Upward Basketball Coach Training

Practice Begins – Week of December 5th Practice Nights = M/Tu/Th Practice Start Times = 5:30PM, 6:30PM, 7:30PM No Practice the week of Dec 19th and 26th Games Begin – Saturday, January 7th 8-consecutive weeks Award Celebration – Sunday, February 25th Marysville High School

Practice Cancellation Policy: Level 1: Coach/Parent Discretion Level 2 or 3: Upward Activities Canceled Presidents Day & MLK Day: Practice is optional – Coach/Parent Discretion Gyms will be open! Game Day Cancellation Policy: Notifications – Call/Email/Text/Social Media

Hope Center/St John’s – Full Court 700 Basketball Players! 92 Teams! 5 Churches! Division # of Teams Game Location K5 12 Trinity – 2 Courts 1st/2nd Boys 18 Nazarene – 2 Courts 1st/2nd Girls 8 3rd/4th Boys 16 Methodist – 2 Courts 3rd/4th Girls 5th/6th Boys Hope Center/St John’s – Full Court 5th/6th/7th/8th Girls 6 Trinity – Full Court 7th/8th Boys St John’s – Full Court Uniform Colors: Red/Black

360 Progression As an Upward Basketball Coach, you have the opportunity and responsibility to build your players into total athletes by utilizing the 360 Progression. You do this by developing them mentally, athletically, spiritually, and socially. This unique approach is based on Luke 2:52: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.”

360 Progression Mentally – Making Wise Decisions Through basketball, you will teach life lessons that will promote making wise decisions on and off the court. A 360 Coach knows how to teach the game in a way that young athletes can understand. Athletically – Improving Physical Ability One of the main reasons parents register their young athlete to play is to improve their physical ability. A 360 Coach knows how to build athletic foundations through drills that enhance skill development.

360 Progression Spiritually – Embracing Life’s Purpose The mission of Upward Sports is to promote the discovery of Jesus through sports. This mission is carried out by the 360 Coach, as you introduce life’s true purpose through intentional character lessons throughout the season while leading to an introduction of the Gospel message. Socially – Fostering Healthy Relationships An important part of growing as an athlete is connecting with teammates. As they enjoy time with others, they are building healthy relationships. As a 360 Coach, you should be a catalyst in encouraging this connection because it builds a socially healthy team.

360 Coaching Keys 1. Teach the game through drills – The ability to execute proper drills enhances skill level and improves athletic foundations. Your practices should utilize drills that enhance skill development. 2. Teach the rules of basketball – For the players to grow in the sport they must understand and apply the rules of the game. Take time to explain rules and why they are important.

360 Coaching Keys (continued) Instill sportsmanship with a competitive spirit – This may sound like a contradiction in terms but it’s not. Your young athletes need to learn how these two important elements work together: Great sportsmanship involves valuing others. Your players should recognize how to value their opponents as well as their teammates. A competitive spirit is all about doing your best to win in all situations of the game. Therefore, you want to teach your young athletes to value others by treating them the right way as they give their best to win each play, each half, and each game.

360 Coaching Keys 4. Communicate effectively – In order to teach the rules, explain drills and teach sportsmanship, you have to be an effective communicator. Likewise, good communication and organization are crucial in keeping parents informed throughout the season. This includes keeping them up to date on practice and game times and having a plan in place each and every practice.

Online Coach Resource (MyUpward.org) The coach resources of MyUpward.org contain everything you need to be a successful Upward Basketball Coach, including: Skills and Drills Rules unique to Upward Basketball Weekly practice devotions Substitutions Upward Basketball Stars – Game day recognition You will receive an email containing a special user name and password to log into MyUpward.org using a Yahoo, Facebook, or Google account. This will give you access to all of the basketball coach resources.

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 Upward Sports recently updated ULM Online, MyUpward.org, and Coach App. The end result is a HUGE upgrade for coaches!

The Coach App The impact this update will have on you as a coach is as follows:  A ULM user with the Administrator role will send you an invitation code via ULM Online. You should download and install the coach app (or update it from last year’s version). You can access the coach app or MyUpward.org using your Google, Yahoo, or Facebook login credentials along with the invitation code issued. For each subsequent login to MyUpward.org or the coach app, you should use the same open ID account credentials (Google, Yahoo, or Facebook). You will only have to use the invitation code the first time logging in.

