GUEST POST: Jackson Davis - Developing Leadership
Empowering your players to lead
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Coach Jackson Davis from UNT Women’s Basketball is back and this time he is diving into one of the most critical (and often overlooked) pieces of team success: player leadership. (Jackson’s Twitter Account)
Every coach wants a player-led team.
But here’s the truth: leadership doesn’t just show up.
You have to develop it.
You have to train it, just like you would a jump shot or a defensive stance.
Let’s break down exactly how to do that:
🔍 Why Player Leadership Matters
Leadership isn't just about who gives the halftime speech. It’s about daily habits.
Who holds the standard when the coach walks out?
Who corrects teammates the right way? Who steps up when things go sideways?
“You can coach effort and execution. But when your players lead? That’s when your team transforms.”
✅ When players lead:
Culture gets enforced from within.
Buy-in goes up.
Accountability spreads beyond the locker room.
🧭 How to Identify Leaders on Your Roster
Not every leader is loud. Look for these types:
Vocal Leader-Directs, rallies, challenges.
Lead-by-Example-First in drills, focused, consistent energy.
Connector-Relates across cliques and roles.
Toughness Leader- Plays through adversity, embraces coaching.
📝 Pro Tip: Watch who players turn to—not just during hype moments, but after a mistake. That’s your real leader.
🛠️ How to Develop Leadership Skills
Assign Roles Early
Rotate captains in workouts.
Appoint “huddle leaders” for scrimmages.
Give someone ownership of scout team energy.
These small reps build confidence and expectation.
Run Leadership Labs
Sit down weekly or biweekly with emerging leaders. Discuss things like:
How to check a teammate without tearing them down.
How to speak in front of a group.
What accountability looks like on this team.
Ask real questions:
“What would you have said in that timeout?”
“Did that moment require hype… or honesty?”
Give Them Real Responsibility
Let them lead warm-ups or film breakdowns.
Ask them how they’d handle team-wide issues.
Invite them into “coach conversations”—even briefly.
The goal? Ownership. If it’s theirs, they’ll fight for it.
🚪 Give Leadership Room to Show Up
Leadership shows up in the in-between moments.
Situation & Opportunity
A teammate is struggling
Step in with encouragement or challenge
Practice is flat
Inject energy before the coaches do
A player is off-task
Redirect and reset without yelling
💡 These moments are the reps. Let them fail. Let them lead. Then teach.
🔁 Consistency Over Perfection
Leadership is like defense it’s not a one-time effort.
It’s a skill built on:
Reps – daily opportunities to step up
Feedback – both positive and corrective
Reflection – What worked? What didn’t?
Great leaders aren’t flawless. They’re just consistent.
🧠 Final Word: You Don’t Just Build Players. You Build Leaders.
You can install plays and schemes all season long.
But if you want your culture to last, if you want a player-led program?
You’ve got to build leadership into your everyday process.
When players lead, coaches don’t have to push they just steer.
And when that happens? Your team becomes unstoppable.
Let’s keep raising the standard!