES HANDOUT 5.1 By passing the ball around, the team is moving the ball much faster than a player can dribble. Passing the ball around makes the whole team a threat where a player dribbling the ball around makes an individual a threat. Most passes use a step, roll, and flick rhythm to pass. Try these passes:

CHEST PASS Target area is team mate’s chest. Finger pads only to touch the side of the ball. Fully extend arms towards target. Release the ball with a slight wrist flick so the thumbs point to the floor.

BOUNCE PASS Same technique as the chest pass but the target becomes the floor, usually a point about three quarters of the way between you and your team mate.

OVER-HEAD PASS Similar extending techniques as chest and bounce pass but the ball starts above the head. On extension of the arms release the ball with a slight wrist flick so the thumbs point to the ground.

Always try for fast, crisp passes - no "lollipops".

If the receiver of your pass is guarded, always pass away from the defender.

Look for the passing lanes above and either side of the defenders head.

Most importantly - "Fake a pass to make a pass".

OFFENSIVE POSITION AND MOVES HANDOUT 6.1

THE TRIPLE THREAT POSITION You should develop the habit of always going straight into the "triple threat" position when you get the basketball.

BODY BALANCE - WITH THE BALL When you are in an offensive stance, you must be able to move quickly. The term used for this offensive stance is the “triple threat position”.

From this position, you can quickly do any one of the following: Shoot, Pass or Dribble

TRIPLE THREAT POSITION

A good triple threat position will make you look threatening to your opponent.

INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE MOVES These moves are all used to beat the defender. They all start with you in the "triple threat" position. Remember this means you can dribble, pass or shoot. These moves begin with a short "jab" step toward the defender, or a shot fake, to make him react in some way.

The following important points apply to all of these individual offensive moves:

1. Don't automatically bounce the ball as soon as you get it. Save your dribble. 2. Always adopt the triple-threat position - remember to "square up" and face the basket. 3. Keep low, knees bent, butt low. 4. Make the jab step short and quick - keep your weight on your pivot foot - this will help you stay balanced. 5. Make your shot fakes believable they must look like the start of your normal shooting action. 6. Don't make the shot fake and following action too quick - give the defender time to react. 7. Make the drive step quick and long. You have to get past the defender with this first long step. 8. Drive close to the defender, straight at the basket, no "banana cuts". 9. Attack the lead foot and hand of the defender. 10. "Read" the defense - see what they do before you decide your move. 11. You must start the dribble before your pivot foot leaves the floor.

STRONG SIDE DRIVE If your defender doesn't react quickly to the jab step, make a strong side drive.

1. Make sure the drive step is long and try and get your head and shoulders past the defender. 2. Protect the ball by keeping it on your "strong" side, protecting it with your body. 3. Keep the defender on your back by moving across in front of her.

CROSSOVER DRIVE If the defender reacts to your jab step by moving to that side, go past him on your pivot-foot side using a crossover drive.

1. Rip the ball through low to the other side of your body as you make the crossover step across your body. 2. Dribble with your "off" hand to keep your body between the defender and the ball.

JAB STEP INTO JUMP SHOT If the defender reacts to your jab step by moving backwards, and her hands are down, take the shot if you are in range and have room.

1. It is important to keep the jab step short to retain your balance for the shot. 2. Make a good high jump shot to ensure the defender doesn't reject the shot

POSITION IN THE LOW POST When you are on offense in the low post you need to make the defense play you on just one side. The offense wants to keep contact with the defense and once he has established his defensive position, pin him there and make him stay where he is. Be big and wide and always give a "target hand" so your teammate knows where to pass the ball.

WIDE TARGET Keep the knees bent - make yourself a “wide” target. DO NOT stand up straight. We want the lower body low - the feet wider than the shoulders. The post player should show his numbers to the passer and hold his hand out to give an aggressive target. Show the passer where you want the ball and if the passer is any good, he will get it to you there.

POWER UP This is a drill for your post players to practice exploding up to the basket, and using the backboard to score. With 3 players and one ball per basket, the 2 balls are placed on the blocks. It is a timed 1 minute drill. Player 1 picks up the ball on the right side, makes a drop step, gathers his feet and goes up strong off 2 feet, using the backboard and scores a layup. Then he does the same on the left side. Players 2 & 3 rebound and replace the ball to the blocks. Player 1 tries to make as many baskets as he can in 1 minute.

LEVERAGE Leverage Is Vital! Leverage is gained by foot and body movement and contact. Footwork is one of the hardest things to teach because it is not natural. Toes and shoulders should be pointed at the ball. Sit on the defender's thigh - the post's center of gravity is thereby lower than the defender's and this makes the post stronger. If the defender steps around in front of the post's foot, the post should step over the top of the defender's foot. If the defender attempts to go behind the post, the post keeps the defender behind him by maintaining contact with the defender.

TRIPLE THREAT - INVERTED POST POSITION The strength of the Inverted Post Position is that it allows the offensive player to take advantage of the defense in so many different ways. How the defense plays you is going to dictate how you attack from this position. As you catch the ball, the defense will either play body-to-body, or they will keep you at arm's length. If they go body-to-body, you will either use a "Worthy" spin move, as described in this tip section, or you can go to the normal ground-and-pound post position that Barkley made famous in the 80's and 90's, where you open up in a wide stance and take various power dribbles to get in better position.'

What if the defense doesn't play you body-to-body? That is another beauty of the Inverted Post Position, if the defense is not playing physical, tight, low post defense, then with a quick, extended jab step, you will find yourself in perfect triple threat position.

Again, here's a breakdown from the right side of the rim: As described before, the Inverted Post Position would call for you right, baseline foot to act as your pivot. The defense is playing at arm's length, so the "Worthy" spin move is not an option. Instead, with the ball tucked to your hip, you sell the inside drive by tucking your head and shoulders, and using a quick, but strong jab step to the inside. The key is to swing far enough inside that after the jab step, you will be in perfect Triple

Threat Position. From there, you can either pop the short jump shot, or shot fake and drive to the rim. Again, how the defense plays you is going to dictate how you attack.

Normal Post Position from the Right Side of Rim: Normal post position would call for the post player to have his left foot back, a wide base; right hand would be the passer's target. As the pass reaches him, he would meet the ball by extending his right foot, keeping his left foot planted, to "save" his place on the court. As he catches the post entry pass, his left foot would now be his pivot foot as he goes to work on the block. Sounds great, but the problem is, half the court is now shut off to the post player. He can't spin baseline without first dribbling or traveling. Both of which usually lead to turnovers.

Inverted Post Position from the Right Side of Rim: Starts off exactly the same as before. Left foot back, wide base, right hand is passer's target. As you go receive the ball, this is where the change in foot position occurs. Instead of extending with your right foot, keeping the left planted, you instead lead with the left, keeping your right foot planted. Once the ball is received, your right foot is now your pivot. Again, you lose a shoulder's length of position, but the entire baseline is now open for business. You can use a baseline spin move without a set-up dribble.

FAKE SPIN, DROP STEP - INVERTED POST POSITION An effective move from the Inverted Post Position is the fake spin/drop step. Again, the spin move is the most explosive move from the Inverted Post Position, but after one or two "Worthy" spins, your defender is going to be wary, causing him to overplay the baseline. That's when you give him a dose of its counter.

From the Right Side of the rim: After receiving the ball, your baseline (right) foot will again be your pivot. You're looking to the strong side of the court, which is left from this position. Ball is chinned as you survey. At the right moment, you make a quick head-turn baseline, ball still chinned. This quick head fake toward the baseline will get the defender thinking "baseline spin", which will open the middle of the court up for you. As soon as you head fake baseline, your "free" (left) foot will sweep around your defender, allowing for a two handed "power" dribble(see basketball terms) toward the rim. If close enough you will have a wide open lay-up/dunk, or if not a wide open hook/jump shot. Get the timing of the head fake along with the leg sweep and power dribble. This is very effective, especially if the defender has already seen a glimpse of your spin move.

