What it takes to be a great basketball coach?

Coaching basketball is an endeavor that many undertake but in which few really excel.
While being a good player may be beneficial for a basketball coach, what is perhaps more
important is to have the drive and ability to constantly learn from the game, and to pass
this knowledge on to your players. With that in mind, here are a few tips that may help
you get on the road to being the best basketball coach you can be.

Develop a philosophy for coaching
The ways to achieve this are varied, but it often requires using everything you have
learned from playing, observing, reading, and interacting with others, and using these as a
basis for your own approach to being a basketball coach.

Determine the best offensive and defensive plans
Figure out the best way to approach each game, and break these tactics down to key drills
and procedures.

Keep practices fun
Avoid monotony during practice. When a basketball coach varies practice routines, there
is a better chance of maintaining the interest and focus of the players.

Strive for perfection when teaching fundamentals
Basketball fundamentals are so often key to excellent performance during a game, so as a
basketball coach, you should make sure your players do them right.

Use your players’ best qualities
Determine where the strengths of your individual players lie, and use them where they
can best benefit the team.

Always encourage team effort
While players should be encouraged to perform to the best of their abilities, a basketball
coach should also make sure that each player contributes to the team effort in a positive
way.

Enforce discipline…but be reasonable
Tyrants are feared, not respected. A basketball coach should encourage discipline among
your players, while keeping the personal needs of each player in mind as well.

Build a good relationship with all your players
One of the worse things you can do as a basketball coach is to focus all your energy
into your strong players. When players are under-performing, a little more one-on-one
attention may be all they need to get their game to the next level.

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