Traveling team philosophy

Traveling Team Concepts

 Overall Philosophy  

  • We strive to enhancing our youth basketball player's athleticism and skills.
  • Basic fundamental skills are taught and built upon as we move up the levels.
  • Team concepts and competition become more important towards the higher grade levels.
  • Drills and techniques will be incorporated at all levels to enhance athleticism.
  • Players are required to attend a tryout session.
  • Players will not be cut.
  • A minimum of 8* players per team 

Grade-specific Philosophy

          Grades 3 and 4

                        Emphasis

  • Enhance athleticism through individual and team skills
  • Promote a love for the game

Teams

  • Teams will be divided equally based on the selection process.
  • With few exceptions, teams will be maximum of 10 players.
  • An Elite team will be selected based on player evaluation process.

o       Players are not obligated, if chosen, to participate.

o       Maximum of 8-9 players

Tournaments

  • Each team will be scheduled to play in 4 Hoops Club sponsored tournaments. 
  • Tournaments normally will run from Nov.-Jan.
  • An Elite team will play in an additional 3 Hoops Club sponsored tournaments

o       Start at the completion of 'regular' team play thru Mar. 

o       There is an additional cost per player for these 3 tournaments.

            Grades 5 and 6

                        Emphasis

  • Enhance athleticism through individual and team skills with the addition of incorporating a more competitive environment
  • Promote a love for the game

Teams

  • Teams will consist of an Elite team and a Hoops Club team(s).
  • The selection process defines team rosters.
  • With few exceptions, the Elite team will be maximum of 8-9 players.           

Tournaments

  • Each team will be scheduled to play in 7 Hoops Club sponsored tournaments. 
  • These 7 tournaments will run from Jan.-Mar.
  • Special note regarding private and public school players

o       Private school players that play on their school team will start tournament play at the conclusion of their season (early Jan).

o       Players that are not on a school team can participate in additional tournaments in Nov. and Dec.

  • These additional tournaments are in addition to the 7 Hoops Club sponsored tournaments.
  • There is an additional cost per player for these tournaments.

Grades 7 and 8

                        Emphasis

  • Enhance athleticism through individual and team skills in a competitive environment while maximizing their roles on the team
  • Promote a love for the game

Teams

  • Teams will consist of an Elite team and a Hoops Club team(s).
  • The selection process defines team rosters.
  • With few exceptions, the Elite team will be maximum of 8-9 players.           

Tournaments

  • Each team will be scheduled to play in 7 Hoops Club sponsored tournaments. 
  • These 7 tournaments will run from Jan.-Mar.

Notes

  • If there are too many players for two 5-8 grade level teams, the Traveling Team Committee and Hoops Club will determine if an additional grade team is needed and can be supported financially and resources are available. 

Selection Process

  1. Players are required to attend a tryout session. 
  2. An independent committee will evaluate each grade level, rank the players and submit the evaluation to the Traveling Team Committee. 
  3. The Traveling Team Committee will then use a weighted average of the independent evaluation and player readiness to select members of each team.
  •  
    • Tryout sessions dates will be posted months in advance. 
    • The tryout session will determine the individual and team skill levels of each player in relation to other players in that grade. 

Independent Committee

  • The purpose of this committee is to evaluate players in an unbiased setting. 
  • Consist of minimum of 3 individuals
  • Appointed by the Traveling Team Committee
  • Can vary from one grade level to another

Coaches

  • One head coach per team. 
  • One assistant coach is allowed on the bench at game time.
  • Head coach and assistant coach are appointed volunteers at all grade levels 
  • The Traveling Team Committee appoints the coaches using the following as a guideline:
    • Background check
    • Previous evaluations
    • Basketball knowledge for the grade level
    • Coaching experience
  • For appointed coaches
    • It is required to attend one of Coach Schalow's Coaches Clinics. 
      • Valuable information will be communicated in these clinics and each clinic will vary.
    • It is required to attend at least 1 KHS practice in the first 2 weeks of the season.
  • Additional non-appointed volunteers are allowed and encouraged for practices
  • Coaches will be evaluated at the end of the season
  • Head coaches are responsible for additional tournament summaries, stats, equipment, etc. as defined in the Coaches Responsibilities (yet to come)

Tournaments

  • Teams normally play 3 to 7 games
  • Most tournaments are played on Sat. and/or Sun.
  • Elite teams often require more extensive travel and thus additional costs

Practices

  • The entire grade will practice together
  • Grades will have overlapping practice sessions throughout the season
    • Example
      • Part 1: Grade 3 will have a team practice
      • Part 2: Grade 3 and 4 will Drill for Skill and have common instruction
      • Part 3: Grade 4 will have a team practice
    • Advantages
      • Optimize available resources
      • Drill for skill/common instruction sessions
      • Provide a competitive environment sometimes missing for skilled players within a grade

Youth Basketball Coordinator(s)

  • Parent relations coordinator
    • Meets with parents to communicate traveling team information
  • Tournament coordinator(s)
    • Organizes the Hoops Club hosted tournaments
      • Includes mailings, awards, officials, etc…
  • Instructional coordinator
    • Leads 'drilling for skills'
    • Assists coaches with all aspects of the game
    • Actively participates in practices
    • Ensures Hoops Club basketball fundamentals are being taught correctly and consistently across grade level

 

NOTES:  

  • Playing time will not be equal for all players.
    • Due to the cost involved for families (club membership, jersey / equipment, travel expenses) it is imperative that this privilege has been earned.
  • Parent(s)/Guardian(s) - Please direct any constructive criticism of your child's team/program to the head coach and/or assistant coaches at an appropriate time (Never at a playing venue). 
  • This is a club sport and is not affiliated with the school district.
    • All questions should be directed to Brian Roebke - Director of Basketball Operations, Rob Radlinger - Vice President, and Mike Schalow - Head Basketball Coach / and Hoops Club member. The Kaukauna Area School District does not run this program or make decisions in the program. Please do not contact them regarding the program, they cannot help you.