High School Basketball: Top Reasons To Take the PSAT

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

October of  junior year is a great opportunity for students to really start to think about what will happen after graduating high school. The PSAT exam is regularly given at many schools around the country the week of Columbus Day. Taking th PSAT is a great opportunity for a student athlete to see how well he/she can do on a standardized test. The PSAT booklet provides sample questions, test taking tips, and guidelines for how to take the test. It is recommended that a student prepare for the exam by reading the information and answering a few of the questions. Motivated students can complete the entire timed practice test. Reviewing the information will help alleviate anxiety and can help the student feel confident on the actual test day.

Reasons to Take the PSAT

  1. The Unofficial Start of the College Process: Not all student athletes will have the opportunity to play basketball in college, however, most student athletes will have the option of attending college or junior college. The PSAT is the first step in the college process. It is a good reality check that can serve as the starting point for students to seriously begin their college search. Some students may have already begun the college process, however, the majority of students do not begin to look at colleges seriously until the spring of junior year.
  2. Helpful Feedback: Feedback is very important to high school students. In terms of basketball feedback comes in many forms. Team placement (freshman, JV, or varsity) is the immediate feedback players receive during the 1st week of the season. Playing time is also another example of feedback a player receives. Academically, the PSAT is probably the best form of feedback a student can receive in relation to standardized testing. The college board has provided this opportunity to help students prepare for the actual SAT which is used by many schools to determine acceptance. A rare few students will be happy with the score they receive. Most will see there is room for improvement. The question now is what can you do to improve.
  3. SAT Test Prep: there are many ways to prepare for the SAT exam and fortunately many require no payment, they are absolutely free. Khan Academy is a great resource for teachers and students they provide free SAT prep online. So all a student will need is access to a computer or electronic device where the exam can be taken. Khan Academy will provide feedback to answers so students can understand the reason for a correct choice. Much like being a very good high school basketball player, being a solid standardized test taker requires practice and skills. If a student is willing to put in the time, there should be some very positive results over time. Like basketball it is a process that needs to be followed.
  4. Make it a Priority: if college is truly important to a player, it will be a top priority to do all that is possible to increase the chances of attending the best academic institution possible in to attain as much scholarship money as you can. Most students in America receive academic scholarships then athletic scholarships. It is likely if you are reading this you to have a better chance of an academic scholarship than an athletic scholarship, regardless of your GPA and SAT scores. If you are a high school basketball player, as a junior, you likely have developed a workout routine that helps develop your basketball skills. The one amazing thing about basketball is you develop life skills that can be transferred into other areas of your life. Develop a routine like you would develop a work out. Set aside time each week for your SAT workout. Attack the workout like you were attack the basket in offensive transition. Be relentless. Be focused. And be self aware.
  5. It’s All about You: not every basketball player understands this concept. But the reality is basketball is about you and being a better player today than you were yesterday. If you can make and embrace this process, you will have a very good high school career. The same is true in terms of SATs. Many students take SATs several times.

The time between SAT exams can be viewed like a basketball off-season. Some players take incredible advantage of this time. While others just watch the time away and make very little progress.

Good luck on your basketball and academic journey.

Top 10 Things to Remember About Coaching 1st Grade Basketball

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

Coaching youth basketball can be an extremely challenging, yet rewarding task. In addition to the actual coaching time involved in practices and games, it is also important to look at the overall goal of youth sports, especially in 1st grade.

Below are some ideas to consider with coaching youth sports:

