Hey I'm an 8th grader at Reeltown High School and I'm playing for the varsity and sometimes i start but i wwould like to be better than and i am and i think that you tips will make me be a better player

Brakethrough Basketball rocks!
thanks a lot!

Thanks for the tips, Hopefully i can put them into play the next time im on the court.

This we'll improve me in my skills and get the attention of my coach thanks for the tips

hey these tips have opened my eyes.i m really thankfull to u:-)

I am in 9th grade and these tips will help my coach notice me and i'll make the team, thanks!!!!

Hi I trying to make a high school team called new rochelle. Got any tips

Last year I wasn't so good at being a team player I didn't listeen or pay attention I was making the team look bad and my coach was so dissapointed I want to be on the team this year but I don't know ifthe coach will pick me what do you think I should do

Hi Derek,

I would do everything provided in the tips above and work on your skills. You can check out tips and drills to work on your skills at this link: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/basketballfundamentals.html

Hi bball player,

I would talk to the coach before practice and tell him that you recognized what you did last year was wrong and that you want to be a better TEAM player. Tell him that you'll do whatever you can to contribue to help the team win. Ask him what you think your role could be to make the team. If he tells you, make sure to do those things to the best of your ability. If he knows you care, it'll help tremendously. Also, do everything mentioned in the tips above.

Keep working on your skills and maintain a positive attitude no matter what. If you don't make the team, keep a positive attitude and work hard in everything you do. You'll surely come ahead in the most important game called LIFE.

Thanks for the tips. I'm in my senior year and have only played b-ball for a half a season as a junior. I worked hard all summer at camps and at home and now I feel that I'm good enough to contribute to the team, the only thing that I lack is game experience. I was frustrated at one of our latest games when I was benched through the entire game. I didn't let the coach know how I felt and tried not to look dissappointed, even though she put in some girls whom I know that I'm more skilled than. should I tell the coach how I feel, or just let this one go and work hard at practice so she will notice me?

Hi Jane,

First of all, I must state that it's very difficult to jump into a program as a junior and get playing time as a senior. Very few players can pull this off.

I would talk to the coach. I would set a meeting to talk to him/her. State that you would really like to play and you were wondering what you could do to get playing time.

Do not compare yourself to other players. Only concentrate on what you can do better.

Unfortunately, the coach has to what she/he believes will help the team win and not all of the players can play.

Now, if the coach tells you that you may not get playing time, you should realize that players who do not play during the game can still make a big impact by getting the other players prepared for their games during practice.

Also, get to practice early and stay late. Work on things that coach tells you that you need to improve on. Study the plays, study the defenses. Be prepared as possible.

this is great i used to get all down that i only got 2 or 3 mins in i am now getting 8min or more

I used this tips and im getting more playing time and the coach says Im the teams best player.

im in youth fith grade upward basketball

im an 8th grader at mayfield high school and i play for the modified team and my coach is an asshole i rebound make shot get lots of assists when we scrimmige at practice but i only get 3 mins a game and sometimes i dont even play at all and the people tht do play give up points and dont defend can u guess y he isnt playing me thankj you

Ronny,

It's impossible to guess why he's not playing you. Coaches can have all kinds of reasons. The only thing you can do is ask your coach... "What can I do to help the team and contribute more? What do I need to do to get better?"

Show that you want to help the team. The coach will appreciate your good attitude and proactive approach. Go take the coaches advice and work your butt off. That's all you can do. Don't stop communicating with your coach. I know it's frustrating (I've been there). But your future is in your own hands and you can't blame the coach. That is life. I'm sure with some hard work and a positive attitude you'll succeed!

I am a freshman in high school and I start varsity because of these tips and I understand how people feel when they don't get the attention they deserve. Just follow these tips and the coach will notice you trust me. Thanks breakthrough basketball!!!!!!

On my football team i was our starter at linebacker, even though my back is a much better athlete than i am. The most important things that you can do to get more playing in any sport time are to always go your hardest because this one of the first things your coach will look at. Next, be a smart player. By this i mean always know what is going on around you and make decisions that will benefiet the team. Last, be consistent. A coach would rather have a player who can get you 13 points every gane than someone who will get 30 one night then 5 the next.

I am in the eighth grade, and I just made the ninth grade basketball team. I have never basketball before, but i am 6' 4''. could this have something to do with it? I am really not that good...

Hi Caleb,

It's great to hear you the made the team. I would like to ask you a few questions.

Do you like basketball? Do you want to become good at basketball?

If no, don't worry about it.

If yes, who cares if you are good or not or how tall you are. Hard work and efficient practice will increase your ability tremendously. We have many great resources on this website to help you. On the left hand menu, you can browse the "Player Tips" menu to learn how to improve your play.

We have a section for players at this link as well: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/players/players.html

my school team tryouts are in 12 days. The last time i have played basketball on a team was when i was in third grade. I am 12 and 5'5 and many people think i will make the team. I am not awful though i need lots more pracitce. I REALLY want to play on the middle school team but i am afarid im not gonna make it. Do u have any tips for improving in 12 days?

Hi Summer,

12 days is probably too short of a time frame to see any big improvements, but it does not mean you can not improve. I would go to the gym and work on your ball handling and shooting every day. Spend an hour working on skills. Spend an hour playing pick-up games working on your skills.

We have a lot on ball handling and shooting at these two links: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/ballhandling.html

http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/shooting.html

Don't forget to master making lay ups. It could be the deciding factor on whether you make the team or not: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/layups.html

I encourage you stay active in multiple sports throughout the year. You don't want to play all of these sports at the same time, but during the sporting season. For example, play basketball in the winter, soccer in the spring (or fall), swimming in the summer, martial arts in the fall. That way, this helps you develop into a great overall athlete which will get you much further in whatever sport you might concentrate on as you get older.

