I am a 8th grade girls basketball coach for the 1st time. I have coached 5th & 6th grade basketball for one year. These 8th grade girls asked me to coach them. I reluctantly said yes because I feel like an inadequate coach. They have played together for 5 years & are very good at what they do. I can work on the basics I can even work on refining great technique the part I have a problem with is challenge them to be better than they are. I am all about having fun not about the almighty win but these girls are struggling with two teams. I not having enough experience or huge knowledge of the deeper game of basketball than teaching my own kids & working with 5th & 6th graders need some ideas of how to challenge this accomplished 8th grade team. The best I can come up with is having them scrimmage with the freshman & sophmore team (for the fast paced game they play). Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Angela

Coach,

Thats a tough spot to be in. Go watch a few of the high school practices and talk to the coaches. Get some pointers from them. Read a book and look at some sites... there is a wealth of information out there....
Just type in what you want to know in your search engine... it will take you there.

Good luck and stick with it.

Ken

Here is something from THIS site: You can find these on the left.

Where Should New Players and Coaches Start?
First, we suggest that you focus on learning the basic fundamentals of basketball.

To teach fundamental skills, start with these 72 free basketball drills that include full diagrams and step by step instructions. They will help you develop strong fundamentals and basketball skills.

Like any sport, no matter what your age -- whether you're a professional athlete or a youth player just getting started -- you need strong fundamentals to be successful!

Unfortunately, most people don't really understand what that means.

The fundamentals include working on the little things that make you better -- no matter what team or coach you play for -- or what offense or defense you are running.

For example, by working on the fundamentals of shooting, you will get better no matter what team you play for. The fundamentals of shooting include proper foot alignment, leg bend, hand position, arm angle, follow through, and so on. These are some of the little things that make a difference. Learn them!

The same goes for lays ups, foot work, post play, passing, jab steps, jump stops, pivoting, blocking out, and so on.

We suggest that you start by learning the proper technique and fundamentals for:


Shooting
Passing
Dribbling
Lay ups
Jump stops
Pivoting and footwork
Jab steps
Screening
Cutting
Defense
Rebounding
These are all critical fundamentals to master because they'll make you and your team better, no matter what age level or situation you might be in.

Some more from this site:

IF you go to the site there will be links to everyone of these subjects.

Here are some very important articles that apply to coaching youth basketball:

The articles discuss very important concepts to help you succeed. So read through each article, starting with the first one at the top.

Youth Basketball - What Should You Teach?

Could 3 on 3 Basketball Be the Best For Youth Players?

What's Wrong With Youth Basketball Leagues?

Sample Practice Plan - 7 to 10 Year Olds

Sample Practice Plan - 11 to 14 Year Olds

Establishing Your Philosophy and Priorities

Establishing Discipline and Getting More From Your Players

Communicating With Your Players

10 Tips to Keep Players Focused, Motivated, and Playing Hard

8 Ways to Earn Your Player's Trust

IMPORTANT: Focusing on the Fundamentals

Simple Tricks to Optimize Basketball Practice Time and Get More Done

Handling Game Situations

What defense should you teach youth players (zone, man, press)? What age should you start man to man?

Interview that All Youth Coaches Should Hear

Why Shooting Fundamentals are so Important for Youth Coaches?

Youth Basketball Shooting: 3 Things Youth Coaches Need to Adjust

Coaching Youth Basketball with Limited Time (1 Practice a Week)

Should We Teach Basketball Skills To Players Under the Age of 10?

The Problems With American Basketball

8 Secrets To Success & How They Relate To Youth Coaching / Parenting

Can Summer Basketball Lead To Injuries, Emotional Burnout, and Diminishing Skills?

The Most Important Aspect of Coaching & Leadership - Being a Good Role Model

When Did Steve Nash Start Playing Basketball?

MORE Youth Coaching Articles - These are other articles about youth basketball that are placed on our blog.


Ken

Here's the link that Ken referenced in his post:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/basics/basics.html
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/youthbasketball.html

I would suggest you pick a couple skills to focus on. Study those skills, come up with some good drills to practice those skills, and then get your players lots of reps. You won't be able to perform miracles or become an expert of the game overnight, so I think you should focus on a critical few things. If you can teach those players a few things and help them develop a few skills then your coaching season was a success. It's all about improving players, which happens with drills in practice.

I wouldn't worry about beating certain teams they have trouble with. Here's a link to fundamentals. Pick a couple things you feel comfortable with and help your players improve their skills:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/basketballfundamentals.html

Also, teaching life lessons and setting a good example is more important than being a basketball expert:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/wooden-role-model.html

Good luck and let us know if you run into any roadblocks.

Thank you sooo much I found an amazing wealth of knowledge here. I think I fell in love with the game of basketball this year. We did end up with an amazing year!!! Did more reading this year than I have done since college but have learned sooo much! Asked alot of questions both varsity boys & girls coaches, came out of my comfort zone & really made an amazing team come alive. I will recommend your site to anyone. Thanks Again!!!

ahaverluk: We here love to see those kind of testimonials, it gives us old cronies reason to keep giving advice. Most of us have been through it all, in fact, there is not a blog situation that i have read that i have not encountered even yours. But i know that Ken, Coach A, coach springer, the coach of apollo basketball Jeff Joe and myself, love hearing, that in some small way, we made a difference. Thanks for your remarks...Coach Mac