Seoul, South Korea – Former professional basketball player and current KBS N SPORTS commentator Kim Eun-hye recently conducted a training session for youth basketball coaches, focusing on effective game management strategies, including the often-underestimated power of strategic fouling.

Focus on Strategic Fouling and Game Understanding

The training, held on February 25, 2026, at the Hongdae Bu High School Gymnasium, was part of the 2026 KBL Youth Coach Academy 4th Term education program. The academy aims to provide coaches with a more systematic and professional approach to youth basketball development.

Kim Eun-hye, who played 342 games in the WKBL, shared insights based on her extensive experience as a player, and commentator. She emphasized that fouls, when used strategically, can be a valuable tool in game management.

Fouling is not a bad thing. You have to be able to take full advantage of it.

Kim Eun-hye

Addressing Challenges in Youth Basketball Coaching

The session wasn’t without its challenges. Kim Eun-hye noted that coaches often grapple with teaching appropriate levels of physicality and avoiding unnecessary injuries. She acknowledged the difficulty in balancing encouragement with safety.

In fact, This proves difficult for children to hit on purpose or defend strongly. Also, there are many cases where they are hesitant to commit a foul for fear of injuring the opposing player. You can say, ‘Be strong,’ but you cannot say, ‘Hit,’ and I am always worried about how to control the level. It is a question that any on-field leader can fully sympathize with.

Kim Eun-hye

She stressed the importance of helping young players understand when and how to utilize fouls effectively within the rules of the game.

Beyond Strategy: Fostering a Love for the Game

Kim Eun-hye’s message extended beyond tactical considerations. She underscored the importance of cultivating a genuine passion for basketball in young athletes.

I hope that teachers will use this time to convey more of the joy of basketball to children. I think that youth basketball is a process of making children like basketball rather than teaching them how to win.

Kim Eun-hye

The KBL Youth Coach Academy is designed to improve coaching capabilities and leadership through a practical, field-oriented curriculum.