Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Why Are Players Hard to Coach?

The Hardwood Hustle podcast. Annotated. 


1. Stop being selfish.
"We empower...there is entitlement...selfish players destroy team chemistry." Build chemistry by thanking teammates. Avoid celebrating self. 

Recognize unselfish plays, actions, and players. Celebrate unselfishness. "That which gets praised gets repeated."

Praise what you value...unselfishness, energy, enthusiasm. 

2. Stop being so sensitive.
"Evaluated experience makes champions." 
"Great players want to be coached." 
Create buy-in. 
How would you describe the player you most liked to play with? Imagine that player. 
"Do you want to have the same values and style of that player?"

3. Stop being lazy. 
Are you working your hardest? Are you taking plays off? Are you fully mentally engaged? Understand, as a coach, the distinction between coaching and teaching. Some players don't understand the difference between hard work and something less. Players don't always know what hard work looks like. Talent will not overcome laziness. "It is disrespectful to teammates and coaches when you only work hard for a visiting coach or recruiter."

4. Stop being ungrateful.
Entitlement is unacceptable. Model gratitude and servant leadership. 

"Is your agenda ahead of the team?"
"Are you working at the highest level?"
"Are you entitled?"