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The 1st practice is just days away. It is important to be prepared as much as possible. Whether you are a rookie coach, or a veteran coach, the 1st practice sets the tone for the season., even if the season will be spent with players ages 5 & 6,
Know the Facility: It is important to know the layout of the facilities. How many hoops? What heights are the hoops? Where are is the entrance, exits, and the bathrooms.
Pre-season email: Be sure to send an email to the parents introducing yourself and including the important information for the 1st session – time, location, equipment to bring, etc.
Create an Attendance Sheet: This will allow learn the players names and keep track of attendance.
Developing the Practice Plan: This is the most important part of your job as coach / playdate supervisor. Be sure to spend time create a plan that keeps the players moving, teaching some skills, and includes a whole lot of fun. We recommend that if you use twitter, follow useful accounts for youth basketball. These accounts often share great ideas for free. Some even offer services that you might be interested in investing in.
Permanent Marker: We recommend each kindergarten player have his / her own basketball. If possible buy each player a new ball at the start of the season and write the name nice and big. This will accomplish two things:
- Players will not lose a ball.
- Coaches who may not know a players name, can look at the ball and call the player’s name.
Name Tags: This is not necessary, but at this age it is very helpful. Have the parents fill out a name tag for a player and place it on the chest. This will help personalize the 1st week by allowing coaches and players to use 1st names.
Touch Base with Other Coaches: It is best for a kindergarten program to have all the coaches working together. You may know some coaches personally, but reach out so everyone is ready for that so important 1st Kindergarten basketball session. Who knows there may be the next Lebron James in the group and you will have started that player on the road to basketball success.