As I have written, I have been able to attend quite a few different practices this winter due to my open schedule. I have written about the consistencies I have seen in coaches who do a great job, and really there are none I have seen that don't do a great job. It is amazing what having good players can do to make fans believe a coach is good or not, but any way.
I have also noticed at these practices some things about the players that attend. Your best players aren't always your leaders and your leaders aren't always your best players, but if you can get that time when those two things come together, you have a special player on your hands. What makes a great leader? For sure, it has to do with what they get done in games. No, they don't have to score points, but they need to be positive leaders. Last year, Borden's Brandon Beam comes to mind, always talking, always getting players where they need to be and on the same page, he was like a coach on the floor and it didn't hurt that he was probably the best player on that team.
But that leadership is shown usually every day from 3-5 pm where there aren't 1,500 fans watching, it happens in practice. What makes a great practice player, thus leader?
Some of my observations from experience as a coach and player and watching practices the following shows great practice players and leaders:
1. Compete through fatigue. (mental toughness and competitive leadership)
2. Never whine, even when they are just close enough to stand up to the coach. (a leader will often not like being led, but understands the necessity of the coach)
3. Touches every endline when running sprints. (not doing so, tells you a lot about a kid's personality)
4. Listens and does what coaches want all the time. (but isn't afraid to quietly take up for a teammate who may have just been subjected to some, um, positive criticism with a pat on the back and a positive word)
5. Talks, keeps things clear to everyone. (amazing that kids will talk all day in class when they shouldn't, then walk in a gym where it's expected and....nothing)
6. They will never put their hands on their knees during breaks in practice. (shows weakness in fatigue and shows mental toughness)
7. Hits free throws when the pressure is on in practice and then carries that over to games. (mental toughness)
8. Talks to parents, teachers, all adults in a respectfull manner. (shows that upbringing has been good)
9. Tries to win at all drills, all of them. (true competitors)
10. Run from drill to drill, never walking. (you can walk after practice)
11. Hits all shots, or most, around the rim despite contact that is made. (mental toughness and concentration)
I know there are more and for each coach there may be something that is different that is just as important to them. But, I believe if you can concentrate on doing those eleven things as a player in practice, the coach will find a place for you on the bench or, better yet, in the game.
