A book excerpt:

MIDDLE SCHOOL COACHING

Coaches new to this age range will want to know what they can expect to make a smooth transition from younger age divisions. 

Compared to 5th/6th age range and what came before, the Middle School [6th]/7th-8th boys age group is a different animal. 

  • Competition increases 
  • Game formats mimic school play – four periods with a stop-clock, etc. 
  • Expect a healthy amount of contact, and fewer foul calls
  • You’ll need a good press break, as fullcourt press becomes more common 
  • Important: between the seventh and eighth grade years, strength and stamina begin to really differentiate in ways you’ll easily see on the court. 

MIDDLE SCHOOL: THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCES 

Your goal is simple: Be ready for Middle School’s bigger/older players, and greater intensity level. Starting today, it’s time to get serious about: 

• Defense — Deflections, rebounds, steals, hustle plays, increases in fouling. You have to defend harder and work harder on proper technique 

  • Tempo — Speed kills, so exploit your team speed and talent here. Show up in sound cardio/physical shape, play uptempo (but smart), with a sense of urgency 
  • Shooting & ball handling — Get out & practice more jumpers from inside the 3-point area, just outside the paint. In particular, really emphasize and practice free throws. Pass, dribble, shoot and catch in transition 
  • Make it about team, make it fun — Be bold, own the gym. Win every game you are “supposed to” win, and be an extremely tough out for everybody else 
  • Work & focus — You may not win every game, but no one will work harder/play smarter than your team will 

Messages to your Middle School players:

  • Finish plays. Dive. Screen, then roll. Follow your shot. Box out. Practice foul shots 
  • Take responsibility. When things go well, and also when they don’t. That’s how we learn. We expect you to turn it over, to miss shots. But we also anticipate that you will increase making good basketball decisions over time. Own it, and good things will happen