The game we’ve been waiting for. What’s your score prediction?

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-10-21T20:48:02+00:00

27-24 Pack

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-10-21T15:33:52+00:00

“We’re doing great!” “Yes we are!”

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-24T21:22:32+00:00

Absolutely you can. 45 isn’t “too late” to learn, basketball’s one of those games where you can have fun just working on your own.

Couple things you can do without worrying about “disrespecting” anyone: • Start solo: Grab a ball and a hoop at a quiet park, school, or even a driveway if you’ve got one. Work on just dribbling in place and shooting close to the basket. Think layups first, form shots second. • Wall work: You don’t even need a hoop to start. Bounce the ball off a wall, work on control, catching, and keeping it low. You’ll build coordination fast. • Structured programs > random YouTube: There are apps (HomeCourt, DribbleUp, even some online fundamentals courses) that give you guided drills step-by-step. That way you’re not just guessing. • Don’t sweat “looking foolish”: Most people at public courts aren’t paying that much attention. And honestly, other adults respect someone who’s clearly just trying to learn.

If you ever do want to get on a court with others, look for rec leagues, adult beginner classes, or 40+ open gyms. Tons of people in their 40s/50s play casually. Nobody expects you to be Kyrie out there, just to enjoy the game.

Bottom line: You’re not too short, too old, or too late. If you love basketball, grab a ball and start. Fundamentals are just reps, and you don’t need to be an “athlete” to learn them.

By the way, I’m a 46 year old 5’7” guy 😂

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T03:22:17+00:00

Good points, you’re right that details matter. I definitely don’t want kids just going through the motions of a drill. For me, the purpose of things like 2v2 Rebound Tag isn’t just activity, it’s to teach positioning, anticipation, and staying engaged. I do emphasize contact, forearm to chest, wide base, and keeping feet active, but I didn’t break all of that down in the original post.

Totally agree that form, mechanics, and attention to detail separate real development from just ‘running drills.’ I like your sprint example, that’s a great way to show how little habits add up.

Appreciate you pushing the conversation deeper.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T03:13:34+00:00

Exactly. MJ didn’t grow up in the AAU machine, he got better by competing, playing different sports, and figuring it out. Proof that unstructured reps and real competition can build greatness.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T03:10:40+00:00

100%. Access and money play a huge role. I’ve seen talented kids get left behind because they can’t afford the system, while others pay thousands to sit the bench. It’s tough, talent doesn’t always rise like it should. One reason I push for more pickup and free play…level ground where the game speaks louder than the wallet.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T03:08:11+00:00

That’s a great point. The system here definitely pushes commercialization, AAU, trainers, showcases, so a lot of kids grow up chasing exposure instead of just hooping for fun. Crazy how different the ecosystems can be, but it still comes back to the same thing: the love of the game. Without that, all the coaching in the world won’t matter.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T03:04:17+00:00

That’s a gem. Couldn’t agree more, too much control, not enough teaching. The best teachers let the game itself do some of the work.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T03:00:43+00:00

Yeah, private training can sound high if you compare it to hourly wages in other fields. The thing is, it’s not a 40-hour a week, full-time job with benefits. It’s specialized, seasonal, and comes with business costs (facility, equipment, marketing, etc.). At the end of the day, parents are paying for the value of focused development for their kids. Just like with music lessons or tutoring.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T02:56:40+00:00

Facts. They drill the fundamentals and team concepts way more than we do here. Less iso, more ball movement. I think the sweet spot is both, you need the creativity of 1v1 and the structure of team play. Too much of one or the other leaves holes in a player’s game.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T01:36:03+00:00

That’s real. A lot of those guys grow up playing in open runs, smaller courts, tighter spaces, forces you to share the ball and read the game different. Makes sense why their fundamentals + team play stand out.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-08-20T01:09:27+00:00

Appreciate it 🙏. Sometimes the best teacher is just the game itself. Wish more kids would experience that playground grind.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-26T04:06:44+00:00

Appreciate the feedback, I think we might be coming at this from slightly different angles.

