Coach,

This past weekend we were playing a game and the we were on the short end of a very lopsided score, which is ok, since I know our team is inexperienced and still learning.  The problem is that our opponent didn't let up in pressing until the game was way out of hand.  I was so busy coaching my team and I didn't want to bother the other coach, but this could have been avoided I am sure. I coach a 6th grade team.  Any suggestions?

 Coach,

Most leagues now have a pressing rule based on points ahead.  I would think up until the 6th grade, that once a team is ahead by 15 points, they should be made to back up theire defense to inside the 3 point line atleast.  This would allow a team to get the ball across half court and get into an offense before feeling pressure.  Any league below 5th grade, might not want to allow pressing at all, since most players are still learning the game and its rules.  If your league does not have a rule, then you may want to speak to the other coach before the game, and ask their feelings on pressing and if your team is weak, then ask the coach to keep an eye on the score and the pressing so that it does not become a negative situation.  Some coaches might say this is the only time my 2nd team can practice pressing in a game situation, since at that level, practice time is limited.  If that is the case, then as long as you know in advance then that is ok as well.  One time, when we knew one team was that much better then the other, we didn't keep a running score on the scoreboard, and since noone knew what was the real score, the game was still productive for both teams since we knew the outcome was already a given.  Communication and common sense is the key!