"Team Ball" for 10 year olds

by Russ Barney
(Sammamish, WA)

Youth Basketball Picture

I coach 10 year old boys basketball. We focus equally on fundamentals and "The Game".

The trouble I'm having is this; My assistant and I have avoided assigning positions to the kids, so each can experience the different roles.

We've tried to teach a simple motion offense so the positions rotate. But, only a few of the boys understand the concept and the system breaks down right away in games.

Are we better off assigning positions and having very specific roles for each kid, so that we have chance to run some basic plays?

Right now, the kids with skills just take over and don't play team ball. I'm finding it very difficult to coach the team concept, for offense as well as defense. Am I expecting too much from this age?

Any feedback is appreciated.

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