5 minute read
Criteria For Evaluating Players
By Tate Lombard - CANYON LADY EAGLE BASKETBALL
I am honored to speak on behalf of the teams that I have been a part of. Over the past 17 years, I have coached various sports in different schools across the state of Texas. Throughout this time, I have seen firsthand the importance of evaluating players in your athletic program.
One important aspect I have taken advantage of throughout the years is finding ways to work with upcoming players before they get to the varsity level. Summer camps and junior high athletic periods are great opportunities to work with the incoming athletes you will have at the high school level in future years. I have been able to work with our junior high athletes developing the skills necessary to produce future varsity players. I know this is a luxury that is not always available to all head coaches. Great youth and junior high programs are the lifeblood to your high school success!
As a head coach, one of the most challenging tasks we have is constructing a varsity team to give you the best opportunity to win. Each year the dynamics are different, and you have to use the players available to you. I feel it is very important to know the strengths and weaknesses of each individual player and put each of them in a role with her best opportunity to be successful. Each player has a role and no two are the same. Creating roles and accepting roles may be the ultimate difference maker in your team's performance.
Below is a list I have found to be helpful in this process. Like many things in coaching, this was originally created by someone else then adjusted by our staff several years ago to build our own philosophy. We give this list to our players before each season to help explain how we determine their role on the team.
>>> 1. TALENT
An athletes’ talent level is always the first thing we notice. Unfortunately, talent does not always come with these other characteristics that make a “winning player”. Many athletes have the talent to perform the task but often lack in the unmeasurable traits that make a winner. Talent may consist of size, athleticism, and skill sets. When your team is full of talented players that are great teammates, your team has the potential to win at the highest level. But talent alone is never enough.
>>> 2. UNSELFISHNESS
Are you willing to accept your individual role for team success?
If you are coming off the bench, will you be prepared to enter the game and perform the job you are assigned to do?
Can you be a specialist? Defensive player for a special assignment?
Are you willing to sacrifice scoring to rebound and play defense?
>>> 3. CONSISTENCY
What is your quality of work each day on and off the court?
Do you work hard some days or every day?
Do you work hard in the classroom, or do we have to worry about your grades?
>>> 4. WORK ETHIC
What does your effort level look like every day?
Do you have to be pushed or do you push yourself and others?
Are you self motivated?
If you can’t get yourself ready daily, the team can’t do it for you.
>>> 5. ATTITUDE
Is your attitude positive or negative?
You must be sincere in your approach and show concern and empathy for your teammates.
No negative comments towards anyone, including yourself.
Can you accept criticism without losing your cool or confidence?
>>> 6. MENTAL TOUGHNESS
This may be the biggest intangible that coaches notice. How will you react under physical and emotional stress? We want to play you in big moments. When the score is close late in the game, are you going to run and hide or take control and make the play?
When things go wrong, will you respond by blaming others or work harder?
Can you handle adversity and stay poised? We want intense people but without a lot of emotion.
>>> 7. BASKETBALL INTELLIGENCE
Do you have the ability to learn offense and defensive systems quickly?
Can you make the right decision in various situations? Do your teammates consider you easy to play with?
>>> 8. EXECUTION
Do you have the ability to run our offense and defensive systems effectively?
Can you play within the team concept?
Will your talents blend together with other players?
>>> 9. BEHAVIOR
Do you have the commitment to do what’s right, under all circumstances, regardless of peer pressure? Behavior consists of showing great character and class
Do you have the commitment to do what’s right, under all circumstances, regardless of peer pressure? Behavior consists of showing great character and class
Are you kind and courteous to others around you?
>>> 10. GRADES
You don’t have to be the smartest player of the team, but you should make the grades you are capable of.
>>> 11. LEADERSHIP
Leadership is your influence to others by both word and deed.
Are you a positive influence, a negative influence, or no influence at all?
The most respected leaders practice what they preach. Actions speak louder than words.
Have you earned the respect of your teammates? Will they follow where you lead?
>>> 12. CONFIDENCE
Are you the type of player who wants to guard the opponent’s best player?
Are you the type of player who wants to take the last shot to win the game?
Are you a player who believes we should win every time we step onto the court?
I hope this list helps define the important things you are looking for in evaluating players to create your team. More importantly, hopefully this helps your players understand the little things that will help them earn a role on the team they are a part of!
Read the entire October 2024 Issue of Texas Coach here: https://issuu.com/thscacoaches/docs/oct24upload?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