IBCA Mentoring Program

Mentoring Program for Young and Experienced Coaches

The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association believes that kids need good coaches—coaches who understand that basketball is about much more than wins and losses. Our players need positive role models, mentors, and teachers who use the game of basketball to prepare young people for the game of life.

Choose your role, point in the season, and current challenge to create a practical next-step plan.

Practical guidance for the work beyond X’s and O’s—staff, culture, parents, planning, practice, game management and leadership.

Mentor Schedule
DateFormatTopic / Focus
September 21, 2026EmailProgram Welcome & Activation — First contact welcoming everyone to the Mentor Program; encourage IBCA membership and discuss available benefits. Set up the AEA Institute Activate 7 Program for new head coaches.
September 28, 2026EmailActivate 7 Debrief — Review findings from the Activate 7 Program, pillars of the program, and goals for the season and team.
October 5, 2026EmailMentor/Mentee Introduction & Preseason Preparation — Mentor introduction to mentee; preparation for upcoming tryouts; feeder program development; fundraising; working with parents; social media; practice planning; and establishing a strong program culture.
October 25, 2026VideoRound-Table: Season Preparation — Group discussion focused on preparing coaches and programs for the upcoming season.
November 9, 2026EmailBasketball X’s & O’s — Drills, motion offenses, defensive concepts, quick hitters, and scouting reports.
November 22, 2026VideoRound-Table: In-Season Challenges — Discussion of early-season challenges, general coaching questions, and offensive/defensive concepts.
December 14, 2026EmailMidseason Leadership & Culture — Maintaining program culture, staying sharp and focused at midseason, and handling the ups and downs of the season.
January 11, 2027EmailTournament Preparation — Tournament preparation, postseason mentality, and positioning the team to peak at the right time.
January 24, 2027VideoRound-Table: Tournament Preparation — Group discussion on preparing teams and programs for tournament play.
February 8, 2027EmailPostseason & Recognition — End-of-season nominations, voting, and establishing goals for postseason play.
March 29, 2027EmailSeason Wrap-Up & IBCA Clinic — End-of-season reflection, program evaluation, lessons learned, offseason planning, and preparation for the IBCA Clinic.