This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
Once again, my dad and I are coaching youth basketball this season.
My youngest daughter Tiana is playing, which means we are coaching the 6U division. Teaching 5- and 6-year-olds is a challenge regardless of what you’re teaching.
This is the age where the two most important things are fundamentals and having fun. The having fun part hasn’t been too tough, but fundamentals have been a little challenging. It’s not because of the drills or talent level, but the attention span of a 6-year-old is as long as the disclaimer at the top of my column each week.
However, when they get it, it sticks. My dad taught me and my brother what you look at on defense over 35 years ago, and we still remember.
I just sent my brother a random text and he responded immediately, “Their bellybutton. They can’t go anywhere without it.”
Ask any coach we have ever coached, and they will tell you the same thing. The age we are coaching is the age where you
The age we are coaching is the age where you have to establish fundamentals, and hopefully the kids will take what they learn and expand as they get older.
You always want to win, but in order to do that, you have to learn how to play first. Sometimes, the parents or coaches are more focused on winning than teaching. That doesn’t work. Whether you realize it or not, it damages the child later on in life. If they put winning ahead of everything else, they lose sight of what’s really important, including to have fun and enjoy the game.
Each week, we have added something new to our team. First, we focused on dribbling, then passing, then a little more detail on defense. Everyone can shoot already. We just helped them adjust their technique.
What’s great is no one has said, “Are we winning?” They are learning and having fun. That’s the most important thing.
I’m not just talking about basketball. I’m actually referring to everything in life. Sports, school, work, competition in general — all have aspects of wanting to be the best but has to have an element of fun. If you don’t enjoy what you are competing for, why do it?
This column was supposed to be about teaching kids fundamentals of basketball while having fun doing it — coaches and players. After re-reading it, it kind of sounds like this is an analogy for being a good citizen or getting involved in the community. Start early so you know how things are supposed to work, then hone your skills as you get older.
It could just be that it’s election season and I know what’s coming. I’m going to get off my soapbox, but before I do, I
I’m going to get off my soapbox, but before I do, I have to wish my beautiful wife happy birthday. She loves it when people think she is my oldest daughter.
“Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.”
— Michael Jordan