  1. You never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression! This is probably the 1st introduction to basketball. Make having FUN the #1 priority.
  2. Get to know each player’s name ASAP! It is strongly encouraged that you have each parent write the players name on a name tag to place on the front of the shirt. Players respond so much better to being called by name. The name tags may not be necessary after a few weeks, but this will help your assistants too.
  3. This is REALLY an organized play date. The goal is to make this an event that each player wants to return to each week. Make sure players are nice to each other, take turns being 1st, include every player, and are respectful.
  4. Keep it Simple Stupid: ALWAYS remember this is first grade basketball. No one will be evaluating how well your team does or how effective you are at teaching fundamentals. In most cases, you will be a parent of a player. This can be extremely challenging for you child. As a result this will a challenge for you. Ask any of your family or friends who have coached this age group. It is best to keep it simple, try not to do too much, and recognize that this is not rocket science.
  5. Find Your Favorite Resources: There are so many resources available to youth basketball coaches. A “coaching youth basketball” search can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, the majority of the websites DO NOT focus on the 1st grade. We do! We have an entire page devoted to coaching 1st grade basketball. Another great website for all things basketball is USA basketball. We also have a list of other youth basketball websites we have researched and believe will be a good resource for 1st grade coaches.
  6. Focus on Age-Appropriate Drills: We cannot stress this enough. There is no need to introduce a euro-step, a double crossover, or any other fancy skill at this age. Keep the instruction to drills that are easy to explain. Keep the players moving as much as possible, And, if possible, include some skill development. It is important when planning a practice session to understand the facility and what resources you will have available to you.
  7. Repetition, Repetition Repetition: The key to mastering any skill is repetition. Once you have selected the age-appropriate skills you will be focusing on, try to maximize the repetitions of every player. It is very useful to have an age appropriate basketball for each player. One way to do this would be to speak with your Program Director and add an additional $15 to the program fee and purchase an appropriately sized ball for each player that can be distributed at the first practice. With each player having a basketball, players can maximize repetitions, especially dribbling and ball-handling drills. Read why we feel it is important to teach dribbling at an early age.
  8. Exaggerate the Difficulty of the Drills: Tell the players that you went to www.basketball123.com and looked at this drill which was two grades higher. Explain to the player how nervous you are about trying the drill. Tell them your significant other said you I should not attempt this drill. And then tell the player you are going to introduce the drill anyway because the players are so good and will be able to compete the drill. As always, tell the players to just do the best that they can. And these drills can be a little more advanced like a stationary two ball dribbling drill which many if not all of your players can complete.
  9. Control what you can control: practice facitities, pratice times, number of players on a team, etc.
  10. The job of a youth coach is to provide athletes with the opportunity to succeed.
  11. Attitude is everything. When players and teams have a great attitude the sky is the limit
  12. Remember the big picture: DEVELOP FUNDAMENTALS! WORK HARD! & HAVE FUN!
  13. Players want to be good – they just do not know HOW to do it.
  14. Coaches should  develop “life skills” that can be used throughout life.
  15. Do the best you can with what you have.
  16. Developing good work habits is essential to success in basketball and life.
  17. A great player is made through personal hard work (along with guidance from a coach).
  18. Players must have the right priorities (family, school, sports).

High School Basketball: Columbus Day Check in

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

Columbus Day: the 2nd Week in October

Columbus Day is the second Monday in October and 7 weeks from the start of the high school basketball season in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is a great time for a player to evaluate his progress and his off-season plan.

Columbus Day is also a reality check. A player has to HONESTLY evaluate his goals and how hard he has worked to reach these goals. It is also the last time a player can really refocus to make the most of the final weeks of the high school off-season. For many players these final weeks, might be the last off-season weeks of a player’s career. A high school career can end in the blink of an eye, so make sure if basketball is important, you do all you can in the next weeks to be as ready as you will ever be.

Self-Evaluation

Basketball players should evaluate how they are playing. What specifically they can work on to improve for the season. If they are playing AAU or in a fall basketball league, they can ask the following questions:

  • How is my conditioning?
  • How consistent is my shooting?
  • How is my handle?
  • What scoring moves are working well?
  • How solid is a players on the ball defense?
  • How solid is it players off the ball defense?

Essentially a player should take a complete inventory of his game and have a good overall sense of where he is and a good idea of where he will be on the 1st day of the season. It is helpful to get feedback from teammates, AAU coaches, high school coaches, former players, and possibly your basketball buddy.

The player should have a realistic understanding of what level he will playing, freshman, JV or varsity, He also should have a good idea of the role he will be expected to fill, practice player, role player, starter, scorer, of team leader. If a player is a shooter, he should be making at least 200 to 500 shots a day. If he will be a primary ball-handler, the player should be working on dribble moves, two ball series, and passing. If the player is going to be a rebounder or defensive stopper. conditioning and strength training should be a priority.

It’s not too late but… it soon will be

Six weeks is exactly 42 days. A lot of time if it is used wisely, but also time that can slip away if you do not have a plan. How many workouts can a player fit in those 42 days.?Very few players complete a work out each day, however it is time for the serious player to do all they can to make sure they have the season they hope for.

