Circle Up

“Kids must buy into YOU and what you do in order to be successful.”

- Former NBA Coach Hubie Brown

This is especially true in today’s world where kids seem to ask, “Why?” after every instruction. When I was a kid, asking why was a health hazard, but it is so common today that if you don’t have legit answers, you risk not being effective enough to engage your student-athletes to drive performance.

So how do you get them to buy into you and what you do? Spend some time getting real with them and let them know who you are and why they should buy what you are selling.

A simple way to do that is get in a Circle, ask 1-3 get-to-know you questions, and start the relationship building process. The Circle is an effective relationship building tool because everyone is equal and included in the Circle, and everyone has the opportunity to listen and share in the Circle.

Try asking these three ‘favorite’ questions to get the party started:

1 - What’s your favorite thing to eat (or what is your favorite music, or what is your favorite thing to watch)?

2 - What’s your favorite thing about basketball (or whatever sport you coach or play)?

3 - What’s your favorite thing to do in practice and why?

You answer first, and work your way around the Circle. There are no right or wrong answers (only appropriate or inappropriate answers). If somebody doesn’t want to share, that’s fine. Being in the Circle can be different and difficult for the shy kids.

But make sure everyone has the OPPORTUNITY to share. The more often you Circle Up, the more everyone will feel comfortable enough to share, and you will quickly be able to dive deeper with questions like:

1 - What is your biggest challenge?

2 - What does respect mean to you?

3 - How do you like to be held accountable?

4 - How do you handle adversity?

If you are short on time, ask one question at the beginning of practice and one at the end of practice. Or ask one today, one tomorrow, and one the next day.

The Circle process is a versatile way to have a conversation about anything, it’s a great relationship building tool, and it is one way to get your athletes to buy into you and what you do.