Written by Trust is key in team sports. For optimal team performance, trust should be second nature between coaches and teammates. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as big egos and the fear of failure can cause a rift within a team’s culture.
Trust is not a given, nor should it be. It takes time, and often is difficult to achieve. Both coaches and players are frequently moved around, either by choice, through trades or other moves made by management. Ideally, coaches need to show that they care about their players, be it rookies, veterans, stars or role players. Additionally, players need to demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt to the coaching style. Trust goes both ways. Without it, you could wind up like this guy.
Trust is earned between individuals over time. There is no shortcut to having the entire team trust the coach all at once, nor the coach trust everyone on the team simultaneously. Just ask coaches Ted Lasso and Ken Carter. They showed that they cared about their players, not only as players, but as people too. They’re not the only ones either; Spurs’ Head Coach Gregg Popovich is not only a real life example of superb coach, but also a plethora of great quotes:
“‘Play the right way’ means play unselfishly, respect each other’s achievements, play hard, fulfill your role.”
Gregg Popovich
When trust is established between a team and the coaching staff, great things happen. Building strong team chemistry is one of the best results of trust. Players perform at a higher level, playing as a unit. They are more responsive to coaches, taking guidance in stride, proving they are serious about the success of the team. The Washington Wizards were the worst team in the league through the first 25 games of the NBA season (8-17 yikes). But they made it all the way from the 15th seed to the 8th seed by the end of the regular season, before being eliminated in the Play-In Tournament.
“It’s so much fun for me to see guys do well. When they click and the team does well, everybody eats. I’m happy that guys are putting their work in and able to see it come to life.”
Russell Westbrook
Seeing the impact of trust is really incredible. It improves the team’s performance and culture, which can be reflected by the fan base as well. There will always be promises of “next game” or “next season” but what does it matter if everyone involved can’t trust each other?