Player Expectations

Player Expectations

In order to facilitate their own progress, each player should be fully aware of what is expected at practices and games.

The following traits are evaluated, assessed, and communicated to parents and players throughout each season to maintain the expected standards.

ATTITUDE

  • Care about performance and outcome. Although winning is not the priority at the younger ages, developing winning traits is expected.
  • Be proactive.
  • Develop self-awareness when assessing your performance and contribution.
  • Strive to be emotionally stable when situations require composure.
  • Work on player independence from parents during games and practices.
  • Socratic methods to avoid a dependence on the coach to “direct” every move.
  • You must have the desire to express yourself and be creative without parent or coach influence.
  • Willing to learn and listen.
  • You must have the desire to compete.
  • When communicating with teammates and coaches, maintain a positive and encouraging tone.
  • Display respectful body language.

LIFESTYLE 

  • Proper nutrition before games. Begin to develop better eating habits.
  • Understand the importance of rest and recovery before and after league and tournament games.
  • Be willing to commit to the required dress code.

GAME EXPECTATIONS 

On Attack

  • Demonstrate the desire to beat players 1v1 when the situation presents itself.
  • Be forward thinking and penetrate by finding passes that get in between and behind lines of pressure.
  • Get through phases quickly by displaying the expected patterns of play.
  • Possess with a purpose. No “booting” or “sending”.
  • Show the ability to simplify your game.
  • Be willing to cooperate with teammates immediately, on and off the ball.
  • Create angles of support and proper shape around the ball.
  • Commitment to apply passing patterns worked on at practices.
  • Play frequent diagonal balls to switch point of attack.

On Defense

  • Ability and desire to meet ball at its highest point. Older ages “DO” head the ball.
  • Individual must have desire to defend.
  • Immediate chase upon losing the ball.
  • Team Pressing. Age and level determines when and where we press (areas of confrontation).

SABA coaches strive to instill a similar style of play throughout all age groups.  Players compete with their team and may guest up and across age groups within the club. Their ability to apply the required traits and expectations helps maintain the standard throughout the club and not just one team.