The power of a leadership group in basketball is something often overlooked in representative basketball, especially in Australia. But when you look at the higher levels of basketball this is a key aspect of every successful team.
What is a leadership group
Now that you know that every successful team has a leadership group you probably want to know what that is. Right? A leadership group consist of two or more players on the team whom the others look to for direction. A group of players that listen to the coach and can execute instructions.
Leadership groups help the coach get particular aspects of the team organised. For example, run warms up or encourage other players and holding players accountable for their actions.
In some cases I have seen leadership groups act like big brothers for the younger basketball players. Or at least it was the case for teams that I played for.
Leadership group in college
When I was playing for Solano community college our leadership group was comprised of selected seniors. These seniors made sure all us first years were well looked after and motivated.
The leadership group also maintained players well being off the court. Helping teammates deal with personal problems such as relationship break ups to tutoring to help their teammates pass subjects.
On court, the leadership group ran a huddle and stretches before the training session. But the most refreshing was the pep talk before and after every game and training session.
From my experience in college. The leadership group I had at Solano went beyond the on court. My team captain was someone that spent time making me feel comfortable as I was home sick. It was the first time I was away from my family and it was a massive culture shock for me.
My captains leadership was amazing on court as well. He led by example. Did all the things coach required of us; someone I modelled when I was struggling through my first year on the team.
Leadership group with the Sydney Kings
The Sydney Kings leadership group was formed well before I joined the team as a training aid/coach. It’s comprised of Andrew Bogut, Jerome Randall and Brand Newly. The older and more experienced team members of the team.
These guys are continually supporting the younger players, taking them under their wing and giving them advice. I see these young players with such raw talent working with some of the most experienced basketball minds in Australia.
Just last week I saw a young player on the team make a few mistakes in a row. I immediately saw one of the members on the leadership group pat the young player on the back and give him advice. Mind you, this member on the leadership group was playing on the opposition team during scrimmage.
Within the Sydney Kings the leadership group also present the jersey to all new signings. Although the coaching group and General Manager is involved, the actual presentation of the playing strip is done by the leadership group. Something I have never seen before as the usual process is the GM doing the honours.
How to form a leadership group
Now that you’ve read two good examples of leadership groups and you are a coach. You are probably wondering how to form a leadership group. Well let me break this into 3 simple steps.
- Identify one person on the team that displays leadership qualities. How do you find this person? Criteria below.
- At practice 95% off the time
- Good body language on and off the court
- Vocal and encouraging
- Listens to the coach
- Hardworking on drills
- Has talent but this is not necessary. It’s just a bonus.
- Groom the one person your identify to be the leader by giving tasks.
- Get him/her to take the team through warm ups
- Have your leader run a play that you drew up
- Get him/her to mentor the most junior player on the team
- Name him/her as the captain of the team
- Finally, get him/her to select players to join the leadership group
- Once the leadership group is formed. Give each of them tasks for the year and for each game.
For example, if you have a game coming up set individual tasks such as “be vocal on and off the court” or “box out on every shot” or “close out hard on every perimeter shot”. Things you’d want your team to do regardless. This emphasis will then indirectly be transferred to the other players on the team as they can see the leadership group doing this.
What I did with my U18s boys
Recently I won my 3rd championship with my Newtown team. That’s 3 out of 4 baby! Forgive the shameless plug.
For the grand final I introduced the concept of the leadership group. I had been grooming the captain on the team for over a year. And it was the perfect time to bring in support to help him for this game.
I got him to select 2 players to join him on the leadership team. On the eve of the big game we had a short training session where I got him to name the two players and bring them before me. Explaining why these players were picked to join the leadership group.
Instantly when the captain spoke about the positive qualities and why he chose them. They were uplifted. They had a sense of responsibility and they grew up instantly. You could see it in their face.
During the game all three boys stood up and filled their role. Their assignments were executed with pride. Hell, I looked like a genius for implementing this. It made the win that much sweeter. During the grand final speech I had the captain come up as a member of the leadership group and make a speech.
To all coaches out there, I can’t express the importance of having a leadership group. It makes players mature quickly and give them responsibility. Not only does this help on court but it also builds young kids character and resolve.
I highly recommend that you employ this to your team and sit back and watch with satisfaction of seeing your players grow.
Peace,
Coach Anthony