coaching youth basketball

Question
I'm coaching for the first time, a 5-6 year old team.  First practice we did dribbling and passing drills, and players took shots so I could assess their shooting skills (lowered basket).  I have two players who can't get the ball up more than a foot over their heads and, especially at these ages, are very frustrated they aren't keeping up with their peers.  We practiced jumping, form (using ankles, knees, hips and not just shoulders/elbows), watched the kid who was sinking it almost every time to show what he did - what can I do to help these two kids get a "boost" into their shots?  With older kids I'd keep them working on it but these kids get so discouraged and I want to keep it fun.

Answer
Hello Starr and thank you for asking this question.

First, I'm REALLY glad to hear you want to keep it fun.  I've seen a lot of clients who were put under too much pressure at too young an age, overloaded and gave up.

From an anatomy and physiology perspective, do these particular kids have the physical ability to put the ball up that high?  I'd suggest getting some really small rubber balls and see if they can do it then.  Make it a fun game where everyone can succeed.  What I like to do with little kids (as well as with adults) is to set them up to win.  That starts building up their confidence.  Even if they can't do as well physically as some of the other kids, they still have fun and get to succeed.  

Another thing you might do is have them play the "springs" game.  Ask the kids to imagine that big springs are on their feet, and start jumping around.  Then ask them to imagine that their arms are like slingshots and shoot that ball out.  These are just examples.  The great thing about little kids is that they have such great imaginations, almost everything can be a game, and they can be pretty awesome with what they can accomplish.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

David

David Kenward, The Mental Coach
Sacramento, California
http://www.thementalcoach.com