Basketball Coaches

 

Click here to sign up online. 
Click here to download a Basketball Coaches Form.
 

Important Dates:
Coaches Meeting = Sunday, Nov. 13 (1:00pm)
Practices start the week of Nov. 28.
Practice nights are Mon., Tues., Thurs., OR Fri. for 1 hour.
Games (1 hour) begin January 7 and end March 3. (Feb. 4 is a bye week.)
Awards Celebration is Sunday, March 4 at 4:00pm.

Purpose: The coach is the key component to fulfilling the mission of Upward Sports: "To introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports." This entire mission is in the hands of you, the coach. As an Upward Basketball Coach, you have a tremendous opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of your players and their families. For this reason, it's important that you understand your responsibilities as a coach.
 
Desired Results / Expectations:

1. Share the love of Jesus Christ with each player. You may provide the only opportunity for children to know and hear about Jesus.
2. Recognize the "winner" in every child. Find ways to encourage and show each player that he or she is valued through Jesus Christ.
3. Prepare for practices and games. Be prepared not only to teach basketball skills but to look for ways to instill confidence, boost self-esteem, and share Christ with your players.
4. Teach the fundamentals of basketball. Upward Basketball is designed to teach fundamental basketball skills.
5. Choose the proper game day attitude. Remember, people care more about what you do than they do about what you say.
6. Support the referee with positive comments. Choose to start the Circle of Affirmation. Your lead will instill respect for authority and create a positive atmosphere for all who participate or watch.
7. Distribute Upward Basketball Stars. The multi-colored stars should be distributed at the end of each game, and the green practice stars should be distributed at the end of each practice. These stars play an important role in building the self-esteem of your players. Explain why the player is receiving a particular star. Be sure to include the parents. This should be a special time for parents and players. Encourage clapping and praise!

Your success as a coach is not based on wins and losses. It is based on how you stress the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity and respect. That is the Upward Experience, a great ministry experience through a great sport experience.