It is the ultimate young people paradox. How many times, at each age level and both genders, do I have to tell players to quiet down while the coaches are talking. Fairly often (until the suicide runs start). How many times, at each level and both genders, do I have to tell players to speak MORE while on the court during gameplay? Based on the initial statement, you would think the answer would be zero. Since they enjoy speaking to each other so much, this would be a piece of cake. Right? Wrong! It is often like pulling teeth to get proper communication. So the ultimate paradox… speaking when not supposed to, not speaking when you need to. Why is this so important? Let me explain.

But first, we’ve released a few new videos lately (with more to come). Once you finish reading this, it will be right there waiting for you. We also just started our Fall Skills Clinics. With 6 more to go, there is plenty of time to get registered and prepare yourself for the season that is hurling towards us at the speed of light. Just click on the above link for Fall Clinics and get on board. Now where were we…

Communication is important in every relationship, and the sport of basketball is no different. You have a relationship with your teammates, coaches, and even the ball itself. Without clear, open lines, every possession suffers. When possessions suffer, final scores suffer.

What are some of the scenarios where communication is vital?

  • Substitutions – making sure the player coming off the floor tells the player entering the game who he/she is guarding. This responsibility lies on both players. Saying that he didn’t tell me does not fly. There’s nothing lazier than coming into the game and giving up an easy bucket only because you don’t know who you are supposed to be guarding.
  • Defensive screens. The type of communication here will depend on how your coach plays screens. I am a big believer at the youth level of NOT switching. Rather, teach the kids how to hedge, fight through, recover. This is more complicated and requires tons of talk. But it also teaches kids a more advanced way to play the game. Switching at an early age all the time just breeds laziness. A screen must be called out early if you want any chance of protecting against an easy scoring opportunity for the opponent. This is the same for a pick and roll out top or a cross screen from block to block. The same theories apply and the bottom line is that if your teammate doesn’t know the screen is coming, it’s hard to keep up.
  • Weak side defense. This is a huge one in the BT Basketball system. We work on it a ton due to it’s importance. Verbalizing is as important as positioning when you are on the weak or help side. It notifies your teammates that you are in the right spot. When they know you are working hard to be in the right spot, it motivates them to have your back as well. It energizes not only yourself but your teammates and an energetic cohesive defense is very difficult to score against.
  • Bench. There is nothing worse than a silent bench where all the players are secretly rooting against their teammates to mess up so they can get in the game! An encouraging, motivating bench is a sign of a well coached team. It is also a sign of an unselfish one. Teammates that cheer for each other after a great play and pick each other up after a poor one, have better team chemistry, attitude, and chance to win. Goes back to an old rule, treat people the way you would like to be treated. If you are a grouchy bench player, you can’t expect royal treatment once it’s your turn to shine.
  • Player-coach. Sometimes players will see things on the court that the coach does not. Do your best to forge a positive, open relationship with your coach. One where the lines of communication are open and you can feel free to express your opinion and share ideas. This is especially important, but not confined to, the point guard position.

As you can see, communication is huge. Each possession, there is an opportunity to win. Win more possessions throughout the course of a game, win the game itself.

Speak up, don’t be afraid, get out of your comfort zone, and see what it does to the entire team. You will be amazed at the difference in energy and fun between a team that communicates well and one that doesn’t!

Check out some of our new videos and please pass them along to basketball players and parents alike! Check out and Like our BT Basketball Facebook page for upcoming videos!