Coaches always want the same thing, kids who listen, follow instructions, play hard, execute the offense, play defense, rebound, and simply can score. These are the attributes of players who help a coach win games which is the ultimate goal.
So here's a list of things that would make you a "favorite" of your coach:
- Attention to detail. There's nothing that drives a coach crazy like having to repeat the same things over and over again. Don't make your coach re-teach something, listen the first time.
- Paying attention when the coach speaks. When your coach is talking, your eyes should be glued onto them hanging on every word. If you have a basketball in your hands do not play with it, put it under your arm or between your feet so your not tempted.
- Always hustle and play hard. We all know coaches like players who are the hardest workers, so be one of those players. If your coach is having to make comments to you about your effort it is pissing them off. That's a sure fire way to not be one of their favorites.
- Show up to everything. Every single practice, game, workout, preseason, in season, out of season, etc. SHOW UP. Be there for everything the coach offers and it will show dedication. If your coach sees that you're dedicated then you are more likely to become a favorite.
- Production. When you go in the game are you producing? Take a look at your stat line. If you're a post player and you only have 1 or 2 rebounds then you are not producing. If you're a shooting guard and you're only scoring a few points a game then you're not producing. When you are on the court, make things happen... points, rebounds, steals, take charges, play defense. Do something that the coach can look at the stat sheet after the game and see that you're clearly helping the team win.
- Limit turnovers. This is one very much over looked way to get on your coaches bad list. Trust is a very powerful thing in life and when your coach can't trust you to take care of the ball you are not gong to get a lot of opportunity to play. If your coach can't trust you to take care of the ball you're not going to be a favorite.
- Enthusiasm. If you are the loudest, and most enthusiastic player in the gym you are also going to likely be a leader. Coaches always need leaders and this is always a great way to become a favorite of your coach.
- The obvious. Are you the tallest, fastest, best athlete, best ball handler, best shooter, etc. There are certain things that you have to have to win basketball games and size, speed, and athleticism are some of the major ones. If you're blessed with one of these things, you're lucky... if not you better be the most focused, dedicated, hardest worker on the team.
Now, here's a list of things that would quickly NOT make you one of the coaches "favorites":
- Poor attitude
- Lack of hustle and effort
- Lack of focus (doesn't follow instructions)
- Bad body language
- Missed practice, games, or out of season workouts
- Missing layups
- Turnovers
- Can't score, rebound, play defense
Whatever you do, don't get into the habit of blaming your coach for your failures. Take control by looking in the mirror and seeing what you are doing right or wrong. Go through the above lists and see what you do and don't do. Be honest with yourself and if you more resemble the attributes from the first list then you're probably one of your coaches favorites. If you have some of the issues in the second list, then that's probably why you are not one of your coaches favorites.
One last thought... Some of what makes you a "favorite" is out of your control (size, speed, athleticism) but if you really look at the above lists most of it is not. You are in control, it is your choice!
Alex Harris
Evolution Basketball Training
www.evobball.com
Want to talk about this topic? Email me: alex@evobball.com
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