Coaches cannot read minds. Speak up. Don't let others dictate our belief, work ethic, and self-worth.
Know what you want and go for it. Be 'professional' and seek specifics. Ask for help. You'll get advice but not hand holding.
- What do I need to improve?
- What specific drills or activities should I work on?
- How can I help the team?
- What can I do to impact winning?
- What can I do to earn more minutes?
Seek recommendations in the context of SSPP (skill, strategy, physicality, psychology). Be ready for hard questions and have answers. Don't try to learn everything, but continually ascend.
- Shooting off the catch, off the dribble, off the side dribble, off fakes.
- Attacking off the jab, off reverse pivots, from the wing, in the post (if applicable).
- Attack off the dribble - hesi, negative step, float dribble, hard cross.
- Developing athletic explosion to attack and to contain the ball
- Developing pick-and-roll offense and defense (play 2-on-2)
As coaches, avoid sarcasm, negativity, and teaching learned helplessness. Coaches who bury players on the bench and abuse them psychologically say nothing about the player and everything about themselves. The hardworking player may not earn playing time but deserves dignity and respect.
Boost positive possession-enders (rebounds, scores, steals, and stops) and lessen negatives (bad shots, bad decisions, turnovers).
Activities.
- Play 1-on-1 to develop separate and finish moves (see Kobe video).
- Play good competition and small-sided games (2-on-2, 3-on-3) to build skill with more touches than 5-on-5.
- Working out with a teammate or friend builds confidence and camaraderie.
- Find a mentor. Oscar Wilde had a wonderful quote, "friends stab you in the front." Embrace their honest criticism.
- Find a role. As a young player, I listened when coaches told me defense would get me on the floor and better offensive skills would keep me there.
Help the team.
- "Everyone can't be a great player; everyone can be a great teammate."
- Be a star in your role.
- Be the best practice player you can be.
- Encourage your team.
- "Sweep the sheds..." leave the gym better than you found it.
- Small-sided games get players more touches and shots.
Sometimes more minutes and bigger role won't happen. It's not always in your control. Positivity, energy, commitment, hard work and maturity in the face of adversity earns the respect of teammates.
Key points:
- Coaches can't read minds.
- Ask for help.
- Ask how to help the team.
- Anticipate questions players will ask.
- Emphasize "possession enders."
- Star in your role.
