March 03, 2021 | Tagged Coaching
Teamwork: The Great Team Difference
Basketball championship time is the perfect time to watch the great teams compete. The best teams seem to always have that special something. Unity. Cohesiveness. Most simply put, they have teamwork. We talked to former Division 1 College level basketball players and coaches to understand what makes successful teams tick. What sets the winning teams apart form the rest of the pack? The intangibles are actually tangible it turns out.
Here's some advice on creating a crucial element of basketball season success: Teamwork
According to most of the coaches we interviewed, leadership is the essential element of teamwork. It starts with the coach and works through each person. Teams can have the most talent on the court but if there is a lack of leadership, everything falls apart. Leadership keeps a team together. Quality leadership must have a philosophy of service, compassion and justice. A team needs to know they are loved, that their best is expected, their job is to serve others, and there are consequences when we mistreat each other. Everyone wants fairness and strong leadership knows how to nuance fairness in a way that serves the team. Not everyone will be treated in the same style but everyone will be respected.
- Teamwork = sacrifice. Individual commitment to the team to sacrifice yourself for the good of the team. Play for the name on the front of your jersey not the back.
- Work ethic= success. Players effort and work ethic to improve their games on their own will elevate the entire team.
- Love it= Live it. If you love something, you will put in the sacrifice and the long hours. My players know that I believe in them and I expect their very best. They can expect that from me. We walk on the court thankful to play this amazing game. We love it so much we want to be the best.
According to the players we interviewed, having tangible ways to build team unity were important. Here are a few examples we heard from athletes on how to build teamwork:
- The coach or each team member reads a quote and reviews goals for each day of basketball season.
- Practices are posted every day where everyone knows what is expected and what should be accomplished.
- Team breakfasts every Saturday.
- Everyone had to memorize a team prayer which reminded us to play for the team not just for ourselves.
- Building fun experiences away from the court.
- Setting team and individual goals.
- Encouraging each athlete to become their best on and off the court.
Teams that find success find a way to come together through great leadership, love of the game, fighting for a common goal or even through a shared prayer. This tournament time, learn from the great teams what they do to compete together for the victory.
About NBC Basketball
Since 1971, NBC Basketball trains athletes for success on and off the court. Camps focus on skill mastery, basketball IQ, emotional intelligence, servant leadership and personal faith. For more information visit www.nbccamps.com