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ToggleWhen preparing for my article on what makes a good sports coach, I realized that having someone with both academic and practical experience would bring a unique perspective. By chance, the co-working space I work at also happens to be where Stefan Hendriks works. I learned about his journey of a sports coach over a dinner table, and his story immediately grabbed my attention.
He didn’t follow the typical coaching path—he wasn’t from a basketball-centric country, didn’t play professionally, and instead chose an educational route. That distinct journey really intrigued me, and I felt it would offer valuable insights for this article. His experience is a bit different from the usual coaching narratives we see, which made him a perfect fit for this conversation.
Let’s dive in, and if you’re interested how his thoughts translated to the article about being a good coach – check it here.
Interview with Stefan Hendriks: Insights on Coaching and Leadership in Basketball
Journey of a Sports Coach: Introduction and Background

Q: Stefan, can you tell us a bit about your coaching journey and what led you to pursue a Master’s in International Basketball Coaching?
A: I’m originally from the Netherlands and didn’t play professional basketball myself. I started volunteering with children’s basketball when I was a teenager and enjoyed working with kids so much that I developed a passion for coaching. I wanted to be involved in sports on a daily basis, so I looked for study opportunities and found this Master’s program. It really aligned with my goals, so I mustered up the courage to move to another country, and that’s how my journey began.
Q: Your career has spanned from Lithuania’s 3rd division to the BNXT League. What were some defining moments or decisions in your path?
A: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to be afraid to make mistakes. Looking back, the most important learning moments came from mistakes I made or from being afraid to make them in the first place. I heard a great quote from a guy who crossed the Atlantic Ocean alone: “Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. Everyone has their own Atlantic ocean to cross.” That quote really resonated with me, and I try to draw inspiration from it every day.
Q: You won Best Defensive Team in Lithuania’s 3rd division. What do you think was key to that success?
A: Technically, it was about having the lowest points allowed by opponents during the regular season. I think we had a group of really tough guys who took pride in their play. We also had one of the best centers in the league, which helped our defense. Our offensive pace was slower due to a lot of post-ups, but it worked out well for us, especially when adjusted for pace.
Traits of a Good Coach

Q: What do you consider the core traits of a good sports coach?
A: For sure, #1 is people skills. Listening, talking, and making sure everyone is on the same page—tactics and techniques only matter after that. People play for so many different reasons, and if you have the perfect plan but don’t connect with their “why,” it’s impossible to get good results. This understanding creates the trust needed between players and staff, and trust is everything. Even if you have a mediocre plan, it will yield better results if everyone is on the same page.
Q: In your experience, how does coaching theory compare to real-world application? Were there any surprises when you started coaching?
A: Absolutely, it’s a craft you can’t fully learn from books. You can sharpen your theoretical knowledge, but that’s like sharpening a knife—you still need the practical experience to make it useful. That’s why many organizations have staff from different backgrounds to complement each other. It’s a balance.
Q: Do you think sports coaches need different traits depending on the level? For example, some coaches excel at motivating and leading star players, while others focus more on teaching. How do you see this difference, and what’s more important at each level?
A: That’s why higher-level teams often have huge staffs. You can gather 20 Swiss knives, but if you need to cut a tree or dig a tunnel, you need an axe and a drill. The best coaching staffs are the ones that complement each other’s weaknesses and amplify each other’s strengths. At every level, the day you stop learning is the day you lose your advantage. It’s a mindset I’ve seen in many experienced coaches and players—they never stop learning, and that’s crucial.
This is why you see very different types of head coaches, because they surround themselves with the staff that fits their profile the best, this synergy is what’s needed.
One coach from Birzai once told me after we lost a semi final to his team, “your team is five fingers, my team is 1 fist”. It may be an open door in that regard, but I think it applies at every level, also for the coaching staff.
Masters Thesis – New Tools for Talent Identification
Q: Your thesis focused on new tools for talent (prospect) identification. Could you share some key insights from your research?
A: I can’t name names for privacy reasons, but we identified a few high-profile talents who outperformed their older peers. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how those individuals who outperformed others at a young age are now playing at high levels. It was really interesting to see how the theory turned into real-world results.
Q: What tools or findings have you thought about applying in your own coaching?
A: I find that every year brings new findings. As you get older, you gain new perspectives, and I continue to learn from colleagues, clinics, and games I watch. Players are always coming up with new skills, so it’s important to keep adapting.
Basketball Ecosystems in Different Countries
Q: Having coached in Lithuania and the Netherlands, what differences have you noticed in the basketball ecosystems?
A: It’s like night and day. The level of professionalism in Lithuania is much higher, across both youth and adult levels. In the Netherlands, there are maybe 15 full-time basketball professionals for the entire country (with 18 million people). In Lithuania, every major city has clubs that already exceed that number, and there are multiple clubs per city. The level of commitment and resources is just completely different.
Q: Do you believe a single influential personality, like Dirk Nowitzki in Germany, can shape a basketball culture? Could someone like that have the same impact in the Netherlands? Or what sports entities do you believe need to improve first, for the Netherlands basketball ecosystem to grow? Can 3×3 success lead to the overall popularity of the sport?
A: 3×3 basketball is definitely growing and has been a huge boost to the sport overall. However, in the Netherlands, basketball is a volunteer-driven sport, and for real growth, it needs a more unified, professional framework. It’s tough to build a strong ecosystem without the right support in place. The Dutch federation needs to improve the system for clubs and training, and yes, while soccer will always dominate in popularity, I do hope that the success of our 3×3 team will inspire more people to take up basketball.
Personal Development and Coaching Focus

Q: As a coach, what do you want to improve on most?
A: My people skills are something I’m always working on. I believe it’s a never-ending process to learn how to listen and connect with players. Once they feel like you have their trust, that’s when the real magic happens. Trust is earned, never given. We have a saying: “Trust comes by foot, step by step, but it can go fast like on a horse, at full speed.”
Q: When coaches talk about improving, is it more about gaining experience, or can you learn specific skills through training?
A: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. The key is identifying both. Some skills can be learned through targeted training, while others come with time and experience. Active listening can be learned quickly, but understanding body language signals takes years to master, if ever.
Q: Do you think some coaching traits can only be learned through experience, or can they be taught in formal education?
A: Formal education helps sharpen your knife, so to speak. But practical experience and theoretical knowledge go hand in hand. I believe it’s always an 80/20 split.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your coaching goals, especially with Donar Groningen in the BNXT League?
A: I’m currently without a club, so my goal is to find an organization where I can make an impact. Long-term, my goal would be to represent my country again, at any level. To me, coaching at that level is the pinnacle—being able to win games for your country would be the greatest achievement.
Conclusion
Stefan’s insights during this interview really resonated with a lot of what I’ve come across in my research, but he also highlighted the perspectives that often get overlooked. For example, his belief that “people skills” should come before tactics might catch some people off guard. In a world where tactical brilliance often takes center stage, Stefan’s approach is about connecting with players first. This aligns perfectly with what I’ve found—coaching isn’t just about strategy; it’s about building trust and real relationships.
What also stuck with me was Stefan’s focus on putting the player first. You do see coaches get caught up in our own egos, but, as he pointed out, it’s not about the coach—it’s about the players believing in you. This is key no matter the level you’re coaching. It helps players grow, manage egos, and ultimately achieve more than they would alone. Being adaptable, understanding, and leading with confidence isn’t just about the Xs and Os—it’s about earning trust and respect from the players.
Huge thanks to Stefan for taking the time to share his thoughts. I hope you got as much out of this as I did from talking with him.
If you want to reach out to Stefan, check out his LinkedIn!

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