bcg blog

Role With Me

In our basketball program we run a motion offense. The term ‘motion’ has become extremely watered down over the years to the point that now nearly every offense is some type of ‘motion’. The essence of a true motion offense, however, is randomness. There is no pattern to motion. Offensive players make decisions based on how they are being guarded by the defense. It takes time to teach. Often, a long, long time. It requires players to think and understand the game.

I would consider it a high risk, high reward scenario. When executed well, it’s incredibly difficult to defend. With no pattern, it’s impossible for the defense to anticipate what is coming next. I mean, the offense doesn’t even know until they see what the defense is doing.

It’s a great offense. I enjoy teaching it and our players enjoy running it. Each player usually has to make numerous decisions on each possession so there is a built in sense of autonomy from the start.

However, there is an important aspect of this decision-making freedom that seems to remain vague on many teams: role embracement. 

Why Should We Care?
Notice I said role embracement, not roll acceptance. That’s a significant difference when we begin considering the execution of each role on a team. And it’s that difference that often separates a good team from a great team.

But, before a role can be embraced, or even accepted, it must be clearly identified, articulated, and shared with those we expect to fill it. This step may seem obvious, but it is too often presumed rather than assured - especially in regards to the part of the role that is most important.

The corporate world we love to point to a ten year old job description that was created by leaders that have moved on physically, or mentally. It’s complete with a list of bullet points itemizing each duty you are responsible for.

This list is important. You need to do them, and probably a lot more, but it’s not the most important. 

In the sports world, basketball is one of the most difficult sports to clearly define roles simply because all players play offense and defense and they all can pass, dribble, and shoot the ball. This creates a lot of areas for blurring of roles. Players can easily get drawn to the more glamorous role of say, scoring while the team needs him to rebound or screen. 

The basketball roles of screening, scoring, rebounding, etc is similar to a job description. Your team needs you to do this in order for it to execute at its best.

Beyond the job, or basketball, there is another significant role team members must accept that often goes unstated. It’s the same for everyone, though often at varying degrees. 

So, what makes up the most important part of your role on a great team?
Sacrifice, vulnerability, and faith. 

REAL TALK - Action Steps
We, as the leader, must embrace them while also clearly establishing the need for those on our team to do the same. It’s not enough for team members to accept the necessary sacrifice, vulnerability, and faith. They must embrace it - want it - seek it. 

• Sacrifice 
  
  • That’s right, you aren’t going to get everything you want. The team isn’t designed for your individual success. Teams are created to accomplish something you can’t accomplish on your own. That will require you to give something up, sometimes a lot. If you don’t want to make those sacrifices, fly solo. Your willingness to sacrifice personal gain and recognition for the good of the team is a huge deposit in the trust bank account of your team.
    

• Vulnerability
  
  • This one is simple. Teams require trust. Trust requires vulnerability. So, teams require vulnerability. It’s not an option. You can either choose to be vulnerable with teammates and explore your potential as a group or remain closed off from your teammates and always wonder what the group could have been. And, for those that don’t know, vulnerability precedes trust - not the other way around.
    

• Faith
  
  • One of my favorite parts of a team is that they take time to develop and grow. You have to pull the weeds and water them often. You will need to confront the current challenges and issues without losing faith in what you are pursuing. It’s faith that keeps you going through the storms, and there will be storms within a team as everyone is figuring out how they can best contribute and fit together. Too many people stop just before the tipping point. Vulnerability and trust will tip the scale. Stay with it. Persist. Have Faith.
    

As a coach, I used to dread talking to players about the roles we needed them to embrace for the good of our team. I always felt like I was asking them to do something they didn’t want to do. Now, I see role discussions as opportunities to empower players to maximize their contribution to the team.

For more information on building excellence in your teams, visit us at www.bluecollargrit.com. 
We would love to know how we could help!

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