Leadership and Life Balance
How Do I Choose a Team Captain?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Decide what you need from a captain before you look at names. Coaches look for steady effort, attitude, communication, accountability and respect from teammates. Tell the team how you will choose. Consider separate jobs, such as a voice for the coach and a leader for team energy.
The answer
- Write down what you want a captain to do before you look at names: model standards, pass on your message, speak to officials, lift the team.
- Look at behaviour you can already see. Coaches in the sources below named consistency in practice and games, a positive attitude, effort, communication, accountability and the respect of teammates.
- Choose on character and habits, not only on who plays best. One coach said strong leaders tend to stand out on their own.
- Tell the team how you will decide before you decide: your pick, a team vote, or a mix. Say it out loud so nobody is surprised.
- Think about more than one role. One coach picks a floor captain for their effect on team energy; another wants a captain who knows the rules well enough to ask officials calmly.
- Tell your captain what you expect and what you do not. A captain is a teammate who sets an example, not an assistant coach.
- Check in with your captain through the season, and ask how they are managing school and training too.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 16 October 2026.