Winning is a Good Habit

Winning if you are lucky enough to experience it, can be linked to a number of different positive aspects technical and tactical styles of play. Winning by its definition is the result of many different factors and these are not always easily described. However, speak to any coach and they will be able to rattle off a thousand things that lead to success. When coaching, winning can be explained as good habits, the little things that make a big difference in the long run.

So what are some of these good habit that lead to a winning culture?

Rebounding

Rebounding is often discussed as the championship statistic. Before, during, and after games rebounding is frequently focused upon as the reason for success and failure. Defensive rebounding however features as the prominent aspect of rebounding in general. However, offensive rebounding is just, if not more important.

Basketball is a multi-score sport. This means there are many scoring opportunities that need to be achieved to ultimately reach a successful outcome to the game. The opposite to this situation is in single-score sports such as football. In a multi-score sport, missed opportunities become all the more important as they happen more often and more frequently. The value then placed upon offensive and defensive rebounding becomes all the more pivotal to the success of a team during a game. Teams that win the rebounding count on both ends of the floor win more often than not.

Hustle Statistics

Deflections, steals, diving for the ball….

These are all examples of effort plays; things which mean your team is pushing it right to the edge. If you meet an opposition team which is always looking to win the fifty-fifty situations you are always in for a fight. Developing a team which prides themselves on these statistics is always a challenging role for a basketball coach. However, once achieved this type of mentality takes on a life of its own and often sees teams reaching heights that have otherwise been unimaginable.

Charges and Steals

Two of the more under-rated technical and statistical aspects of basketball are Charges and Steals. These two aspects of defence are game changes and break the possession of the opposition in an instant. The problem is, with all the reactive defensive principles and rules put in place within the modern game of basketball. Many players do not look for these opportunities in a game. To compound this situation many coaches are not aware of how to teach these technical skills in breakdowns or game situations.

Focusing on developing these skills within your team will result in endless possibilities that means you can apply pressure in your own defensive third of the court.

Patience in Offense

Teams that are often in poor form often choose the first scoring option, which is different to choosing the right offensive option. Teams who do not display the good habits of pass faking, player movement and utilising all phases of their offense will untimely display and overall theme of not not constructing a winning offense.

Basketball coaches must look to integrate these aspects into their team training sessions to allow for the development of this composure through the use of these technical skills. Training sessions are the first step in developing this presence of mind and maturing in play. Coach’s mush be very proactive in discussing options that arise from different situations to help their players develop patience because they are comfortable with playing under pressure and have a range of different skills to utilise.

Winning as a series of good habits that teams develop often take on a life of their own. They can become defining characteristics of a team and its individuals. Once these types of aspects are introduced to teams, they can be part of their culture and ultimately drive a team to better and more significant achievements. As a coach it is your job to help motivate your team to focus on these aspects which ultimately leads to success and long-term development.