MORE INDIVIDUAL OFFENSIVE MOVES HANDOUT 6.2

FAKING Faking is an important skill that is often overlooked and not taught. Good faking is an important key in just about every offensive basketball skill, whether it is an on-ball perimeter or post move, or throwing a pass, or cutting. A fake simply is a deception or decoy move to throw the defender off balance, or get him leaning the wrong way just long enough so the offensive player can gain a step or two on him, or so a passer can open up the passing lane.

A good passer can "look" the defender off his receiver by looking the opposite way that he intends to pass... example: look left, pass right on a fast break.

Fakes can be a simple "look away", or can be as subtle as moving your eyes opposite the way you want to pass, or cut. A fake can be a jab step to get the defender leaning, and then you move quickly in the opposite direction. You can fake with a shrug of your shoulders, or a bob of your head in the opposite direction that you plan to cut. You can use a "sleep fake", where you pretend you are winded and tired, and you bend over with your hands on your knees, like you are catching your breath... the defender relaxes too, and suddenly you make your hard, quick cut. You can use a verbal fake... yell the ball-handler's name loudly and wave your arms to get the defender (who is help-side defense sagging toward the paint) to come out on you. That may open up the lane for a clean cut by a teammate. In this case you don't actually get the ball, but you made the lane available for your teammate to cut through. Have a team agreement... if you yell "ball!" you really want the ball, if you yell a name, it's a decoy. To be a good faker, you need a little acting ability!

CUTTING There are a number of different types of cuts that can be made, in addition to making the correct moves in running a specific play or set motion offense, and in addition to setting and cutting around screens (see Setting Screens).

Here are some tips in making a good cut:

1. A key in making an effective cut is timing. Try to "time" your cut, so you arrive at the correct time to receive the pass. 2. Make a good fake and cut hard. Often I see kids make a quick fake, and then a somewhat slow cut. Do just the opposite... make a slow, sleepy fake followed by a quick cut move. 3. This is another important tip: kids often try to avoid contact with the defender and try to run away from him. In trying to get open, go right up to the defender and make contact with him, then quickly "bounce off" in the direction of your cut. He won't be able to react fast enough to your quick first step.

In addition to the cut moves described below, don't forget this move: slip behind the defender (who may be in "deny" and over-playing the passing lane) and move below him toward the baseline. The defender should always see the ball. Try to slip out of his field of vision, so that he loses you briefly... then you can get open.

FRONT CUT

The front cut is a cut made with the defender behind you, on your back. This is the typical "give and go" cut (see Diagram A, FC).

BACKCUT

A back cut is when you cut behind the defender. Make a fake toward the ball, and then cut quickly behind the defender. Back cuts can be a "ball-side" back-cut (see Diagram A, BBC), or a "weak-side" back-cut which means on the side opposite the ball, or "back-door" (see Diagram A, WBC).

V-CUT

A cut made in the shape of a "V". The first leg of the "V" can be slow. The last leg of the "V" is quick (Diagram B, VC). When making the V-cut, plant the inside foot hard, and step off quickly with your other foot in the direction of your final cut.

L-CUT

A cut made in the shape of an "L", often along the lane (or "lane cut"). Diagram B, LC. The cut can be made up the lane or down the lane (from the wing position). Use footwork similar to the V-cut.

CURL-CUT

A curl is a somewhat circular cut often made around a teammate (Diagram B, CC).

BUTTON-HOOK

A quick cut made with a quick stop, a pivot toward the ball, sealing the defender on your back side, and receiving the pass from your teammate (Diagram B, BH).

SHALLOW CUT A perimeter cut used to exchange positions with another perimeter player who dribbles into your position, while you "shallow cut" to his/her vacated position (Diagram C, SC).

DEEP CUT A cut from the perimeter all the way to the basket and out to the side (Diagram C, DC).

FLASH CUT A quick cut made often made by a post player up to the high post (free-throw line) toward the ball (Diagram D1, FC).

JAM-DOWN, V-CUT First walk your defender down to the block area. Then plant the inside foot and quickly make the V- cut back out to receive the ball (Diagram D, JDVC).

JAM-DOWN, BACK CUT (Diagram D, JDBC) First walk your defender down to the block area. Then plant the inside foot and quickly make the V-cut back out. But this time the defender is ready and is in front you, over-playing the pass. So now plant the outside foot, and go back-door with a quick back-cut. So that the ball- handler knows which way you are going, use a hand signal. For example, if you are going back-door, hold your inside (receiving) hand up high.

REBOUNDING - OFFENSIVE & DEFENSIVE HANDOUT 7.1

DEFENSIVE REBOUNDING All defensive players should position themselves between their opponent and the basket to obtain the best position to get a rebound.

The main aspects of defensive rebounding are:

 Pivoting to block out using the correct foot work.  Front position must be maintained!!!!!  Anticipation of where the ball will rebound off the ring.

Front position can be lost through your opponent using fakes and cuts that put you out of position. When the shot has gone up, you must pivot to face the basket to discover the result of the shot. This pivot should be performed in a fashion to move directly into the path of your opponent’s direction or cut. This should always leave your opponent behind you.

CORRECT FOOT WORK Forward Pivot The Blocker's front foot moves in front of the penetrating player who is seeking a rebound to cut off their progress towards the basket.

Reverse Pivot Back foot swings around to place the blocker's body between the basket and the player seeking a rebound to stop their progress.

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING Offensive rebounding requires players to be aggressive, play attacking basketball, have anticipation where the ball may rebound off the ring and to be strong gaining the ball and be strong when they land back on the ground.

An offensive player taking a rebound lands on the court in a high percentage shooting area, you can expect very close marking defence from a number of players. A decision will need to be made whether you go back up for the shot or take the ball back out of the keyway to run another half court set offensive play. If the ball has hit the ring, there will be a new 24 second shot clock giving your team plenty of time to establish another high percentage shot. If the rebound is taken, and a high percentage shot is on offer, then general expectations are that the offensive player will go back up and shoot the ball like the illustration above. An offensive player will find it more difficult to gain position for rebounding. Offensive players need to look for the defender watching the ball as the shot goes up and then cut into a gap close to the basket, or to mislead the defence, who are trying to block the offensive player out. You could:  fake one direction and go another  jump and tip the ball back into the basket Be aware that 66 % of all rebounds will go to the opposite  jump and tip the ball back up in the air to keep the ball alive side of the basket from

direction the ball is shot.

OUT OPEN POST OFFENCE HANDOUT 8.1 Basic Floor Positions and Spacing Dia.1

 All players play as perimeter players.  All positions are interchangeable  All players must be able to move, pass and catch  Freedom of movement, floor balance  And spacing rules apply

Dia. 1 Rules after Passing Dia. 2

 Pass and cut to the basket  Players fill spots to balance the floor and keep spacing

Dia 2 Rules after Passing cont. Dia. 3

 Pass and cut in  Pop back and replace yourself  Keep floor balance and spacing

Dia 3 Rules after Passing cont. Dia. 4

 Interchange away  Players fill spots for balance and spacing

Dia 4

Rules for using Dribble Dia. 5

 Dribble at team-mate  Players fill open spots keeping floor balance and spacing

Dia. 5 Rules for Dribbling cont. Dia. 6

 Dribble penetrate  Look to pass to shooter  Go to basket

Dia. 6 Rules without the Ball Dia.7

 Backdoor on overplay

Dia. 7

Rules without the Ball Dia. 8

 Step in and pop back versus soft defense for catch or stretch the defence

Dia. 8 Rules without the Ball Dia.9

 Interchange

Dia. 9

OFFENSIVE SCREENS HANDOUT 8.2

GIVE AND GO The give-and-go, often called pass-and-cut, is a basic offensive play in which a player simply passes (gives) to a teammate and cuts (goes) to the basket, attempting to break free of his defender and expecting a return pass from his teammate. If the defender moves with the first pass, or turns his head, the ensuing cut should be quick and straight; however, a fake, feint, change of direction, or change of pace may be necessary in order to draw a reaction from the defender. When they see the give-and-go maneuver initiated, other offensive players must decoy their defenders from the basket area and passing lane. If free to receive a pass, the cutter should raise his hand nearest the basket as a passing signal and target. The pass can be a straight pass, a bounce pass, or a lob pass as the situation warrant.

