Basketball coaching Philosophy Part 1
Every coach has to develop his/her own philosophy. These ideas will be given in a three part series. If you don’t see any ideas that may have worked for you, by all means comment!!:)
1. Be yourself
It’s very important that whatever your style of coaching is, you must always be yourself. Especially when it comes to your temperament. If you are out-going, be out-going. If you are quiet, be quiet. If you are a screamer, scream (within reason). Don’t try to be like some famous coach that you idolize. Certainly, there may be many excellent ideas and qualities that you can and should learn from successful coaches(say….Pat Riley or Doc Rivers), but incorporate them into your own philosophy. Whatever your style is, be agreeable and, without compromising your principles, be someone that is easy to work with. As a coach, you have to interact and deal with a lot of people… players, administration, faculty, parents, assistants, opposing coaches and players, officials, fans, etc. We all like working with someone who is agreeable and easy to work with, and someone who follows the rules and is respectful of others.
2. Your teaching style
How do you expect to convey what you know to your players? Coaching basketball is teaching… teaching not only fundamentals, how to play the game, and team skills, etc., but also life skills. Be well-prepared for practices and games. Encourage players. Be positive. HAVE A PASSION FOR THE GAME!! If you are enthusiastic and upbeat, this will spill over to your players and everyone around you. If you are enthusiastic and upbeat, this will spill over to your players and everyone around you. Also, value each and every player on your team. This means that the 12th player on your squad should feel as important as your star player. This is all very important in developing your team spirit and chemistry.
3. Be organized
Everything must be organized… your practices, game routines, schedules, year-end banquet, team camps… essentially your entire program. Make sure practices end when they are supposed to. If you think practice is going to run a little late, allow extra time. Let your players know so that parents are able to get the information. Have your “paperwork” done… scorebook entries, stats sheets, your school’s athletic code of rules and policies, etc. Make notes and reminders so that you don’t forget to do things that you have promised to do. Surround yourself with good people… loyal, dedicated assistants who share your passion for the game.
4. Be open, learn from others
Everyone will have something to say about what you’re coaching style. Learn to weed out what really won’t help you. All great coaches have learned what they know from other coaches and players. Don’t take the attitude that you have all the answers and are the greatest coach to ever walk the earth. Be humble and eager to learn from others.
Come back next week for Part 2!!