It also is a good time to make it communicate with your coach. Many basketball programs have preseason workouts, captains’ practices, and sign-up meetings. Make sure to attend as many of these events as possible. Part of being a successful high school basketball player is showing up. Showing up to practice. Showing up to meetings. Showing up to lifts. Showing up to conditioning workouts. Be know as a player who shows up, because that could be the deciding factor of a coin flip player making the team or being cut.

Tick, Tick, Tick

As players grow or older, they gain a better perspective about how hard it is to be a high school basketball player. Freshman year is about survival and being part of the program. Sophomore year is figuring out who you want to become as a player and what you’re willing to do to become that player. Junior year it’s time to put it all together. Have a tremendous work ethic. Be in the best shape of your life. The best shape. Improve your skill set so that you can be a contributing member of the team. Be an essential member of the team or the most valuable player on the team. One player will step into the role of MVP and team leader. The team leader is player who has prepared better and more often than those players cheering from the bench.

High school basketball high school basketball season will be here before you know it. You’ll be running out onto the court for opening night before you know it. There is no better feeling and warming up for a varsity basketball game. The adrenaline, the butterflies, the anticipation of a great game to come with so many opportunities that you have prepared for.

Good luck and have a fantastic final part of the off-season

Travel Tips for AAU Basketball

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

So much of AAU basketball is a learning experience for players and parents. With each year and each new team, there will bee additional learning. Hopefully some of the lessons learned will help parents and players navigate the AAU experience.

  1. Drive Carefully & Obey the Speed Limits: Many AAU tournaments are in areas that a parent may not be familiar with. Often times a tournament will be in a different state. The out of state license could attract police attention. So be careful. AAU is expensive. An unexpected $100+ speeding ticket and a surcharge on car insurance is no fun!
  2. Allow Extra Time to Get to the Gym: This is a simple one, but AAU requires a big financial and emotional commitment, to add the stress of arriving late to the game or with not enough time for player to warm up should be avoided at all costs.
  3. Have an Outdoor Ball: Often there can be a significant amount of time between games. If the weather is nice, a player could complete some shooting or an individual workout.
  4. Pack a Cooler: Water, snacks, a healthy meal can be very useful and also a way to avoid the hidden costs of eating fast food.
  5. Start with a Full Tank of Gas: Having a full tank of gas is crossing one more thing off the tournament day list. It is safe to say on a three to six hour travel day, adding an unnecessary stop should be avoided.
  6. Pack the Night Before: For local tournament where you are sleeping in your own bed, pack a travel bag for the player that will include underwear, shirts, shorts, jacket, socks and any other items that your family may need.

How to Be a Great Basketball Shooter

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

Knowledge of BEEF Shooting Form: It is very important to understand the fundamentals of shooting a basketball. There are so many resources available to players and parents. Start by reading the #1 Book for Teaching Players How to Shoot a Basketball by Dave Hopla. It is so good at breaking down how to shoot a basketball correctly. As a parent of a child who has an interest in basketball, the number 1 thing you can do is help your child shoot the ball correctly.

Form Shooting is a MUST!

Eight Great Benefits of Playing a Fall Sport

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

USA Basketball recommends that an athlete should not specialize in basketball until the age of 14 at the EARLIEST. High School Fall sports include golf, soccer, football, field hockey,  cross-country, and volleyball  Below are some of the benefits of playing a fall sport:

