Coaching basketball for beginning basketball players is undoubtedly a rewarding experience, but make no mistake that it can be a difficult job. While you will not have to deal with the more real life difficulties of grown men or even teenagers, there are a considerable number of complex challenges unique to coaching youth ball. For one, you will be under the constant scrutiny of some well meaning but oft interfering parents, and you will therefore have to deal with some of the subsequent gripes about playing time or alleged physical overexertion. You will have to decide at the beginning if winning is more important than “having fun,” and realize that your style will be unpopular with some kids and their parents either way. If you decide on the former, and quickly come to realize that even at such a young age there can be considerable talent gaps between different players, then you will be forced to keep some poor youth on the bench for most of the game and earn yourself the ire of his/her parents. If the latter appeals more to you, then some considerable hostility will be directed you way from some of the more talented players and their parents. Depending on how good you are with kids, you will either find the inevitable behavioral problems a walk in the park or considerably distressing. Finally, you will have to come to terms with the fact that you are dealing with amateurs, and you will have to employ every ounce of patience and caring you possess to serve as your players’ coach but also mentor and guide. Despite the possible challenges, there is still no doubt that coaching you basketball can be incredibly rewarding experience.