FREQUENTLY Asked Questions
What training do the coaches have?
The high school coaches and their staffs are very involved in laying the groundwork for the ABC 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 Director of Coaching will provide a consistent coaching curriculum for all ABC teams, assistance with practice plans, and will assist in planning the Weekly Skills Sessions with each team. The Director of Coaching will also observe each team on a monthly basis throughout the season.
Are coaches evaluated on their performance?
Yes, all coaches (Head and Assistant) are evaluated. Our Club Director of Coaching is 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
What do the teams look like?
We anticipate 1 to 2 teams per grade level with 8-10 players per team. However, adjustments will be made based on tryout numbers. If needed, a third team can be added to keep numbers of teams ideal
1st and 2nd Grade: 8-10 players per team – Teams will be divided equally based on skill. 1st and 2nd grade may be combined.
3rd Grade - 8th Grade: 8-10 players per team – Teams will be divided based on skill level, with an “A” team, “B” team and “C” team if applicable. 3rd Grade may be divided differently after to first few practice (3rd division is subject to change).
What is the difference between the Maroon, Gold and White teams?
In order to field the most competitive teams and allow for players to compete and develop with teammates of the same skill level, the Maroon team is selected by the coaches during tryouts as the players with a higher skill level - the A team. 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 1st, 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.
We intend for the Maroon Team will be a Tournament team and the Gold/White Team will be a League Team. This is based on Commitment Level and Skill Level. If the skill is on the team, that team could be moved to a tournament team.
We would love to have both Maroon and Gold as tournament teams in the future.
Do the Maroon and Gold teams practice or compete against each other?
We encourage the teams of the same grade level to practice and scrimmage against each other. The teams may also play against each other if they happen to enter the same tournament. However, this will be dependent on gym space availability.
How many games will each team play?
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.
Do the coaches set goals for the players or team?
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.
How does one become a coach?
The ABC 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 ABC Board, with consideration given to the head coach's recommendations.
Background checks are performed on all coaches. Apply to coach here!
How is game playing time determined?
The ABC 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. The tournament team will be working to WIN after the pool play games have been completed. Therefore, playing time may not be even during bracket play.
How are players evaluated during tryouts?
Players are evaluated by a selection committee on the areas of:
1) Basketball fundamentals – ball handling, defense, dribbling, passing, shooting, etc.
2) Athletic ability - speed, agility, jumping, foot speed, etc.
3) Mental – Hustle, attitude, aggressiveness, etc.
What is with the gym times and locations?
Gym time is a precious commodity in any community, and Ankeny is no different. We will use the Ankeny Gym Lottery. We are also working on partnering with a local gym 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.
What training is available during the off -season?
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
How often should we expect to practice?
All teams should expect to practice at least twice a week, for at least 1 hour each session.
Our season runs from October through February.
This plan in dependent on gym space availability.
How can I get involved with ABC?
Contact the ABC Board, or Grade Level Director to let them know your desire to be involved and they will let you know what opportunities exist.
Can we bring an ENTIRE team to ABC?
EXISTING TEAM in terms of bringing the team to our club, is a team that contains no player that has played in ABC in a prior season and the team had played as a team in the previous season under a different name.
WEATHER POLICY
What is ABC's inclement weather policy?
Ankeny Basketball Club's weather policy is whenever Ankeny Community Schools have an early release or cancel evening activities due to weather conditions, ABC will cancel as well.
Any practices at an Ankeny Community School Building and Easter Seals are canceled, NO EXCEPTIONS.
For Prairie Trail Sports Complex, PTSC will try to notify by 1pm (however today the storm is not supposed to come until 3pm). They will put a closure notice on their social media.
HOWEVER, suppose Ankeny Community Schools has an early release or cancels evening activities due to weather conditions, in that case, ABC will not require any family or athlete to attend practice, even if PTSC is open. Coaches may use their discretion to use the space as ABC must pay for the space if PTSC is open.