Any suggestions on how I can get my boys to take the time to set and take a good shot after getting an offensive rebound? Our shooting percentage must be awful considering how many shots we missed, got the offensive rebound and then just tossed the ball up--instead of actually taking a real shot.

Thanks for any tips you may have.

Coach Doug

How old are these kids?

One suggestion is to start tracking shooting percentage and share it with the kids. Emphasize the importance of taking good shots. Work with them to understand what a good shot is.

They are 11 and 12 (5th and 6th grade). Playing CYO Intermediate 2, which in our area is the step below JV. I have a wide range of talent on my team, but the shooting problem that I described is happening with some of my better players.

I am going to have one of my older sons start to keep stats for my team, because I am curious about our shooting percentage--and because I want to track other things (assists, rebounds, blocks, steals, turnovers) to get a better picture of what is happening. Some boys may not lead the team in scoring, but could still be one of the most valuable players on the team.

I think the biggest problem is that they are just rushing their shots when they get a rebound. They think they have to get the shot off quickly, when in reality they have enough time to set their feet and take a good shot.

Yeah, they are pretty young. My suggestion would be to start tracking shooting percentage, share it with the players, maybe set some goals, and not worry about it.

These are young kids. This is a very common problem and comes with the territory. I would suggest focusing your efforts on their skills (shooting, footwork, ballhandling, etc). They will come around with time and I would not worry about it too much. There are so many other things to work on at this age level.

I hope this helps.

Also, have you tried taking the kids aside after the play and explaining what happened? Let them know they don't need to force it up. If they have an open shot take it, if not bring the ball back out. These are good teaching moments during the game. Just sub in another player, talk to the kid about taking a good shot (be positive -- great rebound!), then put him back in.

It's tough for an 11 year old because they just don't have the experience. They catch the ball in there and they get anxious and excited. It's hard to stay calm. I remember that feeling back when I played. I did the same thing and forced the ball. But as time went on, I started to realize that I missed way too much and settled down.

Another option is try showing them film. I have never done this at this age level so I don't know how it would work. Maybe a film and pizza party. Film is a great way to teach and allows the players to see what they are doing. Sometimes they don't realize it.

You could do drills to practice catching in traffic, pump faking, gathering yourself, and going up under control. But I wouldn't do drills just to practice put backs. It will be different when they get in a game and I think it will be hard for you to break that habit in practice, even if you spend hours on it. I would just keep doing normal jump stop lay up drills, normal fundamentals, and teach the best you can.

Jeff,

I like your approach to the game. I know they are young, and I've seen much older kids force up bad shots. I will just continue to work on the fundamentals. And you are right, they are doing a ton of good things--I guarantee we outrebounded all of the teams we played--even in our loss. Just a bunch of those were rebounding our own misses! :) But it could be worse!