Being a basketball coach is easy.

Being a GOOD basketball coach is something else entirely. Much of what makes up the gap between the two is related to communication. If you can't communicate effectively to your players and staff, then be prepared to lose a lot of games.

Here are 3 strategies to help you do a better job of communicating.

1. Be clear and concise in your instructions.

Your gameplan can be as complicated as you want, but if you can't communicate it to your players then it doesn't matter. Your players need to know what's going on in order to execute. Plain and simple.

2. Use positive and constructive feedback.

There are constant opportunities to give feedback to players as a coach.

Be sure to stay positive with your approach to help keep player morale high but understand when it's best to be a little more firm. It's a delicate balance, but a good rule of thumb is to be more firm when the feedback is effort-related and more positive in most other situations.

3. Listen actively and empathetically to players and staff.

A good understanding of your players and staff can open up a lot of great doors for everyone.

Players will understand how to improve more easily and staff will know how to support that more easily. That being said, you can't have a good understanding if you don't pay attention to what your players and staff say or try to understand how they feel.

Do what you can to get on the same page with the people you're coaching and it will drastically improve your chances of having a good season.

Feel free to share some strategies that have helped you be successful as a coach.