Upward Basketball Coach Training Meeting

Upward BasketballCoach Training Meeting

The Upward Basketball Coach

• Prepare for practices by having a plan in place for skill development

• Teach the fundamentals of the game through drills to enhance basic basketball skills

• Teach the rules of the game of basketball

• Share a five to eight minute devotion with your team during each mid-practice huddle time

• Distribute practice stars at the end of each practice and practice cards at the end of specific practices during the season

Responsibilities at Practices:

• Participate in player introductions and pre-game prayer led by the referees

• Support the referee with positive comments throughout each game

• Know and follow the substitution system each game

• At the end of each game, conduct a game day star presentation with all players and parents

The Upward Basketball CoachResponsibilities at Games:

Practice Breakdown

2. Warm-up activity (3-5 minutes) – Have players participate in an activity to warm up their muscles.

1. Pre-Practice Huddle (3-5 minutes)

• Teach and review rules of the sport throughout the season.

• Teach and review the proper techniques for each skill involved in basketball. Introduce no more that two skills per practice.

3. Practice Skills and Drills (20 minutes) – Take the skills that were taught at the pre-practice huddle and implement drills to reinforce learning. Each skill should be followed up with two to three drills.

Practice Breakdown

5. Scrimmage (20 minutes) – Game simulations are a great way for players to practice skills they have been taught. This also gives you time to coach technique and strategy.

6. Post-practice Huddle (5 minutes) – Distribute green practice stars and practice cards. Remind players about the TeamUpward.com unlock code on the practice card. Make any necessary announcements. After practice is a great time to engage in conversation with the players’ parents.

4. Mid-Practice Huddle (5-7 minutes) – During this time, gather your team together to share the practice specific devotion for the week.

Coach PlaybookThe coach playbook has been provided for you to use in the following areas:

• Suggested skills to teach with a detailed description of how to properly perform each skill.

• Introductory drills to help develop player’s basketball skills.

• Devotions to share at each practice.

• Forms to track star distribution and substitutions.

• Explanation of different positions on the court.

Online Coach Resource(MyUpward.org)

The coach resources of MyUpward.org contain everything you need to be a successful Upward Basketball Coach, including:

• Skills and Drills

• Weekly practice devotions

• Rules unique to Upward Basketball

• Substitutions

• Upward Basketball Stars – Game day recognition

Mid-Practice Huddle

At the midpoint of every practice, you will lead a five- to eight-minute devotion during the mid-practice huddle time. The devotions teach on the character of Christ through the virtues he modeled.

This season will focus on three virtues. Each virtue will be the focus of three practices and are highlighted by one verse. Let’s take a look at the virtues and verses:

Practice Number Virtue Verse

Practice 1 None (“Get to Know You” time)

None (practice card features TeamUpward.com launch information)

Practices 2-4 Courage Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go. Joshua 1:9(NIrV)

Practices 5-7 Respect Show proper respect to everyone. 1 Peter 2:17a (NIrV)

Practices 8-10 Faith We live by believing, not by seeing. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIrV)

Last Practice of the Season

Gospel Presentation

For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

Devotion guides are found in your coach playbook as well as on MyUpward.org. It is important to prepare for each week’s devotion prior to practice.

Mid-Practice Huddle

All Scripture verses for the season will be made available to players through practice cards.

On page 28 of your coach training guide is the first practice devotion. If you do not receive your coach playbook by your first practice, follow this guide during your first mid-practice huddle.

Last Practice Devotion

During the last practice of the season, you will share a special devotion with your players that reviews the season’s virtues while sharing more about Christ in preparation for the awards celebration. No matter when your last practice occurs, make sure to skip to this last devotion in your coach playbook.

Practice CardsEach player will receive a practice card at the end of Practices 1, 2, 5, 8 and the last practice.

With the exception of the first practice card, each one will contain the Scripture verse being learned for the next two practices as well as an unlock code for TeamUpward.com.

The first practice card details does not include a verse, but gives information on how to get registered on TeamUpward.com by including a sport-specific launch code.

Green Practice Stars

Green iron-on stars known as practice stars are found in individual packets inside your coach box.

These stars are distributed to each player at practice for participating in learning the Scripture verse. Players are not required to memorize the verse individually to receive a star.

Players will display these stars on the sleeve of their Upward Basketball T-shirt along with the game day stars they receive.

Rules Unique to Upward Basketball

The game format, rules for game play and substitution system which are unique to Upward Basketball are designed to provide the best sports experience for every child.