If you want to make the team next year, spend some time during the offseason working on your basketball skills. I think you could make a tremendous amount of progress by talking to a few coaches and have them help you with a long-term plan to get better. Talk to a successful high school or college coach in the area. The fact that you would ask them would make a great impression on them and be a good thing for you in the future. Especially, if you are trying out for that same high school or college team in the future.

At your age, you probably don't need to spend more than 2 or 3 times a week practicing. If you find as you get older around age 15 or 16 and you want to concentrate on basketball, spend more time playing basketball. Possibly, 4 to 6 times a week.

Im in 7th grade and I have never played basketball on a team before. Even though I am 5'6 1/2 and alot of people said I should have, I didnt try out for the 7th grade team in fear of making the team lose. However, I am starting park district to learn. I mentioned to some of my friends on the team my plan to try out for 8th next year and they told me I might not get playing time because I wasn't on the team last year. The season just ended. Do you have any tips on how to play, get better, and try out?

Kaila,

Ask some coaches what you can do to make the team. Come up with a written long-term plan. Write up practice plans to get better. You should probably practice 45 min to 75 min at least 2 to 3 times a week. If you would like, you can practice more.

They are plenty of tips all over this website. Take a look at some player articles here: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/players/player-tips-and-articles.html

Hi, I'd like to know how can i get moe minutes, I'l explain. From today and last october i've come to every practice possible and even extra one on one practices. Suprisingly we have an 8 man squad and i'm 8th man. Yet alot of games i dnp period. Nor have I scored i know that this is my first year playing team ball. But i think it's unfair that some people on the team that just don't come to practice or are not better tan meplay way more than me. Even, when some of my teammates get in foul trouble or hurt I barely play or might even come out the next dead ball. I've gotten so aggravated that i get angry at my team and just sit on the bench hoping the game will fininsh soon. Sometimes i wish i was never at the game. Some people tell me I should just quit but i love to play. The game is supposed to be about having fun, but what fun is it just sitting on the bench by yourself?

Stephon, I'm sorry to hear about your playing time situation. Getting mad and aggravated is only going to keep your butt on the bench. You should always maintain a positive attitude and cheer on your teammates. Talk to the coach. See if there is anything you can do to improve and help the team. You may not get a chance this year, but there is always next year. Ask him what you can do to get some playing time next year.

Proper communication & staying positive is crucial.

basketball is eveything to me..i love it,
ill be working hard and getting rebounds and assists,but sometimes ill make a turnover,or my shot just wont fall,and my playing time will decrease.I want to go as far as i can with basketball but in order to do that i need to get better and get more playing time to prove myself to coaches and colleges hopefully...any suggestions?

Hi i'm in 9th grade now and have been playing basketball since 7th grade. I played decent time in 7th grade but at the end of the season i broke a finger causing me to miss all the summer camps. When my 8th grade year started i found it difficult to catch up with my teammates and spent my entire 8th grade season on the bench. The summer after 8th grade i tore my mcl and dislocated my knee causing me to miss another summer of camps and practices. However, i managed to work hard and got decent playing time in most games but about two i got none. i always work hard in practice and am very supportive of my team. what can i do to get more playing time and make the varsity team?

I m a freshman on the jv team at Rider High School. tonight was our first game, it was pretty rough. Maybe these steps will work and ill get the for sure starting position. I have to battle for the position and the goal between us is whoever can take care of the ball better. What can i do to limit turnovers?

thnks, these tips and knowledge really made me think on what i need to do to start on my team.

Thanks alot on the tips this would help me get more playin in the game


Long Reach High

Hi I tried out for my jv basketball team but did not make it. even though i know i can compete with many of the other people team. According to the coach i did not play hard enough but sometimes he did not really pay attention I had one good work out where i was put in with people that were already on the team or likely to make it and played good. I was expected to make the team I want to try out for varsity next year any tips?

hi, i made my schools freshen basketball team, but i dont get hardly any most of the time no playing time. i am one of the smaller kids on the team but i work hard. what should i do to get playing time? thanks.

Sean, listen to your coach. Work your butt off. So what do you do now? Ask your coach what you can do to make the team next year. Go work your butt off everyday for the next year. Get in top-notch shape. Do plenty of ball handling, footwork, and shooting every day. Find a good local trainer if you can.

Brent, ask your coach. He'll let you know. If you can't do anything this year, work your butt off during the offseason. Make every offseason workout, camp, etc.

Well I've been practicing at the Y a little and its hard open gym isnt every day its 4 days out of the week and right now im just managing the team he says I mite be on the team soon but i hope he wasn't joking i run track at the moment. I am 6"2 and considered a big man but i don't have that much weight on me i weigh 165 pounds any tips on what i can do to increase my weight as well besides eating more or how should i eat

thanks alot this will really help me know when i have a game or a practice i go to Devon Aire K-8 Center i''''ve been on the team for 2 years and my coach say i am a great player he just say i really dont show it but this really helped thank you.

I am a sophmore who tried out for j.v and did not make it i almost did and i was allowed to practice with the j.v basketball team during the season. I am gonna try out for varsity next year is it necessary for me to learn plays like motion offense, a 1-4 set, Duke, 1-3-1 zone shift, offense shuffle etc while working on my game or should i just focus on working on my fundamentals and worry about that after i make the varsity team.

John -

The majority of your practice should focus on skills. You should ask your coach what you should work on.

Then after you work on skills, if you want to spend time learning your offense and defense that would be great. Just ask your coach what you will be running so you don't waste time learning 50 other offenses.

hi, im in 7th grade and i play for a select basketball team. i want to get better so i can make varsity in 9th. got any tips

hi im in grade 6 and i like to score but im not that good but im really really goodin reabounding but i want to score so bad that i dont pay atteion can you help me

Hi, I'm in 8th grade at my High school, and we have an 8th grade team which is separate from our JV and V teams.

