Coaching is often described as relationship building, bridging people together. When two random squads play the team with superior talent, the players most physically and mentally ready to play, will win. Sometimes, the talent comes pre-packaged, hence the importance of recruiting and motivation in short-term scenarios.
When a coach possesses the luxury of time, what attributes become necessary? Does relationship-building remain paramount? When is it necessary to know the game and develop talent? Where do high standards fit in? A sophisticated project requires a sophisticated approach.
The Canadian National Soccer Team faces turmoil because certain key players were dismissed for reasons not germane to the pursuit of the World Cup. The players felt that they deserved a personal call from the Head Coach informing them of recent personnel moves; the coach felt that they shouldn’t have spoken out. Consequently, Canada will miss another World Cup and faces a dilatory qualification schedule remaining.
In a program, I think that it is important to develop talent. Players and coaches must improve continuously throughout the year. Student-athletes should take their responsibilities seriously and undertake the challenge of self-actualization; coaches should assign specific tasks to keep things simple and keep the team focused. Everyone should devise high standards and hold themselves to them, pushing each other to get better at game intensity.
It is not solely the teacher or the coaches job to make the class interesting or the practice fun. School or basketball shouldn’t be all work but individuals needs to find their own motivation. If it isn’t inside, it’s hard for someone to jam it in from the outside. Interest and fun can come from success, improvement, and Maslow’s self-satisfaction from being the best you can be.
If a coach can engender this sort of motivation, they can overcome a lack of relationship-building skill. An expert high performance coach can serve these players well, but they must want to be served. It is a relationship founded on respect.