So You Got The Job ...

I was asked a great question today about leading a new program.  “You’re taking over a new program today!  What are your first steps?  What needs to be done now and what can wait.

This was my second year in a row taking over a new program and so this is what I have done the last couple of years.  In both situations, we were able to increases wins and players, parents, and administration seemed happy with the growth and direction of the program.

Buy-In From The Players
My first focus in both situations was on the players.  From the jump, it was about building relationships with them and getting them to trust me.  I’ve seen that if I do right by them and we grow like we are supposed to, parents are happy.  So I get the kids excited to play for me first and start preaching playing hard, playing smart, and playing together.

Needs Assessment First.  On court and off the court.
Off Court – Make sure that we have everything ready, or a plan to get everything ready, for our first practice and our first game next year.  Game and practice jerseys, shoes, travel gear, schedule, and travel.  I just have to have a plan for that so it doesn’t sneak up on me next school year.

On Court – How good are we and how good is our competition.  My goal both years has been to win 20 games and get in the playoffs, so I tried to see where we fit in today and what do we have to do to get there.

Style Of Play – What style of play is going to help us compete and win games
I obsesses over this.  I have to know how we are going to play, whether its ball-screen, motion, chin, etc. on offense, or pressure vs gap man, press, or zone on defense.  It might change once we really start workouts in the fall, but I obsess over that until I decide.  Our style of play, which has been our ball screen stuff the last couple of years, has been the most important thing that 

I’ve done that has led to our success in my opinion.

Get Better – Players have to get better
I then try to identify roles for the girls and start speaking it to them.  ‘You are going to be a big time rebounder for us.’  ‘You are going to be a really good catch and shoot girl for us.’
-  From there it’s the work.  Just putting in the work and getting better as overall players and your role on the team.

Plan For The Summer and Parent Communication

Meet with the players and email parents introducing yourself to the parents or have a parent meeting outlining your expectations for the summer, for the fall, and for your program.  I want to let them know who I am and my goals for the program and their athletes.  My goal early is to gain positive momentum and excitement with all involved leading into the summer. 

I take a simple approach.  Set a goal based off of where we are, where are competition is, and where we want to go, and work relentlessly to get there.  Along the way, I make sure that we all enjoy the experience by making sure that we have positive communication with all involved and that we focus on growth, character development, and the journey as much as anything else.