SCREEN & ROLL It is important that your players know how to set correct screens. The first drill is a pass and "screen away" drill that helps stress all the ingredients of setting good screens, and teaches the pick and roll move. The second drill is a screen set for the ball-handler, with execution of the pick and roll move. For the important basics of setting screens, see "Setting Screens".

PASS AND SCREEN-AWAY. Create three lines out along the 3-point arc corresponding to a point guard, and both wing positions (see diagram). Have an assistant or manager be the token defender on the left wing. The point guard starts by passing to the right wing. He/she then "screens away" for the left wing, setting the pick on the defender. The wing player cuts around the screen and gets the pass from the right wing, and takes it to the hoop. The screener should "roll" off the pick after cutter comes around. Have the players rotate right wing, to point, to left wing.

Make sure that the screeners make contact, get wide and strong and stationary with arms in, and make sure they have the correct angle on the screen. Make sure the player cutting around the screen waits for the screen to develop, and "rubs off" the screen correctly. Make sure the pivot on the roll move is toward the cutter, not away... a player should not turn his back to his teammate.

Make sure as always that players hustle, and the passes are sharp. Once you feel that your team is making good screens, "go live". Break up into groups of three, and put a defender on each offensive player. Tell the defenders to allow the first pass to the right wing, but then play tough "D". You can now also teach your defense how to fight through, and slide behind a screen, and how to call a "switch" on defense. You can also start with a pass to the left wing, and screen right, or let the point guard go either way.

Look at the diagrams below for common screening errors.

ON-BALL FRONT SCREEN WITH PICK AND ROLL. O1 and O2 have defenders on them. O2 sets a front screen for O1 (Diagram A). O1 dribbles around the screen, "brushing off" the screener. If the defense does not switch, O1 takes it in for the lay-up (Diagram B), and O2 will roll as the trailer for the rebound.

Now see Diagram C for the next option. If the defenders switch the screen, O2 (after screening and pinning the defender) should "roll" to the hoop, and expect the bounce pass from O1.

SKIP PASS: A pass that goes over one offensive player to a player beyond him. An overhead pass over the defense.

BASIC BASKETBALL SCREENS If you've ever watched the game of basketball, the great basketball teams set very good screens. Screens will open up your offense in many ways.

For example, when an offensive player sets a good screen the offensive player receiving the screen will have a good opportunity to score and pass to someone who is open. Once the defense adjusts, the screener often becomes wide open for shots. If you're setting good screens, it'll open your game as well. Most of all, it benefits the TEAM.

In this article, we will cover what a screen is, how to set a screen, how to run off a screen, and how to use basic screens.

HERE'S THE DEFINITION OF A SCREEN: When an offensive player legally blocks the path of a defender to open up another offensive player for a shot or to receive a pass.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE SCREENER (PERSON SETTING THE SCREEN):  Feet should be a little wider than shoulder-width apart. It's very important to have a wide, strong base.  Hands should be crossed across your chest (girls) or protecting your groin area (boys)  The screener needs to be stationary as the screen is set. Otherwise, the screener will be called for an offensive foul.  Body should be vertical (should not be leaning forward or backwards).  Square to the defender. The middle of the screener's chest should be in line with the defender's shoulder and hips.

 After the offensive player has run off the screen, it is very important to open up to the basketball. Normally, you will pivot 180 degrees to the basketball. Sometimes, a cut to the basket or away from the basket may be open. Many times, the screener is the person who is open.

FUNDAMENTALS OF THE PERSON RECEIVING THE SCREEN Set up the defender - It's very important for the offensive player to set up the screen. First of all, (s)he needs to wait until the screener is completely set. If (s)he leaves too early while the screener is moving, the screener will get called for an offensive foul.

Second, it's very good to set up the screen by faking the opposite direction even if it's only a slight head fake. This will get the defender leaning in the wrong direction and when he explodes the other direction to catch up with you; he'll run hard into the screen.

Shoulder to Shoulder - When running off the screen, you will need to run shoulder to shoulder. This will not give the defender any room to get around the screen. It will force him to either trail behind you or plow through the screener for a defensive foul.

EXPLODE! It's very important for the offensive player to blast off of the screen. This will leave the defender in the dust and give you much more time to set up for a shot.

Next, we cover some basic screens:

 Down Screen  Ball Screen  Back Screen  Away Screen

BASIC SCREENS DOWN SCREEN A player runs toward the baseline closest to their basketball goal to set a screen. In the next two diagrams, we have examples of down screens. In this diagram, Player 1 starts from the three point line and runs to the block area to set a down screen for Player 2.

In this diagram, Player 1 starts from the high post area to set a down screen for Player

BALL SCREEN A ball screen is when an offensive player sets a screen for another offensive player who currently has the ball in possession. The only time you will want to set a ball screen is when the offensive player still has his or her dribble. In this diagram, Player 1 is at the top of the key and Player 2 runs from the wing to set a ball screen on the defender guarding Player 1.

In this diagram, Player 2 is setting a ball screen on the defender guarding Player 1, except this time he is coming from the high post.

BACK SCREEN A back pick occurs when the screener sets a screen away from the ball on the defenders back. It may also be called a "Blind Screen" as well. Legally, the screener is supposed to give the defender one step; otherwise, the screener may be called for an offensive foul. In this diagram, Player 2 comes from the block area to set a back screen for Player 1 near the three point line.

In this diagram, Player 2 comes from the block to set a back pick for Player 1 on the wing

AWAY SCREEN This is when a player sets a screen away from the ball. This happens when a player passes the ball to a player, then runs away from the ball to set a pick for another offensive player. This can also happen when a player is denied the ball, and he goes away from the ball to free up another offensive player. In this diagram, Player 2 passes to Player 3 and runs away from the ball to set a screen for Player 1.

Defensive Stance

Figure 1 demonstrates a defensive stance that should be taken up when your opponent is beyond their shooting range. When your opponent is inside their shooting range, your forward hand should be raised as a deterrent against shooting.

Figure 1

Defensive Sliding

Sliding across the floor in any direction, the head should stay at one level and heels should not come together. To be able to stay with your opponent moving backwards, you must drop step in the direction your opponent is moving. Keep reasonable distance between you and your opponent so they cannot just drive by you.

A good defensive player can contain his opponent and not have to continuously rely on help from other team mates

Basketball Footwork Drill #1: BOSTON DRILL

Players required: 8 or more.

Players 1, 4 etc. Line up underneath the hoop at one end of the court. At the other end you place a passer (with ball) and a rebounder. Player 1 sprints towards center circle.

Here he step-slides to one of the corners (in this example he chooses the left handed corner). Once player 1 has reached mid-court, player 4 starts his sprint and so on.

Player 1 sprints towards mid-court and step- slides to the other side.

Here he sprints to the bucket and receives a pass from player 2.

He makes a strong drive towards the hoop and finishes with a lay-up.

Player 3 catches the rebound and replaces player 2. Player 2 lines up underneath the hoop on the other side. Player 1 replaces player 3 as rebounder.

Make your players run the circuit 5 times ending with a right handed lay-up and 5 times with a left hand. Keep up the pace with this intense basketball footwork drill!

