Running an Efficient Youth Basketball Practice

Basketball practice
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Based in Southborough, Massachusetts, William Shields has spent more than 16 years with Manulife Financial in Boston. The Southborough resident previously worked for Davis Marcus Partners, also in Boston. In his role at Manulife, William Shields oversees capital raising initiatives throughout the American, Canadian, and Asian Markets for the firm’s commercial real estate investment activity. During the winter season, William Shields coaches both boys’ and girls’ youth basketball. Guidance for running an efficient youth basketball practice includes the following.

Prepare a practice agenda and distribute to your assistant coaches in advance. An agenda will keep the practice flowing smoothly and ensure that time is allocated appropriately. Be sure to allow adequate time for numerous, yet brief, water breaks.

There should be limited downtime in practices (other than water breaks). Kids are easily distracted and it is time consuming to regain their attention once lost. Also, keep lecturing to a minimum. Most young players learn better by performing. 

Start all practices promptly with the “Kentucky Layup Drill” or another simple and competitive drill. Those players that arrive late for practice can simply be directed by a coach to join a team for this drill upon their arrival. This timed and competitive drill teaches one of the most important concepts in basketball: making a layup under pressure. 

Give extra time in practice for the “3-on-2-on-1 Drill”. This drill keeps all players involved in the action and allows for multiple teaching moments when a coach can pause the action to provide guidance. Also, it is recommended to make all drills a competition as it greatly assists with keeping players engaged. 

For the younger ages, skill development is much more critical than teaching set plays. Younger players will greatly benefit from general dribbling, passing, rebounding and shooting drills. Set plays should only be introduced at the junior high level; however, it is encouraged that basic basketball concepts, such as the “pick and roll” and “give and go” be taught at a young age. 

Allow time to practice foul shots. Practicing foul shoots at the end of practice is ideal as the players are tired, which simulates a “game-like” atmosphere.

View a New Destination from the Top

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
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William Shields of Southborough, MA enjoys travel. When visiting a new city or region, William makes it a goal to visit a high point, such as tower or mountain, to obtain an aerial vantage point of the surrounding area. The view from the top can reveal an area’s population density, general topography and proximity to bodies of water. Additionally, a new and unique view may also unveil new sites to see. Southborough’s William Shields has experienced the following views from the top.

Eureka Skydeck, Melbourne, Australia: The Eureka Skydeck provides visitors with an unobstructed aerial view of Melbourne. Eureka Tower is the tallest building in Melbourne and its observation deck is open year-round. It offers stunning views of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Another legendary view from the Eureka Skydeck is the famous blue tennis courts of the Australian Open.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France: The Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most intriguing architectural achievements and its views from the top don’t disappoint. The tower’s top platform is the highest public observation deck in Europe. Views from the top include the entire City of Paris and surrounding regions.

Victoria Peak, Hong Kong: A tram takes visitors to the top of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong where they can witness and appreciate the population density of Hong Kong. Views from the peak include Kowloon Bay and the Hong Kong City Skyline.

Babson College's Open Enrollment Program

Southborough, Massachusetts resident William Shields oversees loan origination processes as an assistant vice president within the real estate group of Manulife Financial-affiliate John Hancock. In addition to holding a bachelor’s in sociology and an MBA in finance and real estate, William Shields graduated from the Leadership and Influence Executive Education Program in 2018 offered by Babson College, located less than half an hour’s drive from Southborough.

Babson College offers intensive professional development programs for individuals interested in advancing their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Programs range from two to five days and are held on the main Babson campus in Wellesley, Massachusetts, as well as Babson Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

While most programs cater to experienced mid-to-senior level executives, some specialized programs are more open. For example, the Price-Babson Symposium for Entrepreneurship Educators and Global Symposia for Entrepreneurship Educators are open to academics from all backgrounds, while the Entrepreneurial Family workshop welcomes parents and their teenage children. 

Other popular programs focus on issues and topics concerning women and leadership, strategic planning, and innovation.