Upward Basketball Coach Training myupward org mustangupward com

Upward Basketball Coach Training myupward. org mustangupward. com

The Coach App • Coaching made simple! The Upward Basketball Coach App provides you a quick, paperless way to coordinate key coaching responsibilities for both practices and games. • With the Coach App you’ll be able to: • Manage player/guardian information • View practice plans • Substitute players on game day • Assign and track star distribution for each game • The Coach App is available on i. Phone (i. Pad compatible) and Android phones

Practice Breakdown 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. 2. Warm-up activity (3 -5 minutes) – Have players participate in an activity to warm up their muscles. 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 4. Mid-Practice Huddle (5 -7 minutes) – During this time, gather your team together to share the practice specific devotion for the week. 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. Make any necessary announcements. After practice is a great time to engage in conversation with the players’ parents.

Coach Playbook The coach playbook has been provided for you to use in the following areas: • Explanation of different positions on the court. • 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.

Online Coach Resource (My. Upward. org) The coach resources of My. Upward. 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

The Coach’s Sideline is a complete practice guide that is customized to the age division that you coach. In it you will find pre-practice huddle topics, warm-up activities, skills focus, skills/drills as well as the specific practice devotion. These practice plans are available at: www. My. Upward. org

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 Week 1 None (“Get to Know You” time) Verse None (Scripture learning begins at Practice 2) Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I will say it again. Be joyful. Philippians 4: 4 (NIr. V) Weeks 2 -4 Joy Weeks 5 -7 Initiative None of you should look out for your own good. You should look out for the good of others. Philippians 2: 4 (NIr. V) Weeks 8 -10 Forgiveness Forgive things you are holding against one another. Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3: 13 (NIr. V) Virtue Review/Big Story Preview Built around John 3: 16, this devotion reviews the season’s virtues while setting up a gospel presentation at the awards celebration through the Big Story DVD. This devotion comes standard in your coach resources. Scripted Gospel Presentation Built around John 3: 16, this supplemental devotion delivers a full gospel presentation through the coach at the last practice. To use this devotion in place of the standard devotion mentioned above, see Practice 11 of your basketball Coach’s Sideline practice plans. Last Practice of the Season

Mid-Practice Huddle All Scripture verses for the season will be made available to players through practice cards. Devotion guides are found in your coach playbook as well as on My. Upward. org. It is important to prepare for each week’s devotion prior to practice. On page 29 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 Cards Each player will receive a practice card at the end of Practices 2, 5, 8 and the last practice. Each card contains the Scripture verse being learned for the current practice plus the next two practices.

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 Levels of Upward Basketball Upward Sports uses a four-level age appropriate format to develop the basketball skills of each young athlete. Each level is tailored to meet athletes where they are in their playing ability, allowing them to improve their physical ability and build on athletic foundations. The game format and rules are designed to promote healthy competition and sportsmanship while also teaching the objectives of play. The following are the four levels and their recommended age divisions.

Rules Levels of Upward Basketball Level 1 (Recommended for K 5) - Level 1 rules are designed to allow young athletes the opportunity to learn the game of basketball at the most basic level. Children at this age are still learning foundational hand-eye coordination skills and generally can only handle one building block at a time. Because of this, rules have been designed to help each player improve throughout the season and equip them for success as they progress to Level 2 - (Recommended for 1 st-2 nd Grade) - Players at this age are learning to perform more than one skill at a time on the court. They still possess a “Me” mentality and are not accustomed to the concept of team (i. e. passing the ball, offensive movement, etc. ). Although they are still developing foundational hand-eye coordination, they are able to accomplish some basic basketball skills (dribbling with one hand, not moving feet during a shot, the distinction between offense and defense, etc. ) Because of this, rules have been designed to allow athletes to compete in a format that coordinates with their level of mental and physical capacities.

Rules Levels of Upward Basketball Level 3 – (Recommended for 3 rd-4 th Grade) – Players at this age are able to pick up some of the more advanced concepts of the game and are growing into a more mature level of hand-eye coordination. They are able to understand the concept of teamwork. They realize that they can be successful as an athlete by helping their teammates in game situations. It is important to keep score at this level because life lessons can be taught through the concept of winning and losing. Because of this, rules have been designed to allow athletes to compete in a format that coordinates with their level of mental and physical capacities as they prepare for middle school basketball. Level 4 – (Recommended for 5 th-8 th Grade) – Players at this age exhibit a mature level of hand-eye coordination and understanding of the game. As individual skills continue to grow, athletes embrace team aspects of the game. They also possess a strong desire to compete and determine how they stack up against the competition. Because of this, Level 4 rules follow a traditional middle school rules format.