  1. Having A Regular Schedule Is Helpful at the Start of the School Year: One of the most critical requirements of having a successful start to the school year is having a good routine and effectively managing time. Playing a fall sport will require attending practices and games. Many student-athletes find that having a set sports schedule helps them start the year on the right foot.
  2. Learning to Compete Is a GREAT Life Skill: No matter what sport a player chooses to play, there will always be competition. Competition for playing time. The need to improve each week. The competition of getting a personal best. The need to compete against many athletes you will see during the basketball season. Any time an athlete can compete at a high level will be excellent preparation for being on the free throw line down one in the final minutes of a basketball game. 
  3. Opportunities to Developing Leadership Skills: Real leadership opportunities are presented in all high school sports. Being elected captain, being a leader as an underclassman, leading the team in conditioning, being the most improved player, and being the 1st to practice are examples of skills that can be transferred to basketball.
  4. College Coaches Like Multi-Sport Athletes: College coaches often prefer to have athletes who competed in multi-sports. The athletes develop multiple skills and are more likely to be able to learn new positions and systems. The experiences of being in many different athletic situations are also viewed positively. 
  5. Athletes who Play Multi-Sports Are Less Likely to Be Injured: Studies have shown that playing multiple sports makes an athlete less likely to be injured. Being healthy is the priority and playing more than one sport reduces the chance of injury. 
  6. Extended Time Away from the Primary Sport is Strongly Encouraged: Doctors recommend that players take one rest day a week and at least one extended break from a sport. There are physical and mental benefits. Players will also be less likely to burnout and loss their passion for a sport. 
  7. Playing for Different Coaches Makes a Player More Coachable: There are so many great coaches in so many different sports. Being around a passionate individual who is prepared and willing to help young athletes grow is priceless. A player will be exposed to different philosophies, training, drills, and forms of motivation. A player might also make a special connection with a coach that will have a positive impact on personal development. 
  8. Athletes Can Learn to Be A Better Teammate: Athletes who play multiple sports will most likely have different roles on each team. Being a starter and all-star in one sport, while being a role player on another team will give a player a better understanding of what is required of being a good teammate. New perspectives will hopefully help a player understand the importance of team chemistry, the need to make sacrifices for the team, and how a season can be filled with highs and lows. 

Hopefully, if a player is on the fence, this information has been helpful 

What is the Time Commitment for AAU Basketball?

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

When playing AAU it is important to understand the amount of time, travel, and money associated with a program. Once a family has the information and has had time to analyze and discuss how much of an impact playing AAU basketball will have, a family decide if AAU is the best fit for a child and a family.

Practices (3 hours): For practice time, we are going to add 15 before practice to get ready and 15 minutes after practice for a cool down, time to change and walk to the car. So for the 90 minute practices, we will be adding 30 minutes. We will also be adding 60 minutes of travel time to and from the gym, 30 minutes each way.

Local Tournaments (9.5 hours 3 games / 2 days): Weekend tournaments typically are Saturday (2 games) and Sunday (1 game). Bracket winners will play the championship game later in the afternoon on Sunday. For the weekend tournaments, we are going to allow 45 minutes for travel to the game and 15 minutes for getting to the gym and warm-up time. For a total time of an hour before the game. After the game we will also add an hour for travel. (Obviously different venues will result in different travel time. We will use two hours of travel time for each game.)

Example: One weekend 9.5 hours

  • Saturday (6.5 hours 11:00 – 5:30) 1st Game 12:00 game (end time 1:00) 2nd game 3:30 (end time 4:30) 4.5 hours 2 hours travel time.
  • Sunday (3 hours 11:00 – 2:00) 1st Game 12:00 game (end time 1:00)

September Time = 21.5 hours

Week #1 September 12th – 18th: Tuesday & Wednesday. 2 practices (6 hours) no games.

Week #2 September 19th – 25th (15.5 hours): Tuesday & Wednesday. 2 practices (6 hours) Saturday & Sunday Local Tournament (9.5 hours) 3 games / 2 days

Week #1 September 12th: 2 practices (6 hours) no games

Week #3 September 26th – October 2nd: (September 6 hours / October 9.5 hours)

August Time = 6 hours

August 1st: 1st tryout (3 hours)

August 8th 2nd tryout (3 hours)

What is the Total Cost of AAU Basketball?

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

When playing AAU it is important to understand the amount of time, travel, and money associated with a program. Once a family has the information and has had time to analyze and discuss how much of an impact playing AAU basketball will have, a family decide if AAU is the best fit for a child and a family.

Below are some of the costs associated with AAU. We will be updating this throughout the fall. Click here to view the entire AAU Year

Tryouts ($25): This is probably the best bang for a player’s buck. $25 to get two to three hours of court time for $25, in August, when it is a down time for hoops is a bargain. It is a good idea to watch some of all of the tryouts to get a sense of the coaching style, talent level of players, and where your child might fit in.

Program Fee ($741.60): Other than elite AAU travel expenses, the program fee is the greatest expense. This fee will cover gym rentals, tournament entrance fees, and coaching salaries.

