Developing a Team of Leaders

One of your many jobs as a coach is to teach LEADERSHIP to your players. Below are some key points that I think you should stress to your players daily.

- You firmly believe that the best interest of the team must always come first.

- You will exchange blood, sweat, and tears for the benefit of the team.

- You play and know, without a doubt, that you have competed like a champion.

- You understand that basketball is a team sport.

- You hustle and give everything you have got on defense.

- You make mistakes and use them to improve instead of using them as excuses.

- You do the little things right when no one is watching.

- You give more than what is asked and take less than what is deserved.

- You think you can, and you do.

- You play without the option of defeat.

- You are willing to dive on the floor after every loose ball.

- You play with pain without creating a scene.

- You encourage and cheer for your teammates when you are not in the game.

- You are a "trail blazer" and not a follower.

- You do not allow others to talk negatively about the team or individuals associated with the team.

- You expect and demand the best from your teammates.

- You take pride in keeping our facilities clean and neat.

- You volunteer your time and energy for the betterment of the program, not asking "what's in it for me" or "how much money are you going to pay me."