So last year I didn't know very much about basketball and I tried out mostly because my mom wanted me too and I soon learned that I very much enjoyed it. I didn't make the team last year, and I wasn't exactly surprised even though they told me I was close.

So this year I have been working hard and trying to practice, going to weight training, and shooting and going to the Y when I can to practice, but I feel like I still won't make the team. Sometimes I feel like I'm a complete failure and all my confidence disappears and I feel like I suck.

A lot of people seem to think I'll make it, but I think that they just say that because I'm the second tallest girl in our grade, at 5'9'1/2. Most of them haven't even seen me play. I'm not really sure what I'm asking, but can you help me I guess?

The only thing you can do is give your best effort, practice as much as you can, stay positive, and show perseverance (don't give up).

That's all anyone can ask for. I don't know if you know who Michael Jordan is (best player in the history of basketball), but he was cut as a sophomore in high school! Stay confident and try your best. If you do that then you should feel good about yourself. And keep learning about the fundamentals of basketball.

Thanks, Try outs are only about two weeks away so I've been practicing and trying to get better. Sometimes it's hard for me to stay positive, but I convince myself to be positive in the end. Ha and Yes, I do know who Michael Jordan is. I know a lot about basketball somewhat, just not as much as how to play it well. Thanks.

I love this site

I am a Junior in High School and last year I was "most improved" and one the "best defenders". Tryouts for our school teams were last week and I felt like I did very well.. but at Saturday's practice I was informed I only made Junior Varsity. It is very discouraging to see some of my friends on Varsity along with Freshman who, without trying to be hurtful, could use some work on their skills. I was told the two things holding me back were consistency and quickly getting to my spot. These I have no doubt about, but I also know of people on Varsity with this problem... How can I keep my confidence from breaking down as I play JV for the second year in a row? How can I prove to them I deserve to be moved up? Is being on JV as bad as I feel it is?

So I had tryouts for the freshman team today . I think did pretty good but the coaches were pointing out my mistakes and no one else's , or it seems like that . I want to know Is there away to see if you made the team by just the way the coach acts around you ? Thanks ( :

Love ,
Brittany ( :

Im am scared of my basketball game tomarrow! My team doesnt go easy on me at all and my coach screams at me when i make mistakes. My friend is mad at me now because i couldnt catch the ball when she threw it at me feet. Please someone help me!

Im a post too and i have to be aggressive but i dont wanna hurt people and then a girl started to cuss at me after school cuz i mess up alot!

CRAP NOW IM EVEN MORE SCARED ABOUT ME GETTING HURT AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS!!! poop...

Cassie - Don't worry about mistakes. Everyone makes them and your coach is just trying to make you better. Don't let it bother you. And ignore the immature behavior of other players cussing. You just be bigger than that, ignore it, and do what is right.

Just think, the greatest players in the world make mistakes all the time. So don't worry about it:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/blog/index.php/improve-your-basketball-mentality-learn-from-derrick-rose/

Jonelle -

To be a good basketball player, you need to show perseverance. Michal Jordan was cut as a sophomore. Just think if he would have given up. Instead he took that as a challenge.

"In order to succeed, you must first be willing to fail."- Anonymous

"Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." - Henry Ford

"When the world says, "Give up", Hope whispers, "Try it one more time".

"Fall seven times, stand up eight." - Japanese Proverb

"Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did." - Newt Gingrich

Brittany - There is no way to know you made the team and until the coach tells you.

Jeff- Thank you so much! Now that you've helped me Im no scared anymore. :)

i have always loved basketball since i was in 3rd grade, and have always started, i moved to a new school in 8th grade and got cut from the team, i was then added on later in the season but didnt play good minutes, in ninth grade i made the team and was starting point guard, i averaged around 12 ppg 6 apg and 2 stl. I also had some huge games, now i am a sophomore and my 8th grade coach that cut me was promoted to jv where im playing now and i dont think he sees my full potential and im not even sure ill start the first game, any tips on what i should do please?

my name is janice and i play on my freshman basketball team and i was wondering how to explain to my coach i want more playing time?

WOW!! I stunk at my basketball game. I got 4 fouls. :) My second one i missed because my mom got sick. But the third one I got no fouls and my coach was proud of me for rebounding the ball. Im not scared anymore a bit nervous but not scared. :)

Hey, I am an 8th grader on the middle school varsity bball team. I get about as much playing time or more than the person who starts over me. But the guy who starts over me is a 1 trick pony, he can only shoot the ball. I can drive the lane, make some crazy passes that get to the posts for an easy shot, and I am an average shooter. I also play better defense than anyone on the team. I hate being the sixth man and it would mean alot if you could give me some tips on how I can start. I know I might play more, but I truly don't feel like I am the best until I get that starting spot.

LC,

First of all, congratulations on making the team... now, don't take being the 6th man lightly... he is just as important as any starter... sometimes more important.

Let me ask you this.... who is in the game at the end? You or the person that starts over you? You said that you are gettting as much or MORE playing time than the guy in front of you... would you like to be in his spot and start and get less playing time?

Everyone wants to start and I understand that... here is a funny story for you and its true... one coach had a lot of parents complaining about their sons not starting, so one game he put 10 players on the floor and although the ref warned him that he couldn't do that he did it anyway.... he got 5 Ts, he then turned to the crowd and said, see, I can only start 5. :-)

OK, as for getting that starting spot..... work hard in practice - show the coach who is the better player ( but if you are getting more playing time, I think he already knows this ) Work on your fundamentals - defense - shooting etc. I had some kids come into our school who didn't make their 8th grade team end up All Conference players in their senior year.

