Game Day

Get ready for game day and keep it fun.

Line-up & rotations

Build a fair sub rotation in seconds — every kid gets balanced minutes.

Before the game

  • Arrive 20–30 minutes early so nobody's rushed.
  • Run a short warm-up — a few minutes of dribbling, layups and passing settles nerves (the Pre-Game Warm-up plan works well).
  • Have your line-up and sub plan ready before tip-off so it's fair and stress-free.
  • Quick gear check: water bottles, the right coloured tops/bibs, and a game ball.
  • Set the tone — keep it light and positive. At this age it's about fun and effort.

During the game

  • Coach in the gaps — a calm word at a stoppage beats shouting every possession.
  • Pick one or two things to focus on (e.g. 'spread out', 'get back on defence'); don't overload them.
  • Praise effort and good decisions, not just baskets.
  • Let them play and make mistakes — that's how they learn. Teach, don't yell.
  • Use timeouts to reset and encourage, not to lecture.

Fair playing time & subs

  • Everyone plays, and as evenly as you can — it's the thing kids and parents remember most.
  • Rotate subs on a regular schedule (every few minutes or each period), not by who's playing best.
  • At these ages, let everyone try different positions — don't pigeonhole a 'centre' at U10.
  • Plan your rotation before the game so it's fair and you're not deciding on the fly.
  • Tip: the Line-up & rotations tool (coming to Game Day) builds a balanced plan in seconds.

After the game

  • Finish on a positive — name one thing the team did well.
  • Give one simple thing to work on next practice, and actually build it into the plan.
  • Thank the refs and shake hands with the other team, win or lose.
  • Keep feedback about development and effort, not the scoreline.
  • Sort the quick logistics: next game/practice time, gear, and the snack roster.

Parents & sportsmanship

  • Set expectations early: at this level it's fun, effort and improvement first.
  • Ask parents to keep the sideline positive — cheer, don't coach or criticise.
  • Model the behaviour you want: calm, respectful, encouraging.
  • Handle mistakes (theirs and the refs') as part of the game — stay composed.
  • Celebrate the whole team, not just the top scorers.