Coaches, please read the rule book

[JeffW]

Originally posted by sfriede
When I played bball in high school our coach made sure we knew the rules. He went so far as inviting in one of the local master officials, so that he could give us a clinic. Our coach new the rules, and the last thing you wanted to do as a player was question an official during a game. I don't ever remember my coach getting a technical foul. So, there are some coaches teaching their players the rules. Habits are hard to break - players in youth leagues are told not to "reach" or go "over the back" for a rebound - which we all know are legal. It takes time to get this method of teaching out of their system.

I have always taught my players the rules, but also how to play the game. The reason I teach them not to reach is because reaching leads to poor defensive position, leaning forward instead of remaining balanced on the balls of the feet. Reaching also leads to fouls. When you hear coaches yelling "don't reach", don't assume that they think that's an automatic foul; it might just be good coaching.