The Coach App Continued...   Enjoy no data entry for your players! The coach app will automatically import all of your players and contact information into the app (once your league director has assigned you to coach a team in ULM Online and the draft has occurred). Once practice plans for the age group you are coaching are downloaded to the app the first time, no internet connection is needed to access the information from that point forward. You will also be able to send a group email to all of your parents straight from the app The Coach App is only $.99 and is available on iPhone (iPad compatible) and Android phones

Practice Focus 1. Make every player a welcomed and appreciated part of the team 2. Teach fundamentals through drills 3. Share biblical life lessons at each practice

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.

The Coach’s Sideline 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.MyUpward.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:

Last Practice of the Season Practice Number Virtue Verse Week 1 None (“Get to Know You” time) None (Scripture learning begins at Practice 2) Weeks 2-4 Service God’s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIrV) Weeks 5-7 Contentment I have learned the secret of being content not matter what happens. Philippians 4:12 (b) (NIrV) Weeks 8-10 Hope “In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.” John 16:33 (b) (NIrV) Last Practice of the Season Gospel Presentation For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

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 MyUpward.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.

“40 Laps” DVD Inside your coach box you will find a DVD for each player entitled “40 Laps”. This DVD presents the gospel in an engaging way by explaining what Jesus did for each of us. The DVD should be distributed to your players at the end of your next to last practice. This practice is scheduled to be the week of Feburary 20th.

“40 Laps” DVD The reason is because, at the last practice devotion, this DVD will be discussed to help further explain and present the gospel. It’s important to invite parents to be a part of this last practice devotion as well. It is important for you to watch “40 Laps” prior to presenting the last practice devotion so you can be familiar with the message. You can watch it on the coach page of MyUpward.org.

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. Through these practice cards, players will be able to learn the Scripture verses away from practices and will be familiar with them when they return to the next practice.

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 Basketball uses a four-level age appropriate format that grows with each young athlete. Each level of Upward Basketball is tailored to meet athletes where they are in their playing ability, allowing them to reach their full potential. K5 1ST-2ND 3RD-4TH 5TH-8TH

Rules Levels of Upward Basketball Each level of Upward Basketball includes specific game format and rules, expressed in the following slides. Levels 1-3 use a set of common rules with modifications designed for each level. Level 4 uses an exclusive set of rules that follow a traditional middle school format.

Basic Rules for Upward Basketball (Levels 1-3 ONLY) Referees/Coaches lead both teams in prayer at center court before every game. This sets the tone and focus for the game. At the start of each period possessions will alternate. This promotes fairness for both teams. Jump ball situations will alternate. 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) K5 and 1st/2nd do not switch goals at halftime. 3rd/4th and older will switch goals. 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 alternating possessions. This avoids stalling by the offensive team at the end of a segment.

Rules for Game Play (Levels 1-3 ONLY) Defense 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. Defensive players must stay within arm’s reach of the player they’re guarding. 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 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) 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. 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. 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) 8. A player committing excessive fouls or being overly aggressive will be addressed by the referees/coaches in conjunction with the site coordinator. This could include sitting the player for the remainder of the period or the game. Our is not to punish the player, but protect the other players on the court. The hope is the offending player will have a chance to “cool off” and be able to re-enter the game at an appropriate time.

Rules for Game Play (Levels 1-3 ONLY) Offense 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 (no bonus rule). 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 (K5) Modifications Explanation/Comments Rule Explanation/Comments Goal Height 8 feet Ball Size 27.5” Games consist of five, 6-minute segments and a short 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 (K5) Modifications - continued Explanation/Comments Rule Explanation/Comments Stealing the ball from the dribbler is NOT allowed To encourage the offensive player to dribble with correct form without the pressure of having the ball stolen Stealing the ball off a pass is allowed To encourage the offensive player to pass with correct form and also reward defensive play 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 (K5) Modifications - continued Explanation/Comments 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. 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 (1st/2nd) Modifications Explanation/Comments Rule Explanation/Comments Goal Height 8 feet Ball Size 27.5” Games consist of five, 6-minute segments and a short 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 be on the floor to encourage and instruct players and control the game. One coach per team to be on the floor to act as referee. The focus is for coaches to instruct and encourage players at all times.

