Leadership by Jess Howard

Jess Howard was an example of a player who was motivated to work on her own to improve her game. Yes, she did the practices, the camps, and the leagues- but she also invested hours working on her own game. As Jess looks at leadership, she touches on how work ethic and individual workouts result in self-improvement, they help provide leadership and set a team culture.

“How can a player be an effective leader on their team?”

            I think players can be leaders in many different ways. Cheering for and supporting their teammates, no matter a player’s role, is very important. Having good communication with both players and coaches is crucial for respecting everyone on the team. Putting forth your best effort and working hard every single time you play basketball or workout for basketball, both during the season and off-season, will help to create a solid, habitual work ethic. When you work hard and your teammates see it, it challenges them to also work hard. This is a great way to lead by example and help shape your own and your teammates’ leadership behaviors into effective ones. 

“What can a player do now during “stay at home,” as a leader to help their team as they work individually?”

Check in on their teammates

·       Ask them how they’re doing/coping with what’s going on and make sure they are okay. Creating solidarity helps to build trust and team relationships.

·       Keeping in contact with coaches is also important! I’m sure Coach Massey would be thrilled to give suggestions for individual skill building.   :)

Work on their individual skills in any way they can.

·       If they have a basketball hoop at their house, go outside and shoot/play. If they don’t have a hoop, they can practice their form. 

·       Practice their ball handling skills (if they have a basketball at home right now).

·       If they have weights at home, they can continue to lift. If they don’t have weights, they can do bodyweight strength building-- like squats, push-ups, sit ups, etc.

·       Go outside and run/ride their bike when it’s nice/safe enough. Staying in basketball shape will help when they return. 

·       There are also tons of short, home workout videos online they could do if they want someone to walk them through a workout. 

·       When they do these individual workouts, they can share with their teammates what they’re doing. Sometimes it’s hard for people to get motivated when they have to work by themselves, so feeling like they’re still working together could be very helpful/motivating.