Expert: Michael Muro - 10/28/2005

Question
Michael,

I am the coach of my son's 4 year old basketball team.  I am an avid B-baller myself so I know the fundamentals of the game. However, as you can imagine, most of these kids, including mine, will be starting from scratch.

I am trying to find some instructional help in the form of video or paperback.

To tell you the truth I am not sure where to start, their attention span is so short.  And of course I don't want to be over the top.

how can I get these kids to have fun and still learn a little about the game.

Thanks for your help.

Jamie

Answer
Hi Jamie,

I have never heard of a 4 year old basketball team or league. I would not know where to start with children of that age. I would make it all fun and positive. They probably can't dribble yet and if they can, probably not to well. I would teach them how to pass and catch. Possibly show them a jump stop. Here is a good website that has viedo clips of fundamentals. It also has a lot of good information. I am sorry I can't offer more information but I just don't know. I am trying to picture 4 year olds playing organized basketball. At that age I think they should be playing in sand boxes and sliding down slides at the park. Good luck and check out the site below. Let me know how all works out!
http://www.coachesclipboard.net/CoachingKids.shtml