1 on 1 containment to half court  Defense to turn the dribbler  Beat the offence to a spot  Force the dribbler to change  Work the corridors  Drill from the baseline toward half court

1 on 1 containment in the front court  Contain the dribbler  Channel the dribble to the side line  NO middle!  No risk taking, control the direction of the ball  Work in corridors  Drill from half court TOWARD baseline

1 on 1 Turn & Channel full court  Turn the dribbler to the back court  Channel the dribbler ion the front court - No middle  Understand when to stop turning your man and to start channeling toward the side. This may vary due to proximity to centerline or difference in quickness between the offensive and defensive players  Play live once over the centre line  NO MIDDLE!

This drill is a combination of the above two breakdowns

JUMP TO THE BALL Any time the ball is passed YOU MUST JUMP TO THE BALL. Make gradual, quick, immediate adjustments in your stance. You must be in position before the ball is caught. Jumping to the ball allows you to be in proper position to front cutters, avoid screens (be a moving target), and help teammates. Any time the ball is dribbled you must make the proper ball side or help side adjustments in positioning.

SHELL DRILL This drill focuses on the basic concepts of "on-ball", "deny", and "help-side".

SET-UP:

Use a half court setup with 4-on-4. Four offensive players are positioned around the three point arc. Start with two wings and two players in the corners. Match-up four defensive players with each of the offensive players. You could also use five on each team with a point guard, two wings and two corners. Additional players can sub in and out at your discretion.

THE DRILL: The offensive players are initially stationary, with no cuts or dribbling. This is a defensive drill and the offensive players simply pass the ball around the arc. Make sure they make good passes (use this as a passing drill also), make sure they receive the ball in "triple threat" position, and have them make some skip passes too. The defensive players are not to steal or intercept the ball, since this is drill designed to emphasize proper positioning on the floor. The defensive players must work on proper relationships in positioning with the offensive player they are guarding. After drilling the basics, you can go to the "live shell" drill, or the "4-on-4-on-4 three stops drill" (below), and make it competitive.

ON-BALL DEFENSE If the defender's man has the ball, he/she should be applying "on-ball" pressure, and force the offensive player toward the sideline or baseline.

DENY DEFENSE If your man is one pass away, you should be in "deny", but not a complete dead-ball denial as seen at the bottom of this page. You should be a little up the line and a step or two toward the ball (see Diagrams A and B). This way, you are in position to steal the pass, and yet still be able to give help to the on-ball defender if the ball-handler tries to dribble-penetrate.

HELP SIDE DEFENSE If your man is two passes away, you should be in "help-side". If the ball is above the free-throw line (Diagram A), the help-side defender should have one foot in the lane. If the ball is below the free throw line (Diagram B), the help-side defenders should be straddling the "help-side line". Importantly, players must quickly rotate and sprint in and out of help side. Sometimes players are lazy in their rotations and you must impress upon them the importance of rotating quickly.

Once you feel your team has an understanding of these basic relationships, and all players have been on offense and defense, you can let them play half court all out with cutting, screens, shooting, etc. Watch the defenders carefully for proper defensive positioning. Blow your whistle when you

61 need to make points with the players... somebody messed up or somebody did something really well.

FULL DENIAL Diagrams C and D below. Now let's assume that the ball-handler has given up the dribble. He/she no longer has the option of dribble-penetration, so defenders whose man is one pass away can now be in complete deny, on the line.

HELP AND RECOVER Diagrams E and F below teach how to give help and recover on the perimeter. O1 tries to dribble- penetrate. The X2 defender gives help and O1 is prevented from penetrating, and has to dish back out to O2 (Diagram F). The X2 defender then has to rotate quickly out to on-ball defense on O2, and the X1 and X4 defenders are now in deny, a little up the line and a step or two toward the ball, while the X3 defender moves into help-side (Diagram F).

DEFENDING THE CUTTER Diagram G teaches how to defend the cutter after the ball is passed to the corner. The X2 defender steps in front of the cutter and stays between the man and the ball throughout the cut, and then these two rotate over to the opposite corner. O3 and O1 offensive players rotate to the right. Notice how the X3 and X1 defenders give help on the cut inside.

4-ON-4, 5-ON-5 LIVE SHELL After teaching the basic rotations and principles above, you can "go live" and make the drill competitive. Play until one team scores five baskets. Switch defense to offense whenever there is a defensive stop. Losers do push-ups (or run). We often go 5-on-5 (with a post player) when drilling against baseline dribble-penetration and double-teaming the low post.

4-ON-4-ON-4 (5-ON-5-ON-5) LIVE SHELL With this drill, we have three teams. If we have 15 players on the squad, we will play 5-on-5-on-5. This is a quick moving half-court drill. We start with one team on offense, one on defense, and one waiting on the sideline. The first team to score five baskets wins and the losers do push-ups or run. The offense stays on the court until they are stopped. If the defense fails to stop them, the team waiting on the side becomes the defense. If the defense stops the offense, they now become the offense, the offense goes to the sideline, and the sideline team becomes the defense. We may play two or three "games" depending on how much time we have. Keep the drill moving and make sure the sideline team steps quickly onto the floor. In fact, we even allow the offense to get a quick basket even if the defense is not yet "ready"... this teaches them to get ready and "transition" very quickly.

4-ON-4-ON-4 (5-ON-5-ON-5), THREE STOPS We like this competitive, tough, half-court drill. We have three 4-player teams. A team can only win when it is on defense. One team starts on offense 4-on-4, while the other is on defense, man-to- man. The offense tries to score. If the offense scores, the defense is "out" and steps off the court, the offense becomes the defense, and the sidelined 4-player team becomes the new offense. The defensive team tries to get 3-consecutive defensive stops... it has to be three in a row. Once a defensive team accomplishes this, the drill is over and the other two teams do push-ups (or run). We may repeat this drill for two or three "games". If you have 15 players, you can also run this drill 5-on- 5-on-5.

HOW TO TAKE A CHARGE 1. Plant your feet shoulder-width apart and keep them planted.

2. Keep your arms at your side. If you stand with your elbows out to your sides, you're liable to have a blocking foul called against you.

3. Wait for the player to meet you.

4. Give the defender a chance to see you. Avoid blindsiding your opponent.

5. Stand your ground without leaning into the defender or throwing a hip.

6. Prepare for contact.

7. Absorb as much of the other player's momentum as possible.

8. Put your hands out to cushion your fall.

Tips

 Whistling a foul for charging is generally a judgment call for the referee. Do your best to keep your feet steady before your encounter with the player.

 When you fall, don't imitate NBA players and flop to the ground. Try to maintain body control even as you fall.

 If you're smaller than the opponent bearing down on you, you're more likely to get the sympathy call because you're risking your body. It may not be fair, but it happens.

For our full-court press, we may simply play full-court man-to-man "pressure defense". This is a good full-court defense for younger players to play because:

 It is effective. Just a little man-to-man pressure will often cause the offense to turn the ball over. More experienced (high-school level) offensive players can break this defense down, but usually not middle-school players.

 It is easy to teach and requires little practice time. A full-court zone press on the other hand requires considerable practice time to learn it correctly.

 Players use and learn the same basic concepts of man-to-man defense (on-ball, deny and help-side defense, just extended to the full-court).

 There is little risk, or gambling, with this defense.

The full-court pressure defense is a man-to-man full-court defense. Instead of using the phrase, "we are going to press this team", I tell my players "we are going to pressure this team." A full-court zone press often implies trapping, gambling. With the "pressure defense", we do not gamble or trap much. A zone press that emphasizes trapping is always a gamble. A good offense with quick, experienced guards can break through and score easy lay-ups. Pressure defense is not a gambling

64 defense. It applies full-court pressure to the ball, while still protecting against the easy lay-up. It basically is the same as half-court man-to-man defense, but extended to the entire court.

