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Coaching Pyramids

Last Updated: April 22, 2010

The Coaching Pyramids are an integral part of our Athlete Development Model and our NCCP coaching program.

The Fundamental stage is divided into Fundamental Movement Skills(FMS)and Fundamental Basketball Sskills. This distincition exists so coaches do not forget the importance of the FMS.

The technical stage is divided into the Principles of Play and Decision Making. It is important that coaches understand the importance of using the base games (1 on 1, 2 on 2, and 3 on 3) as building blocks of the game. These cover both the offensive and defensive principles of play.
Creating decision making as a separate section is very important to highlight the importance to coaches. The general decision is reading the offense and defence; such things as: when to dribble, pass or shoot, when to cut backdoor, when to help on defence. The player specific decision is making decisions around match ups; understanding strengths and weaknesses of my opponent. This includes the basketball skills, physical, and mental strengths and weaknesses.

Strategy is about what a coach does with his/her team in five on five. The coach sits down at the beginning of the year and plans his/her strategy based on his/her players stage of development, skills and past experiences.

Tactics are the adjustments the coach makes for a game. The first adjustments are done in planning for the game. The coach looks at his or her strategies and players and compares these to the opponents. The second decision is based on situations that occur as the game is going on. Players must understand how to gain an advantage.

The percentages within the pyramids are to serve as a guide for the coach as to the approximate amount of time spent on each stage in a typical mid- season practice.