Trying to approve demeanor on the floor.

[Sven]

Try talking with the players at appropriate times...during dead balls, etc...tell them "Nice hustle", "Nice work"...whatever...as you talk to them more, they will respond more and then everyone starts smiling...makes you not only look relaxed, but everyone sees you are in control and very approachable.

Glad you brought this up. I have the feeling that I'm generally much too intense on the court and want to loosen up and be more approachable. I'm working on the relaxation / smile technique, but, for the life of me, I have a very difficult time talking to the players. Seems I don't have much, if anything, to say to them, other than to communicate basic information: ("Two shots, fellows...")

Seriously, I often get the sense that my on-court demeanor resembles that of a state trooper asking for a drivers' license and proof of insurance.

Talking to the players just doesn't come naturally or easily to me. Besides "Nice hustle...nice work," what are some other comments you guys make to players to ease the tension?

Desperately seeking help,

Sven