How to Become a Better Coach During the Coronavirus Pandemic
From the Coach’s Clipboard Basketball Playbook"Helping coaches coach better..."
"Nothing will work unless you do." - John Wooden
You have probably already been interacting with, consoling and advising your players about the loss of their season and senior year. Great! But let's start looking forward. You can't workout with your team or players right now, but there are things you can do.
Quality family time
Coaching often takes us away from our spouse (partner) and family. Embrace this time of being together. Family discussions, games, watching movies together, etc - whatever works for you and them. Perhaps teach the kids some life skills - how to change a tire, balance a checkbook, cook something, mend and sew, do laundry, etc. See: 15 Things to Do with Your Family While You Are QuarantinedEvaluate your own strengths and weaknesses
It's time for an honest assessment of yourself. Do you need to improve your communication, teaching, organizational, and leadership skills? Do you need to be more open, flexible and willing to learn? Do you involve your assistants? Are you representing your school and community in a positive way? Do you relate well to the school's administration and staff? Do you need to relate better to your players? How do you relate to parents and fans?Evaluate the past season
What worked and what didn't? Review stats to find what needs improvement. Review game film and take notes. What has to get better?Usually player fundamentals have to get better. Encourage your players to workout daily during this off-season. See How to Become a Better Player During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Review your system
Offenses, defenses, presses and press-breakers, special plays and out-of-bounds plays, drills, etc. - what needs adjusting? Can next season's players run your system, or do you need to adjust the system. Factors to consider are team-speed, bench depth, your post players, outside shooters, your point guard, etc.Plan Next Season's Practices
Plan ahead using Practice Planner Live coaching software. Create a "Master Practice Plan".
Off-Season Camps/Clinics
You might not be able to attend a coaching clinic or team camp this summer (wait and see). If not, consider online clinics:Use available resources
Learn something new. Browse this website and learn a new offense or defense. Buy a DVD or a book and make notes.Meet with each player individually during the off-season
Discuss team goals, your expectations, etc. If you can't meet personally (with social distancing), then use FaceTime. You can also do group chats with FaceTime.FaceTime group chats with your assistants
Keep your assistants in the loop and get their ideas.Let's hope this pandemic will pass relatively soon, so we can get back with our players and coaches, and include some summer team camps. Stay safe!
