10 Ways to Build Basketball Team Leaders in 2025

The challenges of leadership in 2025 are different.

• Players are more connected but feel less connected.
• Trust is harder to earn and quicker to lose.
• Communication is everywhere, yet it’s rarely effective.

As coaches and leaders, we can’t keep doing what worked a decade ago.

Developing leaders in 2025 requires new strategies, a deeper focus on connection, and tools that work in today’s environment. This is why I created the Team Leader OS.

Here are 10 ways to develop the leaders your team needs to succeed.

1. Teach Real Communication

Social media, texting, and group chats aren’t leadership. Teach players how to communicate face-to-face:

1. Eye contact.
2. Clear, honest feedback.
3. Listening to understand, not to respond.

2. Model Leadership Daily

Leaders are watching you. Every word, action, and decision matters. Show them how to lead:

1. Be accountable.
2. Admit mistakes.
3. Lead with consistency and respect.

3. Assign Leadership Roles

Not everyone leads the same way. Give players specific roles:

1. The energy guy.
2. The encourager.
3. The communicator.

Leadership is a collective effort - let players step up in their own ways. Collective Leadership is one of the key pillars in the Team Leader OS.

4. Hold Leadership Meetings

Set a time to meet with your captains and potential leaders. Help them:

1. Work through challenges.
2. Understand their teammates better.
3. Build their confidence as leaders.

5. Focus on Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

 Leaders need EQ just as much as IQ. Teach players how to:

1. Recognize emotions in themselves and others.
2. Stay composed under pressure.
3. Respond, not react.

6. Let Them Solve Problems

Stop fixing everything. Give your leaders opportunities to figure it out:

1. During practice huddles.
2. In team disagreements.
3. In moments of adversity.
   

Ownership builds leadership.

7. Challenge Their Comfort Zones

Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. Push your leaders:

1. Ask them to speak in front of the team.
   
2. Have them lead drills or warm-ups.
3. Encourage them to mentor younger players.
   

8. Teach Accountability

Leaders don’t point fingers - they take responsibility.

1. Hold them accountable for their actions.
2. Teach them how to hold teammates accountable without tearing them down.

Accountability builds trust.

9. Share Leadership Stories

Leaders need inspiration. Share stories from great leaders:

1. Tom Brady’s preparation.
2. Sue Bird’s communication.
3. Tim Duncan’s humility.
   

Stories make leadership real and relatable.

10. Celebrate Leadership Moments

Leadership can feel thankless. Acknowledge the little things:

1. A player who lifts up a teammate.
2. Someone who leads by example in tough moments.
3. Players who step into roles they aren’t comfortable in.
   

What gets celebrated gets repeated.

Developing leaders in 2025 isn’t just about picking captains. It’s about creating a culture where leadership is taught, modeled, and celebrated daily.

Ask yourself this week: What am I doing to grow the leaders my team needs? 

For weekly tips and tools to grow as a coach and build a winning culture, join 14,000+ other coaches who read Great Teams Better Leaders each week. You can also connect with me on “X” @gb1121 for more insights and ideas. 

Good Luck!

- Greg