Would Hank Iba Agree - Coaching Isn't an Express Way

If you ask a fundamentalist, who's guiding beacon of life is to return basketball to the days of Hank Iba, Adolph Rupp, and John Wooden, the value rogue basketball leagues play in the development of the game and the athlete; they would almost certainly look at you with distain. Today the popularity of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is stealing the fundamental charge associated with youth basketball. I think we would all agree, the focus of youth basketball programs should have a fundamental approach driven by skill development, more importantly player development. In fact AAU has a mission statement centered around, "moral development of amateur athletes and to promote good sportsmanship and good citizenship." Having recently returned from an AAU tournament from which I saw firsthand coaches looking 'a fool' of themselves in front of young impressionable athletes, parents-multiple basketball ejected from gyms, players yelling at their parents, coaches, and officials it is time for change.

As a self-imposed 'hybrid' coach who has worked hard at developing a focused approach to the game, I wouldn't say I was a fundamentalist like Mr. Rupp and the rest of the founding fathers of the modern game, but rather a reformer. We can change the approach to the game and change what we accept as the truth in basketball. AAU is harboring many unrealistic expectations for athletes, basketball more than they can fulfill in their mission, and sadly allowing untrained rogue coaches to dilute the coaching fraternity. Why aren't these vast leagues, tournaments, and programs calling for reformation of the value of a coach? Sitting at home breaking down NCAA tournament games with Digger is not enough training, there are many elements which guide the value of a coach.

Take an opportunity to join a cast of rapidly growing 'hybrid' reformists looking to use technology and resources of the 21st century to model sound coaching practice. A quick search of the internet will uncover a vast array of coaching resources beginning with Coach Mac's Offensive Book(s), Coach Brown's mentoring program, and ending with articles on Coach's Clipboard. The game of basketball is an awesome learning playground by which we can reach out and touch the lives of youth, build society, develop positive members of community, and pay homage to a game which has provided us all opportunity. Don't allow the selfishness of rogue leagues and coaches whose pride revolves around 15 year old kids and a win/loss record to burn the sanctity of the game. Join a cause in creating sound youth coaches through a 'hybrid' approach to reformation of such programs and give something for Mr. Iba, Mr. Rupp, and Mr. Wooden to proclaim as admirable.

For more information on Hybrid coaching resources visit:

Coach Mac's Basketball Resources http://www.coachmac-basketball.com