YOUR ultimate goal should be to make the high school team, so for now, be a team player and bust your butt when you are on the floor. Things have a way of working out for those who have a great work ethic.

Ok thanks, it's usually me playing at the end, but ya know, I would love to be recognized as one of the best.

Lc,

You saying that you in the game tells me that he already knows that you ARE one of the best.... otherwise you wouldn't be in then.

Keep playing hard and things have a way of working out..... your ultimate goal should be to make the high school team and play meaningful minutes.

Good luck and let us know how things are going.

I''''ve started every year when I''''ve played but this year I''''m not starting. I work really hard in and out of the gym. I haven''''t even had a chance to prove myself since I only play about 1 quarter. After games even when we win I feel teary eyed because I do t help my team. I''''m 5''''9 the tallest on my team. The guy that took my place always jacks around and it really pisses me off. I think ive only scored about 10 points less then the guy who took my place and he gets twice as much playing time. Any ideas how to improve not only my playing time but my skill. And some other stuff u might need to know is. I''''m a great rebounder great post player a hustler and an average free throw shooter and just regular shooter. I would really appreciate it.

Bball20 -

All you can do is to take care of your own game... keep working hard, improve all your skills, be as fundamentally sound as you can.

Look at the 10 tips at the beginning of this article and then ask yourself, "Am I doing these things?"

Take a look at what the guy in front of you is doing and then be honest, ask yourself what he is doing that I am not.

I can tell you that as a varsity coach there were a few things that opened my eyes to some players... kids that took charges, dove on the floor for loose balls, rebounded well, were willing to make the extra pass.... you say that you are the tallest? A post player... you need to be able to finish inside and be lights out from the free throw line. Those are the guys I wanted in the game at crunch time.

I hope this helps.

Ok thanks ken you sound like you know your stuff have a game tomorrow and I'll try to get physical on the boards and hustle.

Good luck, I hope you have a good game, and yes, I coached a "few" years LOL

Remember, we learn something about this game every day... same for coaches, just like the players.

Thanks I played about a quarter more today and had about ten points. The scorekeeper said I was close to a double double. I think I played a pretty good game on defense too but the guy that's starts in front of me still plays more.

Ok, a quarter more than the last game? You are making PROGRESS.... stay with it, don't get discouraged and things will get better.

Were you in the game at the end? Like I said before, thats what counts.

My first year as head varsity coach I brought up a sophomore point guard... he was the 2nd best in the program and he didn't start either... not one game.

One day he came into my office, closed the door and sat down..... I didn't let him talk..... I said the answer to your question is that IF I start you over the other kid, we might lose him and then we wont be in any better shape than where we are right now. And I asked him this question... " Who is in the game at the end? "

He shook his head and wanted to know how I knew what he wanted... told him I wasn't stupid (although some might dispute that LOL)
I know whats going through your mind.... he understood and went about his role on the TEAM - I hope this helps you.

Great points, Ken. I've played my 3rd best player off of the bench sometimes as well.

Irregardless, just focus on what you can control. You cannot control whether the coach starts you or how much the coach plays you.

You can control how hard you play, never taking a play off, sprinting to areas, taking charges, diving after every loose ball, making eye contact with the coach whenever he is talking, being a good teammate and being positive (don't be a Debbie downer), making plays for your teammates, taking good high-percentage shots (be a shot-maker, not a shot-taker), and doing whatever you can possibly do to make the TEAM better.

Have you asked the coach what you can do to make the team better?

Are you staying after practice to take extra shots?

Are you cheering for your teammates when you're not in the game?

Are you being constructive with your teammates to help them out?

I was on the bench with about 2 min to go when I came out I gave him a little eye like wtf are u doing and he didn't put me back in. Also idk if I should talk to him about my playing time and ask him about that stuff because we only have a couple more games. And also thank u guys u have been a huge help.

Do yourself a favor, keep a good attitude, work hard, play hard and try to have some fun.

Don't worry about your playing time... just do your best when you are on the floor. I don't have a clue as to what is going through the coaches mind or what the situation is.

Coaches do a lot of things by the seat of their pants, a gut feeling. Maybe they are trying to play more people, whatever ( I hate that word lol )
Just take care of what you have control over and thats how you play in practice and in games and most of all, your attitude which is more important that anything.

Good luck the rest of the way and have some fun.

Hey I''m a Junior in our highschool program. We have a small school and team with about 27 people on the roster.

We have 7 seniors and 5 juniors. All 7 seniors are on varsity, and only 1 junior is on varsity. The rest of us juniors "play" in JV.

In practice, I hustle my ass off, and yesterday I almost broke my arm by jumping up and tipping a fastbreak pass while backpedaling.

And I''m not in anyway a bad player, I don''t think I get the credit I deserve. But today in our JV game, I didn''t play a single second. We had freshmen and sophomores playing the whole game, and only one junior played.

I am very frustrated as this has happened for the past 3 nows. I always have a positive attitude, I am a good teammate, but yet I get no playing time. I''ve talked to my coach and asked how to get better and I have improved in the area he recommended but I am getting worse playing time than the past 2 years even.

What else can I do to get more playing time? I''m getting very frustrated and I''m on the edge of leaving the team.

Junior,

Take the time to read all of the posts above here and the replies from Joe, Jeff and myself.

I used to give out handouts at the beginning of every practice and the first one every year was this: " IT ALL STARTS WITH A GOOD ATTITUDE." It sounds like you have a good attitude right now, stay with that, it could get you what you want.

You might ask your coach why you didn't get any playing time in the JV game... and what you can do to get some PT. Are there any other areas I need to improve on?

