My fifth week on placement involved me coaching the Smithycroft Secondary Basketball Team. I attended this club when I was a pupil at the school, so I was really looking forward to the opportunity to coach the current pupils and get to know the team.

When planning my session, I decided to focus the session on the lay-up shot. I considered the age and ability of the group – S1-S6 – and acknowledged that a lot of technical coaching points would be required for this skill in order to help the players learn. I felt confident about this as I have been coaching Basketball for a few years now and have several coaching qualifications in this sport.
The session went very well. I was able to identify the players who were struggling and walk them step by step through the skill but also, I acknowledged those who were confident in the skill so therefore challenged them to use their weaker hand. I feel this was very effective as all players were working on the lay up but at their stage of development and ability levels.

I organised a 5v5 match to finish the session. I highlighted to the team about applying what they had learned in the drills and practises into the game situation. To prompt the players to do so, I added a condition to the game – performing a lay up will get you 1 point and a scoring a lay up will get you 3 points. The reason for doing this was to encourage players to try the lay up even if they do not feel as confident or score from the skill. I believe that players will learn from their mistakes and will improve by performing the skill in a open/pressured environment.

I thoroughly enjoyed the session and I observed that the players displayed excellent behaviour, effort and attitude. Next week I will be attending a meeting with Glasgow Rocks Basketball Club with my mentor, Fraser to discuss future opportunities and partnerships with the school and the organisation. I am really looking forward to this!

-Stephanie.