Confidence in coaching

When you hear Raheem Morris, the young Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, speak you hear a person with incredible confidence. As coaches, we know that confidence in players develops from demonstrated ability. Coach Morris is an example from whom we can all learn.

Currently, ESPN is running a series of profiles in promotion of "Content of Character" - a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. (this year is the 25th Anniversary of MLK Day). In the profile of Coach Morris, his friends and players (including veterans) commend him for his passion, commitment, dedication, and a little bit of swagger. He endears himself to his players because he really tries to understand what is happening in their lives, and he works hard to connect with each of them. One of the best lines in the commentary is a quote from Coach Morris, one that clearly demonstrates his confidence, focus on being positive and believing - "in order for there to be a reality, there must be a mentality."

Strong coaches do this

Look around the sport of basketball, at many different levels, and you will readily notice several commonalities of the quality programs run by strong coaches. Some features include:

• teaching - they believe that players need to be taught, not simply told, not just sport skills but team culture and life
  
• sharing - personal and program growth develops from sharing, encouraging communication
  
• promoting - through networking and community-building, programs realize great gains (get the message out!)
  
• inclusion - being open, bringing people together, adding talented assistants and people-connectors is invaluable
• passion - when others may have run out, leaders still have plenty left and do what others may not
  
• positives - leading by example, maintaining focus, never being satisfied with average, not allowing letdowns
  

Relationships with players

Head Coach Buzz Williams and his Marquette program continue to offer great insight into their practices, philosophies, and their program. In a recent clip (courtesy of the Marquette Athletics YouTube channel and 3 Penny Films), Coach Williams works with his players in order to make connections.

Two excellent statements jump out for coaches - 1) "I've got to count on the people I'm supposed to count on" and 2) I love our players based on their heart, toughness, and mentality (not based on their talent). Enjoy the brief clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHLHouigvpc

Get more from camp

Summer and basketball camps go together like lemonade and ice. The COBA player development series of camps is continuing this week. Once again, players are enjoying a high level experience and are being stretched from their comfort zones. In general, coaches owe it to their players to help them get the most out of camp experiences. Some tips regarding camps:

• research camps, near and far, and always have updated camp resources - match the intensity and demands to the goals of the camper
• take two pairs of court shoes (whether indoor or out) in order to alternate and dry
• bring OTHER shoes (i.e. sandals) to give feet a break from basketball footwear (put on asap after sessions)
  
• take more socks than any other item of clothing
• pack a water bottle (proper and regular hydration is essential)
• maximize learning - bring a notebook and pen and, for future development, take notes after each session
  
• be outgoing, make new friends, work smart, and ENJOY the week
  

More excellence from Coach K

Take time to find out what makes a person who they are - their passions, dislikes, their views, what is important to them, etc. Coaches need to know their players. Players need to know their coaches. After all, teams are comprised of people and those people will determine team outcomes.

Coach K at Duke, despite how he is sometimes portrayed in the media or by opposing fans, is most definitely a people person that cares about others. Like him or not as a coach of a certain team, as we all are, he is to be respected. When you read the following article from Andy Katz of ESPN.com, you will gain another perspective on an excellent and caring coach along with a likely deeper level of respect.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/columns/story?columnist=katz_andy&id=4961273

Is it any wonder that the phrase (especially in coaching) "people won't care how much you know until they know how much you care" is used so often? At least now you know just how much a very busy and successful coach from Duke cares.

Individual work with a coach - why?

So much of a coach's responsibility is team-oriented. However, there is much to be gained (toward team goals) by working individually with players. When coaches work one-on-one with a player, they:

• develop a deeper trust
• strengthen that relationship
• show an interest and make an investment in them (as a person)
• can then push them harder in team practices
• generate goodwill that can (hopefully) be counted upon later in the season
• promote the individual responsibility aspect of improvement
  

In appreciation of mentors

Once again, as the world joins together for the highest in winter athletic competition, wonderful and positive stories have emerged. Beyond the skill and excellence currently taking place in the arenas and on the slopes, some of the best stories have long been written and are now being shared.

When time allows, do a search using words such as "inspirational coach" and "coach mentor" and you will uncover a host of great examples of coaches that lent a helping hand at an important time in an athlete's development. Go to the following bio for an example - www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=12150.html#hansen+profile+olympic+difference+makers. The stories underscore and reinforce what many coaches already knew - that they can make a difference. If nothing else, the current games should be re-energizing for coaches. Yes, there are many ups and downs in the journey of any coach. However, coaches should never underestimate the positive difference that they can make in the journey of each and every athlete. Many of the stories being shared of late are those of a coach simply offering their time, showing that they care, providing help with no expectation of compensation or reward - good and true values. Be proud to be a coach and remind yourself that you are in a position to make a positive contribution in the life of every young athlete.

Philosophy - tools for a coach

In the ongoing development of their program's philosophy, many coaches are looking for tools that will help them emphasize certain aspects - both during the season as well as in the quieter times. With that in mind, give some thought to:

• in practice, if there are two consecutive turnovers then there should be some sort of consequence for that poor action
• no matter your style of play, and no matter how many players you want to play, the season reaches a point when you must know your top eight players and not be afraid to shorten your bench
• TEAM IS EVERYTHING - anybody that complains about another person behind their back is NOT on board (they are a drain when they need to be a fountain)
• support each other - we ALL need help
• when running scrimmages in practice, remove one ball from the available pile after every turnover - when all of the balls are gone, there should be a consequence
• recognize that not everyone is coached the same way - players need to earn the right to make mistakes (hence, each will play with a shorter or longer leash) - overall, this will help with team success both on and off the court
  

Ideas and expectations for my Assistant Coaches

Philosophy

• get to know the players – coaching is all about relationships
• challenge me and ask questions
• don’t be a locker room lawyer – players complain to me
• nothing is told to you in confidence by a player – player must understand that
• everything WE talk about is in confidence
• absolutely no drinking or partying with the players
• no cell phones at practice, games, meetings, etc.
  

Practices

• breakdown drills – most will be mass taught
• during team drills, take a responsibility – defense, offense, rebound – EVERY MISSED BOX-OUT/T-UP SHOULD BE POINTED OUT
• coach/teach/communicate
  

Games

• check the scorebook
• contact news media with game results
• pick up videotape/statistics on the road and at home
• keep me informed about fouls, shot clock, time and score
• offer suggestions
• coach players when they come off the floor
• MAKE SURE I ACKNOWLEDGE IMPORTANT INFO