Evaluate your own game and ask yourself - what do these other guys have or do that I am not doing??? Keep working hard in practice, make sure that he notices you.... dive on every loose ball, take charges, rebound etc. Those are all the little things that will catch a coaches eye.

Be patient with yourself and keep working hard. Some times when you least expect it, your time will come.

Hey Guys,

I'm on my varsity basketball team.I tried out as a freshman and got in. Now I'm a sophomore. I don't get any playing time and sometimes I wonder why I'm even on the team. I tried out because I wanted to get better at basketball but I feel like my coach doesn't take me seriously. I'm 5' 10 1/2" but I'm uncoordinated and barely make any of my shots. I try to maintain a positive attitude but it's so hard because I want to play so badly. I know I suck badly but I want a chance to prove myself. I'm too ashamed to talk to my coach because I feel like she only picked me because of my height. I feel as if I am a disappointment because I'm not living up to my height, no pun intended. I try and I try but no matter what, I still suck. A freshman gets more playing time than me and I know why. She's good and has been playing for a much longer time. I want to be like that, I want to play that well. Please, I want help. I want to become better so that I can have more playing time.

Sincerely Esther.
Screw the playing time, I just want to get better. Maybe If I get better, the playing time will follow.

You answered this yourself.

"Maybe If I get better, the playing time will follow."

A funny thing about this game... as coaches, we cant teach height! :-)

Don't be so hard on yourself.. maybe you will end up as one of theose diamonds in the rough,.
Work hard in practice, focus on each and evey drill and do your best to improve each and every day. We had several players that weren't very good as freshman and sophomores who went on to become very good varsity players. I don't know what the future holds for you.... but IF YOU don't believe in yourself, who will?

Make a list of all the things you need to improve upon.... then every day you go to practice you work really hard on two of them (extra hard) 1 on Offense and 1 on Defense. (along with what the coach has everyone do in practice.

With your size, there is one thing that you can do to get his attention... REBOUND.

Don't worry about what others can or cannot do, be the best player that you can be.

Good luck, stay positive and have FUN

C'mon, for most coaches all that matters is WINNING, specifically beating the other coach. This is HS Basketball, the MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD to them. Why would the coach take a chance with a kid with playing weaknesses -even for 1 minute - and even when up by 15. d'uh? Maybe so that you don't end up with a varsity team with only 5 players who've got floor experience. NOT MY PROBLEM says the freshman and JV coaches who - remember - have lost all perspective and JUST WANT TO WIN THE GAME. There are exceptions to this rule, but of course those JV coaches are LOSERS.

Erik -

High school basketball is lot different than YOUTH basketball but please judge every coach the same way - or every program

High school varsity basketball is a about winning... ALL about winning? Not in my book and a lot of other coaches I know. I and some other Varsity coachhes have sat players when their behavior needed to addressed. Yes, we want to win or they wouldn't keep score.. but its NOT the MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD as you put it.

I sat three starters in a game that meant the conference championship for us ( that schools AD and some of their parents commended me for doing that knowing what was at stake ) and I know some coaches who have sat their star players multiple times because of various infractions. Those are just two examples.... I sat a lot of players in my coaching career.

It seems like you had a bad experience and I'm sorry for that - but there are good and bad in every walk of life. Are there some that fit your description? Of course and I know a few of them ... but NOT very many. The majority of the coaches that I know and coached against a good coaches that ran or are running a great program

I was the Sophomore coach for 8 years before I took over the Varsity team and the program. MY goal was to get 8 players ready to play on the varsity every year... 3 guards, 3 forwards and 2 post players. This way, the Varsity would be competitive every year.

WE had 5 levels... Frosh A & B, Sophomores, JV & Varsity who practiced together. The JVs had their own schedule and every kid played, not equal time but they played.

Erik -

To address this part -

" NOT MY PROBLEM says the freshman and JV coaches who - remember - have lost all perspective and JUST WANT TO WIN THE GAME. There are exceptions to this rule, but of course those JV coaches are LOSERS."

The job of the lower level coaches is to teach FUNDAMENTALS, teach them how to play the game and run the system that the Varsity coach has in place. Its his program so that is his right to dictate what offense and defense the program runs.

IF all you look at is the Ws and Ls you have lost perspective as to what sports is all about.
Most people in the stands don't have a clue as to what they think the players should be doing. Heck, since I've retired I've never made a mistake or lost a game from the stands. :-)

Have you sat in the stands lately and listened to some parents and how they yell / talk / coach their kids? They aren't thinking about team play, they are thinking about THEIR son / daughter.

Everyone thinks that coaching is rolling the ball and watching them play. We have to be coach / friend / social worker / psychologist / counselor and in some cases a parent to them. We have to worry about their grades
( are they going to be eligible?) behavior problems in and out of school, helping them to get along with their teammates so they can play as a team and NOT just for ME.

You have to know how to deal with the rest of the school staff... teachers and administrators for on... but until you have been in this position, you will find out that IF you aren't super nice to Secretaries and the Cusodial staff you won't get a lot done.

You help with scheduling of non conference games / sometimes bus scheduling if its a special circumstance / ordering uniform and equipment - making sure that every level has what they need.. You have coaches meetings so everyone has a chance to voice their opinion and get on the same page and don't forget about scouting your next opponents - Making a sound practice plan and coming up with a good game plan for the next team you play. I'm sure that I have forgotten a few things here but I think that you are getting the idea. Don't forget, coaches have a teaching job to go along with all the above.

Coaching and teaching is like having two full time jobs, believe me, thats how much time it takes. I know that you aren't judging them ALL that way... but there is a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to coaching.

Most coaches do this because they love the game and love working with kids and helping them to grow into young adults. Some are just better at it than others.

