Inspired by a coaching clinic put forth by Basketball New Brunswick, I've come to realize that perhaps I should put on paper what I have had defined for a while now; CULTURE.
Roy Rana was the keynote speaker for this basketball clinic. He challenged everyone (all coaches) to define certain words that we use all the time. These words were: Elite, High Level Performance and Challenge the shot. His point was that he hears coaches use these terms all the time but explaining what they mean is often times neglected. I pride myself on being a "why" coach. When Coach Rana mentioned that, it made me realize that I did not do a good enough job of making sure all my players understand what exactly a term means for me. For now though, I will limit myself to culture.
Culture is how you live your days with your team. What is acceptable, tolerated, discouraged or a cardinal sin. Norms and values would fall into this. I am a very vocal coach. For the two hours of our practices, I will not shut up. Key words and phrases (another blog for another day perhaps) are always being directed to my players. I am not a big fan of using the whistle simply because I want my players to be sharp with their listening skills. So there you are, #1- Listen
1- All players must listen at all times. The game is so dynamic and fast today. Things change rapidly. Players need to change quickly as well. They miss a "memo", that is a turnover. In practice, I get all my players to repeat the last part of my instructions. Other than it reinforcing my point on listening, it also sounds pretty good as a group of 12 yells out at the same time what I just finished saying.
2- Be accountable to one-another. A coach can only do so much when it comes to building a high performing quality team (high performing means going hard every day). If the players do not buy-in, then it will never happen as quickly as it should. When players police themselves to honour the norms and values of the team, that is when true chemistry (chemistry means every player knows their role and fully accepts it) happens. This accountability will eventually trickle down to practice and game play. That is when I know I have a special group. A championship group!
3- What is absolutely not acceptable- Values
This one depends on what level I am coaching. High School will differ from university aged players and university aged players will differ from the pro ranks. So I will stick to the basketball side of things which is consistent no matter what level I am involved with at the time. Although when it comes to Values, there is much more involved than just basketball.
In practice, if we have a drill where there is no defense and a turnover happens, that is unacceptable. We are running a conditioning drills and the outside lane is not wide enough, that is not good. In shooting drills, not cutting hard or missing bad (if the shot is missed and it is not a center front or center back miss, that is a bad miss) is unacceptable. A lose ball on the floor (or a 50-50 ball) and nobody dives to try to get it. I will lose my mind! Missing a screen or not waiting for the screen, I will lose my mind! Missing a box-out, I will lose my mind. Shying away from taking a charge, I will lose my mind! Not hustling over to aid a teammate off the floor when he is down, I will voice my disapproval. After a score in a game or practice, if the player that has scored does not acknowledge his teammate for the pass (or screen or whatever), I will lose my mind! A simple point to the guy is all that is needed there. If someone makes a "momentum shift play" (those are diving on the floor for a lose ball, taking a charge, hitting a three or getting a big dunk) and the entire team on the bench does not erupt in cheer, I will be very unimpressed.
4- How do we go about our business- Norms
No matter the level, it is all about respecting the game. Absolutely no individual is larger than the game. Professionalism is the key word (that means approaching any situation with one goal in mind, to do the job as best you can). Be on time and ready to go. That means on time is at least 30 minutes before practice and at least an hour before games. That time is to be used for getting ready for practice. Tape jobs are done, general body preparation done (use the hallways), practice jersey on and tucked in, and skill work put in. When practice starts, we are in our first full court team drill. We are not waiting for anyone. At half-time of games, as soon as I come in the room to debrief, everything gets quiet immediately. After the game, the jerseys and sneakers stay on. Nothing comes off until I am done addressing the team on what went well, what did not go so well and what we will be working on at next practice. On away trips, the game uniforms are on a hanger and not thrown in the player's gear bag. On video session days, bring water with you and a small snack. But most importantly, bring your notebook!
5- Be gracious (appreciate what others are doing for you to be able to do what you do)
My players need to give credit where it is due whenever it is appropriate. There's this idea out there that sport is all about bullying and the strongest will survive. To an extent, it is true. I most certainly have a very aggressive approach to coaching. However, there is a time (mostly once practice and games are done) that we can allow ourselves to be a bit more human. I always encourage my players to make an effort to reach out. High School players reach out to their teachers or tournament organizers for example. University guys to get involved on their campus outside the gym area (and not exclusively at the campus pub). To thank minor officials for their efforts. Pros get involved with their community. Give back to not-for-profit organizations that rely heavily on endorsements. Go up to a referee and...........................well..................just keep walking!
For me and what I try to do as a Head Coach, it is really all about building that culture with my teams. Sometimes it happens quickly. Sometimes not so much. But one thing is for sure, it will happen and when it does, winning follows regularly.
Agree or disagree, that is fine. Feel free to share your thoughts on team culture.
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