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A pre-season coaches meeting is typically is held at least two weeks prior to the start of the season. It is a great opportunity to share expectations, outline the format of the season, share game schedules, and answer any questions.
Some people question the best age to start youth basketball. Once the age is determined the bigger question is: What should we teach the youngest players?
The following is just one example of a preseason kindergarten youth basketball coaches meeting:
Meeting length: This meeting was held in person for approximately 45 minutes. This seemed to be an appropriate length. The coaches had a chance to put a face to a name, share a little of their personal coaching background, and get comfortable with the other adults they will be working with for the next few months.
Attendees: The coaches there were for boys and girls K-2. There were about 15 altogether. The coaches had various backgrounds including youth experience, playing in high school and college, having older children who have participated, and several parents who had no experience with basketball whatsoever. It is a great opportunity meet some other coaches and share phone numbers.
League Logistics: Each league is unique and prepares coaches differently. Many youth basketball associations have a website that shares important information and documents. Often coaches are provided with equipment and medical kits in the event of an injury. The 1st session is shared and in many cases the entire season scheduled is shared at the 1st meeting. Locations of games and practices is also shared. In some cased the time and location will be the same each week, for others there could be a variety of times and gyms.
For this particular league, the first “game” would be held the 2nd Saturday in December. The directors shared some basic thoughts and instructions about the facility but not much more.
Equipment: This will fall into two categories, player equipment and coaches equipment.
- Coach’s equipment might include: cones, basketballs, jump ropes, whistles, game clocks, white boards / clipboards and pinnies or uniforms.
- Player’s equipment might include: basketballs, jump ropes, dribble googles, and uniforms.
For this league, the plan is for everybody to have a ball. They’re going to have about 40 balls for the age group. For kindergarten the best is size 6 or 27.5” balls. (Youth Basketball Size Chart)
At this age it is ideal to have one ball for each player. In our experience, we feel the Spaulding F-250 is the best because it is durable, has wide seams, is great quality, and can be used outside, where most of the players will practice.
Here are our favorite recommendations for kindergarten basketball players: