Coaches

Basketball coaches are often entrusted with a variety of roles, responsibilities and challenges. It is vital that the coach clearly defines their role and the roles of the staff and volunteers that support them, be they assistant coaches, team managers etx. In most Australian junior basketball communities the coach fills all of these roles.

In addition to players, typically, junior coaches have the responsibility of managing relationships with a variety fo other stakeholders including parents, officials and other community members. Therefore, it is important to conduct one's self professionally. It is also important to be self aware of positive coaching devlopment by watching, listening and asking questions of other coaches and role models. 

A pre-requisite for coaches is the ability to communicate clearly, positively and with intelligence. Outstanding communication creates an array of benefits for all stakeholders and often binds teams together and creates strong culture, irrespective of the often differing personalities within a team. With great communication also comes the ability to listen attentively and respond accordingly. Australian basketball coaches are encouraged to position themselves as approachable to all participants and should encourage two way dialogue with all stakeholders.

Key Roles of the Coach:

Planning & Organisation - An essential task for any coach is to organise and coordinate their team. Practice times and venue arrangements are often most critical. Coaches who take time to plan and organise are more likely to achieve their goals and objectives.

Motivator - All coaches need to be motivators. This will instil a positive, resolute approach to challenges in their players.

Leader - It is important for all coaches to display positive leadership. It is the coach that players will look to in moments of crisis. As leaders, coaches set the agenda, determine priorities and provide direction.

Teacher - A coach must be able to share information and ideas. Players are very similar to students in that they are always seeking new information to continually improve their game.

Trainer - In addition to in-game advice, coaches are also responsible for the preparation of their players through training. Training includes both skill and fitness development along with strategy training.

Online Community Coach Course:

Basketball Australia, in conjunction with Basketball WA, are pleased to be able to offer the Community Coach Accreditation as the first step in your coaching journey. Suitable for first time coaches, newcomers to the sport, or experienced coaches wishing to begin their official accreditation journey, this course is a great introduction into coaching the sport we love.

To complete the course, you will need to follow the link below, click on the Community Coaching Course (WA) link and follow the prompts from there. Totally available 24/7 and able to be completed in your own time, this is a great resource and step in your coaching accreditation process.

https://bit.ly/BACoachOnlineCourses

Below are links to a few helpful basketball handbooks and drill books for first time coaches, and experienced coaches alike:

Australian Sports Commission Basketball Handbook
How To Play Basketball
Breakthrough Basketball Drills
Old School Drills
Australian BasketbAllstar Drills & Skills
Australian Development Camp Skills

For more coaching resources with specific emphasis on ball handling, shooting, offence, defence and more, please visit: Basketball WA Coaching Resources