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The Person Who Makes the Most Mistakes in a Game (And It's Not Who You Think)



 In every game, there always seems to be that one player—the one who keeps making mistakes, misses open shots, loses focus on defense, or turns the ball over under pressure. Often, this player is quick to point fingers at teammates or gets visibly frustrated, acting as if they know exactly what everyone else should be doing.

You're probably already picturing someone from your team—or maybe a young player who just can’t seem to “get it.” But here’s the twist: that person might not be one of your players, or even the referee who seems to be calling everything against your squad.

That person... could be you. The coach!!!



Why Coaches Make the Most Mistakes

This may sound surprising, but let’s take a moment to think about it honestly. Coaches are responsible for an enormous number of decisions in every game:

  • Who’s on the floor

  • When to call a timeout

  • What plays to run

  • How to react to the officials

  • How to counter the opposing coach’s strategy

  • And how to manage the emotions and performance of every single player

No player on the court—no matter how high their basketball IQ—has to juggle even half of those responsibilities. And they shouldn’t. We teach them to stay loose, to enjoy the game, to compete with focus and freedom. That’s their job.

Our job is different. It's mentally exhausting, emotionally draining, and sometimes, brutally humbling.


The Game of Mistakes

Basketball is a fast-paced, high-pressure sport. It’s a game of mistakes. There’s no such thing as a perfect player—or a perfect play. And that means there’s no such thing as a perfect coach either.

If we were to break down and analyse every single decision we make during a game, the number of mistakes would likely be overwhelming. But the goal isn't to beat ourselves up over it. It’s to stay humble and committed to growth.


Embrace the Role, Embrace the Responsibility



As coaches, we demand daily improvement from our players. We preach development, consistency, and getting 1% better every day. That same standard applies to us.

No matter how packed our schedules are—between practices, games, family life, and everything else—we can always do something to keep growing:

  • Read an article

  • Watch a five-minute video breakdown

  • Have a meaningful conversation with a mentor or fellow coach

  • Reflect on a recent game and identify a lesson

These small, intentional efforts compound over time. And they’re not optional—they’re necessary if we want to stay sharp, evolve with the game, and truly lead by example.


A Final Thought

So, the next time a player on your team makes a careless turnover or misses a defensive rotation, pause before reacting. Ask yourself honestly: Have I already made a bigger mistake today? Chances are that the answer is yes.

But that’s okay—because growth begins with self-awareness. Keep learning, keep evolving, and remember: the process never stops.

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