How to Get Your Players to Hold Their Teammates Accountable

We demand accountability from our players. We preach the importance of teamwork and holding each other to a high standard. Yet, simply telling them to "hold each other accountable" isn’t very effective.

The reality is our players often mimic what they see. If we, as coaches, resort to yelling, punishment, or public shaming when standards slip, we inadvertently teach them that this is how leadership operates. But true accountability isn't about intimidation or negativity. It’s about fostering a culture of support, responsibility, and collective growth.

Show Them

Before we can expect players to lead, we need to demonstrate effective leadership ourselves. Here’s how:

1. Team Huddles: Instead of dictating solutions, huddle the team and guide them through a constructive conversation about the issue. Encourage them to identify the problem and brainstorm solutions together. This fosters ownership and buy-in.
2. 1:1s with Players: When a player is struggling, pull them aside for a private conversation. Express your belief in their abilities and emphasize the team's reliance on their contributions. This approach builds trust and motivates improvement.
3. Resets and Do-Overs: When effort wanes, don’t hesitate to reset a drill or demand a rep be done over. This establishes clear expectations and demonstrates that lackluster effort won’t be tolerated.

Equip Them

Once you’ve modeled effective leadership, empower your players with specific tools and strategies:

• Authorize Huddles: Allow team leaders to call huddles when necessary to address concerns or refocus the group.
• Prompt 1:1 Conversations: When an individual is struggling to meet standards, encourage leaders to have constructive, private conversations with the teammate in need of support or redirection.
• Grant Authority to Reset: Give leaders the power to reset drills or request do-overs when effort dips below the standard.

Challenge Them

Providing tools isn’t enough. We need to actively nurture leadership qualities in our players:

When standards slip, prompt your leaders to step up in that moment. Ask them which tool they think would be most effective in addressing the situation. After a player takes initiative, offer constructive feedback and praise their efforts.

Click here to get my two-page guide for leaders to stop calling people out and start calling people up.