Head coaches get all the credit (and the blame, for that matter). But where would a basketball team be without the work of the assistant coaches?

Alan Stein of StrongerTeam.com is a long-time high school basketball strength and conditioning coach, and he knows a thing or two about the dynamics of a team and the importance of its assistant coaches. Here, he offers 40 traits that every great assistant coach has.

Great assistant coaches:

• Are loyal to their head coach, to their program and to their school.
• Do everything to support the head coach and uphold the philosophy of the program.
• Are open-minded and are always willing to learn...true 'students of the game.'
• Aspire to become a head coach at some point. They view being an assistant as an apprenticeship.
• Are willing to listen more than they talk. They ask questions. They keep notes.
• Understand and accept their role but they work hard to expand and grow their role.
• Constantly interact with and have a genuine interest in fellow coaches, players and parents.
• Balance out the head coach's demeanor and personality ('good cop, bad cop').
• Set an example for the players to follow, both on and off the court.
• Are consummate professionals at all times—in how they dress and how they act.
• Take pride in doing the 'dirty' work for the head coach. They do WHATEVER needs to be done.
• Love to coach and love to help young people. They don't do it for the paycheck!
• Help 'sell' the program to the players, parents, and fans. They take great pride in their program.
• Are open and honest with the head coach. They are not a 'yes man' (or 'yes woman').
• Never, ever undermine the head coach in front of the team. If they disagree, they address it privately.
• Are always looking for ways to help improve the team and program. They view it as their team!
• Are humble. They check their ego at the door and are 100 percent about the team.
• Are focused on their current job and team. They don't have one eye on a future job possibility.
• Know they have more to learn. They don't think they 'know it all.'
• Learn every aspect of being a coach...from mopping the floors to running practice.
• Know their role during practice as well as their role during games (which may differ).
• Give daily attention to the players at the 'end of the bench.'
• Are 'Glue Guys' (or 'Glue Gals'). They hold EVERYTHING in the program together!
• Are the first ones to practice and the last ones to leave. They set the tone.
• Accept a specific duty during games...keep track of time-outs, fouls, shot attempts, etc.
• Appreciate the opportunity and privilege of being an assistant coach.
• Are great communicators. They are often a liaison between the players and the head coach.
• Are always enthusiastic, up-beat, and positive. They create energy for the team!
• Are servant leaders. They serve the head coach. They serve the team.
• Are prepared to assume the head coach position in a moment's notice (practice or game).
• Help their fellow assistants; they don't compete against them.
• Meet with their head coach regularly with constant updates on players.
• Use all of the same terminology as the head coach (even if it is different than their own).
• Take care of all minor 'issues' with players on their own. Only inform the head coach when necessary.
• Care about their players and respect their players, but aren't 'friends' with their players.
• Develop a keen interest in players' lives off the court (family, school work, etc.).
• Pay close attention to detail. They sweat the small stuff.
• Are innovative and creative—they think 'outside the box.'
• Are the 'eyes and ears' for the head coach at all times.
• Offer to relieve the head coach of appropriate duties so they can focus on running/coaching the team.