Coach P -

I can relate in a big way. I coached at the rec levels for 6 years before moving up to competitive. The time constraints for practices, various skill levels, dealing with the coaches and parents who think it's a competitive league, and playing time requirements all add to the challenge. Honestly? Coaching in a rec league can be more challenging in some respects than competitive at times.

I used to do the same thing you're doing, focus on the fundamentals, make it fun, and throw in tons of encouragement. I would pick my poison (b/c of limited practice time) with regards to what areas needed more emphasis based on what I was seeing in the games.

Kudos to you for volunteering your time to help these girls.

Hey Rob,

You hit the nail on the head with all those issues you mentioned. So many teaching and coaching challenges and SO much drama with the parents. Last year I also coached the travel team and that was a lot of fun, although we had a huge amount of drama over playing time. I don't know why I keep coming back to coach given all the stress. I guess it's cause I really enjoy it and love teaching the game. I'd love to coach a school team one day. Hopefully my schedule will allow it.

Thanks again,
Paul

I spent a little time trying to teach the pass and fill at two practices. They just don't get it. Sure, I could spend the entire practice going over it, but it's not worth it. Instead, I am having them start in the 5 out positions, and run a give and go. It's simple, they understand it, and it works. This way I can spend most of practice time working on fundamentals. Still, I was frustrated with myself having spent time on stuff they're just not going to absorb right now. I'm learning the hard way...

This gets to my original question--at some point the girls will be mature enough for them to 'get' cutting and filling more quickly. But not right now. I just wonder when then that will be...

Here is an article we just posted about the open post offense.

http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/offense/open-post-offense.html