The Mind of Coach ...
Every player wonders it from time to time ... "What exactly does coach want or not want from me?"
So let's discuss it then.
First, a coach wants you to play your role (READ 5.0 - Finding My Role) within the team. For example, if you are a post player with height then you shouldn't be wandering around the perimeter and throwing up three-point shots even if you do occasionally make them in practice. Additionally, if you are a designated point guard then when you pass to the wing and cut to the basket you shouldn't stop your cut and flounder around under the basket amongst the giants. You should be doing what you do best and more importantly what the coach has asked you to do specifically within the concept of the
So let's discuss it then.
First, a coach wants you to play your role (READ 5.0 - Finding My Role) within the team. For example, if you are a post player with height then you shouldn't be wandering around the perimeter and throwing up three-point shots even if you do occasionally make them in practice. Additionally, if you are a designated point guard then when you pass to the wing and cut to the basket you shouldn't stop your cut and flounder around under the basket amongst the giants. You should be doing what you do best and more importantly what the coach has asked you to do specifically within the concept of the
game plan and team: rebounding the ball, defending the basket and showcasing other skills specific to your position such as a strong assist to turnover ratio for guards or taking set and open outside shots if you are a shooter.
Secondly, a coach wants more than just a shooter/scorer. Most elite high school players can score, hence why we think of them as elite. But every team normally has one player that makes most of the points each game but at the end of the season each team does not have a winning record. Teams with winning records normally have players that have the ability to truly separate themselves from others in the game of basketball. If you want to separate yourself, then you need to defend, rebound, dribble, pass and communicate effectively.
And finally, a coach is normally looking for players that can either play multiple positions very well or are outstanding position skill players. In most cases the position skill player is in more demand due to a lack of these types of players out there. Let's take a look at what I am talking about.
TRUE POINT GUARDS:
A player that plays pass-first and shoot-second, sees the game two passes ahead of the play and throws as many hockey assists (the pass that leads to the assist) as he does 'dimes' (the actual pass before the basket is made giving you an assist). Furthermore and possibly more importantly, a true point guard is the future floor general and must be a vocal leader who's at their best when the game is on the line.
POST PLAYERS:
Players that are athletic and big (either in height and/or size) are hard to come by, especially players with good balance and body control (READ 4.0 - Being a Post Player). Coaches are looking for a player that can block shots, rebound on both end of the court, and score with their back to the basket. Every program needs at least one good post player to compete successfully.
STRETCH FOUR-MAN:
A stretch four-man is in essence the power forward, who most likely can play the three position (small forward) or fill in at the five position (center). But what coaches are looking for in this player is a true face-up power forward that can really stretch opposing defenses with their shooting range. More and more offensive sets are utilizing bigger players to move out of the painted area to square up and knock down shots forcing their opponents to leave the inside vacant in order to defend properly. Think of the 2011 #2 NBA selection, Derrick Williams from the University of Arizona. A big and powerful post that has a good back to the basket game but can also slide out to the free throw line or even the 3pt arc and knock down shots.
SHOT MAKERS (not just shot-takers):
The premium is at an all-time high for players who can create their own shot and shoot the lights out from three-point range. If you can score at ease/will and from distance you will always find and have a place on the team, most likely the starting lineup. Remember that anyone can jack up a 3pt shot and in some cases make a few of them. If you THINK you should be shooting 3's in a game, then you NEED to be making 100+ 3's EVERY day in your workouts and/or practice. Their is a difference between Shot Makers and Shot Takers!!!!!!
So what did we just list? If you noticed we have every position 1-5 up there listed. That means regardless of what position you play or what your role is you have a chance to become a player with excellent and outstanding position skills.\
COACHES LOVE TO SEE: Hard basket cuts, denying the ball to the wing, saying "my bad" after a mistake, and setting solid screens. Making the extra pass, taking a charge, contesting an outside shot, communicating screens, running the floor on the fast break and not picking up your dribble unless you are ready to shot or make the pass. Coaches absolutely love players that go 100% in practice and in games.
COACHES HATE TO SEE: Forced shots, to many dribbles, not playing help defense, whining, not being attentive during time outs, and missing lay-ups. Poor body language, inappropriate language, senseless reaching fouls, not boxing out, and unnecessary fancy passes. Arguing with a teammate, yelling at the ref, and trotting back on defense, all which can be summed up with a lack of effort.
Secondly, a coach wants more than just a shooter/scorer. Most elite high school players can score, hence why we think of them as elite. But every team normally has one player that makes most of the points each game but at the end of the season each team does not have a winning record. Teams with winning records normally have players that have the ability to truly separate themselves from others in the game of basketball. If you want to separate yourself, then you need to defend, rebound, dribble, pass and communicate effectively.
And finally, a coach is normally looking for players that can either play multiple positions very well or are outstanding position skill players. In most cases the position skill player is in more demand due to a lack of these types of players out there. Let's take a look at what I am talking about.
TRUE POINT GUARDS:
A player that plays pass-first and shoot-second, sees the game two passes ahead of the play and throws as many hockey assists (the pass that leads to the assist) as he does 'dimes' (the actual pass before the basket is made giving you an assist). Furthermore and possibly more importantly, a true point guard is the future floor general and must be a vocal leader who's at their best when the game is on the line.
POST PLAYERS:
Players that are athletic and big (either in height and/or size) are hard to come by, especially players with good balance and body control (READ 4.0 - Being a Post Player). Coaches are looking for a player that can block shots, rebound on both end of the court, and score with their back to the basket. Every program needs at least one good post player to compete successfully.
STRETCH FOUR-MAN:
A stretch four-man is in essence the power forward, who most likely can play the three position (small forward) or fill in at the five position (center). But what coaches are looking for in this player is a true face-up power forward that can really stretch opposing defenses with their shooting range. More and more offensive sets are utilizing bigger players to move out of the painted area to square up and knock down shots forcing their opponents to leave the inside vacant in order to defend properly. Think of the 2011 #2 NBA selection, Derrick Williams from the University of Arizona. A big and powerful post that has a good back to the basket game but can also slide out to the free throw line or even the 3pt arc and knock down shots.
SHOT MAKERS (not just shot-takers):
The premium is at an all-time high for players who can create their own shot and shoot the lights out from three-point range. If you can score at ease/will and from distance you will always find and have a place on the team, most likely the starting lineup. Remember that anyone can jack up a 3pt shot and in some cases make a few of them. If you THINK you should be shooting 3's in a game, then you NEED to be making 100+ 3's EVERY day in your workouts and/or practice. Their is a difference between Shot Makers and Shot Takers!!!!!!
So what did we just list? If you noticed we have every position 1-5 up there listed. That means regardless of what position you play or what your role is you have a chance to become a player with excellent and outstanding position skills.\
COACHES LOVE TO SEE: Hard basket cuts, denying the ball to the wing, saying "my bad" after a mistake, and setting solid screens. Making the extra pass, taking a charge, contesting an outside shot, communicating screens, running the floor on the fast break and not picking up your dribble unless you are ready to shot or make the pass. Coaches absolutely love players that go 100% in practice and in games.
COACHES HATE TO SEE: Forced shots, to many dribbles, not playing help defense, whining, not being attentive during time outs, and missing lay-ups. Poor body language, inappropriate language, senseless reaching fouls, not boxing out, and unnecessary fancy passes. Arguing with a teammate, yelling at the ref, and trotting back on defense, all which can be summed up with a lack of effort.