Level 2 (1st/2nd) Modifications - Continued Explanation/Comments Rule Explanation/Comments Shooting fouls do not result in free throw attempts The team who was fouled retains possession of the ball Stealing the ball from the dribbler is NOT allowed To encourage the offensive player to dribble with correct form without the pressure of having the ball stolen Double dribble and traveling violations should be called in all circumstances, but are not considered turnovers. Player should be instructed on the violation and given another opportunity. Players at this age should be taught the rules of the game without the fear of punishment for mistakes

Level 3 (3rd/4th) Modifications Explanation/Comments Rule Explanation/Comments Goal Height 9 feet Ball Size 28.5” Games consist of five, 6-minute segments and a short halftime. One minute is allotted for substitutions between segments This keeps the games to approximately an hour time frame. Score IS kept, as long as the game is competitive. Score is cleared when the game ends. Young athletes at this age should learn how to handle winning and losing after competition. This translates into life lessons. 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 3 (3rd/4th) Modifications - Continued Explanation/Comments Rule Explanation/Comments Shooting fouls do not result in free throw attempts The team who was fouled retains possession of the ball Stealing the ball off the dribble is allowed, but only from the matched color player Players at this age should be taught and held to these basic basketball rules. Double dribble violation is called in all circumstances Traveling violation is called in all circumstances Fast breaks are allowed in any transition situation

Level 4 (5th-8th) Rules 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)

Level 4 (5th-8th) - Game Format Rule Explanation/Comments Referees lead both teams in prayer at center court before each game This sets the tone and focus for the game. Goal Height 10 feet Ball Size 28.5” Games consist of 4, eight-minute quarters. A dead ball near the 4-minute mark of each period will be used for substitutions. Follows middle school rules and allows game to begin and end within an hour timeframe. The clock runs continuously, until the final minute of each period, except for free throws. It will stop at each whistle during the final minute. Stoppage of play in final minute includes violations, fouls, out-of-bounds play, timeouts, and injury. Overtimes are 2 minutes in length (regulation clock). There will be a maximum of one overtime period per game. Gives both teams the opportunity to win the game with reasonable extended time. If still tied at the end of the overtime period, the games ends in a tie. All games are played on a full-sized regulation court (no cross court play) This appropriate floor size for players at this level.

Level 4 (5th-8th) - Rules for Play Explanation/Comments A jump ball is used to start the game and overtime period Athletes at this age have the physical ability to jump for the ball to obtain possession. It also follows the NFHS rules for starting a game or overtime. Zone and man defenses are allowed (both should be used throughout the season) Players at this level possess the ability to defend and attack both zone and man principles. Zone and man defenses are a part of the game of basketball and should be understood by players as they prepare for the next level. 7th/8th Grade Only: Press defense is allowed in the backcourt at all times except if a team has a 10-point advantage To promote fairness and integrity of the game, teams with a 10-point advantage should drop into a basic half-court defense. Players who are overly aggressive will be removed from the game for the remainder of the period. The goal is to promote fair play, but allow provision for officials to address aggressive behavior.

Level 4 (5th-8th) - Rules for Play Explanation/Comments (Continued) Rule Explanation/Comments Three point shots are allowed only if the court features a three-point arc Courts without a 3-point line should not award 3 points no matter the shot distance. Playing time is based on the substitution system in use for Levels 1-3. Each half-period is considered a segment. Level 4 follows the substitution system found in Levels 1-3. This allows equal playing time for all participants. Players will still be matched up, but colored straps will not be used. Players will learn to guard the assigned opponent, but coaches will have flexibility in zone defense strategy. A shooting foul will result in one point for the offended team and the player will shoot one free throw for an additional point. Players should line up on the lane. Provides penalty for aggressive play and teaches skills that will be required at higher levels.

Substitutions – ALL LEVELS 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.

Filling Out the Substitution Form Week 1 Step 1 – Rank players by ability starting with slot “A”. This player ranking order should not change at any point during your season. Player’s Name First Half Second Half Step 4 – Continue this process for the remainder of the segments Name 18 Min 12 Min 6 Min 18 Min 12 Min 6 Min A Beth X X X X X B Ann X X X X X Step 2 – For Week 1, begin with Player “A” and work down the column (A-E). These are your starting five. C Susan X X X X D Kim X X X X X E Mary X X X X Karen X X X X F Amy X X X X G H Step 3 – Begin 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 have five players in the segment. I J

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

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?

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

Roster Distribution and Questions K5 – Downstairs, Café next to the Gym 1st/2nd – Downstairs, Café next to the Gym 3rd/4th – Stay here 5th-8th – Downstairs, in the Gym

Upward Basketball Coach Training