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Expert: Mark Berrier - 12/3/2003


Question
Do you have a chart for what ages should be shooting at what height baskets?  I am trying to start a parent and child class for three and four year olds, I don't know how high the hoop should be.  If you have any advice on this that would be great.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Melissa Caine!

Why does a three or four year old need a basket? They aren't strong enough to shoot it at that age anyway. At least not correctly.

Why not teach "technique" instead?

1)The attention span of a child is nil at that age to start with. So why not just get them in a few drills?
Like laying on their backs and spinning the ball with one hand and trying not to let the ball hit them in the face.

2)Dribble in place, then walking, then running.

3)Passing the ball to each other and then catching it with their hands.

If you can get kids doing that at the age of 3 & 4, you'll have made a great accomplishment!

I hope that helps,

Mark Berrier

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Mark Berrier

Expertise

How to teach the following: How to-dribble, shoot, pick and roll, give and go, screen, break a press, beat a zone, how to defend a man-to-man, how to defend a zone, or how to defend a good shooter, defend a good rebounder, etc. Also, coaching techniques as dealing with attitudes, or scheduling practices, or drawing up plays, or dealing with foul trouble. I can talk extensively about foul shooting, or getting in position on the lane to rebound after a free throw, fast breaking after a free throw. I can reply to fast breaking, rules of the game, or any number of related ideas, etc.

Experience

I played Middle School, High School, Junior College. I coached HS my Senior year in college while Student Teaching. I coached three years in HS and now coach Little League as I own my own business. I also attended coaching clinics regularly at Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Organizations
In the past I belonged to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

Education/Credentials
I have a BA dgree in History from UNCGreensboro Class of '82

Awards and Honors
All Conference in HS and Lost in State Championship Game my Senior Year.

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