文章基本信息

标题：Changing teams
作者：Washington, Coquese
期刊名称：Women's Basketball
印刷版ISSN：1524-9204
出版年度：2003
卷号：Aug 2003
出版社：Goldman Group

Changing teams

Washington, Coquese

This year may come to be known as the WNBA's season of change. The players are decked out in new uniforms. A new five-- year collective bargaining agreement has been reached between the league and the players' association. The league itself has shifted from a single entity enterprise to one of individual team ownership, a sign of the league's maturation. And because of one or all of these things, many players have found themselves suiting up - in these fine new unis - for new teams.

Whether going from middle school to high school, high school to college, college to the pros or from one professional team to another, changing teams is not always an easy task, and it can truly be an unsettling event. First, you are leaving the familiar and moving to a new environment - new coaches, new teammates and a new way of doing things. Practice may be different. The plays may be different. Roles and playing time may even be different. All this change can make even the best players uncomfortable.

That doesn't necessarily have to be the way. There are a couple of keys to handling changing teams that is sure to make the transition smooth for players on any level.

Once a player knows that she will be moving to a new team, it is important to establish good communication with her new coaches and teammates. Often, players become shy when they join a new team and, consequently, fail to make their needs and desires known. It is important that you communicate with your new coach to get an understanding of what kind of team he or she is running. What are their rules? What are the expectations for the season? What are his or her expectations for you?

Just as important, communicating with teammates allows you to bond with them and develop good team chemistry. Without good chemistry, even the most talented team will struggle to find success on the court. So it is important to get to know your teammates early so as to develop good rapport. This doesn't mean you have to be best buddies with everyone on the squad, but you should have a good idea of what your teammates' personalities are. Know who the team leaders are and whom you can go to if you have a problem you need to discuss.

Once you get a better understanding and feel for the team personality, and give your teammates an opportunity to get to know you, it will be easier for you to settle in and find a comfort zone with your new team.

Another key is identifying and accepting your role on your new team. As the level of competition gets more difficult, your role on any given team is likely to change. However, it is important to note that whatever role you begin the season with is not the role you have to end the season with. Remember, roles are defined by players, not by coaches. Whatever you do well consistently is going to be the thing your coach will ask of you in games. The key word is consistently. This means you have to be able to perform the task night in and night out. In every practice and game situation. The team knows that it can count on you to perform that task.

Making the transition to a new team will be easier if you accept the role that your new coach initially gives you while continuing to work on the skills necessary to be granted the role you want. For example, if your coach decides you will come off the bench, instead of pouting or grumbling about how unfair it is to everyone who will listen, simply accept it, find out what you need to work on to increase your minutes, and put in extra time before or after practice improving these skills. In time, as your game improves, so will your role.

Although changing teams can be a little intimidating at first, it is a great opportunity to grow as a player. New challenges will be presented - both mental and physical - and those who accept and meet these challenges are destined to reach new heights as a player.

The bottom line is changing teams is a fact of life. Make it work for you

Coquese Washington is a point guard with the WNBA's Indiana Fever (temporarily on the sidelines with an injury) and an assistant coach at Notre Dame University. Send your questions for her to WBHoopQues@aol.com.