The Baffled Parent's Guide to Coaching Youth Basketball David G. Faucher

'An excellent guide to teaching kids about the game. There's something here for veteran coaches as well as beginners' - Larry Bird. 'Whatever your teaching credentials, your greatest responsibility is to give each player a positive learning experience' - David Faucher Coach.You thought you were just going to sign up your child for the youth league. Now here you are, a newly anointed coach. You didn't ask for it, but it happened anyway. Now you need help. Don't despair. This complete guidebook will not only get you through it but will help you become the coach you'd like to be - the coach who can give your kids the sports experience they deserve. You've already taken a big step: you said "yes" to this important commitment. Congratulations. You'll have a great time, and Dave Faucher is here to help. Survive your first practice and first game. Win over problem players - and parents. Know what to do in game situations. Reach all your players. Work with girls and boys. Match your drills and strategies to age and ability. Make it fun and rewarding. Be the coach you never had. Generate enthusiasm. Improve your players and your team.' Here's a book I would recommend to all youth coaches' - Jill Kearney, recreation director, Norwich, Vermont. 'I like Coach Faucher's philosophy, his approach to coaching kids, and his enthusiasm' - Jeffrey Thomas, youth coach, Richmond, Virginia. 'Easy to follow and comprehensive. A clear and inspiring picture of how to play basketball and how to coach basketball' - Tom Bertocci, youth coach, Thomaston, Maine.

Introduction: So You Said You'd Be the Coach, Huh? Part One Coaching 101: The Coach's Little Instruction Manual 1. Creating an Atmosphere of Good Habits The Essentials Drills That Promote Teamwork, Concentration, and Good Habits Questions and Answers 2. Before Hitting the Court: Basketball in a Nutshell The Court Basic Rules 3. Setting Up the Season A Checklist for the Season Equipment Questions and Answers 4. Essential Skills--and How to Teach Them The Fundamentals Offensive Basics Defensive Basics 5. The Practice Preparation is Key Format for Practice 6. Sample Practices Basic Beginning Practice Intermediate Practice Advanced Intermediate Practice 1 Advanced Intermediate Practice 2 Questions and Answers 7. The Game Rules to Live By Taking Stock after the Game Questions and Answers 8. Dealing with Parents and Gender Issues Perspective on Parents Addressing Gender Issues Questions and Answers Part Two Drills: The Foundation for Growth, Happiness, and a Coach's Peace of Mind 9. Fundamental Drills Warming Up Dribbling Passing Catching Stopping and Pivoting Shooting Rebounding 10. Offensive Drills Shot and Pass Fakes Two-Man Options to Teach Cutting and Moving Strategically Drills for the Fast Break Putting It All Together Drills Using Formations 11. Defensive Drills Defensive Position Tracing the Ball Defensive Slide and Defensive Footwork Teaching Defense Appendix Referee Signals Glossary Resources Index Acknowledgments About the Author

David G. Faucher, head coach of the NCAA Division I Dartmouth College men's varsity basketball team, began his coaching career at a junior high school. He honed his positive, learn-by-doing approach to coaching basketball over a career that spans 25 years. Dave is also director of the Dave Faucher Basketball Camp, a nationally acclaimed summer youth basketball camp, which he founded in 1984. Dave lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three sons, all successful basketball players.