Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Basketball: Becoming More Effective

In Finding Forrester, Sean Connery explains how he provided some of his words to help his protege find his. 


By reading widely we find other's words as catalyst for ours. How do 'older adults' find common ground with much younger student-athletes?

1. Listen to them. Sometimes we find they are not so different. It's important to recognize they are often 'experience-oriented'. 

2. Understand their relationship with technology. They communicate and function via their phones - texting, taking photos of play diagrams or other data, and are tied to the Internet. Some programs have 25 minutes on and 5 minute 'phone breaks'. Professional programs often share video, playbooks, and other information via tablets. 

3. Add value. Value returns to minutes, role, and recognition. Helping players build skills, game understanding, and athleticism gets appreciated. 

Adding sources to grow reading and writing skills translates to their academic performance. Players recognized my commitment to lifelong learning. 

Give and get feedback. "What does this mean to you?"

What's the AI Take from ChatGPT?

Effective communication between older coaches and young players is crucial for building trust, improving skills, and creating a positive team environment. Here are some strategies older coaches can use to communicate better with younger players:

  1. Use Clear and Simple Language: Avoid jargon or complex explanations. Young players often benefit from straightforward, concise instructions.

  2. Be Relatable: Share stories or experiences that young players can connect with. Relating lessons to their everyday lives can make your advice more impactful.

  3. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in what players have to say. Listening carefully helps you understand their perspective and build a stronger rapport.

  4. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment where players feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their thoughts. This fosters trust and openness.

  5. Provide Positive Reinforcement: Focus on what players are doing well in addition to areas for improvement. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and motivation.

  6. Be Patient and Understanding: Recognize that younger players may need more time to grasp certain concepts or skills. Patience and empathy go a long way in helping them learn.

  7. Adapt Your Approach: Tailor your communication style to fit the needs and personalities of individual players. Some may respond better to visual cues, while others might need more verbal guidance.

  8. Encourage Teamwork: Foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Emphasize the importance of working together and supporting one another, both on and off the field.

  9. Use Technology Wisely: Utilize video analysis, apps, or other tools that can help players understand concepts better. Technology can be a great aid in visualizing techniques or strategies.

  10. Be a Role Model: Demonstrate the behavior and attitude you expect from your players. Leading by example helps reinforce the values and standards you want to promote.

  11. Offer Constructive Feedback: When providing criticism, be specific and focus on how players can improve rather than just pointing out mistakes. Constructive feedback is more likely to be received positively.

  12. Engage in Fun Activities: Incorporate enjoyable drills or team-building exercises that make learning more engaging. Fun can be a great motivator and helps build stronger connections.

Lagniappe. To get better at defense, defend! 

Lagniappe 2. About a third of games are decided by two or fewer possessions. Attention to detail often defines outcomes in those games. 

Lagniappe 3. Read defenders and separate.  

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