Act Like You Mean It

(LEXINGTON, Ky.) – In this Kentucky basketball team’s march back into national prominence, communication has played a vital—but understated—role. By communication, I’m not just talking about the verbal exchanges between teammates calling plays and exhorting each other out on the court. It’s more of the silent communication, conveyed through the subtle nuances of body language, which can often signal the difference between a national title versus an early tournament exit.

As the season progresses, the players’ body language becomes a powerful tool that transcends verbal communication—influencing teammates, intimidating opponents, and even swaying referees. On this team, we know that everyone can play. But understanding and harnessing the impact of body language is a skill that goes beyond the fundamentals of shooting, passing, and dribbling.

Body language plays a huge role in team dynamics. A cohesive and unified team has players who can communicate seamlessly on the court without exchanging a single word. The way players carry themselves, the gestures they make, and the expressions they wear all contribute to a silent dialogue that fosters team unity.

A player who consistently displays positive and encouraging body language can uplift teammates, boosting morale during critical moments in a tight game. On the flip side, negative body language, such as slouched shoulders, or visible frustration, can have a contagious effect, potentially demoralizing the entire team.

Look at the uplifting message sent when Kentucky’s two senior leaders—Tre Mitchell and Antonio Reeves—bumped fists in the final moments of the big win over Florida.

“I think our younger guys seeing me and ’Tone (Antonio) picking these dudes up at half court, it set a tone,” Mitchell said when asked about the inspiring gesture. “Okay. Let’s get this stop.”

Leadership, an indispensable quality in any successful team, isn’t lost on Mitchell. He knows it’s also reflected through body language on the basketball court. Team leaders like Mitchell often use their non-verbal cues to inspire confidence, rally teammates, and lead by example. A determined stare, a fist pump, or a reassuring pat on the back can convey more than a thousand words in the heat of competition.

“I try to get on top of that quick,” Mitchell said, when describing his role in policing the body language on this team. “Because you can’t let one, two, or three plays dictate your entire game. There are other ways you can impact the game if something’s not going for you. That’s something I try to emphasize to [the younger guys]. Just being able to keep a level head because these dudes put the work in. Once you’re out in the game, let your work come to you. Let your work show.”

In addition to encouraging your teammates, body language also plays a crucial role in player-coach communication. Coach John Calipari relies on the non-verbal cues of his players to assess fatigue, frustration, or readiness. A player who maintains eye contact with Coach Cal, nods in acknowledgement, or follows his instructions without rolling his eyes communicates an elevated level of engagement and understanding.

Conversely, a lack of eye contact, slumped posture, or simply joking around on the bench may lead to a permanent place in Calipari’s doghouse.

“Your body language screams, just come out,” Calipari acknowledged. “You miss a shot. I had another guy miss a shot. And it was like I can’t leave you in the game. You are saying to me you got to take me out because my mind isn’t into this. But the young team that we are, body language is the next thing.”

The impact of body language isn’t limited to the team itself; it often extends to interactions within opposing fans and snarly referees. DeMarcus Cousins, with one well-timed “call me” hand gesture, neutralized the entire Mississippi State fan base. Anthony Davis and Tyler Ulis, who routinely went about their business swatting shots and stealing balls on the court, undoubtedly influenced a referee or two along the way with their discipline and composure.

While the guys wearing the striped shirts are trained to make impartial decisions based on rules, human nature dictates that subtle cues can impact their judgment. Players (AND COACHES) who maintain respectful and composed body language are more likely to receive favorable calls, as opposed to those who consistently dissent, grumble, or gripe. Understanding the delicate balance of asserting oneself without crossing the line is a skill that can be honed through mastery of body language on the college basketball court.

Case in point: Rob Dillingham. Kentucky’s freshman sensation has at times set the world on fire with his spectacular ball handling and shot making skills. But at other times, he’s also hung his head after making multiple turnovers or missing several shots in a row. In his short time thus far as a college basketball phenom, Dillingham has worked hard on his body language.

“When I’d be working out and miss shots, and I’ll be mad,” Dillingham admitted. “And Reed (Sheppard) will just miss shots and look the same. And I’ll ask him why he’s not mad. And he’s like, ‘Bro.’ Learning from him for sure and knowing that you getting mad at yourself or you overthinking is not really going to help the situation. If you have a clear mind, it helps you way more.”

There you have it. Players who are able to quickly grasp the nuances of positive body language wield a powerful tool that extends beyond the physical aspects of the game. Those tools provide a distinct added advantage and could be the difference between winning and losing.

Dillingham summed it up perfectly. Ultimately, your body language speaks volumes about your team.

“You don’t want to be the one dude who’s grumpy or mad because he’s not getting his way. Everything’s not about one person.”

Dr. John Huang is a retired orthodontist, military veteran, and award-winning author. He currently serves as a reporter and sports columnist for Nolan Group Media. You can follow Dr. Huang on social media @KYHuangs and check out all his books at https://www.Amazon.com/stores/Dr.-John-Huang/author/B092RKJBRD