Coaching Youth Basketball: The Guide for Coaches & Parents (Betterway Coaching Kids Series) (Paperback)

by John P. McCarthy (Author) "This book is written for coaches, parents and players at all levels of Youth Basketball, from beginning to advanced..." (more)
Key Phrases: short jump shots, defender off balance, baseline drive, Michael Jordan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Youth league team coaches and parents will see how to teach the game and help young players develop their basketball abilities. The book includes a proven practice plan, information about diet, conditioning and what to do in case of injury, and checklists to help players develop specific skills. 109 b&w illustrations.

About the Author
John McCarthy, Jr. has over three decades of experience coaching both teams and individual players. His insights, successful strategies and time-tested methods ensure that basketball is a sport kids can excel at and enjoy. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Betterway Books; 2nd Rev edition (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558704140
• ISBN-13: 978-1558704145
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #571,218 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Practical Guide To Coaching youth Basketball, February 13, 1999

By A Customer

A woderful book. Short (156 pp.) and highly readable, McCarthy makes it all very simple. McCarthy covers the fundamentals (footwork, dribbling, rebounding, etc.) but intersperses his text with invaluable practical advice -- e.g., "I always say to drive as close to a defender as possible. If he reacts and moves back into that lane, he will commit a foul." There is also a great emphasis on team play, and how to encourage kids to pass and play a team game. I have played and coached basketball for twenty five years. While this book covers enough basics for a novice, it also contains many valuable insights that I use in coaching a 12 and under youth program today.

77 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good book on B.Ball for youth, with tips for parents, October 6, 1999

By A Customer

This book does a good job of covering the basics, including the fundemental of shooting, dribbling, passing, pick and roll, give and go, fakes,etc. with good photos. Good section on defense fundamentals too. There are also sections on offense and defense (both man-to-man & zone) with diagrams. There are sections for coaches including running a practice complete with a check list. A good section for parents is added complete with motivational phrases.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book for youth basketball coaches, March 9, 2002

By	Julio Acosta (Brentwood, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have coached kids (boys and girls) in basketball of ages 4-12, this book provided the best information on what to do and what to expect. Particularly, the part of patience, repetition/reinforcement, and the fundalmentals. The recommended offensive plays (post interchange, wheel, shuffle, etc.) and defensive strategies (whether man-to-man or zone) are excellent. Additionally, the chapters on vision, motivational phrases, and running a practice are worth reading. The author recommends the use of parents during practice time, called "stations" to maximize proper skill development. This book is a must for those interested in coaching youth basketball.