Coaching resources – Basketball Illawarra

Practical principles and templates for local-competition coaches. Downloads will be added here as they’re updated.

Our coaching principles

Development first, winning second

If the players under your guidance can execute the fundamentals efficiently and consistently, winning follows. Build every session around fundamentals.

Teach man-to-man

We ask all junior coaches to play man-to-man defence in local competition. Zones hide weaknesses and stall development; man-to-man builds the footwork, awareness and effort every higher level demands. You may lose a few more games early and you’ll produce far better players.

Communicate clearly

Knowing the game isn’t enough — players need to hear it simply. Three teaching points per drill, said the same way every time.

Plan the session

Players trust a coach who runs an organised, interesting, systematic practice. Write a plan for every session and set long-term goals for the team and for individuals.

Respect the game

Referees in junior comps are often 13-year-olds in their first season. How you speak to them is what your players learn. Basketball NSW’s Respect the Game sets the standard we expect on the sideline.

Warm-up

A basketball-specific 10-minute warm-up — dynamic movement, hip and ankle preparation, progressive speed work — reduces ankle and knee injuries in growing players. Run it as a team before every training and game.

Templates

Local competition subbing template (coming soon)
Blank training plan template (coming soon)
Sample junior and senior training plans (coming soon)