Next Play Teammates

Basketball, like all sports, is a game of mistakes and random events. Mistakes will happen; we just have to manage how we respond to them.

Having a next play mentality is important. We have to be able to move on quickly from a mistake so that we are in the moment and prepared to make the next play.

Have a plan for responding to future, inevitable mistakes.

The best players and the best teams know how to respond to mistakes, they know how to move on, and they know how to stay focused and in the moment.

One thing that could help is having 'Next Play Teammates.' A next play teammate is someone whose job is to recognize mistakes and to immediately cheer for their teammates, yell next play, and help them move on.

Every great team has great teammates, and those teammates don't have to be on the court. They can be a teammate, manager, or trainer, who supports from the sideline. That teammate can be the person who rebounds for teammates, who make sure their teammates stay lifted up and inspired, and who helps their teammates move on from mistakes.

Coaches, identify great teammates who can help your team move on from mistakes. Encourage them and show them how much you appreciate them.