Coaches communicate verbally and non-verbally. Players know where they stand even when we say nothing, perhaps moreso when we say nothing.
What messages never grow old? Greet each player by name upon arrival. Ego and confidence link to our identity.
1 Show that we care about the person and the player. "How are things going for you at home and at school?" What are you reading?
2 "How can I help you do your job better?" Find ways to develop a "performance-focused, feedback-rich" culture. Give players a means to expand their trust and to feel valued.
3 Be specific. Telling a player to "work harder" isn't direction. "Work on your ball-handling with your non-dominant hand to increase your role." Even a strong player can add more through becoming a better leader.
4 "Always do your best." Remind ourselves every day. We will never regret giving our best effort, although many times we won't be satisfied with the outcome. My coach, Sonny Lane reminded us, "I'm pleased but I'm not satisfied."
5 "I believe in you." Some confidence arrives via external sources.
Lagniappe: 5 to 10 second teaching clips ("Great offense is multiple actions")
Walker 1) rejects the screen, 2) finishes off right foot
Marcus Smart doing Marcus Smart things (potential six point swing)
More Smart being Smart.
Screen shot from video above: Celtics double Embiid in the post and have the "Helpside I" defensive alignment BUT with a Horford/Smart "mouse in the house" mismatch with the open corner 3.
Lagniappe 2: Devin Booker Hat tip, Brook Kohlheim
"As cliché as it sounds, I know everybody says it, but my main objective is to win and make the right play every time down court.”