Coach Sen contributes an excellent article on how to develop teamwork:

Coaches develop teams based on two primary concepts, hard work and teamwork. And the results follow either individual improvement or the ability to help teammates. Our job is to help players individually and collectively change. It’s a never-ending challenge.

Personal habits:

1. Pressure the ball. The principal responsibilities of defense are to prevent scoring opportunities and regain possession. Attack the offense. Accept nothing less at all times.

2. When you force the dribbler to pick up the dribble, make a call (e.g. “pinch”) and attack the pivot foot to prevent the dribbler from improving their passing angle.

3. Never allow free ‘front cuts’ to the ball.

4. If a defender presents a ‘lead foot’, attack the basket to that side.

5. Never criticize a teammate. If a player has concerns about another player, have her bring it to the coach who can assess the problem and address it  quickly and privately.

Team habits:

1. When you enter a new gym, have the players evaluate boundaries, lighting, boundary symmetry, clock position, et cetera. Invariably, we see players violate boundaries or lose possessions needlessly.

2. Communicate. Except for when the coaches are talking, the players on the floor should communicate both verbally and non-verbally.

3. Regularly remind players at practice and pre-game about the importance of dictating tempo and establishing toughness.

4. Maximize “compete level” as an expectation. Make as many drills as possible competitive and confirm scrimmage wins “Celtics style” with made free throws.

5. Cultivate team spirit through community activity. Clean up a park, hold clinics for younger players, serve at a food distribution facility. Help players see their collective mission.

Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @rsen01 on Twitter

Ron Sen is an assistant coach in a middle school girls basketball program and a primary and specialty care physician.

Follow Ron Sen on Twitter!