Mt Horeb 8th Grade Girls Basketball

Baber coaching philosophy

• My coaching goals: 

  • Bring out the joy of playing basketball in each individual player so they contribute to the team in a positive manner. 

  • Focus on each girl to help her see how she is an integral part of the team.

• These are the  most important things for the team to learn and for me to teach: 

  • How to learn each other’s strengths and play as a team. 

  • Focus on the moment to overcome frustration. 

  • How to win with grace and lose with honor.

• My players should all experience: 

  • What it is like to enjoy the game of basketball as a team, to have a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

• These are the fundamentals we will work on most during our time together

  • Working together so everyone is  successful

  • Make layup/bunny shots

  • Getting rebounds

  • Make free throws

• A successful team will be a united front win or lose.

Team Selection and Rostering*

• Teams will be selected by position and put on 2 different rosters. Red and White. (not A and B)

• Team Rosters will be announced before the end of the first week of the season.

• Each team will include skill levels ranging from new players to experienced players. Players may play any one of these positions during practice and games as we work together as a team.

  • Positions: 1 = point guard

  • 2 = left wing

  • 3 = right wing

  • 4 = left post 

  • 5 = right post

• Red team will play first for all games, White team will play second for all games. Each team will play an opponent’s A and B team (if the opponent has both) by the time the season ends.

*if there are less than 12 players there will only be one team and the information above is not used.

Expectations for Players

• Each player will communicate with a coach regarding her goals for practice and games. 

• Each player will communicate both frustrations and motivations to a coach as a way to build confidence and problem solve.

• Each player will act in a respectful manner toward all players and coaches. 

• Players will be taught how to play right, play as a team and build each other up. 

• All players are expected to stay for both games, every game day.

• Failure to play as a respectful, positive member of the team will result in being asked to sit out during practice or less playing time during a game and a conversation with coaches and parents.

Expectations for Coaches

• Coaches will build a team that relies on each other to enjoy successes and failures as a group and give individual players a sense of belonging.

• We will learn our team’s individual skills and strengths, develop trust and confidence in each teammate, and show team members how to play the right way.

• Coaches hold themselves accountable and welcome player personal insights.

• Middle School 8th Grade Girls School Ball is a time to develop skills for use in the future - on and off the court.

  • Experienced players: Make your shots. Take risks. Rely MORE on your team than ever.

  • New players: Take shots. Take risks. Find one skill you like doing and show it off!