(English)

PATRICK HUNT: President, World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC)

The aim of the World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) is to improve the standard of the game through improving the standard of those teaching the game. This book, along with resources such as the Global Coaches Clinics introduced in 2011, is designed to be a basis from which each coach can build their own coaching philosophies.

The role of a basketball coach is not simply to improve the skills of each player and their understanding of the various tactics of the game. A coach’s role extends to developing each athlete as a person. Particularly when coaching young athletes, a coach should seek to instil a love of the game in each player and a desire to play and learn about the game.

It has been an absolute pleasure to be the Editor in Chief and chair the Working Group for this book. I am most grateful for the outstanding contribution of the working group which complements and further enhances the fine work of the original Authors.

The book provides an outstanding resource for coaches at all levels and underpins key WABC events including Global Coaches clinics, our FIBA coaching web-site and social media platforms. FIBA and the WABC remain committed to developing and supporting coaches and we are pleased this resource will reinforce that commitment and resolve.

Learning is a change in behaviour due to an experience. Coaches are responsible for providing enriching experiences from which players will improve and flourish. This book will provide Coaches with information and techniques to not only enhance players skills and understanding but will also help shape players’ characters and teach values that lead to success in life and our wonderful Global game.

Coaching junior basketballers is different from coaching a professional team and different again from coaching adult athletes. Indeed, each athlete is different and the coach must have the skill to assess the developmental needs of each player and to address each of those needs, within the context of the overall team.

Coaches of junior players must be cognisant of the physical, emotional and social development of each of their players and must be able to take a longer term view towards actions that are taken every day.

It is a challenging role, but it is an immensely rewarding one.
I recommend this book to all coaches.