The Basketball Podcast Alicia Komaki on the 5 Ships before a Championship (EP396)
Oct 29, 2025
Alicia Komaki, the head coach of Sierra Canyon girls basketball, shares her secrets to success after multiple championships. She emphasizes that 'better people make better players,' highlighting character development alongside athletic skill. Alicia introduces the concept of five ships—leadership, ownership, membership, warship, and craftsmanship—as essential for team cohesion. She also discusses unique communication strategies like Sierra Slang to foster clarity and ownership, alongside balancing modern coaching with traditional values to prepare players for elite competition.
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Provide Drill Clarity Before Accountability
- Give players 'clarity before accountability' by recording drills and providing a drill database ahead of practice.
- Preload drill videos so newcomers build confidence and spend practice time on execution, not discovery.
Use Multi-Angle Practice Film And Playlists
- Record practices from multiple angles and upload clips immediately so players can review playlists and focused film.
- Use start/stop/keep reviews at team and individual levels to align behavior and track progress.
Adapt Sets To Personnel, Keep Core Philsosophies
- Adapt offensive sets to your roster but keep core philosophies consistent so players look their best.
- Expose strengths and limit limiters by tailoring sets to who you have rather than forcing a system.