THE World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC) coaching instructor, Nelson Isley, through the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), is to conduct the FIBA-implemented “Start Coaching” programme for grassroots coaches and conduct a Level 1 Coaches Assessment Clinic for more advanced coaches.

The February 15 – 16 clinic will comprise grassroots coaching activities from the newly published Handbook which includes a coach workbook, activities book, practice plans and a facilitator handbook to support national Federations to promote and grow coaches at the grassroot level, including ex-players, new coaches, parents and physical education (PE) teachers.

According to General Secretary of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Patrick Haynes, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) was lobbied to get Isley to bounce off the coaching programme in Guyana as part of the Federation’s strategic goals to promote basketball coaching at the grassroots level.

“This is the key to making our sport stronger, more popular and enjoyable for all,” Haynes said.

He added that the programme is designed to give coaches starting in coaching practical tips on “how to make learning basketball fun and how to keep players active and engaged. I believe the GABF can use these resources to not only provide valuable coaching information and coaching methods but also encourage and help those interested to start coaching.”

The WABC said they aim to improve the standard of basketball by improving the standard of those teaching the game. Their core activities are dedicated to the basketball coaches’ development throughout the world which includes, among other activities, the organization of multiple coaching clinics worldwide as well as the production of coaching resources in several languages.

In addition, the WABC is engaged in creating and developing a worldwide basketball coaches’ community, which is already composed of thousands of high-level coaches from all countries around the world, with the purpose of creating a platform supporting the basketball coaches’ development through the exchange of knowledge.

The WABC is also highly active in providing input and advice regarding playing and coaching standards and trends to the FIBA Technical Commission, thanks to the WABC Advisory Committee which is composed of current or former National or Head Coaches who have had exposure to international coaching or worked with players who have competed in international competition.