AND ALL THIS IS BEFORE YOU SET FOOT ON THE FLOOR.

My middle school season is coming to an end. I have been playing on the team for all three grades. I am very nervous about making the highschool team next year, as their is only a JV team. They elminated the 9th grade team a year ago. I am nervous because I have competition with guys in my grade from my school and our rival school. Also, I will have competition with the freshman this year.(10th graders when I try out.)

Any tips on how to make the team?

Will -

Congratulations on making this years team and playing... I hope your season went well.

Its a shame they cut the freshman team from their program - thats the foundation for building the system and teaching sound fundamentals.

Sit down with your coach after the season and ask him what areas you need to improve upon - then go to work on them.

Off the top of my head, some things that are important are:
Foot speed and quickness ( helps you defensively and offensively_
Ball handling ( dribbling and passing)
Shooting ( post shots if you are a post player or can play in the post / mid range shots / and the 3 ball if you are comfortable shooting that shot )

Then, make sure that you go to the schools summer camp for basketball, make sure they know who you are by how hard you play,,, diving on loose balls - taking charges - rebounding etc. Get to know those coaches and make sure they know that you are a team player and a coachable kid.

If you can afford it, find yourself a personal trainer and play as much as you can this spring and summer.

Good luck and one last thing... RELAX a little bit, this is supposed to be FUN. All you can do is work as hard as you can and prepare yourself for the next season... just like it was the freshman team - you wont do well if you are nervous, so like I said... RELAX and enjoy this great game.

Hey im Ashley Marie, i love the sport of basketball, basketball to me my life im only 5'2 i know i know im a shawty lol but im a freshman this year and i would love some more tips for basketball :)
Thanks , Ashley Marie

Ashley -
Look at the 10 tips above... those are a good start to getting yourself noticed... then you have to work on your game... all aspects. Ball handling, dribbling, passing, shooting and DEFENSE - foot speed/quickness. Good luck

Suzette -
I'm sure there is a lot of political stuff happening out there..... you could be right but I don't know that for sure. IF your daughter isn't getting any playing time you could meet with him and ask him if she could go back down and play with her class because you feel like she would get better by playing. A lot of coaches believe that IF a kid plays up and practices with the Varsity - they will improve faster and be ready for Varsity ball sooner... this could be the case?

hi im in 6th grade and i play basketball at recess but i cant make 3 point shots but i can make 2 pointers. do u know why?

Jb -

A lot of it has to do with maturity.... right now you should be working on your two point game - in other words, play to your strengths and don't worry too much about the 3 ball...that will come with time and practice.

Some think that the 3 ball has ruined the game, expecially for younger players...
You should be more concerned with your FORM and how well you shoot the 2s.

As you get bigger and stronger your game will change and so will the distance of your shots.

I hope this helps ... so go out and practice the shots that you can make easily and work your way back as you experience success ... and above all HAVE FUN playing the game.

OMG!!! I'm just blown away with my results. I used to be a rough player and just play for the fun of basketball, but when i started applying these tips i improved more and now people are not scared to play ball with me..LOL

Hi I'm kt. I get played a lot on my school team but at my Rec league I never get played? I'm really good at defense and I'm a 6ft 13 year old, I get my rebounds. I do all these things but never get played at the Rec league, why?

Kt -

Thats a tough question to answer since we cant see you play. My suggestion is that you find a time to sit down with your coach ( aside from the rest of the players so it can be a personal thing ) and ask him what you can do to get some playing time.

At 6 feet and 13, I would think that you would be important to your team just because you can rebound - and you say you play good defense... thats your side of the story..... but you have to find out what he is thinking.

Does this team ever practice? IF SO, you need to show him that you deserve some playing time when you get that chance. If not, you have to sit down and talk with him.

Good luck.

By the way Kt-

Take a look at the TEN items at the top of this page and try to do some of those... if not all.

I always have the worst self-esteem.

I'm a very good basketball player, I know this, but I always get tired so quick because I'm out of shape, and that just downs me.

And like in games, I get scared. Down right scared. How do I deal with this?

Faith -

IF you are serious about playing the game, you need to make sure that you are in good shape... you cant be successful at this if you are slow and get tired quickly.

It sounds like you get down on yourself because you get tired quickly, don't you think that IF you solve that problem, things will be a lot better for you?

As for being scared ... RELAX and have some FUN... thats what the game is supposed to be about. Practice and become fundamentally sound in all aspects of the game, ball handling/dribbling, passing, shooting, defense and rebounding.

Good luck

Faith -

Here is a little quote for you -

"Nothing can sabotage winning like the fear of losing."

Now, have some FAITH in yourself. :-)

i'm really happy on reading this facet of bassketball coz we all know every body wants more playing time.Now i know my chances to learn and to be mature on basketball..

tyvm & god bless always!


cp3-phils

I play center for Freeburg Grade School and I don''''t get the playing time that I want but, after reading this, I now know ways to get to play more time

Hey I need help, I'm a varsity player in middle school. I'm not going to say what school but the coaches highly disrespect me sometimes.
I have a ligament problem in my left knee since July 2012 and I try to the best of my ability to get their attention.
I don't do anything wrong in practice, maybe making a few mistakes during plays and such but other then that, I'm okay. I pick up very quickly.
I'm the tallest girl on the court, I'm 5.8 almost 5.9.
And since the season just started, I've realized how much playing time i've gotten. I've have only gotten a total of 2 minutes in one game and 30 seconds in another. Otherwise, I'm just a bench warmer.
I do play center and they don't realize what I'm capable of on the court because they never give me a chance.
Please help!
Thank you!!! <3

Lauren -

First thing... look at the ten tips above and start from there.

