I coach a 5th grade girls team (1 of two split evenly). We are showing improvement it most places except the final score. Actually the score looks better the w-l loss record doesn't much. Last year we were losing games by 20-25 points and only won 1 out of 12 games. This year our teams are in closer games and even winning a few 6-21. 10 of the loses are by 4 points or less. Maybe because most games are low scoring? Anyway, we can't seem to get over that hump. Most places we play allow a full court press the last two minutes and that's when all heck breaks lose. We do not spend time on trying to break a press or how to press because of the complexity and lack of time. I get these girls for a maximum of 3 hours a week and we try to spend 2.5 hours on skills, fundamentals, skills and more fundamentals. Is the losing of so many games including close ones going to wear on the players or is this more of a coach ego thing?

Thanks for your thoughts

Well, we all want to win but its not the end all at this age level. I would still tell you to prepare them for that press / pressure. IF its the press that is causing the losses right now, it has to be addressed. Just like you would prepare them for an out of bounds play, a zone or man offense etc. Its just part of the game. I know you have time constraints but since it is part of the game you have to deal with it.
It seems like you have done a great job bringing them along... take one more step now and good luck.

Coach: It seems as if I am always following Coach Sars on these advice blogs but he's retired and his advice is always bang on. Your job as a coach is to get your team prepared and if you know that in the last two minutes you are going to get pressed then its your job to prepare your kids for those time and score situations. You say you only have 3 hours per week then that takes precise practice planning. You state that you were 1-12 the previous year but with your continual work in practices on the skills and fundamentals, your kids have improved immensely this season. Now its time to go to the next level, schedule 10 or 15 minutes per week to work on the press break. Take care Coach and keep up the good work with your kids. Coach Mac

Thanks for your thoughts. I will start to spend time teaching a press break.

Good luck and you won't be sorry you are doing this... and your kids will be better prepared.