subject: Coaching Youth Basketball - Choosing The Right Positions For The Kids [print this page] One of the most difficult jobs to perform when you are a youth manager is assigning the correct children for the correct positions. Always use the kid with the right mentality instead of the assumed correct physical structure for a certain position. This is crucial in soccer, football and especially basketball. Often, a manager will observe the size of a child instead of their ability when assigning them a position - usually when deciding on a Center.
Below is what I look at when assigning basketball positions:
Point Guard (PG or 1) - This inevitably must be the top dribbler and passer on the squad. The ability to "see the court" is a must(i.e. - observing plays as they form...) is a vast requisite as well. The child you assign to the Point Guard position needs to be a leader (this can be gained throughout the year...) also being able to run the plays installed by you. This player needs to be fast, while being capable to orchestrate a fast-break.
Shooting Guard (SG or 2) - The Two Guard is fast and can dribble very good. The Two Guard may play some Point Guard, especially on fast breaks, and must be able to run the plays. The Shooting Guard needs to be one of your best outside shooters and be able to drive the lane for a lay-up.
Small Forward (SF or 3) - Use the most aggressive child on the squad here as he will be asked to drive the lane into a crowd to make a lay-up or small jump shot. The Small Forward needs to be a versatile defender and great rebounder. This child needs to be a good passer and able to do the dirty work for the team.
Power Forward (PF or 4) - The Power Forward requires a child not afraid of contact. He needs strength and courage and he will be rebounding, setting screens and finishing missed shots close to the basket. An aggressive trait is what I look for in my Power Forward position.
Center (C or 5) - This is usually one of your taller players, but not always your tallest child.. Since the Center does not need a lot of speed or outside shooting ability; your Center must be able to box opponents out, set picks and create lanes or to look for a rebound. Their shooting will be mostly under the basket after getting an offensive rebound or shooting free-throws. Be ready to coach up whomever you decide to make the Center.
In conclusion, I hope this helps when you are assigning players into positions. This post is for the younger ages and player position assignments gets easier as the kids get older - 10.
by: Jim Oddo
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