My copy of The Ultimate Coaches Career Manual isn’t dog-eared or heavily worn. But I refer to it now and then for ideas. Thousands of coaches weigh in with their core principles.
Here's an example: Kathy Delaney-Smith
- Be able to communicate. Be a good listener. Give positive feedback as well as criticism - both are very important and should be done consistently.
- Train minds as much as bodies.
- Have fun and make sure your athletes have fun. Find out what fun means to your specific group.
- Have thick skin and avoid the tendency to defend yourself.
- Listen and learn.
I offer five with the caveat that I believe the game is for the players. Mom would say, “who died and made you king?,” so I know my words aren't going into space on the next iteration of Voyager.
- Truth. Help players embrace the truth about the game, the team, and themselves.
- Transparency. Coaching girls, I emphasized total transparency to promote trust and integrity. Parents were welcome at practice, pre- and post-game conferences. Few attended.
- Teaching. Teach the game - skill, strategy, physicality, and resilience. Teach respect for others including officials and teach sportsmanship.
- Simplicity. Keep it simple. Find ways to get quality shots using spacing, cutting and passing, and finishing. Disallow easy scoring chances for opponents.
- Culture. "It takes what it takes." Teamwork, improvement, and accountability are habits. Progress follows.
Basketball has lost popularity for young people, especially girls who have migrated to volleyball and lacrosse. As coaches, we own some of that. Perhaps the culture of personality will change that.
How can we promote our love of the game, its rich tradition and evolution? Always be learning.
Summary: Coaching Principles
- Truth
- Transparency
- Teaching
- Simplicity
- Culture
Lagniappe. "The ball has energy."
"The pass is a very powerful team builder; whereas the dribble can destroy the spirit of teams and crack the foundation of team play"
— Coach Mac 🏀 (@BballCoachMac) July 3, 2024
- Kevin Eastman
Lagniappe 2. Vision, decision, execution.
A ball screen situation involves multiple players. Yet, a lot of ball handlers become so caught up in what they are doing that they miss opportunities to pass the ball.
— Reid Ouse (@reidouse) July 3, 2024
We need to get our eyes up early! pic.twitter.com/Whgi5MMmmI
Lagniappe 3. Duke 200 Shooting.
“Duke Shooting”
— Hardwood Texas (@hardwoodtexas) July 5, 2024
5 shooters, 5 rebounders, 6 basketballs
5 minutes on the clock, rotate spots every minute
Goal: 200 makes
By coach David Piehler @DavidPiehler pic.twitter.com/Stvf9F1ojD