The below email is from a frustrated coach who wants to teach proper [tag]shooting technique[/tag]… but she’s having some difficulty convincing the kid’s parents that it’s necessary…
From: Kristy *******
To: Coach Pat Anderson
Subject: [tag]Basketball shooting drills[/tag].
Hey Pat,
Right now I coach a 6th grade boys team. I have a parent that thinks it might be to early to teach her child how to shoot the ball correctly and not with two hand. I on the other hand think that we may be a step behind others. He is very capable of doing this but is afraid he doesn’t have enough strength to do it. I have tried explaining to this kid and his dad is trying as well but his mother thinks that he is doing just fine. I am teaching all the kids the fundamental stance and positioning of the hand and arm.
I am well aware that some are going to take more time then others because of strength but how do you convence a parent that it is time to move to the next level?
He is a good kid but has no control of his shot. It is like a rocket that doesn’t explode but blasts off the back board. Of all the time i have been teaching kids this, i have never encountered this kind of situation.
I would appreciate any feed back that you can give me.
Thanks
Kristy
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COACH PAT’S RESPONSE
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Hi Kristy,
Situations like this are always more sensitive when you have “highly involved” parents.
My advice is to be flexible. Continue to teach the proper shooting form, but don’t be too hard on the kid if he doesn’t pick it up. “
Try the [tag]form shooting drill[/tag]:
Have him stand 2 feet away from the basket and hold the ball in one hand. If his hand is not big enough for a regulation basketball, try using a smaller ball or a volleyball.
Have him bend his knees, and slowly bring the ball up above his head, keeping his elbow in, at a 90 degree angle. Then have him extend his legs, lean up onto his tippy toes and release the ball with one hand.
Do this 10 times, or until he makes 3 in a row. Then step back and do the same thing from 1 foot farther away. Continue to shoot, then step back, with each set.
As for dealing with Mom and Dad… gently explain to them that it’s important that he learn how to shoot properly if he has any interest in continuing to play through junior high and possibly into high school.
If he’s just playing for fun, and Mom and Dad are not really concerned with performance… don’t push it… politely thank them and let them know you’ll give him some pointers where you can.
I hope that helps!
Thanks
Coach Pat
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