My team is made up of 10-11 yr old boys who've played together for several seasons now. They're getting better at ball movement, shots, and overall decisions on offense. However, if I could tweak one thing, it would be increasing the speed of their decisions.

We talk about how even one second of hesitation can result in a steal or contested shot. I tell them if they're wide open, make the decision right then to shoot if you receive a pass. No hesitation, just shoot. Same with a pass, if we're working it around the parameter or they see a cut.

When we play 4 on 4, I play on one team, my assistant on the other. I'm zinging passes, so is he and the kids start to follow suit. Left on their own, they still have that small hesitation before passing or taking the shot.

Any way to increase their speed/decision making ability or does this just come with experience?

Rob,

These are young kids that are just learning the game..... a lot of this stuff does not come natural to them until the get a lot experience under their belt. I have seen some naturals at that age... but certainly NOT a lof of them. Be patient, keep doing the things you are doing.... work on their fundamentals so when those situations come up they have the confidence in knowing that they are doing the right thing.
IF they are a little hesistant..... try the positive approach.... use a lot of praise to the kids that are doing it right.... using their names..... save the constructive criticism for personal talks to the kids. With older kids you could probably just come out and say it... but at this age... that might now work well.
You say that they have improved over the past few years... so things are getting better... remember, this game is like life... its a journey, not a destination.

Good luck.

My last three years of working with 6th - 8th graders - I knew I was moving on to the hgh school level..... I took a 6th grade group and taught them how to play m2m defense along with the other fundamentals of course.... got them several games.... ALL M2M .... I didn't even give them a real offense... pass and cut.
As 7th graders - more games - still m2m and now added some offense..... as 8th graders they won the conference, first time in schools history, lost the championship game by a 1 and we had the last shot. I added s simple version of a match up zone but we were all about m2m D - full and half court.
That took 3 years to develop and remember.... they were older than your kids are.... think about your goals for them .... what you are teaching and where you want them to go...... and hopefull they will be able to play at the next level.. HIGH SCHOOL

Great points, appreciate it! You're right, can't get enough positive feedback when they do things correctly. In fact, I'll stop the practice if I see what I'm looking for and make a huge deal out of it. Guess I was looking for that magic drill that would increase their decision making for only $9.99. Need to remember where we came from and where were are now; they are light years apart from their 2nd grade yr compared to the current 5th grade yr.

You're a saint for working with 2nd graders to now.... that first year must have been a treat! LOL I wish there was some magic potion... I might have won a state championship - hey, we can dream cant we?

Keep up the good work.

With this crazy game of basketball it takes time, patience, experience and repetition to transform that decision-making
thought process into rapid muscle memory. Over time they will react without thinking....... when to pass, what type of pass, when to shoot, when to upfake and drive etc.
Just keep them busy with intense practices and practices that simulate games and decision-making situations.

Good Luck

Coach A