In my 40 years of coaching, I’ve been fortunate to be a head coach, working in close cooperative spirit with terrific assistant coaches, as well as assistant to several highly successful head coaches.  As a result, I’ve been able to experience the interrelationship of the two positions and through participation to appreciate the value of the role of the assistant(s).  The purpose here is to take a careful look at this role and its parameters.

The head coach of a basketball team has a wide variety of responsibilities during the course of a season.  Delegation of some of those responsibilities to an assistant is an important part of the decision making process in preparation for that season.  In an ideal sense the assistant can become an extension of the head coach in the same manner as the point guard often does.  The relationship requires a delicate balance of personal qualities and interpersonal skills.  There is no question that the role of the assistant coach, once properly defined and administered, can be an integral part of a highly successful season.

Most often the head coach controls the selection of staff members.  Usually the selection is based on a former coaching relationship.  Summer camps, opposing respected coaches and references from coaching buddies create the pool from which assistants are chosen.  The most critical characteristics to consider in selection are; basketball knowledge, ability to relate to players, willingness to accept a subservient role, eagerness and determination and the maturity to see the whole picture as well as the role part of the position.  It’s imperative that there is a well-developed and genuine trust shared by both coaches.  I will talk more about this special relationship as I go along.

Utilization of the assistant is determined by the head coach.  This must be made perfectly clear so that the assistant knows precisely his role and that players learn to see clearly how the assistant will impact them in their development.  Delineation of daily responsibilities will also be influenced by the number of assistants available in the program.  In the end, the success of the assistant coach is in direct proportion to the maturity and self confidence of the head coach.  Neither should feel threatened by the other, rather should see each other as almost co-coaches.

Here are some significant areas for consideration;

1. The assistant may be involved in managerial matters on occasion depending on staff circumstances.  He should take the attitude that there is nothing that is beneath him to do.  It is helpful in the development as a coach, for the assistant to perform duties without being asked simply because they need to be done.  Someday this will lead to a fuller appreciation of the assistant’s role when he becomes a head coach himself.  Examples might include; sweeping the gym floor, taping injured players, bringing/returning ball racks to and from the practice floor, collecting player warm-ups, keeping track of specific game statistics, delivering messages to the Athletic Director, calling game results in to the newspapers, etc.  It becomes essential then that the head coach recognize these tasks for their worth and give an occasional “pat on the back” as acknowledgement.  Every head coach who apprenticed as an assistant fully realizes the importance of this.  Interestingly, from a historical point of view, some of our greatest American leaders showed their willingness to those in charge to do occasional “grunt work.”  This inspires at least and gains respect always.  A head coach seen sweeping the floor is a great example to all concerned.

2. Open lines of communication between the coaches prevent confusion as to who is responsible for what and builds the trust necessary to develop a healthy relationship.  A secure head coach allows input from staff while an assistant must realize the “buck stops” with the head coach.  “Two heads are better than one” is an old adage that prevails when the head coach allows suggestions from the assistant.  Conversely, the assistant must be comfortable knowing suggestions may be accepted or rejected and accepts both results, keeping the best interests of the team at heart at all times.  This is true in game situations and practice sessions.

3. The relationship of the assistant to the players on the team is significant.  In this, the assistant must always be reinforcing the philosophy/teachings of the head coach.  There is great opportunity here for the assistant to observe the practice and game play of each individual player in order to identify which need encouragement, challenge and instruction to improve their game.  The general rule of thumb is the assistant chooses the words of the head coach as reminders even to the extent of using the same terminology.  This creates continuity in teaching/learning.  At no time should the assistant present teaching that differs unless previously cleared by the head coach.  This again, builds trust among all.

4. It‘s wise for the head coach to include staff in the preparation of and participation in, the daily practice schedule.  Asking for suggestions indicates that the head coach is willing to actively involve the assistant.  Assigning the assistant a specific role (stretching, conditioning, big/small man workout, etc.) develops the role further and allows the players to hear a different voice during a practice session.  On occasion, the head coach can allow the assistant to run most of the practice which may provide a unique opportunity for the head coach to see the workout from a different perspective.

5. Game assignments should be given by the head coach to utilize the staff to the fullest.  The assistant may be asked to keep track of player fouls, timeouts remaining, etc. and to alert the coach quickly, correctly and concisely when this information is vital to game strategy.  The assistant may also offer strategy suggestions knowing acceptance/rejection depends on the head coach’s plan/feel for the game at the moment.  Showing faith in staff ideas by implementing them is, again, an indication of trust.

6. Scouting opponents may be assigned to the assistant.  It is imperative that he know exactly what information the head coach requires and the specificity of that information in order to realize full results of the scouting report.  This may include team strategies and individual player strengths and weaknesses.  It might be a good idea for the staff to work together to design the outline of the scouting report itself.

Some of the most enjoyable personal relationships I’ve had were with my fellow staff coaches.  In certain cases I’ve been so lucky as to develop life-long friendships because of the mutual love for teaching the game of basketball.  The foundation in all these cases was the appreciation, respect and admiration developed as seen in a mature friendship.  The lasting memories that remain as a result of coaching experiences shared positively with others are priceless!

To conclude, I highly recommend that we all be wise enough to:
Be Honest – Be Receptive – Be Sensitive – Be Aware – Be A Team

Good Luck Coaches!