Give Your Players an Ownership Stake in Their Team

You can increase your players’ commitment to the team by providing each of them with an ownership stake. Ownership generates responsibility—a desirable trait to instill in any child. Ownership requires that the owner has some control over the item owned. Are you providing your players with an opportunity to take ownership?

One way to give players a sense of ownership is to provide opportunities for them to lead. This is easiest with your older, more skilled players. These players can lead their team through their performance. In addition, you should also encourage these individuals to see themselves as mentors to the beginners and less-skilled players. Ask them to represent you on the court or field of play, helping other players as required. Hopefully, they will reflect your style and provide constructive comments and guidance. By giving certain players leadership responsibility, you provide them with a strong vested interest in the team and its success.

Another way to increase your players’ sense of ownership is to involve them in some of your coaching decisions and responsibilities. For example, at the beginning of a game, you might ask players on the bench to determine the opposing team’s defense. Sometimes they may know players on the other team, and understand the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses better than you. Regularly ask your players their opinion on game situations and matchups. This approach helps keep everyone involved in the game, while also sending a message to your players that their input helps define your coaching strategies and tactics.

For the youngest players in participation oriented programs, let them know that they “own” a certain task (e.g., in basketball, setting a screen as part of a specific play) and that this task is important to the team’s success. If you have multiple team captains for individual games, give your young players their opportunity to serve in this capacity. Letting your players choose a team name is another fun way to promote ownership and team bonding.

While some of your players are born leaders, others will hesitate to take any leadership role. Some players will not assume responsibility beyond what they are told to do. As you work with these players, try to devise ways in which you can grow their sense of ownership in the team. Doing so successfully will increase the player’s enthusiasm and commitment to the team and its goals.

Listen to your players, and when possible, make them feel that their observations and suggestions are part of your decision-making and coaching process. Give your players a sense of control and ask them to lead in whatever way they can.

Copyright 2009-2012 Jeffrey S. Rhoads; All Rights Reserved