Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ankeny Centennial Basketball Club
1. What training do the coaches have?
A: The high school coaches and their staffs are very involved in laying the groundwork for the ACBC program in terms of what we focus on, teach and how we lead the teams. All coaches have a direct line to the HS Staff. During the season, the Directors of Coaching will provide a consistent coaching curriculum for all ACBC teams, assistance with practice plans, and will always lead the Weekly Skills Sessions with each team. The Director of Coaching will also observe each team on a monthly basis throughout the season.
2. Are coaches evaluated on their performance?
A: Yes, all coaches (Head and Assistant) are evaluated. Our Club Presidents are hands on and work to observe each team on a regular basis, they also work closely with the Grade Level Directors throughout the season to share feedback, answer questions and provide guidance.
At the end of each season we use an anonymous, on-line survey. The results are then used to help determine the coaching staff for the following season. The results are shared with the coaches to establish the actions necessary for improvement.
3. What is the difference between the Black and Silver teams?
A: In order to field the most competitive teams and allow for players to compete and develop with teammates of the same skill level, the Black team is selected by the coaches during tryouts as the players with a higher skill level. Consideration also goes into making a well-rounded and cohesive team that plays well together. Team size will typically be between 8-10 players.
*Note: At the 2nd, and 3rd Grade Level we utilize the first couple weeks of practice to evaluate the players and then make both teams as even as possible.
4. Do the Black and Silver teams practice or compete against each other?
A: We encourage the teams of the same grade level to practice with and scrimmage against each other periodically. The teams may also play against each other if they happen to enter the same tournament.
5. How many games will each team play?
A: Each team is given a budget to use when determining how many games/tournaments to play in each year, and the location. Teams may play in as many games or tournaments as they want, which each individual coach will determine (in coordination with the parents): 1-2 tournaments per month on the lighter side, or, up to 2-3 tournaments per month on the heavy side. The board will consult with the coaches on what has been successful in prior seasons considering each age group. For the younger age groups (4th and under), a good mix of weekly league games and some tournaments has been effective. For the older groups (5th grade and older) most teams have played primarily in local tournaments. There are plenty of tournaments available in the Des Moines area that are suitable for a variety of talent levels.
6. Do the coaches set goals for the players or team?
A: Yes, team goals are set at the initial team meeting and shared with parents. It is important that the coaches, players, and parents are aligned when it comes to the goals, expectations, time, and dedication needed for the season.
Individual goals and expectations are set during the course of the first few weeks of practice as the coaches get to see the players compete in practice and assess their strengths and weaknesses.
7. How does one become a coach?
A: The ACBC board accepts applications from interested applicants in the weeks leading up to tryouts. If available, non-parent coaches may be preferred but ultimately the jobs will go to the most qualified applicant in the eyes of the board. Assistant coaches are selected by the Head Coach in conjunction with the ACBC Board, with consideration given to the head coach's recommendations. Background checks are performed on all coaches.
8. How is game playing time determined?
A: The ACBC program is about developing player skills and fundamentals while also providing a successful and competitive experience. Consequently, playing time will be at the coach’s discretion. We ask that coaches try to maintain relatively equal playing time through the season but individual playing time may vary during each tournament.
9. How are players evaluated during tryouts?
A: Players are evaluated by a selection committee on the areas of:
a) Basketball fundamentals – ball handling, defense, dribbling, passing, shooting, etc.
b) Athletic ability - speed, agility, jumping, foot speed, etc.
c) Mental – Hustle, attitude, aggressiveness, etc.
12. Why can’t we get more gym time, or why can’t we use a gym in our school district?
A: Gym time is a precious commodity in any community, and Ankeny is no different. We have partnered with Kingdom Hoops to provide more consistent options for our teams (consistent days and times).
All Ankeny school gyms are managed through the City Park & Rec Program and are subject to a ‘lottery system’ to get gym time. The problem with going with this route exclusively is that we can’t guarantee consistent times, or locations throughout the season.
13. What training is available during the off -season?
A: We work closely with the HS Coaching Staffs to get in some offseason Skills Sessions that are ran by the HS Coaches. In addition the HS Coaches offer different summer camps for additional training. We are working on expanding our offering in this area in the near future.
14. How often should we expect to practice?
A: All teams should expect to practice at least twice a week, 90 minutes each session, with 45 minutes per week under the leadership of our Director of Coaching who focuses exclusively on skills/fundamental development. F
15. How can I get involved with ACBC?
A: Contact the ACBC Board, or Grade Level Director to let them know your desire to be involved and they will let you know what opportunities exist.