Except where the rules to Upward Basketball apply, play is governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) Rules Book (www. nfhs.org).

Game Format Referees lead both teams in prayer at center court before every game. This

sets the tone and focus for the game.

A coin toss or other impartial method determines which team receives possession first. In jump-ball situations, possessions will alternate. This promotes fairness for both teams.

Games consist of two 18-minute halves and an eight-minute halftime. This keeps games to approximately a 45-minute time frame.

The clock stops every six minutes for predetermined substitutions. This time should not be treated as a timeout. This allows coaches to match up players without wasting valuable game time.

No timeouts are used in Upward Basketball. This allows more playing time and keeps games on time.

Game Format• At the end of each six-minute segment, the team that receives the ball

next is based upon the direction of the possession arrow.

• Teams switch goals at halftime. This evens any advantage that may occur due to the layout of the court.

• No scores are kept in the K5 or first- and second-grade divisions. The focus for this age is to learn fundamentals, not winning and losing.

• Any games ending in a tie should remain a tie. This will help keep games on schedule. This helps keep games on schedule.

• No league standings are maintained in any league. Such standings add unnecessary pressure and intensity.

Game Format• Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines and encourage their players

without stepping in the playing area. K5 coaches are allowed on the court with the players. The focus here is to instruct and encourage players at all times.

• All coaches will adhere to the substitution system as detailed on page 22 of your coach training guide. The substitution system allows for equal playing time for all players throughout the season.

Rules for Game Play

1. Man-to-man defense will be played at all times. Zone defenses are not allowed. In most cases, players are guarding the opponent that closely matches ability and height, creating a more competitive system for all on the court.

2. Defensive players must stay within arm’s reach of the player they’re guarding. (Isolation plays are not part of Upward Basketball because they take away the opportunity for all players to improve. This would contradict the spirit of the rules.)

Rules for Game Play3. Double teaming is not allowed. However, help defense is strongly

encouraged in the following instances: Offensive Picks and Screens – Defensive switching is allowed on

offensive picks and screens. The non-screened defender can help his or her teammate by temporarily switching until the teammate recovers to defend his or her offensive player. This is commonly referred to as “help and recover”.

Help Defense - Picks and Screens




Fast Breaks – During any fast break (when the team that gains possession pushes quickly into the opponent’s end of the court), another defensive player not assigned to the ball handler may help in order to slow or stop the fast break. Upon stopping the fast break, defenders should return to guarding their assigned players.

Help Defense - Fast Breaks




Fast Breaks – During any fast break (when the team that gains possession pushes quickly into the opponent’s end of the court), another defensive player not assigned to the ball handler may help in order to slow or stop the fast break. Upon stopping the fast break, defenders should return to guarding their assigned players.

Lane Area – If a defender is in the lane and the player he or she is guarding is within arm’s reach, the defender is allowed to provide help defense.

Help Defense - Lane Area

Rules for Game Play4. At the beginning of each six-minute segment, both coaches should line

up the players at mid-court and match them up by ability without giving verbal cues. This act is performed to promote equal player match-ups. If both coaches and referees foresee a match-up problem due to position and height, players can be shuffled around to create a better game situation.

5. Full-court presses are not allowed. Defensive players may not guard their opponents in the backcourt. This creates an equal opportunity for each child to participate both on offense and defense.

6. Due to the shortness of the court in cross court play, backcourt violation will not be called. However, backcourt violation will be called when playing on a regulation-size court (84 feet). The offense must purposefully attack the defense in every situation – no stalling. After a warning from the referee, a violation will be called resulting in a turnover.

Rules for Game Play

8. Referees will call and explain all violations. This is done because referees serve as “on the floor coaches” teaching players what is and is not acceptable on the court. The detail of explanations will vary according to the age group and understanding of the players and should decrease as the season progresses.

9. When possible, referees will advise players of potential violations before the violation occurs. Doing this often prevents a violation from occurring.

7. The offense must purposefully attack the defense in every situation – no stalling. After a warning from the referee, a violation will be called resulting in a turnover.

11. No technical fouls or protest of games. These go against the spirit of Upward Basketball. Coaches and referees should instead follow the example in the Circle of Affirmation.

12. No score will be given for a basket in the wrong goal. It will be treated as a turnover. This will prevent further embarrassing a player for making this mistake.

10. The three second restriction (lane violation) should not be called in the K5 or first- and second-grade divisions. However, coaches and referees should encourage offensive movement in and out of the lane area.

