Everyone agrees that we need connection - coach to player, player to player, coach to coach. What ingredients cook that special stew?
1. Make communication and connection top priorities. In What Drives Winning, Brett Ledbetter emphasizes:
Person > Player
Have an authentic interest in players, their families, and their goals. We should remember there is a backstory to every player. A player at practice sacrifices family or study time. Here's a repost of a Sherri Coale story:
The Stoics say to listen neither to praise nor criticism. Parents can inflict withering disapproval. Sherri Coale discussed the player whom the team thought was selfish. "You're not happy unless you're scoring." In a team meeting, the young woman cried, "my father won't talk to me if I'm not scoring." Comparison with other players exacts a price. We've all overheard conversations we wish we hadn't. When we praise Pietra, realize that Paula or her family may feel slighted.
The Stoics say to listen neither to praise nor criticism. Parents can inflict withering disapproval. Sherri Coale discussed the player whom the team thought was selfish. "You're not happy unless you're scoring." In a team meeting, the young woman cried, "my father won't talk to me if I'm not scoring." Comparison with other players exacts a price. We've all overheard conversations we wish we hadn't. When we praise Pietra, realize that Paula or her family may feel slighted.
2. Praise the praiseworthy. Correct and be demanding without being demeaning. As Pat Riley says, "catch people in the act of doing something well."
3. Share gratitude. Everyone values appreciation. Thank everyone for their effort and sacrifice to make the team successful.
4. Be consistent. Bring energy. Keep advancing our team's story of improved offense, defense, and conversion. The coach is the keeper of the story.
5. Be accountable. Recognize my errors and commit to reduce not repeat them. Work on respect and fairness. I spend a lot of time making up lineups to distribute playing time with balance of ballhandling, scoring, rebounding, defense, and toughness.That doesn't mean equal time. I avoid playing certain players together with less toughness...for both their well-being and the team's. I'm far from perfect.
Lagniappe:
The video illustrates various ways players communicate to get more from each other.
Lagniappe 2: practice imperfect. Last night's practice schedule outline - in a developmental program (middle school), add value to skills and game understanding.
I always enjoy seeing other coaches' process.
SLOB, "Zipper Away" plus option