CORVETTE HOBBY 

              COACHING CLINIC :Part 3 

         COACH-PLAYER RELATIONSHIP

BY: Roy McNeill

COACHING CLINIC:Part #3  Coach- Player Relationship . The relationship between a coach and his players have a direct and affirmative correlation with the player's performance. Athletes play harder for coaches they believe in and for coaches that believe in them.

1. Coaches give  your players some latitude. Players need a chance to establish their own identity, giving them more independence is important in their development of skills and their role as a team player. Use an offensive and defensive system that are structured , but also offers an opportunity for risk taking and freedom to explore players unique talents.

2. Coaches decide on rules and discipline in advance. It is important for the coaching staff to have a discussion, on rules , regulations and consequences so that they all can be on the same page. Whether you ban players from playing  a game or cut back on their playing time or make them run additional lapse or do community service or whatever , set those rules and consequencest in advance.
If the player or parent says it isn't fair, then you can communicate to them that this was presented to the team at the beginning
of the season and the punishment is fair and was agreed upon by the players and staff. Then, stand your ground and follow through with

the consequences.

3. Discuss being at practice on time.' "Give players time for study hall , dressing and appropriate autonomy. But coaches you need
 to always know where your players are. That's part of  the coaching responsibilty. If it deems necessary, require them all to be in
 one location prior to practice or game time.  But that depends on the team and  how responsible they have been." There should be a

 serious consequence for missing practice and not being at practice on time without a valid reason.

4. Talk to players about risks. Whether it's drugs, driving, or dating, your athletes need to know the worst that could happen.
 Give your players a game plan. Tell them: "If they are in a bad situation and their only option is getting into a car with a drunk driver or

 doing something illegal ,unsafe or harmful,  TELL THEM TO CALL YOU!!! ....Even if it is 3:00 in the morning.( Safety First / Ask Questions Later).  Help players figure out how to handle a  potentially dangerous situation. "Brainstorm with your players and help them come up with a solution that feels comfortable that they may encounter in social situations.

 5. Coaches you must emphasize Team-Family . Help your players form a bond. The relationships that can be develop from playing on a
team can carry-over to later life. These high school memories maybe the greatest memories some of your players will ever have
in their life time. The friendships made on a team can be special , as coaches it is our responsibility to help develop that rapport and
togetherness among our players.

6. Coaches you must preach cleaniness, pride  and good hygiene to your players. Have your players dress-up on road trips. No sagging
pants, or shirts hanging out. Make sure your players are well groomed. Coaches do not embarass your players , but for those that do not have , coaches we must make sure they are not negleted.

7. Coaches keep your doors open. Don't interrogate your players, but let them know you are concern about them as a person and not just as an athlete.  .  Let them share their problems without you being judgemental. Tell them that they may not feel like talking about what happened right now , but if they feel like talking about it later, your door is open. Coaches you maybe the only person your players can turn to in a difficult situation.

8. Coaches Let your athletes feel guilty. They should  feel badly if they have hurt someone or have done something wrong. They need to feel bad sometimes. Guilt is a healthy emotion. When players have done something wrong or broke team rules, we must hope they feel bad, we  hope they feel guilty." These feeling can be used as a deterrent for future misbehavior or  bad decisions. Coaches don't Baby your players, life is tough . We as coaches must help our young athletes learn how to cope with life's adversities. 

9. Coaches be a role model. Your actions , even more than your words , are critical in helping your players adopt good moral and ethical

 standards,  If they have a good role model from early on, they will be less likely to make bad decisions in their later years.

10. Finally, coaches we must emphasize the priorities in their lives. God , family , Academics and then Basketball. Although as a coach, basketball maybe our bread winner or maybe our life , but we should not make basketball the top priority for our athletes. But, by all means , it has to be in the FINAL FOUR.  "I like that (Final Four), I should have thought of that before I retired"