For our second edition of Talk around the Trap’s, we were able to speak with David Jamieson, the coach of the Under 8 Boys Yarrambat (2) team. It is great to see one of our representative coaches also volunteering in our domestic competition.

 

 1.       How has the team been going so far?

For most of my team it is their first season.   I have 3 boys that played last season.   We have been graded in ‘B’ grade which will be a big challenge for the boys but I am sure they are up to it.

I personally do not look at the score during my games.   I know the boys are keen to see who won but it is more about teaching them the skills to play and give them as much court time as possible.

I don’t call time outs because all that does is shorten their game time.   I write myself notes at the end of the game if they have missed a facet of the game that we are working on and address it at training.

 

 2.       What are you looking to achieve this season?

I would like for all my players to improve their ability to use their non-master hand, not to travel or double dribble.   I ask the referee before each game to call my players for travels and double dribbles.

If they don’t get called for it in the game then they won’t learn to pass or even look for other options.   Basketball is a team game and in under 8 especially I don’t want a team where one player holds onto the ball and won’t pass to the others and shoots all the time.   I would rather lose every game and have a team in which all the players understand the importance of playing as a team and develop skills evenly.

 

 3.       What do you find most enjoyable about coaching?

Coaching Under 8 gives you the ability to start with a clean slate.   We work on basics like footwork and fundamentals of passing and shooting with no bad habits to have to correct.   I always have all the players at training and they all want to have fun and run around.

 

 

4.       What has been the best highlight so far with this team?

I have had a couple of instances this season when the team aspect has come to the surface.   Just last Saturday the boys inbounded the ball from the sideline in the back court and two passes later a player made a layup.   From a coaching point of view these are the things we are working hard on at practice and it is always exciting to see them use it during a game.

 

 5.       What do you find most challenging about being a basketball coach?

Again I believe in the result of the game at this level is irrelevant.   Sometimes it is hard to explain to adults that it is more important that the players are improving than winning at all costs.   The players need as much time as possible on the court playing against opposition and the referees need to enforce the basic skills required to play the game.   I don’t mind if they don’t call a travel on the opposition as long as they call it on my players so that they learn how to play the game.   If that means I lose an under 8’s game then so be it.  

 

Great work David! Looking forward to see how the boys develop throughout the season.

Have you got something to say? Shoot an email to matt@dvbasketball.com.au to be a part of 'Talk Around The Traps"