There are two ways you can go about this....
1- talk to the coaches and ask them what you need to improve upon to get more playing time.

2- Work as hard as you can in practice to get their attention. AT your height, you should be able to get a lot of rebounds and then put backs for scores. Play good defense and try to clean up the mistakes you are making on offense.

Good luck, I hope this will help you get some more playing time.

My daughter for the third year has made the varsity team, and now that shes shopmore she sitting the beanch more than usually. I know its not because she not the best player somethings wrong. She asked me not to speak to coach, she believes it will make things worse.
She is a very quite person, I know she can play she has been looked at from other schools for her skills, I dont know why coach is doing what his doing to her. He looked for her at school this year before try outs asking her to join and now he has her sitting bench. Should I talk to him anyways? Because my daughter has voiced she has lost interest in game now, she is frustated and mad.
What to do, what to do?

My advice is to always have the player talk to the coach and ask what they can do to get more playing time, improve, and help the team. If she doesn't learn to be proactive and take the initiate, her success will be limited. This is an important lesson that I don't think kids can learn if their parents do this type of thing for them. She can either choose to be mad about it or she can choose to do something about it.

Also, the last thing most coaches want to talk with parents about is playing time. It can be a very touchy subject and personally it annoys me when a parent comes to talk to me about playing time and the player doesn't. So I would first urge my child to talk to the coach and try to teach her the lesson of being proactive. Then if all else fails I might communicate with the coach about my childs feelings. But I wouldn't talk at all about playing time and would understand it's up to them to earn.

Thanks Jeff I will try that but right now she came home from last game and has lost all desire to play. She says she doesnt want to talk to him. I do not understand they practically begged her to join and now not motivated to play.
But I will talk to her about talking to the coach.
I hope it works out because we have been told that she has natural talent and could go futher with the game.
thanks again

Hey im a senior and i asked my coach and he told me to be a cheerleader on our bench. Yet im his best rebounder and defense player and i can dribble and shoot i also pass I'm unselfish. Unlike the rest of the team there out there for fame and to showboat. And ive done everything i go as hard as i can i start every drill i dont complain. Also i am the only kid that keeps my grades up while the rest are in deep might fail.

Charles -

It sounds like you are doing everything right... but thats just your side of the story.... NOT sure what is going on in your coaches mind.

Why don't you talk to the asst. coach? That is a good way of finding out what you need to do and usually, the asst. is the good guy.

Now, As for practices.... I would do everything that I could to do to make sure the coaches see that I am better or as good as player X !!

Do the very best you can, and make sure that you are outplaying the people at your position. Match up against them in drills and scrimmages, show the coach that you are better.. EVERY DAY.

Make sure you talk to the asst. - maybe he can give you some insight on your problem.

GOOD LUCK

I'm looking for guidance regarding my 13 year old son who lacks confidence and drive while playing with his middle school and travel team.

The frustrating part is that he attends workouts, run by an ex-college standout, on a weekly basis with junior and senior varsity players and excels. He's an excellent ball handler and has a great basketball IQ, but when playing for school he lacks intensity and confidence and his performance suffers. He's a completly different player between workouts with excellent varsity players and the 7th/8th grade teams.

I've tried the yelling thing, the positive motivator thing - I've had other older players talk with him but nothing seems to break through. The only thing he tells me is that I make him nervous - now I don't attend games, but his performance still doesn't match that of his workouts.

I believe one of the issues is the lack of proper coaching - that's out of my hands and he won't be properly coached until next year. He's only been coached by volunteer parents since he started playing. Do you think that's the problem? I only hope that's it.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

DD.... If your son has made middle school team and the travel team, he must have some talent.

Sounds like he is afraid of making mistakes... everybody that plays a sport makes mistakes. Baseball players that hit 300 make millions of dollars... and they are failing 70% of the time. Your son needs to know that mistakes are part of the game, if you don't make mistakes it means that you arent trying to make things happen.

Yelling isn't going to help him... just be there for him. You aren't his coach, what are his father and his biggest fan. When you go home after games, don't bring the game up unless he does. Go for a pizza for a pop.

He might be one of a late bloomer types as far as basketball goes. Be patient and make sure that he has fun playing the game. We had several kids come into our high school fathead no confidence and average talent. Then went on to play varsity basketball and in some cases were all-conference.

He is 13 let him move on at his pace. As for his coaches if they are volunteer coaches they're probably doing the best that they can, that's all anybody can ask of them. Hopefully next year things will be better for him.

Hi guys,

I was just wondering when shooting if your release should be to the middle or the side, etc.
It would be great if you could help.

Jordan -

If I understand your question correctly... the ball should come up slighty to the side of your head. As you do it that way, their will be a "WINDOW" where you can say the basket.

I hope that answers your question.

im a sophomore in high school. i start for my girls varsity team and i play almost the whole game. the problem is i dont know if my coach hates me or is dissapointed in me or something. in the beggining of the season she was always nice and everytime i did something good in the game she would cheer me on, if i messed up shed say its okay and wouldnt get mad. now she is always on me in practice at the games. everytime i mess up i get yelled at or something.if i have 1 turnover its like i have 30. off the court she jokes around with me about my mistakes like makes fun of them or picks on me all the time. my assistant coach told me its because im better than everyone else and im the best player on team but i dont think thats the case because theres another girl thats pretty good and she could turn the ball over 8 times in a row and she will not say anything to her or take her out the game, she also told her this one time that the team needs her. i dont know what to do it really brings me down when she yells at me says things to me because i dont know if she does it on purpose and i dont know why she does it. she kicked me out of practice this one day because i gave her attitude after she yelled at me but a couple days later she asked me if i wanted to play aau basketball but shes not sure if she wants to put me on her elite team becasue i might not be ready becasue i lack confidence and i give up to easy. please help

JJ -

You must be doing something right.... starting and playing most of the game as a sophomore.

