By Shane Dreiling

Dealing with a Problem Player:

1.       Problem players steer their teams off course.
2.       Problem players must be dealt with immediately. They cannot be ignored.
3.       Confront problem players honestly and head on.
4.       Appeal to the problem players’ sense of pride and respect.
5.       If things progress poorly, confront the problem player in front of their teammates.

Dealing with a Star Player:

1.       Try to build a special relationship.
2.       Remind your star player that with added ability comes added pressure and expectations.
3.       If taught well, the star player can benefit everyone around them.
4.       Some practices, remind your star player to take no shots. Force a teammate to step up.

Have your Priorities in Order.

1.       God must be #1.

• Treat everyone with respect. Class and good character are never out of season.
• Develop your spiritual being.

2.       Family is #2.

• Helps develop your faith.
• Your first true team situation.
• Dwell on the positives.

3.       Education is #3.

• Be a well rounded member of the student body.
• Work just as hard in the classroom as you do on the basketball court.
• Education leads to an intelligent mind.

4.       Athletics is #4.

• If you do something for a child they can do for themselves, you weaken them.
• Develop a sense of pride and respect for your team.

Monitoring Academics

1.       Grade reports go out every other week. Players have two days to return the form to the basketball staff.
2.       Make the faculty a part of your program and allow them to give input on how to improve your operation.
3.       Meet with players individually to review grade reports. Make sure they know this is important to you!
4.      Whenever possible, have an academic advisor.