Hello again!
Today I would like to take the time to talk to you about the value of the team and what that should mean to your players. As a team sport, you might think this doesn't warrant the discussion, but from my experience, the meaning of team can vary drastically between coaches and players, between regions and even between players in the same club.
Teamwork is the foundation of all that we do in basketball. Whether in games, practices or just shooting around with friends. If each person is not invested in the success of the other players around them, the team as a unit will not improve at their maximum efficiency.
What is a team?
On the surface, this is an easy question to answer - a team is a group of people playing together. But as we know, there is much more to it. A team is a support group, a training network, and a social circle. Your team is your tribe and your success is intrinsically linked to its strength.
Beyond this idea, there are certain ingredients that any successful team needs to have. The most important being chemistry, depth, responsibility and a clear plan. There are definitely more pieces to the puzzle, but these are essential for continued success. Let's take a look at these in more detail.
A clear plan
If you don't know where you are going, how will you know when you get there?
This may seem a little trite, but the truth behind it is undeniable. The first and most crucial step in building a successful team is having a clear and well-defined goal. The responsibility for creating this goal falls to the coach, but the players need to buy into the goal for it to succeed. This means that you, as a coach, must present the goal to the team in a way that sparks their enthusiasm. Without the players being fully invested in the goal, they will never achieve it. Focus on the leaders of the team and encourage them to push their teammates, positive peer pressure can be an immeasurable force for young players.
Setting clear goals is important, but more important is setting achievable goals. Particularly with youth players whose love for the game is still growing. Set both short and long term goals that are meaningful and measurable. And keep the players informed of their progress towards the goals. Knowing that they are succeeding will drive them to work harder and in turn, be even more successful.
Responsibility
This follows closely behind the first point, in that both the coach and the players must be responsible in working toward the goals of the team. This can be focusing on the same things in practice as you want to focus on in games. Often times, we as coaches get so distracted with the minutia of game strategy, that we forget the big picture. I know I am guilty of this, despite my best efforts to avoid it.
For players, responsibility can wear several masks. From being responsible for their personal health (smoking, alcohol and drugs) to their work ethic in practice to studying the plays at home, their decisions affect not only themselves, but also the team.
Depth
This aspect of a successful team is a little more tangible than the others, but comes as a result of a team-first mentality.
On most teams, there is one clear "star" player. That one kid who was gifted a natural ability for the game. Or perhaps they are simply the kid who plays all day. A friend of mine growing up used to dribble a tennis ball all day long at school, up and down the hallway on his way to class. At lunch he was in the gym, after school in the driveway. He put in the hours and ended up playing college ball.
But, not every kid on the team will have this dedication to perfecting their game. Most will work out almost exclusively during practice time. As a coach, we have to instill a mentality to play each and every drill as if it were a game. Every player has to play hard in practice, not only to improve their skills, but also to improve the skills of the player they are guarding. When each player on the team is challenging the other players, the entire team will grow and improve more quickly. Other than teams that recruit their talent, this is the best way to create a deep line-up.
At the youth level, another extremely important decision coaches can make regarding depth in the line-up is to give all the players (nearly) equal playing time. As the players get older, the playing time can vary more and more, but you never know which kids will fall in love with the game and end up being the "stars". So, give each player their fair shake and put them on the floor. Even if it costs you some wins.
Chemistry
Team chemistry is probably the most influential of all the requirements for a successful team, if not the most important. The balance of personalities and moods affects every aspect of team play, and it's our job as coaches to manage this minefield. Teenage boys will likely have large, but fragile, egos and most young girls will be extremely self-conscious and terrified of the opinions of their teammates. Creating a team-first mentality where criticism is given constructively and mutual respect and support are the norm is a full-time job. But it can be done.
The best thing you can do is to model this behaviour. Be honest and fair with your players and treat them with the same respect you require of them. If they are not performing up to their potential, talk to them about it...like a mature adult. There is no need for name-calling or insulting comments. Now before you start listing off the college coaches who yell and scream at their players, remember we are talking primarily about coaching youth basketball.
Another thing you can do is to really be present with them. Leave your phone in your bag and don't let them bring theirs on road trips, or limit their use (no phones during meals). Talk with your players about their lives outside of basketball. What other hobbies do they have? How are they doing in school? Tell them about your life. As you and your players get to know each other better, you will build mutual respect and the chemistry will look after itself.
The Final Buzzer
Building a successful team is no small chore. But, if you put your heart into it, and help your players to put their hearts into it, you can't fail. Be honest with each other, work hard, chase your goals and accept nothing but 100% effort from yourself and them. Success is right around the corner!