David G. Faucher shares his successful "full-participation model" of coaching youth basketball in this Baffled Parent's Guide. Faucher, the head coach of the men's basketball team at Dartmouth College, covers creating good habits, offensive skills and defensive basics, dealing with parents, first aid and safety, and game rules.

"An excellent guide to teaching kids about the game. There's something here for veteran coaches as well as beginners."--Larry Bird

"Whatever your coaching credentials, your greatest responsibility is to give each player a positive learning experience."--David Faucher

"Here's a book I would recommend to all youth coaches."--Jill Kearney, recreation director, Norwich, Vermont

"I like Coach Faucher's philosophy, his approach to coaching kids, and his enthusiasm."--Jeffrey Thomas, youth coach, Richmond, Virginia

"Easy to follow and comprehensive. A clear and inspiring picture of how to play basketball and how to coach basketball."--Tom Bertocci, youth coach, Thomaston, Maine

"An excellent guide to teaching kids about the game. There's something here for veteran coaches as well as beginners."--Larry Bird

"Whatever your teaching credentials, your greatest responsibility is to give each player a positive learning experience."--David Faucher

Coach. You thought you were just going to sign up your child for the youth league. Now here you are, a newly anointed coach. You didn't ask for it, but it happened anyway. Now you need help.

Don't despair. This complete guidebook will not only get you through it but will help you become the coach you'd like to be--the coach who can give your kids the sports experience they deserve. You've already taken a big step: you said "yes" to this important commitment. Congratulations. You'll have a great time, and Dave Faucher is here to help.
Survive your first practice and first game
Win over problem players--and parents
Know what to do in game situations
Reach all your players
Work with girls and boys
Match your drills and strategies to age and ability
Make it fun and rewarding
Be the coach you never had
Generate enthusiasm
Improve your players and your team

"Here's a book I would recommend to all youth coaches." --Jill Kearney, recreation director, Norwich, Vermont

"I like Coach Faucher's philosophy, his approach to coaching kids, and his enthusiasm." --Jeffrey Thomas, youth coach, Richmond, Virginia

"Easy to follow and comprehensive. A clear and inspiring picture of how to play basketball and how to coach basketball." --Tom Bertocci, youth coach, Thomaston, Maine

David G. Faucher, head coach of the NCAA Division I Dartmouth College men's varsity basketball team, began his coaching career at a junior high school. He honed his positive, learn-by-doing approach to coaching basketball over a career that spans 25 years. Dave is also director of the Dave Faucher Basketball Camp, a nationally acclaimed summer youth basketball camp, which he founded in 1984. Dave lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three sons, all successful basketball players.