BreakthroughBasketball.com
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/forum/

Tryouts
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=2213
Page 1 of 1

Author:  DadCoach [ 12 Nov 2018, 14:33 ]
Post subject:  Tryouts

my 12 year old is going out for his middle school team this year...

he is huge..6 feet tall and very strong...probably the biggest in his class...in good shape... a good soccer player...fast but not blazing...reasonably quick for his size...

his shooting and ball handling skills are OK...nothing great but nothing exceptional...

just curious to hear from coaches...

will a middle school coach generally look to take a tall, strong kid with one of the spots or will the shorter, faster, more skilled kids get the spots???

i would think there is always a spot for the tall kids but with the way basketball is being played today i wonder if that has changed...

anxious...

Author:  Coach Rob [ 12 Nov 2018, 18:28 ]
Post subject:  Re: Tryouts

The short answer is, yes. Depends upon the needs of the team, but if you're saying he's already 6ft and strong, I'd be hard pressed to pass him up if I was coaching.

On a side note, if you think he'll keep playing basketball, get him going on the dribbling sooner than later. Don't let folks pigeonhole him in to being "the big guy" and sticking him on a block as the post. Not saying he shouldn't go with the flow on this middle school team, just saying it would be wise to train him like he's going to be a guard. (See Duke's line-up for men's basketball this year). Have your son watch a few of those Duke games if he can. Some amazing talent for guys that are 6'7".

Author:  DadCoach [ 12 Nov 2018, 19:54 ]
Post subject:  Re: Tryouts

Thanks Coach.

I am really emphasizing guard skills. If he grows to 6’5” like he is supposed to then that is something he will be able to use to his advantage against the big guys.

The problem is every time he shoots up in height he has to get used to his body.

He’s already a size 14 shoe. Makes it hard to pick up and go.

I just hope the coaches believe as you do. That size matters in hoops. And skills can be taught and refined unlike height and size.

Author:  Coach Rob [ 13 Nov 2018, 17:34 ]
Post subject:  Re: Tryouts

DadCoach wrote:
I am really emphasizing guard skills. If he grows to 6’5” like he is supposed to then that is something he will be able to use to his advantage against the big guys.
Huge advantage because a lot coaches need "bigs" and tend to treat them as "bigs" so they never bring the ball up court or doing anything other than post up. A taller, stronger player that also possesses guard-like skills is a huge threat.

DadCoach wrote:
The problem is every time he shoots up in height he has to get used to his body. He’s already a size 14 shoe. Makes it hard to pick up and go.
Yep, that's just one of those deals you have to grow through. Tough age when a player is growing in middle school.

DadCoach wrote:
I just hope the coaches believe as you do. That size matters in hoops. And skills can be taught and refined unlike height and size.
Oh, believe me, having tall strong players is always in demand.

Mikan drill (do this with one ball, then switch to two balls)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXS6CEI8KPk

55 second garden glove drill - excellent drill for big guys to get that coordination going. If you can find a place he can do this drill a few times a week, I guarantee you he will improve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMaXO5WuxFA

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 6 hours
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/