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Preseason Planning Improve your knowledge of basketball and of coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities by attending a Special Olympics training school. Locate a facility that will accommodate your athletes' needs (school, YMCA, church, playground, etc.). Secure the proper equipment. Recruit and orient volunteer assistant coaches. Recruit assistance providing athletes' transportation to and from practice. Schedule two or more practices per week for at least eight weeks before a major tournament or National/State Games. Schedule scrimmages and games against local teams before National/State Games. Ensure that all athletes have been medically approved before the first practice. Obtain medical and parental releases. Establish goals and develop a plan for the season. What must your athletes be able to do by their first game? When do you introduce those skills? How will you build upon them?   Game Concepts Implementation Schedule   The following chart is a sample three-year seasonal plan for introducing game concepts. It has been used successfully in introducing game concepts to low ability athletes. The (X) indicates what is introduced or reemphasized in a particular year.   Concepts 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 3-Second Lane X X X Changing Baskets at Halftime X X X Simple Offense Adding One Option   Adding Two Options X X X   X X     X Simple Defense (attack and defend) Help (close the door)   Box and chaser   Player-to-player X X X X X X   X X     X Fast Break     X Out-of-Bounds Play Basic Throw-In   Sideline   Baseline   Full Court       X X X   X X   X X     X Free Throw Basic Positioning   Go for Steal       X X X     X Jump Ball Basic Technique (two players)   Go for Steal       X X X     X Blocking Out     X

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