What does it mean to be deliberate as a basketball player? What does this mean to a leader of a particular team?
What does this mean as a point guard?
You ever shout out, “Hey, get to the corner, I got you!” to a teammate? We ALL have!
How can this statement be more informative and ultimately more effective? The answer is to be deliberate.
What do I mean by “be deliberate” exactly? The way a message is received is highly dependent on how that message is delivered. This is especially true in a fast paced athletic environment where there tends to be chaos and pandemonium.
1.) Use Names
Instead of saying, “…hey, get to the corner…” try calling your teammate by his/her name. People respond more attentively when called their name. It grabs their attention, and it rings familiarity, which breeds a natural sense of confidence in them
2.) Look Directly at Your Receiver
You always hear about eye contact when delivering and receiving a message. It’s no different here, great players deliberately get their teammate’s attention when they’re delivering a message. It’s not a bad thing to ask for confirmation that they received your message as well. During competition, eye contact and head nods are really important when communicating between the lines.
3.) Use Gestures and Point (Direct)
Growing up, my parents had a famous saying, “It’s not nice to point”. However ,I just hear my parents saying that phrase over and over again when I think about how teammates should be on the court when communicating or delivering a message. In basketball, “it’s VERY nice to point.” Instead of saying, “Joe, get to the corner,” you may want to supplement your verbal communication with a gesture of pointing to the corner you want your teammate to go.
4.) Use Detailed Information
Instead of: “When you get the ball, look for me inside.”
Say: “When you get the ball, take a look at the right block and see if I get good position. I may have him sealed for a lob because they’ve been trying to front. The backside help isn’t really there.”
Instead of: “When we get the ball, I want you to spot up for a 3.”
Say: “When we get the ball, look to use a screen or some deception to get open on the right wing. If they take that away, look for back cuts and fades.”
Details & Reminders
- Over communicate. Be intentional with your statements, both verbal and non-verbal. Practice being deliberate on and off the court. (Don’t point in public tho, momma says!).
- Feel free to comment or contact me for anything! I’m always down for talking basketball and would love to connect with other coaches and players to help improving this game. God bless!
Coach Jesse
@jahoopscoach on Instagram
@jayayeda on Snapchat
@esballja on Twitter
CoachUp is the safest and easiest way to find a coach for personalized training. With our 100% money-back guarantee and vetted coaches, anyone can achieve their full athletic potential. Find your perfect coach today and become the athlete you want to be!