Basic Rules for Upward Basketball (Levels 1 -3 ONLY) 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. During each segment the clock runs continuously stopping only at the end of each segment for predetermined substitutions. This time should not be treated as a timeout. This allows coaches to line up and match substitutions based on height and ability without wasting valuable game time. No timeouts are used in Levels 1 -3. This allows more playing time and keeps games on time.

Basic Rules for Upward Basketball (Levels 1 -3 ONLY) • Teams switch goals at halftime. This evens any advantage that may occur due to the layout of the court. • 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 Levels 1 -3. Such standings add unnecessary pressure and intensity. • At the end of each segment, the team that receives the ball next is based upon the direction of the possession arrow. This avoids stalling by the offensive team at the end of a segment.

Rules for Game Play Defense (Levels 1 -3 ONLY) 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. 3. Isolation plays will not be a part of Levels 1 -3 because they take away the opportunity for improvement for all players and contradict the spirit of the rules. This prevents defenders from sagging or crowding an area of the court to gain a defensive advantage.

Rules for Game Play 4. 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”. § 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.

Rules for Game Play (Levels 1 -3 ONLY) 5. At the beginning of each 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. 6. Full-court presses are not allowed. Defensive players may not guard their opponents in the backcourt. This creates an equal opportunity for each athlete to participate both on offense and defense. 7. 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 (Levels 1 -3 ONLY) Offense 1. 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. This will prevent a team with the lead from running the clock out by staying in the backcourt. 2. All fouls result in the ball being taken out on the side by the offended team. 3. 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.

Rule Modifications All other rules have specific modifications for Levels 1 -3. The following charts explain these modifications:

Level 1 (K 5) Modifications Rule Explanation/Comments Goal Height 8 feet Ball Size 27. 5” Games consist of six, 6 -minute segments and an 8 minute halftime. One minute is allotted for substitutions between segments This keeps the games to approximately a 45 minute time frame. It also allows each player to be in the game for shorter segments than older age divisions. Score is NOT kept The focus of this age is to learn fundamentals, not winning and losing. 3 -second violation is NOT called Referees should advise players of this potential violation but not penalize Coaches are allowed on the floor with players The focus is for coaches to instruct and encourage players at all times.

Level 1 (K 5) Modifications - continued Rule Explanation/Comments Stealing the ball from the dribbler IS allowed Stealing the ball off a pass IS allowed Violation is not called for having two hands on the ball while dribbling Due to limited hand-eye coordination, this allows a player to establish correct dribbling form through rhythm and pressure on the ball. Violation for double dribbling is called but does not result in a turnover Players should learn the concept of double dribble but should be allowed the opportunity to correct it without penalty. Violation for traveling is called but does not result in a turnover Players should learn the concept of traveling but should be allowed the opportunity to correct it without penalty.

Level 1 (K 5) Modifications - continued Rule Explanation/Comments Violation for traveling is not called when a player shuffles feet when trying to set up for a shot Because this age group is single skill focused, players will tend to shuffle their feet when focusing on setting up for a shot. This is corrected as the player develops in skill as he gets older. Fast breaks ARE allowed in any transition situation This promotes a controlled game. Players at this age learn better when the pace is controlled. Shooting fouls do not result in free throw attempts A player who gets fouled while shooting gets to retry his/her shot from the spot of the foul without being defended. Ball is live after shot is attempted. This allows a player to attempt a shot that he was trying to take prior to the foul from the same spot.

Level 2 (1 st-2 nd Grade) Modifications Rule Explanation/Comments Goal Height 8 feet Ball Size 27. 5” Games consist of six, 6 -minute segments and an 8 minute halftime. One minute is allotted for substitutions between segments This keeps the games to approximately an hour time frame. Score is NOT kept Young athletes at this age should not focus on the score but rather the developmental skills being taught. 3 -second violation is NOT called Young athletes at this age should focus on offensive basics (dribbling, passing, shooting) Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines to encourage and instruct players The focus is for coaches to instruct and encourage players at all times.

Level 2 (1 st-2 nd Grade) Modifications - Continued Rule Explanation/Comments Shooting fouls do not result in free throw attempts Stealing the ball off the dribble Double dribble violation is called in all circumstances Traveling violation is called in all circumstances Fast breaks are allowed in any transition situation Players at this age should be taught and held to these basic basketball rules.

Level 3 (3 rd-4 th Grade) Modifications Rule Explanation/Comments Goal Height 8’ 10” Ball Size 28. 5” Games consist of six, 6 -minute segments and an 8 minute halftime. One minute is allotted for substitutions between segments This keeps the games to approximately an hour time frame. Score IS NOT kept 3 -second violation is NOT called. Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines to encourage and instruct players The focus is for coaches to instruct and encourage players at all times.