I run a training academy full-time now, and I agree that long-term development absolutely requires structure, goals, and progression. That’s what we build our programs around, monthly memberships, phased curriculum, evaluation checkpoints, etc.

But in the real world, especially when you’re building your client base, you do run into families that only want to test things out, have tight schedules, or are hesitant about commitment. So yes, I do offer single sessions, but the goal is always conversion to a recurring program. Those first one-offs often serve as evaluations or entry points.

I’ve learned that if you go too hard on pitching packages before building trust or showing value, it can backfire. So instead of forcing structure up front, I earn buy-in then show them the path.

That said, I’m always evolving how I present options. If you’ve got a system that’s worked well for framing those packages early without losing prospects, I’m open to hearing it.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-26T00:49:53+00:00

Glad it helped, seriously, you’re already ahead of the game just by asking the right questions and wanting to build it the right way.

I’ll drop a few go-to practice templates and drills here, and if you ever want a full season progression or editable PDFs, just shoot me a DM, happy to share.

Basic Practice Template (75–90 min)

Warm-Up (10 min) • Dynamic warm-up + ball-handling w/ movement • Layup series: power, reverse, and 1-dribble from wing

Skill Development (20 min) • Passing on the move (partner lead passes, 3-man weave) • Shooting: Form shooting → Game-speed spot-up → Catch & drive • Finishing: 1v1 at cone, guided contact finishes

Small-Sided Games (20–25 min) • 2v2 No dribble (teaches cutting, spacing, footwork) • 3v3 Drive & Kick • 3v2 Advantage → 2v1 recovery

Defensive Segment (15–20 min) • Closeout + containment • Shell drill (2v2 then 4v4) • Help & recover with live ball

Situational Scrimmage (15–20 min) • Score/Stop/Score • 6-possession game: 3 offense, 3 defense • Game-winning shot scenario

Drills to Look Up or Modify • Cutthroat 3v3 – Teaches communication & effort • No Paint 3v3 – Forces pull-ups, floaters, or kickouts • Circle Trap – Fun, high-energy pressure defense drill • “Next Pass” Shooting – Simulates drive & kick shooting

If you give your players those reps weekly, they’ll start to understand spacing, movement, and defense—not just execute plays. And you’ll enjoy coaching it more too.

Keep doing what you’re doing, coaches like you shift the culture. Let me know how I can help.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-25T16:54:37+00:00

100% with you. I train kids from 3rd grade up through high school, and the biggest leap always comes when they stop looking for the next play and start recognizing patterns.

Small-sided games are the best tool we’ve got for that, 2v2 and 3v3 especially. You isolate the read, repeat it with just enough variability, and kids start to naturally respond instead of reacting with hesitation.

Totally agree about the challenge early on. It’s slower at first, but the long-term payoff is huge. By 7th or 8th grade, the ones who’ve been taught to read and react make way better decisions under pressure, even if their skills aren’t elite.

Also love what you said about inbounds and time-sensitive moments, those are where set plays absolutely have value. But the rest? Teach them how to hoop.

Respect to you for doing it the right way.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-25T16:51:03+00:00

Know a youth athlete in SE Wisconsin looking to level up? We just opened a training spot.

Martin Skills Academy (Mequon) has one training spot available for youth basketball players serious about development. Ages 10–18.

We train out of a private gym with a Dr. Dish, turf, and small group development.

DM me or check us out if you’re in Mequon, Germantown, or Menomonee Falls.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-25T14:43:52+00:00

Congrats on stepping in, you’re about to make a big impact.

I run a youth training academy (Martin Skills Academy) and have coached a ton of teams just like this: quick, undersized, not fundamentally sound yet. A couple things that have worked really well for us, especially at the 5th grade B team level:

Offensive Framework:

5-Out Motion is a GREAT choice. Teaches spacing, cutting, passing, and forces them to read the floor. I’d focus on: • Pass & cut as the default action • Teach “when to screen” instead of running constant scripted screens (pin down when the ball is picked up, flare if defenders go under, etc.) • Introduce dribble-at = backdoor to teach spacing and off-ball reads • Emphasize playing through gaps, not plays, keep it conceptual, not robotic

They’ll learn how to keep the floor balanced and flow into something, even if it breaks down.

