Colors can signify attendance, achievements or good behavior: such as a brown patch for each practice or game attended; red for hustle or brave play; orange for assists or good defense, etc. Use the patches to reward behavior you want to encourage. Our players loved these and many coaches asked us where to buy them, so we decided to offer them. Parents often make donations to buy them.

De-emphasize the rewards for scoring (players who score a basket get plenty of positive feedback...there's not enough given for assists and other positive actions) and start giving a lot more rewards and recognition for assists and tough, brave play and good defense.

Tip: Give the "Blood Patches" (red patches) out sparingly at halftime or at the end of the game in front of the entire team and even in front of parents...make a BIG DEAL out of brave, aggressive play, even more so than skillful play...not every player can be skillful, but all can be tough, brave and aggressive. The team that hustles the most and is the most aggressive will usually win the game. This is increasingly important at older ages. (It doesn't apply to younger, just have fun!)