Teaching Sportsmanship in Youth Basketball

     

  

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Over the past decade it seems sportsmanship in youth basketball as well as in all youth sports has taken a dramatic downturn.  The consequences of the poor sportsmanship reverberates throughtout society as these young men and women grow up and exhibit the same poor behavior in their everyday lives.  We as basketball coaches need to provide a good example for our youth basketball players.  I would say 90% of the team I see a youth team behaving inappropriately all I have to do is look over at the coach and see the root of the poor behavior.

It all starts with the coach.  We as basketball coaches need to display respect for all involved...meaning referees, scorekeepers, opposing players and coaches. If we display respect our players will follow and if they choose not to that's where a coach must be firm and correct the issue for all players to see.  It only takes a firm hand once or twice and then your players and parents know improper behavior will not be tolerated.

We must understand it is not just basketball we are teaching the youth players.  There are many many lifelessons to be learned from the competition.  These lifelessons will be applied by the boys and girls their entire life.  If we allow poor sportsmanship at young ages the kids will carry on these reactions later on.

So be a strong example for your players.  Have them shake the opposing players hands before tipoff.  Have them shake the officials hands after the game no matter the result.  Defend your players, but also carry yourself properly as a coach a be a role model for the youngsters.