Rules for Game Play

Rules for Game Play13. A player committing two fouls in one six-minute segment must sit out the

remainder of that segment. The next player in the rotation comes in as the substitute. This does not change the normal rotation, because the fouled-out player does not come back into the game until scheduled to do so. The player who comes in as a substitute gains extra playing time. This extra time does not affect the predetermined substitution system.

Note: In a second foul situation, when a team only has five players at a game, replace the substitution rule with a two-point penalty by awarding the fouled team two additional points. The opposing team then takes possession.

14. Non-shooting fouls result in the ball being taken out on the side by the offended team (no bonus rule). All shooting fouls result in free throws. By not administering “bonus” situation free throws, this allows all players on the court to contribute to consistent game action.

Rules for Play15. The game clock runs continuously, with the following rules going into

effect when fewer than two minutes remain in the game: Non-shooting fouls result in the offensive team getting one point

and the ball. Shooting fouls result in the offensive team scoring two points. The

opposing team then takes possession.

Players fouled in the act of shooting and making the basket are credited with the basket plus one point. The opposing team then takes possession.

These rules exist because, with less than two minutes remaining, time may be wasted lining up players for free throws. This keeps the game moving while allowing all players more time to equally contribute.

SubstitutionsThis substitution system is designed to provide every player an equal opportunity for improvement. The substitution system ensures that:

• Every child will play at least half of the game.

• No child will sit out back-to-back six minute segments.

• The starting lineup shifts down one player every game, allowing every child the opportunity to be in the starting lineup.

• In most cases, each child will play against someone of similar ability.

• Playing time for all players is virtually even over the course of the season.

Week 1Filling Out the Substitution Form

X

Amy

X

KarenMary

XKimXSusan

XXAnn

X

XBeth

6 Min12 Min18 Min6 Min12 Min18 MinName

XXXX

X

XXX

XXX

X

Player’s Name First Half Second Half

A

B

C

D

E

F

GH

Step 1 – Rank players by ability starting with slot “A”. This player ranking order should not change at any point during your season.

Step 2 –For Week 1, begin with Player “A” and work down the column (A-E). These are your starting five.

I

J

X

XX

XX

X

X

X

X

Step 3 – Begin the rotation where you left off in the previous segment. If you are at the bottom of your list, be sure to go back to the top until you have five players in the segment.

X

Step 4 –Continue this process for the remainder of the segments

X


X

X

AmyKarenMary XKim XSusan

XX

AnnX

XBeth


XXXX

XXXX

XX

XX


A

B

C

D

E

F

GH

I

J

X

XX

XX

X

X

X

X

X

For Week 2, begin with Player “B” and fill in five players for the starting lineup.B Using the method we just

learned, fill in the rest of the substitution for Week 2.

X

Substitution Scenario

It’s Week 3 and, as game time approaches, Mary has not arrived (she is supposed to be in the starting lineup for Week 3). She did not call prior to the game and inform you that she will not be present.

What do you do?


X

AmyKarenMary

X

Kim

X

SusanXX

AnnXX

Beth


X

XXX

XXX

X

XXXX


A

B

C

D

E

F

GH

I

J

X

XX

XXX X

X

X

X

X

C

If Mary arrives during halftime, continue with the proper rotation. Then continue with the rest of the rotations through the

end of the game.

If by the third segment Mary has yet to arrive, draw another line through her name and begin with the next person in the rotation (Beth) to begin this segment. Continue this lineup with Ann, Susan, Kim and Karen.

Begin with your original starting two (Susan and Kim). For the first segment ONLY, draw a line through the box for Mary and then fill the box for Karen, Amy and back to the top with Beth.

For the second segment, start with the next person in the rotation (Ann) and work down the form to include Susan, Kim, Karen and Amy.

Game-Day StarsGame day stars are multi-colored stickers that you give to players at the end of each game. This presentation should be an exciting time with parents encouraged to cheer for players as each star is presented. Make a point to explain why each child received a particular star. These iron-on stars are located in your coach box.

The Star Distribution Form will help you track which stars players receive throughout the season. This form is located in the back of the coach playbook. These stars are to be iron onto the sleeve of the Upward Basketball T-shirt.

Awards Celebration

The awards celebration is the highlight of the entire season. This is a tremendous opportunity for you to communicate your love and support to the most important people in the league—the children.

At the celebration each child will receive an end-of-season award. You will receive your team’s awards prior to the celebration so that you may distribute them at the appropriate time.

You should plan to attend this wonderful time of fun and fellowship and encourage players and their family members to do the same.

Upward BasketballCoach Training Conference

Documents

Upward Basketball Coach Training Meeting