DISCIPLINE It doesnt make sense to have a long list of rules. The best coaches make a few rules stand out. For example, be on time for all games and practices. If a player cant be there, they must call several days prior to the game or practice. Let the team know you expect them to behave in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. And let them know that if they dont hustle, you will assume that they are tired and substitute for them.

If a youngster does misbehave during a practice or a game, simply let him or her watch the others play. Let players know they will not play again until they understand and adhere to your rules.

THE BALLHOG Especially on younger teams, there is occasionally the one player who likes to control the ball and take all the shots. If you sense this happening, have a chat with the youngster. Explain to the player: You know, John, youre a terrific ballhandler on this team. And you have a real good shot. But as good as you are at dribbling and shooting, if you could master the art of finding and passing to an open teammate, we would be a better team. Do you think you could do that? This approach recognizes and acknowledges the players talent, but it also suggests the fact that in basketball the team comes first.

RUNNING UP THE SCORE Occasionally, your team may be having such a great day that the other team just cant keep up. Well before the end of the game, its clear that your team is going to win and win big. Do you allow your kids to keep running up the score? No, thats not good sportsmanship. Imagine how you would feel if you were coaching the opposing team or if your son or daughter were on that team.

Instead, call a time out, and tell your team to pass the ball at least 5 or 6 times before a shot is taken. You still want them to work hard, but you want them to work hard on their passing skills.

VACATIONS Ask parents for a list of days in which their son or daughter will not be able to make a game(s) because of family vacation plans. This will help immensely as you put together a schedule. Even better, you won't get caught short of players before a game because you didnt know who was going to be gone.

TARDINESS You have the right to expect players to be on time for practices and games. If one of your players has a consistent problem with tardiness, ask why he or she is always late. If the player doesnt have a good reason, then call the parents. Explain to the parent that unless they can get their son or daughter to practices and the games on time, then youll have no choice but diminish the their playing time. After all, its not fair to the other kids who show up on time. This may sound harsh, but its a basic lesson of team responsibility.

PUSHY PARENTS What do you do when a parent wants to give you a piece of his or her mind? First, let them have their say. Give them 10 minutes of uninterrupted time to speak. Dont say anything just let them get it out of their system.

But after 10 minutes, look them in the eye, thank them for their feedback, and tell them you will think about their suggestions and comments.

Heres another thought: If you have a parent who thinks that he or she could coach better that you, thats easy. Just ask them to become an assistant coach. The invitation will surprise them and probably get them to back off. Who knows maybe they will have something to offer as your assistant.

LOSING GAMES What do you do if your team isnt winning games? A losing season is definitely more challenging for a coach. But its your job to be the teams top cheerleader. You must remain upbeat and positive. Find something the team did well and praise them for the effort. Let them know they are collectively making progress, and that even though they may have lost today, theyre skills are improving.

One other note about losing: Always remember that while young players dont like to lose, they do tend to bounce back a lot quicker from a defeat than parents.

PRE-GAME JITTERS Young players can become so nervous and anxious before a big game that they seem to become frozen in place at the opening tip-off. Before you know it, the other team has raced out to a big lead and your players are just beginning to regain their poise.

Be careful not to become the source of pre-game anxiety. Sometimes its the coach who gets so nervous before games that he or she influences the behavior of the kids. Do yourself and your team a favor. Before the game, wear a smile. Look like youre relaxed. Tell some jokes. And dont worry about players not being pumped up for the game. If anything, they will be more than ready.

SCHEDULE CONFLICTS Some players might participate on different sports teams or take part in other activities during the basketball season creating occasional conflicts. You can remain patient and flexible with these conflicts so long as the players parents tell you ahead of time there are going to be scheduling problems. Most of the friction from these conflicts happen when the coach doesnt find out until the day of the practice or the game that there is a conflict. Thats not fair to anyone.