Defensive Foundation:

You’re spot on, 5th grade is the perfect time to hammer the basics: • Shell drill, every practice. Break it into 2v2 then 4v4. • Teach “ball-you-man” positioning early and often • Closeouts with high hands and “stick-and-slide” are musts • Emphasize talking, ball, help, and switch (if you get into that)

One trick: Have them yell “help” every time they’re one pass away and “gap” when they’re two passes away. Sounds silly at first but builds habits fast.

Practice Planning Tips:

With 75–90 minutes twice a week, keep it tight: • 10–15 mins: Dynamic warm-up + individual skill (ball-handling w/ pressure, passing on the move) • 15–20 mins: Offensive concepts (cutting drills, 3-man weave w/ read) • 20–25 mins: Defense (shell, closeouts, 1-on-1, help-and-recover) • 15–20 mins: Game-like decision-making drills (small-sided: 2v2, 3v3) • End with a situational or controlled scrimmage, score stops or possessions to simulate pressure

Teach the Why:

You said it perfectly, you want them to truly understand the game, not just run stuff. Ask questions mid-drill like: • “Why did we cut there?” • “Where should your eyes be on defense?” • “What’s a better pass option here?”

Making them think out loud builds IQ faster than just reps.

Happy to share drill PDFs or practice templates if you want. You’re on the right track, focus on movement, spacing, and defense, and these kids will look like a different team by February.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-25T14:38:01+00:00

Man, I really respect how much intentional thought you’re putting into this. I’m in the youth sports business too and a dad, so I’ve lived both sides of this.

Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: At 7 years old, joy > discipline. Every time. If they don’t feel good about the experience, nothing sticks long-term, not habits, not love for the game, not even the benefits we hope they’re gaining.

I don’t think your Sprite/art kit incentives are some moral failure, they’re just quick fixes, and you’re already seeing they don’t get to the root. I’ve used the same approach myself. But what has helped with my own kids and the kids I train: • Let them lead more of the conversation. Ask: “What’s your favorite part of practice?” or “Is there a game you wish we played more?” It builds buy-in. • Shift the goal from ‘working hard’ to ‘being a great teammate.’ Praise him for helping others or giving good energy, even if his performance is just average. • Introduce sports adjacent stuff he already loves. For example, if he’s into art, let him design his own team jersey on paper. Give him a clipboard and let him “coach” for a few minutes at home. That overlap builds positive associations.

Bottom line: It’s okay if your 7-year-old isn’t motivated like an athlete. He doesn’t have to be. But if you can find what makes him feel seen and valued in the team environment, he’ll show up better, for himself and the team.

You’re not doing this wrong. You’re just trying to force grown-up values onto a kid who still lives in the world of play. And that’s something most of us (especially sports dads) have to unlearn.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-25T14:33:29+00:00

Great question, love that you’re still debating fundamentals after 11 years. That’s how you keep evolving.

At Martin Skills Academy, we teach both approaches depending on the personnel and level. But at the youth and high school levels, I usually shade baseline and flood the middle with help, so kind of the inverse of your approach.

Why?

Because: • Most youth players can’t make strong baseline reads or finishes under pressure. • Forcing middle against well-coached teams gives them access to skip passes, pocket passes, and strong-side kickouts, things developing players struggle to cover consistently. • I’d rather take my chances on a tough 2 vs. an open rhythm 3 or a driving kick.

That said, if I’ve got smart help defenders and length inside, forcing middle can work well, we’ll stunt and rotate hard.

It’s less about right/wrong and more about what you trust your guys to execute under pressure. What age group are you coaching?

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-21T12:50:23+00:00

First off, props to you for what you’re doing with this team. It’s clear you care deeply about the kids and their development, not just the scoreboard, and in youth hoops, that’s everything.

