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» Quit Being So Hard to Coach

PGC Basketball

March 22, 2016 |

QUIT BEING SO HARD TO COACH

Basketball players, listen up! I'm gonna shoot straight from the hip

today because I'm very passionate about this topic: I'm tired of

seeing players blame everyone around them for their average or

below-average success. If you're difficult to coach (and your coach

cares) don't expect to get more playing time. Before we dive into

the heavy material, let me get this out of the way: COACHES

HAVE FAVORITES!! Of course they have favorites! Their favorites

are the players they can trust—on and off the court.

Now, I'm going to challenge the players reading this, challenge you

to really think about why you don't have the playing time that,

perhaps, you think you deserve:

READ MORE: Getting More Playing Time

Stop being selfish

No one wants to be on a team with a selfish player. No one wants

to coach a player who ranks his personal success above the

teams'. How many times have you seen an extremely talented team

fail because the members of the teams are more concerned about

individual stats over the success of the team? Selfish players

destroy team chemistry.

When something bad happens to you in the game, please don’t

slouch at the end of the bench or intentionally ignore your

teammates' hand for a high five. Those teammates, on the bench,

work extremely hard. Don’t snub them because you're lost in your

own feelings. Don't get upset if they find it difficult to cheer for you.

No one owes you anything!

WATCH MORE: What is true mental toughness?

If you're having a bad game, find a way to contribute to your team.

Go out there and cheer harder for your teammates. Celebrate

everyone else’s successes more than your own! I promise you'll

see a change in attitude and your play as well. Put others first, and

you'll be easy to coach.

Stop being sensitive

I'll admit I'm a little bit sensitive myself. I'm a people pleaser and

always want to do well. But sensitivity becomes a problem when

you turn helpful feedback from a coach into an attack on your

character. You have to realize that a good coach will and

should hold you to a higher standard. I see too many

players choose to quit because someone has simply challenged

them to do better.

Never quit because it is "too hard." Receive the coaching and learn

from what your coach is trying to say to you. Your coach doesn't

want to walk on eggshells around you; they just want to be able to

coach you. If you want to be a coach's favorite, embrace their

coaching with a nod and a “Yes, Coach.” Thank them for their time

and effort and don’t let your perception of their coaching destroy

your confidence.

WATCH MORE: Eye Contact With Your Coach Builds Trust

stop being lazy

This one is simple—but difficult—for a lot of players to do. If you

want to play more, stop making excuses for why you can't put in the

work to get better. If you want to be the best player you can be,

work harder. If you want to gain more confidence as a person and

basketball player, work harder. There's simply no substitute for hard

work.

Read More: 3 Ways to Get Out of a Shooting Slump

I've encountered thousands of players throughout the years and a

majority of them work hard, occasionally. The special players work

hard, consistently. They are consistent in all that they do. A coach’s

favorite player is someone who is consistent in their effort.

How many times have you seen less talented players get more

playing time because of how they hustle and how much energy

they bring on a consistent basis? I and my PGC colleagues see it

all the time.

Coaches want to play players they trust! If you are hit or miss in

your effort and work ethic, please don't expect to play a lot of

minutes. Coaches want to win, and it's difficult to win with players

who don't work hard or are inconsistent. Make the most out of

every opportunity. Whether in practice, in the film room or in the

classroom, work hard and show up prepared to dominate every

single day!

Learn More: 3 Steps to Mapping a Successful Off Season

be grateful

If you're grateful for your opportunity to be playing the game of

basketball, and you love playing then let that love spill over into

how you approach the game. Be early to practice. Sit in the front

for film sessions. Dive after loose balls in practice. Go crazy for

your team when you're on the sideline. Realize how blessed you

are to have this opportunity to play.

LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME?

CHECK OUT PGC'S SUMMER CAMPS: Prep School • Essentials •

Point Guard College

If you give all you have to the game you love, don’t take it for

granted, and remember to have fun, the game will give back to you.

Plus, you'll be a lot easier to coach.

About PGC Basketball

PGC Basketball provides an intense, no-nonsense basketball

education for players and coaches. Our courses are designed to

teach players of all positions to play smart basketball, be coaches

on the court, and be leaders in practices, games and in everyday

life. We combine our unique PGC culture with a variety of teaching

methods and learning environments to maximize the learning

potential of those that attend our sessions. In addition to spending

6-7 hours on the court each day, lessons will be reinforced through

classroom sessions and video analysis. Our goal at PGC is to

empower you with the tools to fulfill your basketball dreams, while

also assisting you in experiencing the joy of the journey.

To learn more about PGC Basketball, including additional training

tips and videos, visit our YouTube Channel or find us on Facebook,

Instagram, and Twitter.

About Graham Maxwell

Graham Maxwell is entering his second year as assistant coach at

Emmanuel College. During his playing career, Graham was a part

of the 2009 NCCAA National Championship team as well as the

2012 Conference Tournament Championship team. Graham was a

2x All-Region athlete and holds the most wins recorded as an

athlete in Emmanuel College history.

Prior to serving as a first-year PGC Director in 2013, Graham had

been ingrained with the PGC culture for many years. Graham had

the opportunity to play for PGC Director TJ Rosene at Emmanuel

College between 2008-2012. He will marry Gini Jones in the

summer of 2016.

Graham's favorite quote is "Mediocrity never inspired anyone"

(Unknown). You can also connect with him on Twitter and

Instagram at @Grammarmax.

Graham is an Essentials course Director on the PGC tour and is a

member of the PGC Player Development Team.