Basketball Coaching: 4 Words Every Athlete Needs to Hear

By Doug Campbell, Dr. Dish Basketball
From the Coach’s Clipboard Basketball Playbook
"Helping coaches coach better..."

This article was submitted by Doug Campbell of Dr. Dish Basketball, makers of the Dr. Dish Shooting Machine.

Coaching basketball is a difficult job. It can be stressful and demanding. Few know the number of hours a high school coach invests trying to get to a conference championship, a section title, or God willing, a state title! Managing the team, the parents and the Athletic Director can create an environment full of frustration or even anger. Along the way, it's easy to forget about the needs of the athlete. These 4 simple words can do wonders for your athletes and your program:

"I believe in you"

These words can take many forms including simple body language, such as a quick nod, knuckles, not turning your back, a smile etc. Every athlete needs to feel you have his back even when mistakes are made. It's a simple yet powerful edge great high school coaches know and possess. The great teams respect their coach and would run through walls for them. This comes not from X's and O's, but from respect and confidence instilled by the coach and the belief that the coach cares beyond the sport. Don't confuse this with not yelling; for many great coaches, yelling is part of their DNA and an important part of motivating the players and the team. Constructive yelling can motivate, hold attention and show passion.

Not every athlete is going to be a superstar or even get playing time, but every athlete deserves to feel like they're worthy and that they contributed to the team. The reward for the high school coach is greater than winning games, it's the knowledge that they are helping to build strong, confident, secure men and women who will contribute to society in a positive way. People who will pass along those values to their spouses, their children, their co-workers and maybe even to their team in the future.

Related pages:

• 4 Ways to Motivate Your Players
  
• 3 Easy Ways To Gain Respect From Your Team
  

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