Greet each player by name as they arrive at practice and games. Validate them.
Always remember, we work as collaborators. When that stops, we're done. That applies to relationships among teammates, between coaches, and between the coaches and the team.
Time out in practice...draw up a play. Test our players' ability to read a diagram, follow directions, and execute. Simulate game conditions.
Ask players to present mini lectures on a basketball topic. Engage them in teaching.
We don't treat everyone the same. Red Auerbach had an agreement with Bill Russell. Red would blast Russell to show teammates that nobody escaped criticism and coaching. They learned, if Red can call out Russell, he can correct me. I've had that conversation with top players, "I'm going to yell at you, because you can take it and your teammate might have a problem with that." But she has to understand and agree.
To reduce mistakes, players need to see 'universal mistakes'...playing out of control, watching, sloth in transition, "alligator arm" rebounding, "dead man's defense" (playing six feet under the ball).
Nothing has more power than "I believe in you." A teammate can boost her teammate by reinforcing that message, "you can do this. We need you." Coaches can hasten that process by asking stronger players to send those signals.
When players are in a rut, ask if they’re okay or if anything is bothering them. Showing that we care about them as a person comes first.
Remind them that we’re available for references and recommendations. High school coaches reach out to area college coaches to network and establish relationships.
The best coaches network with youth coaches to promote their program, clinics, and share their experience. Benefits can flow in both directions.
Keeping parents informed about process, expectations, gains, and needs creates goodwill. It’s not perfect or easy. How much is too much? Transparency helps as sunshine is the best disinfectant.