Uniform Fee ($122.99): This is a fee that covers the costs of the game uniforms. The fee will vary based on the quality of the uniform, as well as the margin of profit on each uniform. Some teams will require a new uniform for each season or at least year.

Fall AAU

Season Length: 8 weeks

Current Total Cost: $889.49 (excluding travel cost)

Tryout Fee = $25

Program Fee = $741.60

Uniform Fee = $122.99

Fan Entrance Fee = per tournament

Tryouts ($25): This is probably the best bang for a player’s buck. $25 to get two to three hours of court time for $25, in August, when it is a down time for hoops is a bargain. It is a good idea to watch some of all of the tryouts to get a sense of the coaching style, talent level of players, and where your child might fit in.

Program Fee ($742): Other than elite AAU travel expenses, the program fee is the greatest expense. This fee will cover gym rentals, tournament entrance fees, and coaching salaries.

Uniform Fee ($123.00): This is a fee that covers the costs of the game uniforms. The fee will vary based on the quality of the uniform, as well as the margin of profit on each uniform. Some teams will require a new uniform for each season or at least year.

Fan Entrance Fee: In addition to the other costs, parents will need to pay to watch an AAU team play.

Parking Fee: Some venues will require a parking fee.

September Costs = $683.60

September 1st: $268.00 Tryout Fee 2nd payment (of three) for program fee.

September 12th: $123.00 Uniform fee.

September 15th: $268.00 Tryout Fee 3rd payment (of three) for program fee.

September 24th & 25th: $25 for a weekend spectator pass.

August 22nd: $206.00 1st payment (of three) for program fee.

August Costs = $231.00

August 1st: $25 Tryout Fee

August 22nd: $206.00 1st payment (of three) for program fee.

Youth Basketball: 2nd Grade Basketball Week #3

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by grade, books, teaching tools, basketball jokes, guest blogs, basketball quotes, and so much.

15 minutes practice, 15 minutes game, 20 minutes 5 vs 5.

Dribble lay-ups (5 minutes each side)

Lay-up line: Players in the lay-up line dribble up to the basket and take a block shot, using the backboard. The player gets the rebound and proceeds to the end of the baseline line. ALL players in the lay-up line always be dribbling.

Baseline / Dribble line: Players in the dribble line will dribble to a cone at halfcourt, then dribble the end of the lay-up line.

Straight Dribble Moves: Right Hand / Left Hand / Alternating

Straight Cone Moves: Stop and go / In and out of the cones

Zig-Zag Cone Moves: Set up zig-zag cones. Have the players dribble to the cone, crossover and go the next cone.

3 line passing (2 balls larger balls): This a fundamental shooting drill that incorporates rebounding, passing, and shooting. Use cones to set up the passing and shooting spots. When 1st introducing the drill, it might be better to have a coach rebound the ball and hand it to the baseline line.

Right Baseline shot: (Player should remember the basics of passing.)

1st pass line: Set up a cone on the left baseline. Coach rebounds the ball and hands it to the 1st player in line. The players pass the ball to the player at the Free throw line. After making the pass, the player sprints to the next line.

2nd pass line:  Set a cone up on the free throw line. Players receive the pass with hand ready. The player then passes the ball to the shooting line. After making the pass, the player sprints to the next line.

Shooting Line: Set up a cone on the right baseline. The player catches the ball, squares to the basket, and shoots.

Ideal 20 minute 3 vs. 3 games so we can have 2, 5 minute drills stations.

Ball-handling / Dribble Stations: Each player will have a ball and execute the drills. The goal is to gain confidence handling the basketball. For the players NOT playing 3 on 3. 

Stationary Drill Station

Ball drills: Ball slips, fingertip control, circle rolls, figure eight rolls, around the head, waist, knees, 

Toss and Catch: Toss and catch, (add a clap). 2 Claps: Toss the ball in the air clap twice & catch it.  

Stationary Dribbling: right, left, alternating, Vs vary height: knees, waist, shoulders. Dribble March 1-2-3 switch.

Dribble Lines Drill Station: 2 lines on opposite baselines. Players switch lines at the opposite baseline. Players should dribble the ball at all times. Each drill is completed for one minute: Right hand, Left hand, alternating, crossover, dribble march

Figure 8 roll, DON’T STOP DRIBBLING! right, left, alternating

Dribble Tag: 2 big balls are it!