Youth coaching can be really hard. You’ve got a lot to manage:

• Kids with different levels of ability and experience

• Parents with various issues

• Kids balancing multiple extra curricular activities

• Playing time rules

• Limited practice time

All those things can be a drain on your energy and leave you trying to keep your head above water.

But there is a better way! As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Follow these ideas before the season starts and you’ll craft a better experience for you and your players!

5 “Off The Court” Ways To Set Up A Smooth Season

Must-Do #1: Set Your Goals - Why Are You Coaching This Season?

Define Your Purpose

• What are your reasons for coaching:

  • Is it to develop skills?

  • To provide an enjoyable experience?

  • To instill values?

Align Your Actions With Your Goals

• Having clear, actionable goals will shape your season and guide your coaching style.

• Defined goals translate to better decision-making and more cohesive practices.

Must-Do #2: Hold a Parent Meeting

Purpose of a Parent Meeting

• Gives you the chance to explain the role of the sports parent in creating a positive, supportive environment.

• Sets a positive tone, prevents misunderstandings, and builds trust.

Key Topics to Cover

• Team rules, playing time philosophy, communication channels, and sportsmanship expectations.

• Explain how addressing these topics early can foster a collaborative atmosphere and support player development.

Must-Do #3: Develop Your Coaching Philosophy

Why a Coaching Philosophy is Essential

• Having a clear philosophy provides consistency in decision-making and sets expectations for players.

• Examples:

  • "effort over outcome"

  • "team-first mentality,"

Steps to Define Your Philosophy

• Engage in self-reflection: What values are important to you? How do you want to influence players?

• Brainstorm ideas and then narrow it done to make it well-defined.

Must-Do #4: Get Organized and Prepared

Why Organization is Key

• Staying organized impacts more than just practices; it affects team communication, planning, and time management.

Tips for Organization

• 3 practical steps:

  • Use a calendar for season planning.

  • Organize player information in a central place.

  • Schedule regular check-ins with assistants or staff.

Must-Do #5: Don’t Go It Alone – Build Your Support Network

Importance of Having Support

• Having peers to share ideas, get feedback, and troubleshoot issues is of tremendous value.

How to Build a Support Network

• 3 tips:

• Connect with other local coaches.

• Join online coaching communities.

• Consider a regular meetup with other coaches to share insights.

Take The Easy Wins!

No matter how well you prepare, there will be challenges during your season.

That said, if you follow the 5 steps above, you’ll be in much better shape to handle the challenges that do arise.

So do your prep work now and make your coaching life easier later!

For more great youth coaching strategies from Jim Huber, check out:

• For those coaching true beginners, consider Beginner Basketball (Ages 5-9) with Jim Huber. This is a great resource to help those new to the game. Coach Huber provides a number of games and age-appropriate drills that result in rapid improvement and a good experience for young players.

• The Youth Coaching System (Ages 9-14) With Jim Huberprovides an entire blueprint for coaching a youth team between ages 9-14. It’s a one stop shop for all youth coaching needs. If you’re looking for a proven system to get the most from your team, this is the resource for you!

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