The defender "on-ball" defends the ball-handler tightly using good, quick footwork, and tries to force to the sideline. To force to the sideline, the defender guarding the inbounds passer should slide a little toward the middle of the floor with arms out-stretched, so as to deny the pass to the middle and force it to the corner. The defenders who are on the ball-side, play "denial" and stay in the passing lanes between the ball and their man. The other defenders, who are opposite the ball-side, play "help-side", and help protect the basket against the easy lay-up. So, what it looks like is, the "on ball" and ball-side defenders playing a typical man defense, while the opposite side looks like a zone back in the paint. There is a saying, "A good man-to-man looks like a zone, and a good zone looks like a man." This is very true of this defense.

All defenders must see the ball at all times. They should try to be in position to see both the ball and their man.

If the ball breaks through the perimeter, or gets up the floor ahead of any defender, all defenders except the "on-ball" defender, must sprint back to the paint to prevent the lay-up. The "on-ball" defender tries to stay with the ball and force to the sideline.

There are two ways of starting the pressure in transition. First, after a made basket or ball out-of- bounds, have each defender get on his/her assigned man. Second, after a rebound, steal, or turnover in transition, have each defender just pick up the closest man, rather than trying to run and find their pre-assigned man. Any mismatches that occur are usually outweighed by getting the pressure started immediately, and stopping the fast-break. If the offense advances into half-court, players can "switch" at opportune moments when they are back in half-court.

Trapping, while not the primary consideration, is not completely excluded. If the offensive man bringing the ball up is caught along the sideline, or in one of the trapping areas (see below), a second defender can run over to his blind-side and trap him, hoping to create a turnover. But do not reach- in and get the foul! The other defenders then should be ready to intercept.

This full-court man defense will require the defenders to switch when they are screened. These switches must be called out loudly and happen immediately, so that the ball does not get by them. Again, any mismatches can be switched back later in the half-court if necessary, or your team can optionally drop back into a zone defense in the half-court.

Remember, good "pressure defense" is not a gambling one, but one that extends the pressure over the entire floor, while still protecting the paint. This steady, relentless pressure over the course of the game will harass and tire the opponent, and will cause the offense to make bad passes, and other turnovers that they would never make if they were allowed to dribble up the floor uncontested. "It is human to err, and pressure causes error."

The yellow zones catch the player in the corner. The red zones are excellent trapping zones, since the offensive player cannot retreat across the 10 second line. The blue zones are good trapping zones because the offense has to worry about the 8 second count.

"41 Deny" Use this man-to-man press to deny the inbounds pass. You are going for the 5-second count, or an interception of a poorly made pass from the in-bounder. With this press, the defender whose assigned person is the in- bounder gets back to at least half-court or beyond as the "safety" against the long pass and lay-up. The other four defenders immediately locate their man and deny the pass from the in- bounder by playing the passing lanes and staying between their man and the ball. These four defenders should not worry about the long pass over their heads, as the "safety" is back to stop that.

THE RUN AND JUMP- STARTING OFF Players begin in man to man defense, picking up their assignments at 3/4 court

While everyone is playing tough defense on their man, they need to also be watching the rest of the court, so they'll know when the action starts and be able to react accordingly

Defensive players on the ball or close to the ball need to play tight defense, denying the ball; defensive players farther from the ball should be leaning away from their men, prepared to move in the direction of the ball

The Run and Jump - The Set Up The defensive player on the ball (#1) needs to play hard defense on the ball carrier, pushing him to the side in the direction of a teammate

The teammate (#2) must deny the ball from his man very well - there can be no possibility of a pass getting through

The next closest teammate (#3) must also deny the ball, but can lean a little in the direction of #2.

When #2 judges the distance between himself and the ball carrier is appropriate - and before the ball carrier reaches the half court line - he flashes to the ball carrier, momentarily creating a double team with #1 The double team must be unexpected and very solid - the idea is to take the ball carrier by surprise, and make him fumble the ball, force a quick and bad pass, or at the very least, to pick the ball up and be stranded on the wrong side of the half court line #3 immediately flashes to pick up #2's man, while the other defensive men adjust to pick up offensive men that have been left unattended to Note that there will be one offensive player momentarily left unguarded - this should be the man farthest from the ball - if the defense on the ball carrier is solid, the ball carrier should have great difficulty even seeing this man, and if a pass is attempted, it should be a high, lofting pass that can be picked off by the defense. Once the ball carrier has picked up the ball, #1 leaves him and finds the open offensive man to guard

Basketball Strategies: The Run and Jump - Scoring Possibilities 1. Steal the Rushed Pass

The ball carrier makes a panicked pass to the closest teammate - but the defense has adjusted, is able to pick off the pass and break down the court to score.

In this example, the ball carrier tries to pass to the off guard, and #3 steps in and steals the ball, driving to the hoop to score

2. Steal the Long Pass

The ball carrier passes long, thinking there is no one guarding the player farthest down court - but the defensive player guarding him forces the pass to be high, allowing a defensive player time to intercept it. The defense fast breaks to score. In this example, the ball carrier tries to throw the ball long to his teammate in the far key, but #1 has recovered and intercepts the pass, leading a fast break back up the court

3. Ball Carrier Doesn't Cross Half in Time

The ball carrier is tied up by the defense, has picked up the ball and is stranded on the wrong side of the half, can't see a teammate open because of the solid defense being played, and time runs out. The defense takes the ball at the half and sets up their offense.

And I'm sure there are other possibilities as well, but you get the picture. This basketball defense depends greatly on the element of surprise - throw it in a few times during a game to rattle the other team, get a few points off them. But, similar to a press, you don't want to use it all the time, especially against a good team - they'll figure out eventually how to break it. Use it intermittently.

This is a great basketball strategy for a quick team - be sure to practice it well beforehand, so everyone understands what will happen - you don't want someone freezing and leaving an opponent

69 wide open. But executed well, this will create turnovers and instill a little fear in the hearts of your opponent.

FAST BREAK DEFENSE "Transition" refers to the process of changing from defense to offense (transition offense), or offense to defense (transition defense). Transition defense can be as simple as having one guard protecting back after a score, rebound or steal, with the rest of the team hustling back on defense. Or, if the opponent is a fast-breaking team, it may require two guards (see below). Or transition defense may employ a full court pressing defense, which can be simple full-court man-to-man pressure, or one of various zone presses.

PREVENTING THE FAST BREAK Our goal is to prevent the opponent from scoring easy lay-ups on the break. When your team shoots, at least one guard should not attack the offensive board, and should remain "back" beyond the three-point lane, in the center of the floor. This should be assigned to a certain player and be his/her responsibility. When a substitute comes in for this player, the sub must know that this is now his/her responsibility. If this player drives to the hoop, there must be communication and understanding that a second guard will now have this responsibility. If this fundamental is not kept, the opponent will get easy transition, fast-break lay-ups. As the guard retreats to stop the break, the other four teammates must hustle down quickly to defend. Players who fail to sprint back on defense usually find themselves on the bench. There is no excuse for not hustling and sprinting back on defense, unless it is fatigue and you need a rest.

Two-guards back Some teams are very proficient at the fast-break, and break every time they get the ball. To stop this team, try this defensive approach (diagram A). Assign two guards to stay back on defense. When the shot goes up, the three "big-men" crash the offensive boards, while two guards retreat to the mid-court line, one on each side of the center circle. The guard on the ball-side will pick up the dribbler and try to stop the ball. The other guard retreats back to the opponent's paint area to prevent the lay- up. When the opponent gets the rebound, one of our re- bounders should try to "jam" and pressure the re-bounder in order to prevent, or slow down, the outlet pass. The other two players should sprint back on defense.

