Coach’s Corner

Parents or guardians of girls participating in the program are eligible. Women are particularly encouraged to coach. You will be assigned to coach your daughter’s team. Occasionally, there is an opening for an experienced non-parent to coach, but priority is given to qualified parents. All coaches and other volunteers are required to undergo a criminal background check administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Is experience required?

Some knowledge of basketball is helpful, but not required. Inexperienced coaches often find it helpful to volunteer as an assistant coach in order to work with a more experienced coach during their initial season. Clinics, books and web site links are all available to help you learn coaching techniques.

What is the necessary commitment?

The season lasts about 11 weeks, and all games are on Saturdays. There is one practice per week, which is on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) night. When you sign up to coach, you can determine which nights you cannot coach. There are no games or practices during December or February school vacations. While you should expect to attend most practices and games, you will also be working with assistant coaches and parents who can fill in if needed.

How many coaches are assigned to a team?

NGBA attempts to assign a head coach and at least one assistant to each team, which consists of 8 – 10 players. Some seasons there are not enough coaches to go around, and other seasons there are too many coaches. NGBA rules allow no more than three coaches on the bench during a game.

Can I sign up to coach with a friend?

Yes, but only if your daughter signs up with the friend’s daughter and both girls so indicate on their applications. If there is not an exact match on the girls’ applications, or if both girls are very strong players, it may be difficult to keep the parents together.

How do I organize a practice?

Practices are one hour long and need to be fun and oriented to teach skills appropriate for each grade level. A good practice consists of a fun warm-up, some skill building drills, and a short scrimmage. Good coaches don’t do too much talking and let each girl handle a ball as much as possible. It is always good to come prepared with a written practice that starts and ends on time. Pick a specific skill for each session such as dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding, setting a pick, learning a simple play, etc. Find ways to encourage players to use the skill in the scrimmage. Make it fun!

Where can I go if I have questions?

Coaches guidebooks are available to all coaches. Each grade has a Grade Coordinator from the Board who can answer your questions. Also, we have experienced coaches who serve as our clinic coordinators and can make helpful coaching suggestions. Check the coaching links on the web site for new ideas.

What is expected of coaches?

In keeping with NGBA’s philosophy, coaches are expected to provide a fun, supportive learning environment for the team. Coaches should not overly emphasize the importance winning or losing. Standings are not kept. A coach should show respect for our young and older referees by never arguing a call. Good coaches will make each girl feel like an important part of the team and will be sure that playing time is equally distributed. In short, a coach should be a role model to the young girls in our program.