Product Description

David G. Faucher shares his successful "full-participation model" of coaching youth basketball in this Baffled Parent's Guide. Faucher, the head coach of the men's basketball team at Dartmouth College, covers creating good habits, offensive skills and defensive basics, dealing with parents, first aid and safety, and game rules.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5354 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

From the Publisher
"An excellent guide to teaching kids about the game. There's something here for veteran coaches as well as beginners."--Larry Bird

"Whatever your coaching credentials, your greatest responsibility is to give each player a positive learning experience."--David Faucher

"Here's a book I would recommend to all youth coaches."--Jill Kearney, recreation director, Norwich, Vermont

"I like Coach Faucher's philosophy, his approach to coaching kids, and his enthusiasm."--Jeffrey Thomas, youth coach, Richmond, Virginia

"Easy to follow and comprehensive. A clear and inspiring picture of how to play basketball and how to coach basketball."--Tom Bertocci, youth coach, Thomaston, Maine

From the Back Cover
"An excellent guide to teaching kids about the game. There's something here for veteran coaches as well as beginners."--­­Larry Bird

"Whatever your teaching credentials, your greatest responsibility is to give each player a positive learning experience."--David Faucher

Coach. You thought you were just going to sign up your child for the youth league. Now here you are, a newly anointed coach. You didn't ask for it, but it happened anyway. Now you need help.

Don't despair. This complete guidebook will not only get you through it but will help you become the coach you'd like to be--the coach who can give your kids the sports experience they deserve. You've already taken a big step: you said "yes" to this important commitment. Congratulations. You'll have a great time, and Dave Faucher is here to help.

• Survive your first practice and first game
• Win over problem players--and parents
• Know what to do in game situations
• Reach all your players
• Work with girls and boys
• Match your drills and strategies to age and ability
• Make it fun and rewarding
• Be the coach you never had
• Generate enthusiasm
• Improve your players and your team

"Here's a book I would recommend to all youth coaches." --­­Jill Kearney, recreation director, Norwich, Vermont

"I like Coach Faucher's philosophy, his approach to coaching kids, and his enthusiasm." --­­Jeffrey Thomas, youth coach, Richmond, Virginia

"Easy to follow and comprehensive. A clear and inspiring picture of how to play basketball and how to coach basketball." --­­Tom Bertocci, youth coach, Thomaston, Maine

About the Author
DAVID G. FAUCHER, head coach of the NCAA Division I Dartmouth College men's varsity basketball team, began his coaching career at a junior high school. He honed his positive, learn-by-doing approach to coaching basketball over a career that spans 25 years. Dave is also director of the Dave Faucher Basketball Camp, a nationally acclaimed summer youth basketball camp, which he founded in 1984. Dave lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three sons, all successful basketball players.

Customer Reviews

a perfect book for new coaches
i decided that i wanted to coach basketball at my school, i wasn't sure what i should do, how to do it, etc. this book is a real good start. it talks about what skills kids need to be taught, it gives drills on how to teach those skills, it gives you sample practice plans that show you how to organize the drills, etc. it even gives you some plays for inbounding the ball, etc. all in all the book has everything a first year coach would want. a small warning however, this book is designed for first year coaches. you are not going to find how to run a triangle offense, or how to beat a pressure defense. but if you are looking for a book to start you off, then this is the one.

Saved my sanity
About 4 practices and a game into the season I was totally frustrated. My practices were disorganized, and the team wasn't responding to any of my "drills". I found this book at the store and bought it. It was wonderful! I now had renewed hope, and a plan. The kids responded quickly, and I enjoyed coaching much more.
The next season I started fresh after reading and re-reading the book. It was a great season, and many parents told me how much they enjoyed my coaching style, and the kids had fun too. I owe most of it to the book. I was more organized and polished.

A Great Instructional Guide
When I started reading this book, I knew absolutely nothing about basketball. I was asked to coach because the girls' league in my town desperately needed a coach, and I decided to give it a try.

This book was very helpful inasmuch as it gave me a guideline on the skills to emphasize in basketball. I also appreciated how the book pretty much guided me on everything from dealing with parents to what strategies to use in the game.

I can't say that at the end of the season I had myself a championship team, but I did have a bunch of girls with highly improved basketball skills and a great confidence in their abilities.