DEFENDING THE PAINT AREA. Again, we want to prevent the easy lay-up. All players should sprint back on defense and run straight to the paint area to protect the basket. One player should stop the ball, to avoid dribble penetration. Once the fast break is stopped and the "big-men" are back in defensive position, then the defenders can move out of the paint to pick up their man assignment, or zone position.

Defending against 2-on-1 and 3-on-2 fast break attacks. If the opponent is successful in running a fast-break, your transition defense may be confronted with a 2-on-1, or 3- on-2 situation. In these situations, your defense should be taught to first prevent the lay-up. We have a standard rule... "get as low as the lowest offensive player." This means that if the offense has a player under the basket, a defender must be down low. If the opponent chooses to shoot the outside jumper, give it to them. It is a lower percentage shot than the lay-up, and you avoid getting a foul, and you may get the rebound, or delay the offense long enough for your teammates to arrive on defense. Often I see high school players make the mistake of coming up away from the basket and challenging the ball, only to get beaten by an easy pass to another player under the basket for a lay-up (see diagram). Again, the defender must stay back and "gap" the offensive players, that is, try to straddle and cut off the passing lanes to the easy lay-up.

3-on-2 defense See the diagrams below. When we have a 3-on-2 situation, we stack the two defenders as shown. The top defender should stop the ball and yell "ball, ball, ball!" The bottom defender should sprint out and take whoever gets the first pass. As the pass is made, the top defender should then immediately drop back in the paint, following the rule "get as low as the lowest offensive player". If you can make them pass a couple times and delay the break, the rest of your team should be able to sprint up the floor in time to help.

With the above strategy and understanding of transition defensive assignments, and with good team hustle, you go a long way in stopping, or slowing down the fast-break.

TERMINOLOGY

COURT TERMINOLOGY

Each area of the court has its own name. It is very important to use the proper terminology when describing these areas. The court areas of a typical basketball court include:

THREE SECOND AREA This is the area below the free throw line and between the lane lines. It is sometimes called the "Paint" since, in most gyms, it is painted. If any offensive player remains in this area for more than three seconds it is a violation and the other team gets the ball.

BLOCK The block is a buffer area painted on the lane lines separating offensive and defensive players during a free throw attempt. Additionally, it is a very strategic area during the game. Any player - offensive or defensive - establishing a position on the block gains a definite advantage.

ELBOW The elbow is the area of the court where the free throw line meets the lane line. Like the "Block", the Elbows become important on dribble penetration. Any player - offense or defense - who gets to the elbow first will gain an advantage.

FREE THROW EXTENDED LINE This imaginary line represents the extension of the free throw line across the width of the court. Most coaches use it to establish defensive rules. When the ball is above the free throw line extended a certain rule applies. When the ball is below it another rule applies. It is also used as a reference for offensive player alignment.

TOP OF THE CIRCLE (KEY) The top of circle is the area straight out from the basket just outside the free throw circle. It is use primarily as a reference for aligning offensive and defensive players. It is also a favorite spot from which many players like to shoot.

WING The wing area is located on the side of the court near the free throw line extended. Wing areas are designated "Ballside" or Weakside" according to the location of the player with the ball. The wing on the same side as the ball handler is the "Ballside or Strongside" wing. The wing on the side away from the ball handler is the "Weakside" wing.

CORNER The "Corner" is primarily used to designate the area where the sideline and baseline meet. This is another favorite area from which players like to shoot. It is usually an open area when zone defense is played. However, it is also an area where the defense can readily trap an offensive player with the ball.

SHORT CORNER The short corner is an area along the baseline half way between the sideline and the lane line. It is a strategic offensive area especially used against zone defenses.

FRONT COURT The term Front Court is used to denote the offensive end of the court from the midcourt line to the baseline.

BACK COURT Back Court is used to denote the area behind the mid court line. It includes the half of the court from the midcourt line back to the endline. Once the ball is advanced across the midcourt line into the front court, it cannot go back into the Back Court.

COURT POSITIONS

POSITION #1) POINT GUARD The point guard (lead guard) often acts like a General, calling plays and directing the offense. It's the point guard's job to bring the ball up the court and set up the plays. Therefore, this player is usually a team's best dribbler and passer. This position is very, very important to a team's success. Without a good point guard who plays mistake-free ball, very few teams will win a championship.

POSITION #2) SHOOTING GUARD This guard has similar duties to the point guard but usually doesn't bring the ball up the court. Can also be called an "off" guard. Even though they don't set up the offense or handle the ball as much as the point guard, they can actually play both positions well. The big difference between the point guard and shooting guard is that the shooting guard is usually one of the team's best scorers. They're counted on to hit from the outside and usually take more shots than the point guard. A player that can combine the skills of both guard positions is the most dangerous.

POSITION #3) SMALL FORWARD Just because they're called "small" forwards doesn't necessarily mean they are actually physically small. They're known primarily for their scoring and ball handling abilities. This position is usually handled by the most talented player on the court.

POSITION #4) POWER FORWARD Also can be called a "big" forward, these players are usually a bit bigger and stronger than other players and known for their size, defense and rebounding. Sometimes, power forwards like Karl Malone or Charles Barkley are also known for scoring a lot. Most, though, are best known for being their team's best rebounder or defender.

POSITION #5) CENTER This basketball position is very important to both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Centers are usually the tallest players on the court and are often the focal point of their team's offense. A center's duties are just as important on defense. They have to defend the opponent's center (who can also be a monster player) as well as block shots and rebound.

THE SIXTH MAN Never under-estimate the importance of the quality of play your team gets off the bench. The main substitute to come off the bench is called the "sixth man" and is a basketball player position that is important to the success of all teams. The sixth man can either play a variety of positions or does one specific thing very well. These specialties may include skills such as being a great long-range shooter, playing solid defense or being able to play two or three positions well.

SCORING:

 2 point field goal- a shot made from anywhere during play inside the 3 pt arc.  3 point field goal- a shot made from anywhere outside the 3 pt arc.  Free throw- 1 point is awarded to an unguarded shot taken from behind the free throw line while the clock is stopped.

GAME TERMINOLOGY Run the Floor!

Always try to outrun your opponent on the fast break. Worst case scenario you make your defender work harder than they want to. Best case, you get a wide open layup.

Secondary Break

If the fast break does not initially get your team a good shot, the players should flow into an organized "early offense", also known as a secondary break to try to get a good shot before the defense is set.

Look up the floor

On the fast break the player with the ball should look up at all times. This allows the dribbler to see open players ahead. Keep the dribble in front of you and always be aware of players coming from behind. Always throw the ball ahead to the first open player.

Rebound

The key to starting a fast break is getting a clean rebound followed by a quick outlet pass. Dennis Rodman was known for his rebounding, but he was also one of the best outlet passers in the game.

Shot Selection

When running the fast break, the offense should try to get: A) an uncontested layup B) an uncontested short jump shot. If none of these are available, pull the ball out and set up your base offense.

Fill the Lanes

A well spaced fast break has each lane filled: middle, left wing, and right wing, for proper spacing leading to easier buckets, get those lanes filled.

Pass On The Break

Passing the ball is always faster than dribbling. Always look to pass the ball up the floor first before deciding to take off with the dribble.

Attack The Basket

On the fast break you should try and dribble straight at the rim until you meet some form of resistance. If you have numbers, a teammate should be open when you meet that resistance. If the defense doesn't step up and stop the ball, attack with a vengeance and either score or get fouled.

Outlet Pass

Once the team has the rebound, send the players to the outlet areas. These are about at the free throw line extended to the sidelines. The rebounder should turn away from the defense and try to throw a pass up the floor to the outlet to start the fast break.

Look for your shot

Try to get a shot quickly, before the defense gets a chance to set up. If you don´t have a shot, pass the ball quickly while your team has numbers (more players in the front court than defensive players).