Level 3 (3 rd-4 th Grade) Modifications - Continued Rule Clock runs continuously. Explanation/Comments

Level 3 (3 rd-4 th Grade) Modifications - Continued Rule Explanation/Comments Shooting fouls do not result in free throw attempts. Stealing the ball off the dribble Double dribble violation is called in all circumstances Traveling violation is called in all circumstances Fast breaks are allowed in any transition situation Players at this age should be taught and held to these basic basketball rules.

Level 4 Rules (5 th-6 th Grade) *The following rules are exclusive to Level 4. They follow a more traditional middle school format and game play. Except where the following rules apply, play is governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) Rules Book (www. nfhs. org) Game Format Ø Referees lead both teams in prayer at center court before every game. This sets the tone and focus of the game. Ø Games are 4 quarters, each of which are 7 minutes in length. Ø The clock stops at every whistle (violations, fouls, out of bounds play, timeouts, etc. ) Ø Overtimes are 2 minutes in length (regulation clock) Ø Teams are allowed one (1) 30 -second timeout per half (1 per team per half)

Level 4 Rules (5 th-8 th Grade) Game Format - Continued Ø All games are played on full-sized regulation court (no cross-court play) Ø Goal Height: 10 feet Ø Ball size: 28. 5” (girls), 28. 5” (boys)

Level 4 Rules (5 th-6 th Grade) Rules for Play Ø A jump ball is used to start the game and overtime period Ø Zone and man defenses are allowed (both should be used throughout the season) Ø Press defense is allowed in the backcourt at all times except if a team has a 15 -point advantage Ø All players are allowed five (5) fouls each game. Players do not foul out in a segment (with 2 fouls) but can foul out of the game with five. After the seventh team foul in the half, bonus free throws are awarded (1 and 1). Ø Three point shot are allowed and encouraged provided courts feature a three point line.

Level 4 Rules (5 th-6 th Grade) Rules for Play - Continued Ø Teams are not required to use the substitution system as detailed in this training. Playing time requirements for this division are: Ø Each young athlete plays a minimum of ¼ of the game Ø Each young athlete must play in both halves of each game

Substitutions • The substitution system applies to ONLY Level 1 (K 5), Level 2 (1 st-2 nd Grade) and Level 3 (3 rd-4 th Grade) divisions. • Level 4 division does not use the basic Upward Substitution Rotations detailed in this training. Playing time for this division are: . • Every player plays a minimum of ¼ of the game • Each player must play in both halves of each game. • In Level 1 games consist of six 6 -minute segments with an 8 minute halftime. Levels 2 and 3 plays six 6 -minute segments and an 8 -minute halftime.

Substitutions This substitution system is designed to provide every player an equal opportunity for improvement. The substitution system ensures that: • The starting lineup shifts down one player every game, allowing every child the opportunity to be in the starting lineup. • No child will sit out back-to-back six minute segments. • Every child will play at least half of the game. • 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 1 Filling Out the Substitution Form Player’s Name A Beth B Ann C Susan D Kim E Mary Karen G Amy F First Half Second Half Step 1 – Step 4 – 18 Min 12 Min 6 Min Rank players by ability starting Continue this process for the remainder with X slot “A”. This X player ranking of the segments X X X order should not change at any X X season. point. Xduring your Step 2 – X X For Week 1, begin with Player X X “A” and work down the X X X column (A-E). X These are your starting five. X X X X HStep 3 – IBegin 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 Jhave five players in the segment. X

Week 2 Filling Out the Substitution Form First Half Player’s Name 18 Min A Beth B Ann X C Susan X X D Kim E Mary Karen G Amy F H I J 12 Min Second Half 6 For Min with 12 Player Min “B” 6 Min Week 18 2, begin and X X fill in five players for X the X starting lineup. X just X X Using. Xthe method we X X learned, fill Xin the rest of X X the substitution for Week 2. X X X X 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?

Week 3 Filling Out the Substitution Form If Mary arrives during halftime, continue with the proper rotation. Then First continue Half Player’s Name with the rest of the rotations through the Name 18 Min 12 Min 6 Min end of the game. A Beth X X Second Half 18 Min 12 Min 6 Min X X starting B Ann XBegin with X X X your original two (Susan and Kim). For the C Susan X Xfirst segment X ONLY, X draw a line X If by the third segment Mary has yet. X X Mary D Kim For the second segment, start. X X X through the box for and to arrive, draw another line through thefor next person the box Karen, Amy Maryand begin with the next then fill with E name X in the X her (Ann) and work down. X to the top with Beth. person in the rotation (Beth) X to Xand backrotation X F Karen X the form to include Susan, Kim, begin this segment. Continue this X X X G Amy Karen and Amy. lineup with Ann, Susan, Kim and H Karen. I J

Game-Day Stars Game 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 Basketball Coach Training myupward. org mustangupward. com