Find one question to add. To know our players, ask better questions. I'm not asking, "what's the best way to deodorize a gym bag?"
At tryouts, we don't get time to ask players questions. That's too bad. The more we catch people doing something right, the better we make them.
Writer David Mamet explains dialogue. We talk to get something from other people. Do we understand our players' mindset and motivation? Is basketball important for them?
What "better" questions should we ask? Know that "why" can intimidate people more than "how" or "what."
"What value will you add to the team" instead of "why do you want to make the team?" This reorients the question from "what's in it for me" to "what's in it for us?"
"What are your expectations for your child's experience on the team?" I haven't asked parents this question but should. Exaggerated emotion follows an imbalance of expectations. We buy a lottery ticket for a buck and win $100. Whoopee! A kid makes the team, yet isn't an impactful player or on the floor in crunch time. "The coach is an idiot."
"How have you prepared to be a better athlete, more skilled, and more knowledgable about the game?" Coach Wooden gave every player a basketball before they left for the offseason. It wouldn't come back in mint condition after the summer. Players have so many resources available now. Invest in yourself. "Do more to become more. Become more to do more."
"What does being a good teammate mean to you?" In Teammates Matter, Alan Williams discussed having made Wake Forest as a walk-on, trying out again as a junior after a coaching change. When walk-on tryouts occurred, his teammates showed to cheer him on. It says a lot about them but even more about him. Not everyone can be a great player. We choose to be a great teammate.
"Share an example of how you've succeeded or learned after failure." Humility balances arrogance and doubt. This classic interview question and a thoughtful answer belong in player's and our toolkits. Maybe a player has overcome illness or injury, a tough family situation, or academic problems. We want to fight for kids willing to fight through adversity.
Summary:
What's in it for us?
Set expectations.
Invest in yourself.
Choose to be a great teammate.
Find resilient players.
Lagniappe: More from K.J. Smith on attacking the zone
Whether it's zone or doubling the post, the helpside wing will usually be open as both the offense and defense relocate.
Lagniappe 2: The Big Fundamental
Why details make it happen. "Seal and score."