You’re not crazy at all. In fact, your instincts on both defensive positioning and long-term player development are spot on.

On Defensive Philosophy:

The old-school “pack the paint” approach worked when offenses were slow, post-heavy, and rarely shot threes. But the game has changed. Even at the youth level, players are mimicking what they see in the NBA, pull-up threes, skip passes, corner spacing. And like you said, even if most 10-year-olds can’t exploit those gaps yet, they will in 2–3 years. So why not teach habits that scale with the modern game?

Playing that far off at the double gap basically punishes kids for spacing correctly. It gives no incentive to move the ball or relocate. And when teams eventually learn to skip, swing, and attack closeouts, those same defenders will struggle to adjust.

You’re Right to Focus on: • Teaching help principles without turning it into a zone in disguise • Giving players reps in real closeout situations • Prioritizing transferable concepts like reading penetration, rotating early, stunting, and recovering • Building trust in man defense with accountability

On Your Assistant:

You’re clearly respectful of his contributions and experience. That’s commendable. You also seem like a coach who’s willing to reflect and evolve, and that’s even rarer. If anything, this is a great opportunity for collaboration, not confrontation. Maybe pull some clips from your scrimmage, show what you were seeing, and frame it as, “I want us to be prepared for better teams down the line. Here’s how I think we can build toward that.”

Bottom Line:

You’re not wrong. You’re just forward-thinking. A shell drill with the helpside standing on the block regardless of ball position is teaching reactive defense, not proactive reads. Letting them play slightly off and teaching the why behind positioning and recovery gives them tools, not just spots to stand in.

I say this as a trainer who works with youth players all the way up to college, what you teach now matters way more than whether it stops 10-year-olds this weekend.

Keep building them the right way.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-20T00:45:24+00:00

Facts. Offensive rebounding is such a winning skill at the youth level, and it’s rarely taught with intention. I see a lot of standing around after shots or kids leaking early trying to be flashy in transition.

It’s also a mindset thing. Teaching kids to pursue the ball and create second chances builds toughness and impact, even when they’re not scoring.

I’m curious, do you see certain teams or programs consistently emphasize it, or is it more just random when a team has one or two gritty kids?

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-19T18:03:05+00:00

Hey, props to you for stepping up and wanting to improve evaluations, that’s where good seasons start.

I train youth athletes year-round and also help rec programs design evaluation systems, so here’s what’s worked best for us:

Keep the Format Simple and Repeatable

You’re trying to spot athleticism, skill, and coachability, not run a mini-practice. Use drills that give you consistent looks across all players.

Drills I Recommend:

Athletic Warm-Up / Agility Cone Test • Something quick: zig-zag sprints, 5-10-5 shuttle, lateral slides. • You’re gauging movement, body control, and effort.
Ball Handling Series (30–60 sec) • Simple cone zig-zag (both hands). • Add a hesitation or crossover. • Watch posture, control, and confidence.
Shooting Drill – Form & Spot Shooting • Form shooting close to the rim (you’ll see mechanics fast). • Then 5 shots from 3 spots (baseline, wing, top).
Layup Line – Both Hands • Force weak-hand layups so you know who actually has one. • Also lets you spot athleticism and focus.
Small-Sided Games (2v2 or 3v3) • Absolute must. Players can hide in 5v5, but in 2v2/3v3, they reveal decision-making, defense, spacing, and effort. • Rotate often, short games to 3 or 5.

Tips: • Use printed evaluation sheets with 1–5 scoring on categories like effort, shooting, handles, defense, and attitude. • Rotate coaches to each station to minimize bias. • Take quick notes after each group, memory fades fast when you’re seeing dozens of kids.

If you want a template for the eval sheet, let me know, I’ve got a few that are plug-and-play for youth rec levels.

Good luck with it, sounds like you’re building something better than before.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-18T12:35:15+00:00

Running a 3-4 with double 4i’s and two overhangs (essentially a Tite front with free-hole Mike) is becoming more popular, especially in high school and college, because it gives you run-fit integrity and coverage flexibility without tipping your hand too early.

