Back to Blog
How to become a Great Coach
By Bevo•
The 13 Keys to Becoming a Great Coach
By Bevo •
I’ve been coaching basketball for over 35 years. I’ve coached in 10 countries, won championships, and worked at Olympic Games. But when young coaches ask me what it takes to be great, my answer is always simpler than they expect.
It’s not about knowing the most plays. It’s not about having the loudest voice. It comes down to 13 things — five qualities and eight habits — that separate good coaches from great ones.
The Five Qualities
Through my career, I’ve noticed that the best coaches all share the same five qualities. They are great communicators. They are dependable — their players and staff can always count on them. They are loyal to their program and their people. They are encouragers who build players up. And above all, they are outstanding teachers of the game.
None of these are about X’s and O’s. They’re about who you are as a person and a leader. I learned this early on from John Wooden’s famous words — that it’s not what we say to our players that matters most, it’s what we show them through our actions every single day.
The Eight Habits of Elite Coaches
Beyond those qualities, I’ve observed eight habits that elite coaches consistently use. Things like controlling your voice instead of yelling all the time. Measuring everything that matters in practice. Keeping sessions fast and purposeful — no wasted minutes. And perhaps the most important one: being demanding without being demeaning.
You can push your players to be their best and still treat them with respect. In fact, the coaches who get the most out of their players are the ones who do exactly that.
Go Deeper
I’ve put together a full guide that breaks down all 13 keys in detail — with practical tips you can start using at your very next practice. Whether you’re coaching your first team or you’ve been on the sideline for 20 years, these principles will make you better.
Head over to the Centre of Excellence to access the complete guide and start your journey to becoming a great coach.
— Bevo