Since I'm not there I can only give you an educated guess...... your asst. coach thinks you are the best player on the team... and the head coach is expecting more from you. I don't know what her personality is like... I gave my players a hard time too, but they knew I was kidding around with them.... heck, I started them and played them a lot. I kidded around with all of them.

Now, maybe she is trying to make you tougher by giving you a hard time.... as for the other kid... maybe she feels that she cant handle harsh treatment. As coaches, we make mistakes some times. One year I was getting all over this 18 year old senior.. I was trying to get him mad at me so he would play harder. Well, that backfired - I saw some tears.... I smoothed out his jersey and said, "let me put this a different way" then we both laughed. Maybe she was trying to do this too?

She asked you to play AAU ball.....this is another plus..... you have to make sure that you let her know that you WANT to play on the ELITE team. Show her every day in practice that you deserve to play on that team..... be a leader..... and if you have any games left.... do your best, leave it all on the floor.

I hope this helps.

Hi. I'm an eight grader that wants to get better at basketball. I'm not very strong, fast or athletic but I have a lo of determination and I practice every day for about a couple of hours. I have gotten much better as a shooter, and a free throw shooter and I'm about 5 feet 6 but I feel something is missing in me, and I do much worse in games than in my practices. My goal is to make the high school team, and I don't have a lot of time. Do you know how I could become more athletic and faster? Also are there any tips or suggestions you could give me on my weak spots, which are rebounding and defending bigger guys? Thanks.

I'm 16 year old sophomore and I tried out for a 17& under aau team.. So I made the team but I'm a guard and they already have there starting guards they're a year older than me and they played for the team last year so there no chance I will start over them.. The coach gave me an option to play for the 15& under team be the starting point guard and run the team or be the back up point guard coming off the bench for the 17 & under. I need help because I don't know what I should choose.., which way would help me get better more and is it embarrassing and sad playing for the younger team.. does that mean I basically suck.. Please help

Joe -

You are in eighth grade.... you are still growing. So, don't be too worried about that, your time will come. As for getting better, try and go to a couple of camps this summer. They must have one at the high school you are going to... make sure you sign up for that one. You want to make sure that they know who you are. You need to get a little bigger and stronger but that's on Mother Nature... so be patient. Keep working on your game and any chance that you get, play some guys that are older than you are. That will force you to work harder.

Amy -

Let me ask you this question, do you think that you will get better by playing or by being the back up to the two guards in front of you?
I wouldn't say that you suck, but your coach is giving you and opportunity to start and run the show. Here is a chance for you to improve your game and get ready to play varsity ball next year, I would think that this would be your goal, right? Embarrassing maybe, but at least it will give you a chance to show your skills.
IF you make the Varsity team next year, those two players will still be ahead of you IF you don't do something to work on your game. You might surprise yourself and the coaches IF you work on your game this summer, amazing things can happen over the summer if you give it a chance. NOT playing, --- that will get you nowhere.

Good luck and I hope that things work out for you.... same for you Jo

Hi, I haven't played basketball since the 7th grade. I was on a select team 5th and 6th grade and was always a decent player. Well, now i am going to be a Junior in high school and I decided to give basketball another try. I didn't play before because of my grades. My mom said not until I got all A's and B's. I am playing on the summer league and going to all the open gyms. The problem is I have lost contact with the teammates that I used to play with and they are treating me like an outcast. How can I prove myself when they send me over to the gym with the younger players. They only pick their friends for the games. I feel like I am not going to get a chance here. The coaches let these 2 arrogant jerks pick all the teams and of course they pick their friends. The coaches are there and see me shooting and playing. So, do I just keep going and hope that the coaches see I am a good player or do I just walk away and give up? Since I haven't played in 3 years I have lost contact with the guys I used to play travel ball with and now they treat me like I don't belong. The only reason I decided to go out for basketball was because when I play at this community center with older graduates and past players they always say, "Hey you are good, why don't you play on the h.s. team?" what should I do ...hang it up, or keep trying....

Jordan -

Listen, the past is the past! Forget about it!

As a coach, I would find it very hard to believe that your coaches will not see that you are a player if you are one. Every coach wants to win, he wants a successful program....

Keep playing in the summer league, go to the open gyms, do things that will open the eyes of the coaches. Try to be friendly with all the players, play some great defense and do the things that you used to do when you were playing.

Maybe the coaches are just testing you to see that you are going to stick with this? IF you are friendly enough with some of the past players... you migh ask one to just stop by a summer league game or an open gym and "JUST MENTION " to the coach, hey, have you seen Jordan play? He can really play the game!

Good luck and don't give up or you will be kicking yourself in the butt after you graduate.

This is kinda. Tru but I still probably won''''t get as much playin time I can''''t believe it he puts a 4th grader n more than I go in n I''''m only in 7th grade wow it makes me not wanna play basketball wen I get over most of the time I don''''t get in sometimes he puts me in n takes me out right away or if I''''m lucky enough ill get a minute of playing time ugh wish equal timing exist !!!

This is kinda. Tru but I still probably won''''t get as much playin time I can''''t believe it he puts a 4th grader n more than I go in n I''''m only in 7th grade wow it makes me not wanna play basketball wen I get over most of the time I don''''t get in sometimes he puts me in n takes me out right away or if I''''m lucky enough ill get a minute of playing time ugh wish equal timing exist !!!

All you can do is to go out there and play as hard as you can.... AND HAVE SOME FUN.

Practice as much as you can and improve your skills. Remember, your worth in life is not measured by how good a basketball player you are. You sound like a good kid, do the best you can, no one can ask any more of you.

Good luck