There are many facets to coaching, but when it comes down to it, there are really only half a dozen things every coach must master to reach that next level. A look at the six steps:
Know your Xs and Os
You have to understand the game completely to properly prepare your own players. And you must be able to develop strategies and put together a game plan -- and know when to stay true to the plan or abandon it. You must also understand your strengths and weaknesses, and be able to identify your opponents' strengths and weaknesses, then use them against your foe come game time.
Good people skills a must
Coaches assume many roles with their players and staff, from coach and mentor to parent, babysitter and friend. You have to be able to wear all these hats -- and know when to wear them. The biggest problem is that you often can't act the same way toward everybody. Some players need to be babied. Others need you to be tough with them. Knowing how to handle different people in different situations will go a long way.
Don't just coach; teach, too
Showing players how to perfect their crossover is one thing. But you have to do more than just make the players' skills better. Teach them the fundamentals and tactics of the game, how to break down certain defenses or counter their opponents. Teach your team members the things that will make them successful wherever they go and no matter what system they play.
Win the recruiting wars
As great a coach as you might be, you're never going to be out there shooting the ball come tipoff. You have to get the best players out there into your program. No one ever won an NCAA title without a certified star.
Trust thy assistant
You must have a good relationship with your assistant, and that means there needs to be trust and loyalty on both sides. Being a head coach these days is very demanding, and you can't do it all yourself. And with as much as you end up relying on your assistants, you'd better get along -- especially in front of your players. Something I always emphasized when I coached Detroit in the WNBA was "agree, disagree, align." That was our coaching staff's mantra, and it meant that no matter what we coaches said behind closed doors, that if, for example, an assistant didn't like my starting lineup, we wouldn't argue about it once we walked out to the team. We would align as one front when dealing with the players.
Be a good game coach
You have to be able to deal with every situation the game might throw at you, whether it's losing your star to foul trouble, a key player to injury or having to come from behind. And in all these situations, a coach's demeanor is very important. Some situations call for some hearty emotions, but if you lose your cool at the wrong time, the players see it and start panicking, too. If you remain calm and say the right thing at the right time, it can really help instill confidence and patience in your players. They see you under control and figure they're going to be OK. In the end you still might lose, but it didn't happen because your actions psyched out your own players.
Nancy Lieberman, an ESPN analyst and Hall of Famer, is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's women's basketball coverage. Contact her at www.nancylieberman.com.
