How to Communicate With Your Teammates
Has a star teammate of yours ever struggled in a big game?
What did you do?
Did you give them a little pep talk or sit back and continue to watch the battle?
Did you WANT to help them? Were you scared of how they’d respond?
On Saturday night, the Warriors were able to force a Game 7 with a 115-86 win over the Rockets in Game 6.
Draymond Green impacted that win on the court, with 10 rebounds, 9 assists, and was plus-27 in almost 37 minutes. Though his biggest influence in Game 6 came at half time in his conversation with Steph Curry.
Curry was just 6 of 13 from the field and made only 1 of 7 3-pointers in the first half. Green noticed Curry was rushing a lot of his shots, so he let him know at half time.
Draymond Green told the two-time MVP, Steph Curry at half time to “slow down.”
Commenting on Green’s advice, Curry said:
“When you want a game so bad and feel the energy in the building, and how we were trying to claw our way back into it defensively, that affected my offensive game. I was rushing a little bit, not being decisive with my shots. It was a nice little pep talk, got my confidence and came out in the second half trying to make plays.”
Green’s “slow down” message to Curry was beneficial…
In the third quarter, Curry then went 3 of 4 from 3-point range and in the fourth he made 3 of 6 from the field, finishing with 16 points in the second half.
Sometimes, athletes can be selfish. You may believe your acknowledgment and respect only come from the stats you put up.
However, one of the greatest roles an athlete can play is to be the most valuable teammate (MVT).
While Draymond Green performs and contributes on the court, half time in Game 6 exemplified his ability to be a most valuable teammate.
Many people think of the name Steph Curry when they consider the Warriors. Later, they recall KD, Green, Thompson, and others.
Basketball, like many other sports is a “team” sport. No single person is responsible for a W or L.
If Green were selfish and didn’t value his teammates or team, he could have passed up the pep talk opportunity with Curry at half time.
Though, Green recognizes the tools that help his team be successful, and he knows Curry is a large one.
During big games, you rush, you’re indecisive, and the pressure can cause you to hesitate or doubt… like it did to Curry.
Teammates can typically see this easier than you. Allow them to let you know what they see. Be receptive of a little pep talk. It may help you the way it did Curry in Game 6.
How to Communicate with Your Teammates
If you’re a teammate noticing the challenge, don’t be scared to say what you see, in a respectful manner.
Making a teammate aware might help them through the rest of the game, similar to Green’s advice to Curry.
Being the most valuable teammate can occasionally be more important than being the most valuable player… as the story after Game 6 is about Draymond Green and his impact on the victory.
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Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How to Communicate With Teammates
- How to Resolve Conflicts with Your Teammates and Coaches
- How Athletes Can Use Constructive Criticism
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