Coaching Philosophy -Branda Anderson
High school sports offers students the unique opportunity to be challenged physically and mentally while learning lessons related to team work, sacrifice and leadership that can and will last them a life time. High school sports should be founded on the ideals of character/integrity, athleticism, communication and community involvement. Players should not only be taught the sport but challenged to be young women of outstanding character as well.
Character/Integrity:
The personal development of the athletes is of utmost importance. Athletics is the perfect setting to teach and model character traits that will lead to personal success. Players and coaches must be held to high standards of person conduct. As basketball is a team sport, and therefore group accountability is key – when one succeeds, we all succeed; when one fails, we all fail. This helps promote the sense of team that great programs are founded on.
Athleticism :
Basketball is played by five players at once striving toward one goal; it must therefore be taught that way. This is a game best played when five fundamentally sound players are competing at their highest level toward a common goal. Being simply basketball players is not enough, great teams are comprised of athletes who are continually training their bodies and minds to compete at the highest level possible. The goal should always be to focus on individual fundamental development within the team system.
Communication:
Another key component to building a successful high school basketball program is a strong relationship between the parents and the coaching staff. Open and clear communication with parents related to the goals of the program as well as individual issues related to their daughter is a fundamental part of great programs. It is important to educate parents about their role in high school athletics; they must have a clear understanding of their role as encouragers, fans and supporters, while also understanding that the coaching staff desires to see all players grow athletically and personally.
Communication can not only be limited to the player-parent realm. Clear communication of expectations and roles between the athlete and coach is fundamental to developing a team. It is important to give players feedback and direction so that they may improve individually in an effort to be part of the team’s success.
Community Involvement:
Athletes are given a special distinction in our society and therefore must make special efforts to be positive role models and active citizens. High school athletics can be an important way to bind a community together and high school athletes should be actively volunteering in their communities and being positive influences to they younger generation. Sustained involvement in the broader community helps to teach athletes the importance of seeing beyond themselves and the importance of active citizenship.
The Keys to Success:
Great programs are built on student athletes who are competitors and leaders.
· Students- Great programs must be built on the academic achievement of each player. It is key to remember that they are students’ first, athletes second. Academics must be a top priority for all athletes.
· Athletes- Athletes are always great teammates, who put the interests of their team ahead of their personal goals. Athletes are the hardest workers on the team and make no excuses. Athletes are the bedrock of a successful program.
· Competitors- Sports is not just about participation. Great programs are built on athletes who compete everyday and work tirelessly to reach the teams goals. For a team to be successful individuals must strive to do ones best in every practice and competition.
· Leaders- Students athletes must be leaders on and off the court. The nature of leadership is one of sacrifice for the greater good and athletics is the perfect setting for students to learn this lesson. Student Athletes must display leadership in competition, in the classroom and in the community.