MARCH 2024
“The Inner Workings of a Great Basketball Coach”
Read time: 3 minutes
Becoming a great basketball coach is not just about knowing the X’s and O’s of the game. It requires a unique blend of character traits, effective communication skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate players. Great coaches don’t just teach the game; they build strong connections with their players, instill confidence, and foster a winning mentality. Having had 15+ head coaches and countless assistant coaches just in the period after high school, I have seen more than my fair share of coaching styles and abilities. There are lots of ways that coaches can win games, find success, and be proficient at their job, but those that make a positive impact while doing it are more rare. Let’s explore the makeup of a great basketball coach.
Character Traits
At the core of every great basketball coach lies a set of essential character traits. One of the most crucial traits is leadership. A good coach must lead by example, demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic. They must be able to inspire trust and respect from their players and coaching staff and create an environment of collective ambition. Getting the most out of your players and team is often more about understanding the human side of your athletes and how to get through to them, both as individuals and as a group, than it is about which plays you run or what play style you employ. Throughout basketball history, teams have won with varying philosophies and tactics but the one thing that was largely unchanged in all those cases was the camaraderie and togetherness that the team had fostered. As legendary coach Phil Jackson noted, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”
Establishing Connection with Players
Building a strong connection with players is essential for a coach to earn their trust and respect. Effective coaches take the time to understand each player’s mindset, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. They create an inclusive environment where every player feels valued and supported. John Wooden, one of the most successful coaches in basketball history, believed in the power of personal connection. He famously said, “A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.” Wooden’s approach emphasizes the importance of constructive feedback delivered with empathy and understanding. Communication is a key aspect of establishing that connection with players, and especially in youth sports we find too many coaches who are lacking in this department. A good coach must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both on and off the court, without mistreating and abusing their players verbally. They should be approachable and open to feedback, creating a culture of open communication within the team. Yelling does not create connection, and often negatively impacts the confidence of the players who are on the receiving end. A coach should be stern and demand discipline when necessary but do so while maintaining composure and treating every individual with respect.
Teaching and Motivating
Teaching the fundamentals of basketball is a crucial aspect of coaching. Good coaches break down complex concepts into simple, digestible parts, helping players develop their skills and understanding of the game. They provide constructive feedback and encouragement, helping players reach their full potential. Motivation is a determining factor in a coach’s ability to inspire their team to perform at their best. Legendary coach Vince Lombardi once said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” Going back to the earlier point about the human side of their players, good coaches understand what motivates each individual and find ways to fuel their passion and drive. Thinking that every player will respond the same to a certain approach and style of coaching is bound to cause problems and delay progress.
In conclusion, the road to becoming a good basketball coach is paved with dedication, leadership, and a genuine desire to help players succeed. By embodying the essential character traits discussed above, focusing on establishing meaningful connections with players, and effectively teaching and motivating their teams, coaches can make a lasting positive impact on the lives of their players both on and off the court. More than winning games, personal or team achievement, or any other measurable statistic, the feeling of making a significant positive impact on a player’s development and experience in the sport is what all coaches should strive for.
Written by: Nem Mitrovic