Any time you ask a coach about his or her pet peeves, you are bound to find this on their list:
Highly skilled players that are uncoachable.
I have had a few in my years of coaching, as has every coach who has put in enough years. And there is really very little the coach can do about it. Because coachability is not a skill that can effectively be taught externally. Coachability is up to the player, not the coach. It is a mindset that requires constant hard work, attention, and self-reflection.
One of the biggest problems, though, is that most uncoachable players don’t even realize they are uncoachable. Most of them would be blown away to find out that the problem isn’t their coach. It isn’t their team. Or the gym. Or the ball. It is them that is causing the frustration and making life so hard.
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So, how do we fix it? Before a player can become coachable, they have to understand what being coachable is and what the benefits of being coachable are. Then, and most importantly, they need to have an honest desire to BE COACHABLE. Without this initial growth mindset, players will not be able to evolve and will be stuck in their current loops.
So, what does being coachable look like? This is probably a little bit different for every coach, but I think most coaches would agree that the following are all attributes of a coachable player:
• Accepting that there is more to learn
• Welcoming feedback, even when it is negative.
• Gratitude for coaches that care enough to demand your best
• Appreciative for the opportunity to play
• Seeking development over achievement
And now, what are the benefits of being coachable? Well, they are plentiful. But the key advantages are:
• Improved team chemistry
• More playing time
• Stronger and more rewarding relationships with teammates and coaches
• Enhanced learning efficiency
• Improved mindset for clarity of thought and objective consideration
And all of these lead to greater success both on and off the court. The ability to accept criticism for what it is, constructive information from someone who cares about your improvement, rather than taking it as a personal attack is something that will reap lifelong benefits. As will the improved relationships that are forged among teammates. These athletes could be your best friends for life.
Now that we know what coachability looks like and we are aware of the benefits, we can move on to something a little more hands-on. Becoming more coachable. Here are 10 ideas that players should come to terms with to improve their coachability:
• It’s not all about you. Coaches are human too. They are allowed to have bad days. You have no idea what is going on in their lives. They could be having family problems. Problems at their day-job. Their bad day is their issue and is likely a result of something other than you. So, get over yourself.
• Coaches are multi-faceted people. Most coaches have spouses, children, friends, and jobs beyond their responsibilities as a coach. You are important to them, but you have to respect that you are not everything to them.
• Your coach wants you to be your best. It may not always feel that way. Their words may not always come out right. But coaches want their players to find success. On the court and off. Trust that they have your best interest at heart.
• Show gratitude. Say thank you more than you think you should. Thank your coaches for the countless hours they put in planning practices, scouting opponents, attending clinics, editing film. Thank them for demanding your best and caring about you and your success. Thank them for their constructive criticism, even though you don’t feel thankful.
• Maintain eye contact. When someone on your team speaks, specifically when your coach is speaking directly to you, look them in the eye. Nod your head to show that you are listening and that you understand. If you want to be respected, you have to act respectable and respectful. Hold yourself to a standard of social behaviour befitting a champion.
• Accept that others are human too. Your coaches and teammates will make mistakes. Their outside lives will sneak into practice. Their feelings can be hurt as easily as yours when they are not respected or appreciated. Take the time and make the effort to pick them up when they are down. Say at least one positive thing to every player during each practice.
• Never roll your eyes. This should be a no-brainer. It is such a disrespectful gesture. It is immature and highlights your shortcomings more than your victim’s.
• Listen to what is said, not how it is said. In the heat of the moment, most people struggle to find the “right” way to say things. Try to be understanding of that. Practice makes perfect and it will get easier in time, but not taking offense to criticism will open you up to a world of potential improvement and assist others to effectively communicate their help to you.
• Speak up. Communication is everything. If you have something to say, don’t bottle it up or mumble under your breath. Speak up and communicate it in a mature and respectful manner. Let your teammates and coaches know what you need. Whining about something is not a solution, but rather a problem that will grow and hinder you and your team’s ability to grow.
• Be on time and prepared. Very few things will affect your coach’s opinion of you more than showing up late or unprepared for training. Show up early and clear your mind of any outside interference. Take a moment to focus on your goals and your plan for achieving them. Remind yourself how grateful you are for the opportunity to play the sport you love, that you have a coach that gives their time and energy to help you be the best version of yourself, and for your teammates that are sharing in your journey and you in theirs. Prepare yourself to be at practice, in body, mind, and soul.
So, you have your tools and your task. It’s time to get to it and start being more coachable. Will it be easy? Absolutely not! You have a lifetime of bad habits to break. Take it slow and set reasonable and attainable goals. If you need help, talk to your coach about mindset training. If they don’t know how to help you, get a new coach! 😉
Mindset training should be a part of every individual and team practice. It sets players up for accelerated improvement and greater success.
So, clear your mind and hit the hardcourt. Great things lie in wait for you!