Teaching points:  Week 1

In-bounds play – Make sure that you have taught at least one in-bounds play (from under your own basket) to your players prior to the first game. Keep them simple using the basic “stack” or “box” line-ups. Assigning numbers to the positions (point guard 1, wing guards 2 and 3, forwards/center 4 and 5) makes this easier.

Do not call for the ball – Teach your players not to call for the ball. Explain to them that calling for the ball attracts the defender to an open player. Teach them to put their hand up instead of calling and to cut to the basket. During practice if the players continue to call for the ball, after several warnings, it is sometimes effective to penalize the players with a turnover.