The Top Traits of Great Basketball Coaches

There are many traits that great coaches exemplify in their day-to-day lives and also on the basketball court.  These traits allow them to reach their coaching staff and players at a high level which leads to success.  Let's take a deeper look and discuss some of the top traits great basketball coaches have.  

Teachers, Communicators and Listeners

Great coaches typically have success in their respective sport and part of the reason they have success is because they can build players up and get the most out of them.  The most important job a coach has at times is teaching players how to play the game itself. 

Coaches must be able to also teach the players how to be successful on and off the court.  Oftentimes coaches will take this as being super strict or hard on their players but that isn't necessarily the best way to go.  Standards are important, but its also important for the coach to listen to their coaching staff and players so that they can teach and lead them the proper way.  

When coaches communicate and listen poorly they tend to be less effective teachers.  Every coach must understand their players in order to develop a plan and action for long-term success.  Without it, coaches are leading blindly and will hit bumps in the road throughout the season.  

Learners and Observers

Coaches are leaders and most of the time are outspoken and demand the most out of their players.  However, the best coaches are also the best learners and observers.  

The game of basketball is consistently evolving so coaches have to learn an adjust to players on a year-by-year basis.  This doesn't mean standards are lower and/or a philosophy change needs to be made every year, but making slight adjustments are crucial.  

Often, coaches will box players in based on the previous year and forget to observe the change and progressions players are making each year.  Getting the most out of every player each year plays a huge part in the development and success of a team.  This is especially important at the high school level because for the most part, you get the players you get and it's on the coaches to make sure they develop players.  

All of these traits an characteristics are things that coaches should strive for.  It maybe not be possible to be all these things but if you make a great effort to work on a new trait each year, you will continue to evolve an maximize your coaching and help players reach their maximum potential as well. 

Motivators, Relationship Builds and Mentors

Motivating allows coaches to reach players at a different level, but it all starts with building positive relationships with the players.  Motivating players allows coaches to get the most out of their players even during tough days when mental or physical issues are holding them back. 

When players simply like and respect their coach, they want to do more for them every time they step on the court.  Trust and belief is built early on and that's why it's important to start on the correct path early and often with young players.  When coaches have the opportunity to work with players at a young age and beyond, they become mentors for players in a variety of ways.  

This includes basketball, school, and even family issues at times.  Mentoring players to be the best version of themselves and also giving great life advice builds trust that is difficult to be broken.  Creating this bond is crucial in developing the player an having success as a coach.  

Leaders, Positive Influencers and Workers

There are so many ways to be a leader on the court and off the court.  Successful teams have both player and coach leaders.  Leadership is one of the most important traits a coach must have.  Everything starts at the top and trickles down from there and players are looking to their coaches for direction, feedback, positive reinforcement, and knowledge.  

The best coaches take ownership of mistakes and lead by example.  Part of being a leader requires coaches to remain positive in the worst situations and also work harder than everyone else around them.  

Never downplay the importance of what positivity and confidence means for your players and most importantly make sure to lead by example. 

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