Coaches

How can middle school basketball coaches go above and beyond to give everyone a fair chance to make the team?

 I like a scenario I recently heard for 7^th grade school teams. Typically the first year basketball players compete for spots on a school team.

 What this school does is they have a spring try-out for a summer camp. They take 20 players to camp. Two teams of 10 players. All equal playing time for the first 3 quarters, then based on play up until that point, that will determine who plays in the 4^th quarter.

 By selecting 20 players in the spring of 6^th grade, that lets players know that they still have time to prepare, work extra hard for the October or fall try-out. In the fall try-out, this school only keeps 12 players. If you aren’t in the top 20 that were selected for “team camp”, it is very difficult but still possible. That gives everyone a gauge on where they stack-up with the competition.

 Once fall rolls around, they have a 4-day try-out. At the end of the first day, they select 20 players to return. At the end of the second day, they select 17. At the end of the third day they select 15. At the end of the fourth day, they select 12 to participate on the school team.

 It is nearly impossible to predict growth or future ability in basketball. If your child isn’t selected on the 7^th grade team but they love the sport, have some potential, then it is most likely in your best interest to play anywhere possible. Church leagues, area recreational leagues for those grades, etc. To prepare for 8^th grade try-outs, you may even consider talking to the coach and finding out exactly what your child can work on.

 Depending on the level of seriousness, love for the game, you may also want to consider finding other avenues of playing (individual instruction, AAU participation, summer basketball camps to improve skills, etc.)

If you have further questions or would like to discuss this further, I’d be glad to help in any way I possibly can. Please email me directly at youthbasketballskills@gmail.com 

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