REFEREE TERMINOLOGY

OTHER REFERENCES http://www.coachesclipboard.net – this is a great on line reference

Ross Wignall Joint Association Coaching Clinics on DVD available from the office are an excellent resource. At time of print include, Ball Handling and Transition Offence but check for additions.

APPENDICES

TRAINING POLICY Aims

To provide a training framework that;

 Provides consistency.  Allows the most productive means for the DOC to service teams.  Provides cost efficiencies for the association.  Best allows the development and sharing of knowledge and skills between players.  Recognises the individual needs of players and coaches.  Encourages the greatest participation of children to be involved in the rep program regardless of other sporting commitments.  Allows the participation of rep players in the domestic program and recognises this in the scheme of their total basketball commitments.  Provides and encourages new coaches through a mentoring and assistant coach process.

Rationale

To give clear and consistent guidelines on the expectations for training for representative basketball but allow flexibility for the needs of teams to operate within those guidelines.

Definitions

Development team – Any team that is not a number one side and has not been nominated by the DOC as a team, with a realistic expectation of playing metro 3 or higher.

Expectations

All teams train at least once a week.

Number one and nominated teams train twice a week whilst development teams are encouraged but not required to utilise another session.

Coaches are present at all sessions unless arranged otherwise with an assistant or a suitable replacement though the DOC or JRC.

Children who do not attend training without a valid excuse (e.g. medical, unavoidable family commitment) will automatically commence on the bench the following week, if numbers permit.

Continued non attendance at training will forfeit the team spot at the discretion of coach, DOC and JRC.

Injured players should still attend training and games if capable.

Training Times

Compulsory sessions will be at least 1.5 hours in duration.

Compulsory boys sessions will be Saturday afternoons generally but Sunday slots will be available dependant on team requirements and other commitments. It is up to the team to nominate the most convenient day based on a consensus approach amongst stakeholders. Compulsory girl’s sessions will be on Sundays.

Secondary training sessions will be negotiated also on a consensus basis within the team and if a consensus cannot be reached should be based on what suits the majority. Only non attendance at secondary sessions by non development teams constitutes a breach of the playing expectations. In other words, the secondary optional session for development teams is non compulsory for individuals but it is expected that if a team consensus was reached on these sessions then that commitment will be honored.

SELECTION POLICY Aims

To provide a framework for selection that;

 Provides consistency and transparency.  Gives players and parents an understanding of what is required to progress and the process involved.  Gives players and parents constructive feedback.  Is seen to be impartial.  Provides a process for WPBA teams to play at VC level.  Provides a process that makes playing representative basketball for WPBA an honour and something that is earn’t rather than a right.

Rationale

WPBA recognises that the try out process can be emotional for all involved as athletes and parents have invested heavily in the outcomes. The very nature of striving to do your best and be recognised for these efforts can create adverse reactions if these goals or beliefs are not fulfilled. By making the process and guidelines as transparent as possible, WPBA seeks to make the try out process where learning and knowledge of ones self can be derived.

Definitions

Development team – Any team that is not a number one side and has not been nominated by the DOC as a team with a realistic expectation of playing metro 3 or higher.

Expectations

All try outs are attended unless valid medial excuses can be given

Number or teams will be determined by the amount of selected coaches available that have committed to the requirements listed within the WPBA Representative Coaching Guide.

Distribution of coaches will be according to where they wish to coach but when coaches are malleable to movement, preference is to distribute to lower age groups.

All efforts are made to give children trying out for rep a game, however, where there are not enough competent coaches, children and parents will be notified from the outset of the limited opportunities.

Where possible, the known coaching pool for an age group will be advertised to parents but not who has any particular team.

Parent coaches will only be allocated to a team where their child is selected.

Procedures

WPBA seeks to minimise parent coaches however recognises that to deliver a quality rep program in many cases it is unavoidable. A parent coach will be appointed when the JRC along with the DOC believe that their child has earnt the spot available for that particular side.

Age selection. Sides will be selected at the discretion of the DOC and JRC according to age on a needs basis that will best serve the team. The policy of top age and bottom age teams versus best available team is therefore flexible and utilised on a basis of what is in the best interest of the development of the majority of players and the association as a whole.

Sides will be predominantly picked by the coach designated to that side. In making that decision however the coach is required to reference the previous seasons coach’s evaluations and each coach from the previous season is required to submit a written assessment on what they believe to be the strengths and weaknesses of that player. The DOC will also help make any decisions based on their knowledge of available children and try out observations. The DOC may intervene if a perceived anomaly exists in selection.

Children will not be selected if they do not compete domestically or have not registered their desire to play a domestic game with the office to place them in a team.

First sides will be picked first and will be based on not only athlete’s talent but the specific requirements of that team such as centres, guards, forwards. This in itself limits certain opportunities for selection.

Selection will also be determined on a)a predetermined skill set and the relevant mastery of those skills b) athletic ability such as endurance, leg power, speed c)Psychological makeup such as decision making under pressure, willingness to work hard when it hurts, ability to keep composed under pressure d) ability to listen, follow and execute set instructions

Before selection, parents are required to consent to the training and game travel demands.

Team sizes will depend on the total pool of players. Minimum team size sought is 8 players but non development teams should aim for between 8 to 10 players.

Players may be moved from designated teams in between the first and second phase of grading. Coaches in consultation with the DOC, may move a player if a specific request is received by a parent or it is felt it is in the best interests of the child and the team. An example may be forecast court time an athlete may receive.

COACHING POLICY Aims

 To give coaches a structural framework to operate within giving clear expectations as a coach for WPBA.  To give parents and athletes a clear set of expectations to operate within.  To increase the standard of coaching across WPBA.  To develop a set of metrics that allows coaches to obtain some feedback from the allocated DOC.

Rationale

WPBA recognises that coaches need a framework for delivery so that there is a consistency and quality in the coaching standards that WPBA provides, therefore increasing the chances of the stakeholders (athletes and parents) having a positive experience.

The coach is the window to the representative club and to support and empower the coach makes us a strong club.

Expectations

All coaches will commit to their allocated training sessions.

Coaches will use the planning sheet within the Coaching Guide appendix to plan their sessions.

Coach’s need to be familiar with all relevant policy.

Coaches will wear WPBA attire to games, either an association polo or hoodie.

Coaches will ensure that WPBA training tops are worn to training by players.

If coaches cannot attend their allocated training session then they will organize their assistant to take the session or notify the DOC or JRC to find a replacement.

Coaches will take on board an assistant coach when available and will mentor this assistant. The assistant will be approved and endorsed by the JRC and DOC.

Coaches will incorporate the WPBA skills checklist in all their training sessions. The allocations of time within sessions to the drills supporting these checklists is non negotiable.

Coaches will document athletes progression in these skills checklists.

Coaches will be reviewed and supported by the DOC in the application of these skill checklists.

Coaches will commit to attend a monthly (maximum) coaches meeting conducted by the DOC. The DOC will advertise these dates at least two weeks in advance of the meeting.

Coaches are encouraged to attend any coaching clinics provided by the association or peninsula associations.

Procedure

Court time. This is malleable and coaches need to build in a process to monitor it utilising an assistant or designated person. All athletes regardless of number one or development teams should average no less than 10 minutes a game. Development teams would expect a minimum of 15 minutes average per game. Coaches should point out to parents that this is an average and may be greater or smaller depending on the game situation as ultimately rep is playing to win. However, coaches need to recognise that without overall development and ultimate depth of a team in the longer term is difficult if fair and equitable court time is not given, without disadvantaging the rest of the team. Please note this is a goal time allocation and it is recognized that other factors such as team size and child confidence may affect this.

Court time may also be affected if Children/parents are breaching their responsibilities (training or otherwise) to the team.

If time is an issue, then discussions need to take place between the coach, parent and DOC to try and affect a positive outcome for all.

