Evidently, it is the players play hard, play smart, and play together; the coach merely plays the role of the enabler and the modeler. If contributions were not made on the court when they were needed, contributions off the court were irrelevant. Players wear headbands and win games, coaches can only ban the former and observe the latter.
According to Bear Bryant, “After a victory the players deserve the credit; after a loss the coach deserves the blame.” Is Bryant’s dissection of the blame appropriate? If players merit praise for their physical and mental performance than they should receive criticism when warranted in a loss.
Except the opposite nature of victory and defeat create the possibility of dual judgment. Players seized the day and won the game. Winners performed up to their standards of quality under pressure. Losers didn’t perform. But why?
Usually because of a failure in the role of the coach. Did the coach model the way? Inspire a team vision? Challenge conventions? Enable and motivate others? Read enough Kouzes and Posner? The losing coach probably did not do enough or didn’t do it the right way for that group of players.
Fortunately, there is hope for the defeated coach. I’ve found that coaching is largely an exercise in self-actualization so everything that happens is a piece of information that can be used to climb higher so long as that information is thoroughly and accurately studied.
Self-evaluating after a loss I noted that the two major times that I intervened in the flow of the game resulted in positive outcomes for the team. There were no Isiah Thomas moments so I should be satisfied with my self-actualization, right?
In reality, my superficial analysis did no favours to either the team or me. The players deserve credit for working hard, overcoming adversity, and becoming closer together. For an early season game at this level, it was a sincere success. Reflecting critically, I realize that I deserve blame for countless acts that all contributed slightly to the defeat.
Thankfully, basketball wasn’t banned yesterday so there’s hope. Even if I can only fix one screen and roll sequence or speak slightly more concisely before the next game, it’s still a step forward and only one of many along a longer path.
Irrespective of my self-improvement, the players must still play the games. Becoming a better coach will provide the team with many more tools to do their job, win, and earn the credit they deserve.