Teamwork is a very important part of the basketball game, and basically any team sport. Without it you would simply have a basic gladiator contest. Teamwork is not learned overnight, and while everyone knows the absolute basics of it, it is up to the coach to help refine and improve the team unity as a whole. Successful teams can’t be formed, if everyone is attempting to act on their own behalf. Coaches will need to nip this type of attitude in the bud, so that it doesn`t grow into a nasty team distracting issue. Discipline is the other side of the coin that, while it is difficult for a coach to enforce on occasion, still has to be present or players could just run wild, without consequence.

While teamwork can be improved through drills and through hours and hours of hard work, it can start simply with team outings. Going out for dinner, or to the movies, or even out for some fun can assist with bringing the team together as a whole. This may seem odd to some, but a team that is close functions better as a whole, and is on the same path. Teams who only get together at game time, will not be successful on the long run. You do not need to be close friends, having sleepovers, and going out every day. Occasional team building activities off the court go a very long way.

On the court well structured drills are key. Indentifying key areas where your team needs improvement and then implementing appropriate drills to address those concerns, will pay off within a few practice sessions as all players will improve. Even if your team isn`t one of the best in the league, as long as you can achieve some form of positive achievement, you will keep a measure of happiness in the air.

Winning isn`t everything, and depending on what kind of league you are in, your expectations and goals will change. Competitive leagues have more of a focus on winning and statistics, where casual/recreational leagues have an emphasis simply on enjoying the game and having fun. Teamwork is key and is more of a focus in a casual way.

If you find that your team is having a bit of trouble and that traditional ways are still not working, head straight to the Internet and conference with your fellow coaches in an attempt to maybe find a different method that may work. As said before, not all methods work with every single player, and even the best plans are ones that are multi-tiered and fit to address all needs in the most efficient manner. Not every problem can be addressed with a single approach, and a coach will have to observe as each step or plan is tried out.

Weed out what isn’t working, and attempt something new if required. Much like a player formulating warm-up routines, and skill improvements, a coach has a trial and error system in regards to building the team unit into what it needs to be.

Picture credit: DeusXFlorida • Creative Commons Attribution