Administrative duties for the team should be focused through the team manager in consultation with the coach. Team managers will be in-serviced on their responsibilities via the office administrator and or a member of JRC.

The team manager is a coach’s strongest ally and coaches should aim to build a positive working relationship with them. Selection of the team manger should be by the coach and should be well considered before the appointment.

TRAINING PLANNERS

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT 1. Remember that basketball is for enjoyment. Remember that basketballers play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation. Always make sure that participants are made to feel welcome whenever they attend for training or a match.

Ensure that activities are carefully planned, well structured and varied to provide opportunities for individual and team development. Be willing to depart from the plan to take advantage of an unexpectedly high interest in a particular activity.

Never ridicule players for making mistakes or losing a competition. See errors or losses as an opportunity to learn in a constructive way. Comment in a way that is positive and designed to create interest, involvement and development.

2. Be reasonable in your demands In scheduling training and playing times and days, be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm, taking into account their age, level of play and other commitments such as school and employment.

Young children are likely to have more time but short attention spans. They may have plenty of energy but are likely to need more guidance on how best to look after their bodies. The differences in physical and mental maturity can be quite marked in younger children of the same age group. All these factors need to be considered in coaching young children.

Older children have greater demands from their studies and many of them need to work to assist their schooling. They also have many social demands. Try to assist them in achieving a good balance between the various demands on them.

Adults should in most cases be capable of making their own decisions on priority between basketball and other demands such as work, family and social engagements. Respect those decisions.

3. Teach understanding and respect for the rules. Teach your players that understanding and playing by the rules is their own responsibility and that the rules exist for the safety, proper order and enjoyment of all people involved in basketball. The lessons to be learned in this respect in basketball are lessons that can and should be carried over into all aspects of their lives. Do not encourage players to ignore or deliberately break any rules.

4. Give all players a reasonable amount of court time. All players need and deserve reasonable court time. Avoid over-playing the talented players. It is unfair to both them and those who are not so talented. Players cannot improve without the opportunity of a reasonable amount of match practice. Talented players can burn out. Having no or little time in court can cause players to suffer from morale problems and they can lose interest in the sport altogether.

5. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents including their coaches. Part of participation in sport is respect for all participants in the game. Encourage your players to accept that their opponents are entitled to proper courtesy. This means introducing themselves to their opponents on court, congratulating them whether they win or lose and accepting loss gracefully. Teach them that the opposition coach is there trying to do the best for their team and is also entitled to respect.

6. Instil in your players respect for officials and an acceptance of their judgement. Players should be taught to understand that officials have a very difficult task to perform and that without them games could not be played. They are there to enforce the rules of play but they cannot always be right. Teach your players to accept bad calls graciously. Abuse of referees is unacceptable behaviour that should not be tolerated. Players who consistently dispute decisions or do not accept bad decisions should be singled out for counselling and guidance.

7. Guide your players in their interaction with the media, parents and spectators. It is sometimes very difficult for players to concentrate on the game when there is the distraction of the presence of friends and relatives as spectators. Coaches have a difficult role to play in teaching players respect for their parents and other spectators but also teaching them to maintain concentration on the team plan if spectators become overenthusiastic.

Parents sometimes make demands on their children’s time which interferes in their basketball activities. Respect this and try to structure your coaching and their training and playing times and obligations to take those demands into account. There are many other factors which need to be balanced, including venue availability and requirements of administrators. The coach’s task is not easy.

The presence of media at a basketball game can lead to a temptation by some players to “show off” or otherwise act differently from how they would act normally. Encourage your players to not be awed by the presence of the media. Also teach them that if they are approached for an interview after a game they are representing the whole sport and should behave accordingly.

8. Group players according to age, height, skills and physical maturity, whenever possible. Uneven competition can lead to a loss of enthusiasm. Coaches should always try and group players of reasonably equal ability. In coaching children it is important to remember the different maturity rates for children of the same age. A player in their early teenage years may be the tallest in their team and yet because they have matured early, be one of the shorter players in only a brief time. Coaches must be ever vigilant to ensure that changes in height and other physical characteristics are noticed and acted upon.

9. Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the players. In our increasingly litigious and accountable society, all those involved in sport have a responsibility to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and well being of participants. Coaches are in a unique position to control many of the factors which can have an effect on this welfare. Coaches should be aware of the dangers factors such as heat and dehydration, wet floors and other potentially hazardous environmental situations can cause. A coach has a responsibility to avoid putting players into dangerous conditions.

10. Be prepared to lose sometimes. Everyone wins and loses at some time. Be a fair winner and a good loser. Disappointment at losing is natural, but it should not be obvious to the point of being unpleasant for others. Just as unpleasant can be the boastful winner. Recognise that even in defeat, the loser has achieved something, just by playing. Not everything in life can be a winning situation. Losing can be an important learning experience for your wider life goals. Guide your players to accept a loss in this spirit.

11. Act responsibly when players are ill or injured. Show concern and take responsibility for players who are sick or injured whilst under your care. Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured or ill player is ready to

88 recommence play. If a player is injured on court, make sure that there is no danger of further aggravation of the injury by prompt removal of the player if this is appropriate. Qualify yourself to administer first aid so that you can recognise the seriousness of an injury or illness and act accordingly.

12. As well as imparting knowledge and skills, promote desirable personal and social behaviours. Be aware of the role of the coach as an educator. Particularly with young people, the way they perform in their lives is influenced by many factors. An important influence is the person they see as a role model. Coaches often take on the part of role model for many young people. It is therefore important to ensure that the influence from coaches is seen in a positive light rather adversely. What you say and how you act can be most important in modelling the behaviour of players.

13. Keep your knowledge current. Seek to keep abreast of changes in sport. Ensure that the information used is up to date, appropriate to the needs of players and takes into account the principles of growth and development of children. Players cannot learn from you if your skills and knowledge are inadequate.

14. Ensure that any physical contact with a player is appropriate. Physical contact between a coach and a player except that which would be considered usual social contact such as the shaking of a hand or a “high five” should be rare. Gestures which can be well meaning, or even considered by some to be acceptable, may be unacceptable to others.

Sometimes physical contact can be misinterpreted as sexual harassment or even molestation. Particular care needs to be taken in coaching children. Ensure that if there is physical contact with a player that it is appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.

15. Avoid personal relationships with players. Personal relationships with players can often be misinterpreted as something sinister. Friendship with players is essential to building trust between a coach and players. However, the power imbalance in a coaching situation can make it unwise for a relationship to develop beyond friendship. Particular care must be taken when coaching children.

16. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person. Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are entitled to equal treatment and respect. Avoid any remarks that could be construed as offensive or discriminatory. Sometimes even a joke may give offence. Even if a person refers to themselves with a particular label, it should not be taken as an invitation for you to do so. Using discretion is imperative and it is better to err on the side of caution.

17. Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided. Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if kept in good order. Ensure that you and your players do not abuse anything provided for use. Discourage players from hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”. Quite properly, these practices are banned in most venues. Not only can equipment be damaged but serious injury can occur.

COACHING CONTRACT

I, ______(please print) understand the coaching principles and expectations of Western Port Basketball Association contained in the Western Port Steelers Representative Coaching Guide 2011- 2012.

I agree to take on a position as a representative coach of a Western Port Steelers team and abide by the guidelines and directions contained in this document, unless notified of changes by the Director of Coaching.

I undertake to abide by the Coaches Code of Conduct and understand that the Director of Coaching has ultimate direction over the program.

Signed Date

______

Western Port Basketball Association thanks you for committing to educate, train and develop our young players and make representative basketball a rewarding experience. Western Port Basketball recognizes your value and importance as a coach and commits to support you as best possible via the Coaching Guide and the back up support of the Director of Coaching which is your direct resource and the person ultimately responsible for the integrity and development of the WPBA representative program.