Here is a clip of Stan Van Gundy at coaching clinic on the topic of youth basketball. Specifically, the problem with youth basketball in the United States. It is a little under 3 minutes and, in typical Van Gundy style, he doesn’t pull any punches.
Video of Stan Van Gundy on the problem with youth basketball in the united states
Some of the best statements from this video include:
“You have to make a decision if you want to teach the kids how to play basketball or if you just want to win games….do you want to help build basketball players or do you want to just tell everyone that you won your youth league.”
“We’re failing pretty badly in this country, as a whole, in teaching people basketball skills.”
“We are much more interested in playing games and winning and losing at a young, young, young age then we are in skill development.”
“It was beyond me, in a 9 year old league to play zone defense the entire game.”
Great sarcastic lines from the video:
“Don’t ever let your biggest kids dribble the ball. Always give it to a guard, who is usually your son.”
“You wonder why at the high school level we have so many kids that can’t play.
I agree with coach Vangundy assessment in youth development of basketball. However I would like to take it a step further . In my opinion there are much greater reasons that we have fallen short in this country concerning youth development . As a whole we have allowed the influence of economics to control their development by allowing the apparel companies such as NIKE, ADIDAS and such access to various programs. Also allowing coaches on all levels, AAU, Middle School, High School, College and Professional to develop our players whom possess limited knowledge, if any at all to teach player development. Most of our coaches do not have the experience or intellect to teach position specific skills and uniformly create a team atmosphere that contains a high basketball IQ. Let us not forget the old school concept of success,” attitude reflects leadership” ! Starting from the top of the business, it is our leadership that is responsible for creating an atmosphere that is conducive for our youth’s growth .
Furthermore our coaches must possess knowledge of training, recruiting and managing ego’s of not just the youth but their associates as well. Our youth simply immulate what they see not just what they hear !