Kelly Adams - Food for thought
Food for Thought as you Begin the Basketball Season
Now that the season is officially underway, there are a few things you may want to consider as you head into the active part of this season. Many people simply continue to do as they've always done- simply because it's familiar- but it's important to recognize that each year players change, new ones join the team, and even the ones you know have undoubtedly grown and changed since last year. Hopefully this is true for you as a coach as well.
As is the case with teaching, mentoring, counselling or working with people in general, the most important thing is to figure out who it is you are dealing with. Who are my "learners" this year? and What particular skills and talents are they bringing to the team? Having a team meeting at the beginning of the season is a great way to open up these questions and get some ideas. Usually players are great at recognizing and identifying what others are good at, and acknowledging this from the outset sets up a great dynamic to work from as coach.
The next step is to take time and give thought to what particular goals you want to reach with your team this season. This should be based partially upon step one above. The team should be in on the discussion, as even the younger age groups (Atom/ Bantam) can certainly express and commit to what they want to happen for their team. It's important to get buy- in from each player, as every coach knows that if players are not committed, then nothing happens except much frustration on the coach's part. Each player should have individual goals as well, and these need to be monitored and adjusted along the way. This gives everyone involved a sense of accomplishment.
Ground rules and expectations regarding practices, tournaments and fundraising should all be discussed with the team- and the parents- at the outset. That way there are no surprises. In my experience, it's best to meet with the parents separately, again, making clear any expectations you have of them, and of course listening to and hearing what expectations they may have of you! Even if their expectations are not realistic, it's good to know what they are so you can clarify how you see the season progressing.
Finally, sending out a small survey to see what parents are interested and available to help out with various tasks is a good way to involve parents, and truthfully, to keep them occupied in healthy and productive ways that will not interfere with your coaching. There are many former basketball players and coaches who are now parents, and it's a fact that they can become somewhat overzealous at times, attending practices and offering unsolicited advice. Other parents are totally supportive and positive and are a pleasure to work with!
So as you head into these next few months of hard practices, tournaments and travel, remember why you are coaching... for the love of the sport and for the love of the players!
Cheering you on,Kelly Adams
Please send any feedback or inquiries to Kelly directly, or to jeremysims@rogers.com.