Team Success: Many Ways to Contribute
Wheelchair basketball is a unique sport. Because of the different point systems used at different levels of competition, athletes’ roles and responsibilities often change throughout a season, a weekend or even a game. This article will focus on the intangibles of success which rarely get recognized.
BC is fortunate to have some of the best athletes to ever play wheelchair basketball. Jamie Borisoff, Richard Peter, and Janet McLachlan are just a few examples of many world class athletes that have worn the BC colours. But in a team sport, the unsung heroes are needed as well. Effective practices and games include athletes who are willing to play meaningful but unrecognized roles such as playing the systems of the opposition, being the screeners and sealers on set plays, or being the individual who passes the ball right to the shot pocket so that the threats can score. Individuals ready to be subbed in for one or two impact minutes so that a coach can provide information or rest to the “starter” players.
What impresses me as a coach are those athletes who can find a way to contribute when their role on the court is diminished. As you go up in levels of play, athletes often need to adjust their roles and how they contribute to the team. A player who is the best in her region may find herself to be the 12th player on the provincial team. But because of her support and her readiness to contribute in whatever way she can, the team pulls together and plays better.
To have a successful team, we must have role players: Individuals who bring energy to every minute they are on the court. Most players that play at the higher levels are extremely competitive and no one wants to sit on the bench. However, those who make a significant contribution playing minimal minutes or adapted roles can bring out the best in their teammates and make the difference between winning or losing. These are truly the difference makers.
To all those who contribute to team success at practices, games, team dinners, or while sitting on the bench: Job Well Done. It is probably one of the most difficult skills in high performance sport.
