In-Season Player Development, (Look Within First)

During the season, it's easy to get away from good habits, skill development, and execution. It happens frequently. Competition is the single biggest distraction for player development and performance during the season. Most coaches are highly competitive and have a desire to compete and win. Outcome-based thinking and our competitive focus can leave less time and energy on players' daily habits for good execution and the maintenance and development of skills. With that in mind, here are a few ideas and ways to focus on skill development during the season. 

#1. Define a player development identity (for and with) each player they can commit to. Once an identity is defined, give each player an offensive and defensive emphasis and commitment for the month. Each player's offensive and defensive emphasis and commitment will likely change over time. Put each player on a path with an endpoint that they can accomplish. Help them move forward. 

#2. Teach players how to study other players. One way to do this is to give each player a player comparison and study assignment. Ask each player to identify a player ( a University or Pro-player) who they play like and move like on the court. Have them research that player (their work ethic, skill sets, intangibles, how they attack with the dribble, finish at the rim, make decisions, etc.). 

Have them come up with an article on an aspect of the player they are studying and share it with you. 

#3. Players at all levels have a deep need for one or all three words: Coached, Challenged, Connected. A great in-season player development activity is to take your team roster and determine which one out of the three each of your players needs the most right now. Do the same exercise with your assistant coaches. Ask them to evaluate each other and you as the head coach. Once identified, take action to meet that specific need.