Coaching Resources

Coaching Overview

Coaching a team in the SBBA can be a very rewarding experience. Read on to learn how you can make an impact as a coach in the SBBA.

SBBA fields teams from 3rd grade through 8th grade. The final number of teams is determined by the number of kids that sign up per grade and, if necessary, the results of tryouts.

All teams will compete in the Badger Development League. The BDL is a regional league of like-minded communities, including Stoughton, created to provide a positive developmental experience for youth boys basketball players.

The BDL is a competitive developmental league and is a step up from recreational leagues.

Each team’s coaching staff typically consists of a head coach and 1-2 assistant coaches.

Coaching FAQs

Who coaches the teams?

Parent volunteers generally coach teams. If interested in coaching, please email StoughtonBasketball@gmail.com. Additionally, if you have a child in the program, you will be prompted to indicate whether you are interested in coaching when you register your child to participate in the SBBA program. If you indicate you are interested in coaching, you will be asked to provide a description of your coaching experience, if any. The SBBA will select coaches based on overall need, experience and the successful completion of a background check and required training.

Are there any prerequisites to be a coach?

Before coaching, all coaches must complete a background check and complete the Safe Sport training program. The background check consists of filling out on online form. The Safe Sport training is an online training program that can be completed in about an hour.

I don’t have a child on any SBBA teams. Can I still coach?

The vast majority of coaches of SBBA teams have children in the program. However, having a child participate is not a pre-requisite. Email StoughtonBasketball@gmail.com for more information.

I don’t have a great deal of experience playing or coaching basketball. Can I still be an effective coach?

Yes. While some background of playing or coaching basketball can certainly be beneficial, it is not required to be a successful coach.

SBBA does provide coaching resources including a pre-season coaching clinic. Coaches at all levels of our program are open, willing and available to share ideas, suggest drills and answer questions to effectively conduct practices and manage teams to help coaches be successful.

One way in which coaches can gain experience and learn about various drills and practice techniques is to volunteer to assist with the SBBA’s fall skills and drills sessions. These are complimentary, camp-style practice sessions open to 3rd through 8th grade boys that are led by experienced SBBA coaches. Although not required, SBBA strongly encourages coaches to attend these sessions and to use them as a pre-season opportunity to work with their players.

What is a typical team schedule?

Generally, teams will practice two nights per week. Practices are often 90 minutes and are held at facilities in Stoughton. Coaches are expected to plan, organize and run each practice to develop all team members.

Each SBBA team will compete in the BDL. The BDL schedule includes six weekends per season from December – February. Teams will play two or three games at a single location on either a Saturday or a Sunday on a given weekend. The sixth and final weekend of the BDL season is a one-day post-season tournament at a single location.

In addition to and outside of the BDL schedule, each SBBA team is required to play in a minimum of two tournaments. Several teams will choose to play in more than two tournaments.

What additional duties are the responsibility of a coach?

In addition to preparing for and coaching practices and games, coaches are responsible for these duties:

Conduct a parent meeting detailing player and family expectations for the coming season and communicating team rules. SBBA recommends this meeting occur at the first practice. While coaches have some flexibility to establish their own team rules and guidelines, any team rules must fully align with the SBBA Code of Conduct.
Ensure all parents fill out and sign BDL consent forms. These are online forms each member of a team is responsible for completing.
Find and schedule a minimum of two tournaments outside of the BDL schedule. SBBA will provide resources and tournament listings to help you secure the best schedule for your team.
Manage all communication and be responsive to parents and families, including the practice and game schedule and any changes or updates that may occur. SBBA recommends the use of the GameChanger and BDL apps to inform parents and families.

Please note that all of these responsibilities do not have to handled by the same person. Many teams divide and share these duties among members of the entire coaching staff of a given team.

One of the duties of a coach is to schedule tournaments. How does that process work?

SBBA requires each team to play a minimum of two tournaments outside of the BDL schedule. Coaches are expected to find and schedule these tournaments and to ensure that the additional tournaments do not conflict with the BDL schedule.

SBBA will provide tournament listings and resources to coaches to help them find appropriate tournaments for their team. Coaches simply fill out the entry form and provide it to SBBA leadership. SBBA will cut a check for the entry fee and mail the entry to the tournament organizer.

To assist with tournament sign-up, SBBA will hold a tournament sign-up social in late November/early December. Coaches are able to bring tournament forms and complete tournament entries for the entire season. Tournaments can be added at any time, however.

How does SBBA support coaches?

SBBA offers support to coaches in several ways. These include:

Pre-season coaching clinic conducted by Stoughton Boys Varsity Head Coach Nolan Weber. This program also includes additional information about the SBBA program philosophy. tournament requirements, code of conduct as well as providing a forum to answer any additional questions.
Provide additional coaching resources including suggested drills, practice plans, etc. upon request
Schedule all gym time for practices
Provide tournament listings and offer suggestions if desired to help create the best possible schedule for each team
Provide supplies such as a backpack, white board, first aid kit, team basketballs, ice packs, etc.

How do I handle playing time?

The SBBA is a developmental program with the goal of fostering basketball growth in all of its participants. The SBBA and high school basketball program share the philosophy of taking pride in winning on the basketball court. However, individual and team development should always take priority over winning games at the youth level. The SBBA’s overarching mission is to provide the high school coaching staff with a deep roster of skilled and knowledgeable players as they ascend into high school.

Although some players will certainly be more advanced than others, coaches should strive to provide comparable playing time to players of all skill levels, especially in grades 3-5. Every player will develop at a different rate and game experience is critical to that development. That being said, coaches will have discretion to determine overall playing time and may take into consideration factors such as practice attendance, effort, attitude, sportsmanship, and overall conduct.

How do I resolve conflicts with players and/or parents?

Coaches are encouraged to work directly with their players and parents to resolve any issues that arise. If you are unable to satisfactorily resolve any issues, you may refer the issue to the SBBA Board of Directors. For more information, please refer to the SBBA’s Code of Conduct.