My name is Andre and I am trying to get my first start in the coaching field. I know much about the game but know there is always more to learn and look forward to learning. I am currently working on the system I would like to run, how and what to communicate to the kids, and researching,learning,and documenting common basketball injuries so I know what I'm seeing instantly. Then also the district requirements. I'm putting in hours each day working on all of this.I just have one big question for anyone that feels they can help. Give me any advice of what to do moving forward or what I should start doing. Anything you have tried that worked and didn't work(please indicate which worked and which didn't) I feel I can use. Any tough or general interview questions would also help me so I can think ahead of time(got some great ones after reading the coaching page). If anyone can give me a few minutes of their time and respond back I would be very much appreciative. Thank You my fellow coaches.

Andrea: In order to help you with your post, i require further information.
Have you ever coached before?
How many years and at what level have you played the game?
Do you have a coaching position now, or are you seeking one?
what level are you pursuing i.e. youth, A.A.U. high school, college?

Please answer the preceding questions and I know that my colleagues and myself would be more than happy to help you with your budding coaching career..

Good Luck Coach Mac

You've succeeded in Step One of a new coach: admitting you are new, don't know everything and are willing to learn from other coaches. THAT'S HUGE!!

Many new coaches think they know how to coach because they played high school or college basketball.

Just by visiting this website it shows you have a willingness to learn. There are some great advice from many great coaches in the Coaching Youth Basketball section.

Don't be afraid to approach other coaches in your town and ask questions or ask if you could sit in on a couple practices. Ask if you can have a copy of their practice plan. Observe how they communicate and instruct the kids.
I have appraoched high school coaches locally and asked if I could sit in. Most coaches are very open to it.

Lastly, there are also many very good books, DVD's and other publications they you can order from this website. Or go to a Borders or Barnes and Noble book store, they have quite a selection of coaching books. I currently coach girls so years ago I picked up "Coaching Girl's BAsketball" by the head coach of North Carolina women's team Sylvia Hatchell ,that book was my Bible when coaching 5th grade girls.

Good Luck

Coach A

Andrea: So you want to be a coach? well i cant think of a more rewarding, fulfilling or satisfying job than working with young people on the basketball court as I have for the past 37 years. there is nothing else I would rather be doing. The following is the advice i got from the great Morgan Wooten of Damatha High School.

1. Be eager to learn and work hard to be as up to date as possible by reading articles, attending clinics and talking with fellow coaches.

2. be yourself, and strive to be the best YOU you can be

3. As a coach, never lose sight of the impact you have on young people and their lives.

4. teach your players the importance of proper priorities that allow for maximum personal, academic, and athletic development.

5. As a coach, make it your goal to have your team as well prepared as possible.

6. Make it your teams objective ( Great advice from Coach Sars his words not mine) to play hard, play smart and have fun,and give a winning effort in games and practices.

7. evaluate wins and losses objectively, focusing more on effort and execution than on the outcome of the game

"Success is a peace of mind which comes as a direct result of knowing that yo did the best you could to be the best you are capable of becoming" John Wooden retired coaching legend U.C.L.A.

I hope this helps Andrea...Coach Mac