In my nearly twenty years of playing organized athletics, I held a variety of roles: developmental player, bench player, role player, average player, team leader, team captain, and a top player. These were all roles that I navigated and tried to uphold the best I could. My most successful experiences with various roles was when my coaches clearly articulated what those roles required from me. Great coaches and leaders clearly develop roles for everyone on the team. Here are seven ways to develop roles and continue building a championship program:
- Post the Roles: Prior to tryouts or the beginning of the season, coaches can post the available roles on the team. This strategy allows all players to see exactly what roles are available and how many of those roles exist on the team. Winning programs often outline these roles prior to any tryout or season starting. How well have you communicated the possible roles for players?
- Define the Roles: For each role available on the team, the coach should clearly define what that role means prior to tryouts or practice. In one-on-one meetings with each player, great coaches specifically state the details of the role, so players are clear on the definition of it. How well do you define each individual role?
- State the Why: Many players want to understand the why behind their roles. In addition to defining the role, coaches should clearly outline why this role matters to the success of the team. Provide each player with 2-3 reasons why this role impacts the team and the process toward its goals. How clearly do you explain the why behind each role?
- Outline the Process: In one-on-one meetings with each player, coaches should outline the specific actions needed to fulfill the role at the necessary standard. Although the process may change slightly, it’s helpful for players to understand the 3-5 actions required during practices and games to fulfill their role at a championship standard. How clearly do you outline the process needed to achieve that role?
- Share as a Team: Once every player has an individual meeting around their roles, and the season has started, players can build team chemistry by sharing their roles. Working in small groups, each player shares the what, why, and how around their role. The other group members share why that role is really important to individual and team success. They can also provide any feedback related to the what, why, and how of the role. How well do you utilize the team to further clarify roles and their impact?
- Provide Feedback: Even though the roles have been clearly outlined for every player, feedback about the level at which they’re fulfilling that role is important. Great coaches work to have short, one-on-one meetings with every player at least once a week about their role. This can be a short check-in during warm ups, before practice, or after a team meeting. It’s a great opportunity to provide feedback on the role or reinforce that players are meeting the standard. How often do you give feedback related to player roles?
- Evolve the Role: While the roles are initially established early in the season, those roles may evolve into a larger or lesser role. It’s really important to communicate when that role evolves into a more significant role. It’s even more important to openly discuss if a player’s role decreases throughout the season. How effectively do you communicate evolving roles?
One of the high-performing characteristics of exceptional coaches is their ability to clearly define roles, outline the process, and show the importance of each role. Being part of a team really means that every player wants to feel valued and provide something meaningful to help the team win. Clearly defining, outlining, and communicating roles supports developing a championship program.
What is your system for clearly developing player roles?