When you think about the best coaches you have played for, worked with or watched, they probably were not all the same kind of communicator. Some were loud and fiery. Some barely raised their voices. Some told great stories. Others kept everything short and simple.

But if you look closer, great coaches tend to share a set of habits, regardless of personality. Over eleven-plus years of coaching, from freshman and JV ball at Alta Loma to my current spot as an assistant at Lower Lake, these are the ones I have seen make the biggest difference.

1. They Keep It Short

Players have limited attention, especially in the middle of a practice or a timeout. Great coaches say what needs to be said in as few words as possible. One teaching point per drill. Two or three key points per timeout. If a message cannot be said simply, it probably needs more thought before it is said at all.

2. They Use Consistent Language

Great programs have their own vocabulary. “Shot!” means box out. “Next play” means move on from a mistake. When coaches use the same words for the same things every day, players understand instantly. Inconsistent language creates confusion and slows everything down.

3. They Listen More Than People Expect

The best communicators are not always talking. They ask questions and actually listen to the answers. “What did you see on that play?” “How are you feeling about your role?” Listening gives coaches information they would never get otherwise, and it makes players feel valued.

4. They Are Specific With Praise and Correction

“Good job” and “come on” do not teach anything. Great coaches say exactly what was good or what needs to change. “Great job jumping to the ball on that pass” or “You need to get your hands up on the closeout.” Specificity makes feedback useful. I go deeper on this in Teaching Through Positive Reinforcement.

5. They Stay Composed

Players read their coach’s body language constantly. When a coach panics, players panic. When a coach stays calm, players settle. Great coaches can be intense without being out of control. They save real emotion for moments that call for it, so it means something when they use it.

This is easier said than done, especially in close games. If you want ideas for staying composed under pressure, I wrote about it in How to Stay Composed on the Sideline.

6. They Explain the Why

Players follow instructions better when they understand the reason behind them. “We sink on the weak side because it takes away driving lanes” is more memorable than “sink on the weak side.” Great coaches do not explain everything every time, but they make sure players understand the purpose behind what they are asked to do.

7. They Communicate Individually

Team meetings are important, but they are not enough. Great coaches have regular one on one conversations with players. They know that each player hears things differently, needs different kinds of feedback and has different concerns. Individual conversations are where trust gets built.

8. They Are Honest

Great coaches tell players the truth about their role, their performance and what they need to improve. They do it kindly, but they do it. Players can handle honesty. What they cannot handle is mixed messages or false hope. See How to Be Honest Without Being Harsh for a framework.

9. They Use Nonverbal Communication Well

A lot of communication happens without words. A nod after a good play. A fist bump coming off the floor. A calm face during an opponent’s run. Great coaches are aware of what their body language says and use it on purpose. They also notice players’ body language and respond to it.

10. They Follow Through

Nothing undermines communication faster than not doing what you said. If you tell a player you will meet with them, meet with them. If you set a consequence, enforce it. If you promise a player a chance to earn minutes, give it to them. Follow-through is what makes words believable.

How to Build These Habits

You do not have to master all ten at once. Pick one or two to focus on this season. A few practical ways to build them:

• Record yourself. Video a practice and watch how you communicate. It can be uncomfortable, but it is very revealing.
• Ask your assistants. They see you every day. Ask what you could do better.
• Ask your players. A short anonymous survey can tell you a lot about how your messages are landing.
• Plan key messages. Before practice, write down the one or two things you most want players to hear.

Communication Is a Coaching Skill

We spend hours learning offenses, defenses and drills. Communication deserves the same attention. It is the tool that makes everything else work. A brilliant game plan that is poorly communicated is worth less than a simple one that every player understands.

Work on these habits a little at a time, and you will see the difference in how your players respond. For more on coaching communication, visit Underdog Hoops University.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a coach a good communicator?

Good communicators keep messages short, use consistent language, listen well, give specific feedback, stay composed, explain the reasons behind instructions and follow through on what they say.

How can coaches improve their communication skills?

Record a practice and review it, ask assistants and players for feedback, plan key messages before practice and focus on improving one or two habits at a time.

Why is communication important in coaching?

Communication is how coaches teach, build trust and align a team. Even a great strategy fails if players do not understand it or do not trust the person explaining it.