Can you help me understand WHEN to screen. I am not very good at diagrams and I am trying out for my Middle School team in 12 days. I haven't played on a team since second grade. Could you tell me what coaches look for most in players trying out for their team?
Thanks,
Summer

Summer,

Here are some of the things that I looked for.

1- Quickness
2- Being able to handle the ball well with both hands
3- Can they shoot the three
4- Can they take the ball to the basket
5- Do they have a pull up jumper
6- * Will they get on the floor for a loose ball -- (IF they will do it in free play or tryouts, they will do it in games) It shows a toughness in a player
7- * Will they attempt to take a charge
8- Do they try and play tough defense
9- Do they understand help defense
10- Do they shoot off the proper foot
11- Do they pass the ball well
12- Do they make other players better
13- Hates to lose but exhibits good sportsmanship all the time
14- Is he/she a good kid, does he/she get along well with others, does he/she show respect to the staff and other adults in his life
15- Do they box out on shots

This one should go without saying... How do you do in the classroom. We had our players turn in a slip signed by each teacher showing the current grade and any pertinent comments.
I realize that you are only in middle school so your skills will not be the same as a high school varsity player... but everything is relative. You are competing against kids your own age.

Good luck
Coach Sar