5 Things Coaches Can Control
I watch a lot of basketball and I’m amazed when i watch games how much coaches worry about items that they have no control over. I’m guilty of it as a player. In fact when i was a sophomore in high school I got over 20 technical fouls mixed in to my sophomore/jv/varsity games. Not good and I probably shouldn’t have even admitted that but the point was that I was worried about things I couldn’t control like the refs instead of just playing the game. Here is my list of things that coaches can control and should focuse on during a game.
1. Preparation: I believe that everything starts with preparation for the game. The best example is one that was close to me and that was Rick Majerus while at Utah. To watch him prepare for a game was amazing. He studied the opposition inside and out and knew tendencies of every player. He even knew what they would run when they needed a basket. Prep is so much more than this though. It encompasses being in shape and playing fundamental basketball. It is about a game plan and execution. Never underestimate the importance of preparation
2. Effort: Every coach has control over the effort of his players and if you don’t think you do then you aren’t a very good coach. The best coaches demand and get effort from each of their kids. I lead with preparation because effort is part of that. Players need to learn effort in practice as far as being expected and coaches need to demand it.
3. Offense: Coaches have complete control over the offense that is run during a game. Preparation again is the key here because the players need to have a solid understanding of the plan and what is expected. When i was in Jr High I shot the ball a lot but it was dictated by the coach completely. He even told other kids not to shoot the ball. We lost a lot of games as a result because the correct mindset wasn’t created with the players and no confidence was given. Make sure the players know the system and what the goal is of every single possession and that should be to have the highest percentage shot taken.
4. Defense: Just like offense coaches have control over the defense and what is called there. Like offense it starts with preparation. In fact this is no different then offense at all in that coaches need to express in no uncertain terms what the plan is on defense and how much effort is needed to be successful.
5. Subs: Coaches have control over who comes in and out of the game. That’s about it.
The reason I keep these simple is because I get a lot of questions about things that aren’t in a coaches or players control. Subs are controlled so worry about them but don’t worry about the opposing coach or how the fans are yelling. Don’t waste time worrying about the opponent throwing cheap shots or how bad the refs are. Worry and work on the things you can control and the game will become easier to manage and coach.
