Jane Gowarty asked:

My 7-year-old son excels in sports, he is a natural athlete. He can accurately throw a football at over 30 mph and a baseball in the 50mph r

Mark’s answer:

In my opinion, at this age, let him just play and have fun. Don't push him in a certain direction. Let him choose when and if the time comes. I coached a kid a number of years ago who was both a standout baseball and football player. He also played bas... Continue reading »

Arend Lock asked:

What is the best offense to run against the 3-1-1 halft court press trap for 5th grade girls?

Mark’s answer:

I'm a fan of picks and motion. Don't allow your players to bunch up. Remember, pass against the zone, don't dribble. As Leanne said, invite the trap. That will always leave one of your players open for a pass. And unless the passing lane is so open you... Continue reading »

Jane Gowarty asked:

My 7-year-old son excels in sports, he is a natural athlete. He can accurately throw a football at over 30 mph and a baseball in the 50mph r

Mark’s answer:

He obviously throws hard. Make sure he is using good mechanics or he will be very susceptible to injuries.

Kate Dacy asked:

Any ideas for a simple press break play for 5th grade girls

Mark’s answer:

I like a variation of Greg's, especially against a man press. The 3 inbounds while the 1 and 2 start at the elbows. The 4 is around mid court and the 5 drifts all the way down to your free throw line. The 3 slaps the ball. The 2 cuts across the lane to... Continue reading »

Nels Mc Elhaney asked:

What to do with a player (10) who is very talented but lacks competitive drive, almost has a nervousness.

Mark’s answer:

I've seen this before as well. At lot of it is a confidence issue. Confidence is a difficult lesson to teach. Try to set him up to succeed. For example, if you are running a set offense, design something where you know he will be able to do it and do i... Continue reading »

Jason Zakhar asked:

Are there any good basketball drills that can be taught to 4 year olds, Id like to keep it fun but yet still have them learning

Mark’s answer:

At 4 things have to be quick and easy. Work on co-ordination drills. Counting as they execute things will be fun and a little competitive. Pick a number, say 10, and have them do an activity that many times. Start with them standing still and dribbling... Continue reading »

Paul Miles asked:

Iam 6'4 and the tallest so I play center on my team but I play better at the guard. How do I get my coach to respect the fact Im a guard?

Mark’s answer:

I have a friend who is 6'9" and played center/power forward on a final four team a couple of years back. He jokes that he's a guard stuck in a center's body. What is the best part of your game? Do you have a great outside shot? Can you drive?

Talk to... Continue reading »

George Valdovinos asked:

If my son is 5' 10.5" and weighs 155lbs, is it too early to have him start doing strength training? On a limited basis of course.

Mark’s answer:

I agree with all of the above. Your son needs to grow into his body. Basic calisthenics to help develop core strength is a huge key for young athletes. Also, aerobic exercise to build up wind and stamina.

Mike Ballou asked:

how to get my daughter to not be afraid to catch the ball ? she wasn't like that until this year .

Mark’s answer:

Something obviously happened to scare her off of catching balls thrown by teammates. First, I'd talk to her and ask her what happened. Then, if she talks and depending on what she says, work out a way to help protect her. Face masks and other pads can ... Continue reading »

Tate Allen asked:

whats an average batting average for a 13 yr old kid?

Mark’s answer:

Coach Moore is pretty much right on. But 13 is a strange age because some kids are developing faster than others. This can affect average in two ways. I remember playing on a team at that age and we had two lefties develop into amazing pitchers. They a... Continue reading »