For a player, the sine qua non of coaching is "added value." What does that mean?
1. Culture. Players must thrive in the program. I consider positive culture one where players enjoy playing, collaborating, and improving individually and collectively. Anson Dorrance talks about the competitive cauldron producing exceptional results. Balancing competition and collaboration are always a challenge. Compete within drills.
2. Improvement. "Every day is player development day." Coaching staff teach their system, players see individual skill growth, group improvement, and better understanding of the many facets of basketball. Improvement appears in the measurables - offensive and defensive efficiency through shooting percentage, turnovers, assists, rebound percentage - that translate to wins. Teams that can't score don't win.
3. Athleticism. Young players need guidance for strength and conditioning. Training should effect "bigger, faster, stronger" goals. Again quantitative scores - running times, vertical jump, and bench pressing show gains.
4. Resilience. Can we make athletes more resilient? There's data that mindfulness training increases focus, sleep, reduces blood pressure and lowers stress hormones. It literally improves brain density in the learning and memory centers and reduces it in the stress center (amygdala). If we know nothing about mindfulness, then learn. Here's a link to a presentation.
5. Minutes. Players see minutes, role, and recognition as paramount. The best care deeply about teammates and winning. It's hard to measure caring.
6. Relationships. Great coaches build relationships. It takes time and work.
7. Positivity. "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Making practice productive and fun is possible. Coaches and point guards have to bring energy every day. As high schoolers, we warmed up with jump rope exercises. Dribble tag inside the arc and 'capture the flag' engage players and return them to their youth.
8. Professionalism. Prioritize professional habits for young players.
- Be on time.
- Be prepared (equipment, stretching, notebook, playbook).
- Creating high expectations that carry over to home, school, and work.
