K-2 Coach's Clinic - Summary

BUZZARDBALL K–2 COACH HANDOUT (Sport Courts Fitness)

Goal: Fun, confidence, safety, and learning the game. K–2 is a teaching division—keep it positive and moving.

1) Officials & Coaching Mindset

• Officials are trained high schoolers who also help teach the game (not just call it).

• Patience early (Weeks 1–2): We’ll get into a strong rhythm by Weeks 3–4.

• Priority: minimize hard contact and keep the environment safe.

2) Sport Courts Fitness Flow (Keeping Sundays Smooth)

• Two courts: Front = Court 1 | Back = Court 2

• Benches are in the middle between the two courts (look for laminated bench signs). Court 1 benches are in the middle of the court with the HOME team sitting to the right (if you are facing the benches; like watching the KINGS on TV). The Court 2 benches are on the outside.

• Enter through main doors. Exit through cardio-room exit door after your game.

• Help us stay on time: subs fast, move to benches quickly, and exit promptly after sportsmanship line.

Parent communication tip: Tell parents “Court 1 = front, Court 2 = back” + bring chairs if desired (soft-bottom recommended).

3) Equipment

• Ball sizes:

  • Kindergarten & 1st: 27.5 rainbow (lighter)

  • 2nd grade: 27.5 regular

• Teams should bring the game ball (label it).

• Wristbands (provided): used to teach man-to-man — “Guard your color.”

• Water Bins will be provided at the end of the benches to house the players water bottles

4) Game Format & Subbing

• 16-minute halves (designed for flow and less rushing).

• Subs every 4 minutes (clock stops).

  • Best practice: Coach clearly sends the next 5, then handles wristbands at the bench or half court.

5) Key K–2 Rules (Big Ones)

• NO stealing the dribble (game-changer for confidence).

• ✅ Steal a pass | ✅ Block a shot | ✅ Grab loose ball

• ❌ Take the ball from a dribbler’s hands

• Defense pickup is slightly beyond half court (gives the dribbler space).

• No free throws.

• 8-foot hoops.

• Warm-up on your bench side only

6) “Buzzardball Specials”

Freeze Play

• Ref calls “FREEZE!” Everyone freezes except the player with the ball.

• That player gets a shot attempt (sometimes more than one).

• Creates great moments and helps game flow.

End of Game = Sportsmanship

• High-fives/fist bumps line is non-negotiable. Teach gentle, respectful sportsmanship.

7) Fair Play & Rosters

• Give jerseys exactly as assigned (helps staff learn names now; critical later in older divisions).

• K–2 coaches do not turn in sub grids,

• K-2 coaches are encouraged to use the Game Roster for organization purposes and learning the use of the sub grid and equal play.

8) Communication & Problem-Solving

• Coaches are the primary communicators—please remind families to report absences.

• We will do everything possible to avoid forfeits and keep games happening.

• If a coach-to-coach issue comes up (defense, physicality, etc.), do not address it on-court—go to the site director privately.

Quick Reminders to Tell Parents

• “Court 1 front / Court 2 back.”

• Arrive early, listen for microphone announcements.

• Chairs optional; snacks after the game (ideally outside).

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Thank you for coaching. You set the tone for the entire experience.