Hi, I have just been made coach of a higher skilled u14 team (newly formed) after several seasons of coaching beginners.

I watched the team play their first game last night, and the first thing that struck me was one player who kept stopping at the half way (puffed) while the rest of the team defended. Once the team one the ball, he would suddenly spring forward into attack fresh as a daisy, calling for the ball to head into attack. Fundamentally I have a problem with pot hunters, waiting for the easy baskets. I am encouraging the team to play 1-on-1 defence.

My first principle is to evenly rotate the team, so that you keep your players fresh, and ensure I keep a balanced team on the court at all times, so reducing game time is not an option.

Do you have advice for drills or strategies to encourage this lad to defend with the rest of his team.

Regards David

For me it's simple. If you don't sprint back in transition and play great defense, you don't play. You sit on the bench. Kids want to play so they learn real quick that they have to put in the defensive effort. However you as a coach have to be consistent. When they don't sprint back. Put them on the bench.

Since we emphasize defense and effort from day 1 of practice and actually before the season even starts, that has never been a problem for us. A kid running back on defense is simply an effort thing (not skill or ability). So we do not allow that type of thing. If it were a skill or ability issue, I would handle things different.

Hope this helps.

Also, now that I think about it. I tell kids right away, usually before practice starts... if you want to play for me, you have to play tough defense. If you don't rebound and play defense, you don't play.

David -

I agree with Jeff wholeheartedly....... IF you WONT play defense for me and the team, you WONT play. You get the worst seat in the house... thats the one next to me.

I learned something my first year of coaching varsity..... THEY WILL DO IN GAMES WHATEVER YOU LET THEM DO IN PRACTICE

If he wants to play just OFFENSE.... let him go play in the park.

Thank you very much. Sounds like that's the play then.

Cheers :)

Ps. Also good to know I am on the right page with my expectations. Again many thanks.