Hi Guys,

I just bought a couple of books this weekend. I’m tired of watching coaches yelling at kids and so I’m going to try and make a difference and coach a team this summer. The age group will be 10 year old rep and I was wondering if you could recommend a good offense to run against man to man defense?

Thanks,
Terry

Coach: Allow me to suggest this acronym K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple Stupid. I know that Jeff and Joe, the administrators of this site have a great DVD on coaching youth basketball. I highly recommend that you contact them and purchase that particular video. Good luck with your coaching career. Coach Mac

Coach Mac is right...I would stress fundamentals more than set plays.

However you have to ask yourself some questions. How much have my players played at this age? Are they able to comprehend what I am telling them as a coach?

Depending on the talent and experience, I would suggest just using a pass and cut offense. Such as a 5 out motion or a 1 post motion. Teach kids to move without the play and to get open properly. Keep it simple but fun.

I agree. There is a really simple (free form) motion offense on the Bob Bigelow Youth Basketball DVD that you can teach in minutes. If I had to choose, this is probably my favorite offense for young kids.
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/pr/bigelow-youth-right-way.html

The pass and cut motion that Coach Hayden suggests is a good option too.

And we provide a couple other options in this motion offense ebook.
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/pr/motionoffense.html

Regardless of which of those you choose, a really simple free form motion offense with a couple VERY VERY simple rules is the way to go!!! If you want to better understand motion offenses, the ebook above is good. You'll still keep things very simple but sometimes it helps to understand the big picture. The ebook would give you the big picture and also suggestions for a youth offense.

Hope this helps. And if you have more questions, let us know.

Oh, and here's a good article that shows you how to practice skills (fundamentals) at the same time you practice your motion offense:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/blog/index.php/coaching-youth-basketball-with-limited-time-1-practice-a-week/

I agree with the other posts that keeping it simple is the way to go! I coach 10-11 year old girls. We only have one play, an inbounds play! Our practices consist of about 80% fundamental drills and 20% drills that teach motion concepts, pass and basket cut, pass and screen away etc. We only play M2M defense as well. We are not a powerhouse by any means but we averaged 21 points a game and we finished the season 8-12 (counting tournaments).

However, EVERY one of my 10 girls can dribble head up with both hands. They know how to move without the basketball, set a correct screen, and play solid M2M defense.

Thanks for the comments, Coach Tony G. It sounds like you are doing an excellent job.

As long as you keep coaching these kids, I would love to hear how they do when they are 13, 14, & 15 years old. I bet your record will be slightly different than 8-12. Actually, that record is quite impressive from stories of other parents who do the same things as you.

Here is another comment from somebody on this page: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/defense/age.html

"We finished the 6th grade year 0-12 only scoring 14 points a game and giving up almost 40. I reinforced with our team and parents that we are giving up the short term gratification of using "zone defense" for a long term foundation that will benefit the girls long after they are finished their middle school careers.

The following year, we went 5-11 and only lost by an average of 8 points (26 ppg on defense). The last year they were in middle school, we won the championship. We went 15-3 with the best defense in the league (16 ppg) and the second best offense in the league (29 ppg). These were the same girls that went 0-12 just two years before. "

Thanks Joel!

Actually this is my third year with basically the same girls. First year we won only 1 game (due to a forfeit :)) and three the second year. So, I agree it is hard to keep the faith and continue teaching offensive fundamentals, M2M and no plays!

Tony,

I know its tough.... but you are doing them a huge favor by teaching them solid fundamentals and how to play the game. Hang in there..... somewhere along the line they will thank you for bringing them along.

Right now all the fancy plays might win some games... but as they get older it will be all about knowing HOW to play the game and being fundamentally sound... and YOUR girls are going to be way ahead of the game.

Keep up the good work.

So, you're starting to get through the bumps in the road already. That's great!

I just wanted to make sure that you knew that things would get better, but they already are.