COMMUNICATION

 WHY PLAYERS DON’T TALK

1) Too into themselves and only what they are doing (disease of me)

2) Too cool or too shy

3) Fatigue (don’t feel like talking)

4) Don't know what to say or how to say it

Quote: If the only way you lead is by example, you are a poor leader

Quote: Reminders are only useful if given before needed

Quote: Even when your not in the game/possession your still in the game

GRANDMA COMMUNICATION

 1.     NAME

Anytime we communicate with another person we should always include their name first.

2.     EARLY

When you see something happening or anticipate it, you need to say something early. We can’t talk right at the point of the ball screen, it needs to be before the ball screen occurs

3.     VOLUME

Voice needs to be louder than the environment.

4.     WORDS/INFO (Refer To Team Dictionary)

Consistent with your words and terminology. How you speak is your culture.

Any piece of information that can benefit your team. If you know something or see something that could help your team and you don’t say something what are you really saying.

Words and/or actions should always carry meaning.  It is always easy to convey information over a long period of time, but it takes a special skill to communicate important information with as few words as possible. This information should be direct and to the point, allowing the receiver to process what needs to be done quickly. 

Enunciate all your words.

5.     ACTION/DIRECTION

What do you want to them to do?

Where is it coming from? 

6.     OFTEN

When do you stop saying their name, the info and or action/direction?

When they do it.

7.     TONE OF VOICE

The way we say something is just as important as the actual words being said. Our tone of voice should be enthusiastic and energetic, which establishes trust and a sense of urgency in the situation. Always keep your attitude upbeat and optimistic, even when adversity is present. 

8.     EYE CONTACT

On the court during play, eye contact cannot always happen (such as playing defense).  But anytime you have the opportunity to look someone in the eye you must take advantage of that and do it!  

When you establish eye contact you are accomplishing two things.

1. You are letting the person you are talking to know that you care, and you mean what you say

2. You can be confident that the other person is listening and hearing what you say 

9.     FOCUS/LISTEN

Listen when a teammate or coach is speaking. Be ‘present’ and give your attention and focus to the teaching or demonstration that is taking place.

10. CELEBRATE

1. Express your joy in the small victories.

2. Be authentic in your celebrations.

3. Demonstrate energy through enthused body language (e.g. high-fives, thumbs up, fist pumps...)