... interpreting the player on the bench by how he looks. You don't know what he's thinking or feeling. I believe a player is disappointed when he doesn't play as best as he can and contribute and do they look beat on the bench and maybe given up for that moment? yes. Doesn't mean they are giving up on themselves or their teammates? No, I'll need more than a few mins of feeling sorry for themselves to convince me of that.
There are certain players whose temperament is pretty rock-solid throughout. They to project an aura of control and confidence at all times.
But many/most players feelings are like yo-yos. You miss a shot or two... or the Coach yells as you for not getting back on defense... and your mood can quickly sag.
And just as quickly, you hit two in or row or slam a thunder-dunk and you push out your chest way out and scream out a loud war chant and you feel like King of the World. At least for a moment.
Sports is an emotional game both for player and fan. And emotions rise and fall like the waves crashing on Lake Michigan when the North wind is blowing a gale.
More attention needs to be paid to player emotions by coaches. Many coaches are preoccupied with technical aspects of the game and they do not give enough attention to what the emotional temperature is of so many guys at one time. Not necessarily a fault of the coach as there is simply too much to do and too much going on to give this critical aspect of the game the emphasis it deserves.
As a student of the game... I see the need to give this part of the game much more attention. And the benefits of doing that would pay off big time.
The greatest coaches are those who are deeply tuned in to the emotions of player and team. This allows the coach to know how to respond both in the heat of battle and also after the game when someone needs a good heart-to-heart to get themselves right.
This also plays into the overall team-feeling of brotherhood and also Coach acting as father-figure and mentor to the young men who are looking to him for leadership and good direction.
But in general, showing any kind of ‘down’ emotion is not good for two reasons. It emboldens your opposition as them getting into your head. And it sends a bad message to your coach and teammates.
You have to get your head and heart right before you can do anything on the court.
