It Is Not What You Know But What You Can Teach

Look, we've all been there. You've got the perfect play, the killer defensive scheme, and you are ready to go. But if your players aren't absorbing it, it's just a fancy drawings on a whiteboard. Coaching isn't about what you know, it's about what they learn and what you can teach.

Something that took me years to understand is everyone learns differently. Some kids are visual. Show them a diagram on the whiteboard, break down film clips, and they start executing with ease. Others need to do it. Running breakdown drills, getting those reps in, and putting them in positions to make reads. Then you've got the ones who pick things up just by listening. A quick chat, a clear explanation, and they're ready to go.

So, how do you get through to your players?

• Film Sessions: Don't just point out mistakes. Show them positive execution such as a great shot, read, and rotation. Keep your film sessions short by creating playlists that focus on key areas and what you want them to understand.

• Breakdown Drills: Repetition is key. Run drills that will transition into your offense. Break down your offense into 3v3, 4v4, and then 5v5. Put your players in situations where they have to read the defense and react. Build your defense from the ground up from basic fundamentals, guarding the ball, rotating, and transition defense.

• Whiteboard Work: Use diagrams, draw plays, and draw up and explain the drill. But keep it simple. Don't overwhelm them with too much information.

The point is, you've got to be flexible. You've got to adapt. You've got to find what works for each player. It's not about forcing your knowledge on them. It's about finding ways to make that knowledge stick.

At the end of the day, a coach's success isn't measured by how much they know, but by how much their players understand. So, embrace the teaching, and watch your team grow.