I came across this “Four Key Points in Coaching” by Stan Van Gundy today in the CoachingULIVE Newsletter.   The CoachingULIVE Newsletter was shared with me today by Paul VI High School head coach Scott Allen.  The CoachingULIVE newsletter is another valuable resource.  Follow the above link, there is a sign up in the right hand column for the newsletter.

Stan Van Gundy – 4 Key Points in Coaching

Players are more valuable than coaches

·      Not to negate your value, but it’s true at any level at least in terms of winning and losing.

·      Must earn respect – not positional leadership where everyone falls in line because the coach speaks.

·      Must communicate and persuade them to follow you – makes you a much better coach (In your face youth coaches)

Be Objective When Evaluating and Talking to Players

·      We’re too often subjective. “He plays hard,” “He’s Lazy,” “He’s committed,” “He’s not focused enough.”

·      What do any of those things mean? Do players ever agree when you tell them that one of their teammates plays harder than they do?

·      Get specific – what does he not do that you want him to do? “You’re not rebounding” “You are missing help assignments defensively.”

·      If he’s not doing something just remember – he either cant or he won’t and it doesn’t matter which it is. Helps you avoid bias, treat people fairly and keep yourself focused to making your team better.

Don’t Get Fooled by “Talent”

·      When most people talk about “talent” they are simply talking about athleticism. (Speed, quickness, jumping, size, strength etc.)

·      This isn’t a track meet – other things matter

·      Skill level is a talent. Intelligence is a talent. Decision making is a talent.

·      Toughness (Mental and physical is a talent) (Energy and Intensity are talents)

·      Forget talent and focus on production and consistency

·      Have to be able to trust your players – its not one or two highlight plays that matter. “We are what we repeatedly do.”

Have to Have a Philosophy

·      What wins games? Do you know? Have you studied it?

·      Difference between philosophy and system

·      Philosophy rarely changes

·      System has to change to adapt to personnel

·      Does what you do fit your philosophy? If my defensive philosophy is to protect the paint, why am I extending my defense and denying passes on the perimeter?

·      Constantly have to talk about your philosophy. Players need to know what they are trying to accomplish even more than they know how (Protect the Paint).