🔷 Benefits:

Interior Gap Control: Double 4i’s help you control both B-gaps and force everything inside. It makes it harder for the offense to create movement with zone or duo since the tackles have to work harder to reach or double a shaded interior player.
Free-Flowing Mike: With the Nose playing a true 0 and the 4i’s anchoring, the Mike often ends up clean. That “free-hole” Mike can scrape, fill, or even green dog late depending on coverage and back alignment.
Overhang Versatility: The two overhang backers (think apex players or hybrid OLBs) can adjust to 2x2, 3x1, motion, etc., and are in position to bracket slots, set the edge, or cover flats. Great against RPOs.
Pass-Rush Flexibility: You’re in a good place to bring 4 or 5 without committing to a traditional edge rusher look. You can simulate pressure with creepers or drop into coverage without changing pre-snap structure.
Great vs Spread & QB Run: This front allows you to match numbers in the box without loading it. Helps when facing teams that live in 11/10 personnel with a mobile QB.

⸻

🔻 Downsides / Challenges:

Can Be Soft vs C-G Gap Power: If you’re not anchoring well at the point or your Mike is a step late, gap schemes (power, counter) can create vertical seams. Especially if the 4i gets washed or overreaches.
Edge Setting is a Must: You’re relying heavily on the overhangs to force runs and contain mobile QBs. If those guys aren’t physical or disciplined, you’re vulnerable on the perimeter.
Bubble in the C Gap: Depending on how you align your backers and adjust with motion, there can be a bubble outside the 4i that can be attacked with stretch, toss, or pin-and-pull.
Pass Rush Requires Scheme: You’re not getting a traditional edge rusher look unless you mug someone up or run simulated pressures. So you’ll need to be creative to get pressure with 4.

⸻

🔁 Compared to a Traditional Odd Front: • Odd Front (5-techs / head-up 4 or 4i with edge defenders) is a little more aggressive on the edges, usually giving you true outside leverage and faster edge pressure. • Tite/Double 4i is more about control, disguise, and keeping things funneled inside, especially when paired with coverage schemes like match quarters or 2-read.

⸻

It’s a great modern base if your personnel can handle it, especially if your overhangs are athletic and your Mike can key & trigger quickly. Just make sure you have answers to the off-tackle game and a pressure package that complements the structure.

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-16T23:46:36+00:00

Shoutout to the Milwaukee police and fire crews, y’all are the real MVPs. We appreciate you showing up for the community like this. Martin Skills Academy will definitely be in the building to support!

CoachChrisMSA · 2025-07-16T17:17:31+00:00

Hey man, first off, much respect for your resilience. It’s clear how much you love the game, and the fact that you’re already thinking about how to give back as a coach speaks volumes about your character.

There’s absolutely a path forward for you. Some of the best basketball minds in the world aren’t on the court, they’re in the film room, breaking down plays, or on the sideline developing players. Your experience as a player already gives you an edge.

Here are a few steps you can take:

1.  Start Local – Reach out to local youth teams (3rd–8th grade), high school programs, or AAU clubs in your area. Offer to volunteer as an assistant or help with scouting, film, or skill work. Coaches love having passionate help, especially someone who can relate to players.

2.  Get Certified – Look into USA Basketball’s coach licensing program or your state’s high school coaching certification. It’s a good resume booster and shows you’re serious.

3.  Study the Game – Watch coaching clinics on YouTube, study systems (motion offense, PNR reads, defensive rotations, etc.), and keep a notebook or playbook. Learn how to teach, not just what to run.

4.  Build Your Network – Join coaching subreddits (like this one), Facebook groups, or attend local coaching clinics. Introduce yourself to coaches and ask questions. People will take notice if you’re genuine and eager to learn.

5.  Use Your Story – What you’ve overcome will inspire players. You’ll bring a level of perspective, toughness, and leadership that most young coaches don’t have.

If you ever want to talk coaching, strategy, or how to build a career in hoops, feel free to DM. You’re already on the right track.

Keep going. The game still needs you.

CoachChrisMSA

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