The best coaches focus on player development as opposed to player replacement
It is a tough task to evaluate players. It is even more difficult to evaluate yourself. There are so many factors the process can become complex quickly. Below is a system I have used to help determine the proficiency and efficiency of any given player. Proficiency denotes absolute skill value and efficiency concerns effectiveness of skill use during play. This system has been a valuable tool in helping me differentiate top players from the crowd. It has also been useful in helping players gain a truer sense of self, particularly to understand areas of concern for their development.
Evaluations are twofold: (1) Rating players according to defined roles as an Efficiency Rating (ER); and (2) Rating players according to their capability - PTAG (below).
PTAG= Physical ability + Technical acuity + Intellectual Application + Grit (Focus)
Physical talent is great but it is nothing without technical skill. Technical skill is great if properly applied. However, heart and grit are the soul of any player. Some players just have that “thing”: it is hard to put a finger on or define it, yet it is so easy to recognize. Many times grit is the deciding factor between otherwise equal adversaries. In fact, a high Grit-factor raises the other three categories up a notch. Without it you may lose confidence under adversity, experience diminished skills or even the capacity to think clearly.
Everyone at some point has succumbed to pressure and performed poorly. It does not necessarily make you heartless - just human. Coaches tell players to be tough all the time. But what is tough really? What is “hard-nosed”? There are a number of factors that contribute to toughness and fortitude. Attitude and physical prowess are often key components, but grittiness - the ability to hyper-focus 100% on what is necessary for success in each moment of exchange - might be the most important. As a coach, I demand intensity and intelligence from players, but above all focus. Thankfully this can be manufactured and developed.
Focus = grittiness = toughness
Maybe you are not built to be rough and tumble, but you can learn to hyper-focus. Obviously this type of focus is difficult to come by. The mind is susceptible to distraction. Still, I push players to observe the 10 to 7 rule as a way to find emotional calm inside the tension of the moment: Get hyped and focused on level 10; accept all the emotions of the moment; then take a deep breath and calm your mind to 7 for play.
A colleague of mine says, “What is required in the fray is a Calm Assertive Mind (CAM). It allows you to operate in a state that enables you to process the action and function at the same time.” Even though humans are the greatest machines on earth, you are still responsible for managing your emotions. Maintaining composure under trying circumstances is an extreme challenge. The good news is you can systematically increase your grit or G-factor to make yourself environment proof. It is not hocus pocus, but rather continuous focus---on the right things.
The second phase of evaluations - ER - attaches a numerical value to a player’s effectiveness inside a given role. Players typically have primary and secondary roles. Upper case letters denote primary roles (i.e. SC); lower case denotes secondary roles (i.e. sc). I rate players in each area 1 to 5; with 5 being the highest level. Role classification and symbols will vary from coach to coach. Exhibit A below is my personal list of role definitions.
SC differs from S in terms of how a player scores. S refers mainly to spot-up shooters and SC for players that different ways inside the offense. P describes an assist person - any position. D refers to on–ball defenders and shot blockers. MM or “momentum man” defines a big play person who impacts the game without scoring necessarily: timely pass, key steal, block, charge, etc.
PM refers to an individual who spearheads the fast break.
Evaluations include a brief overview (OV) or blueprint for continuous development, along with identification of core strengths. A few examples follow below. (Note: evaluations can be done according to any timetable or schedule.)
For scouting purposes: this system has kept me on task in identifying players and their core abilities without regard to the hoopla surrounding them or how they might have played (technically) on that particular occasion.
Examples
Player:#1- Harris
Role: PM-P-D-MM
ER: 3-4-5-1
PTAG: 5-3-3-5
OV: Improve shooting proficiency and efficiency, plus control negative emotionality
Core strength: Leadership qualities and ability to compete
Player:#7- Davis
Role: SC-S-R-P
ER: 3-2-4-2
PTAG: 3-4-3-3
OV: Must improve resolve, ability to lead by example and improve positive self-talk
Core strength: Technical skill sets and “go-to” capability
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