Hardwood Hustle: Recent Episodes
HardwoodHustle.com
The Hardwood Hustle is a basketball podcast brought to you by PGC Basketball seeks to educate, empower and encourage coaches around the world. Your hosts, TJ Rosene, Sam Allen, and Lisa O'Meara share their experiences and perspectives centered around the game of basketball. Guest interviews from the biggest names in basketball and beyond, provide keen insights into how coaches can achieve a high level of success and be transformational in the lives of their players.
TJ and Sam open the mailbag for a three-part conversation on the issues coaches wrestle with most. First, they explore self-improvement and blind spots — why identifying trusted voices, dropping the ego, and getting out of the weeds are essential to your leadership. Next, they get into parent culture: communicating expectations, consistent communication, and relationships built on trust rather than avoidance. Finally, they deliver a recruiting update for a landscape reshaped by NIL, the transfer portal, eligibility rulings, and roster crunches — landing on the truths that still hold: if you're good enough you'll get found, fit matters more than the destination, and real connections still open doors. It's a wide-ranging episode with something for coaches at every level.
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After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
A strong season starts with an intentional preseason, and this week Sam and TJ lay out the framework for getting it right. The most critical areas of coaching aren't mastered in silos — every workout, every meal, every interaction is a chance to sharpen your culture for success. They share how to develop leaders, improve your player development, and why you have to start every season from zero every season.
Show notes
- Five pillars, not five buckets
- Where leadership starts
- Mentoring 2-3 players
- Why it matters
- Giving players space to lead
- Weekly check-ins and honest feedback
- Match player development to strategy
- The LeBron and Reddick example
- Growth-oriented far from games
- Mission-oriented close to games
- Build a team habits document
- Don't chase the shiny thing
- Defense is player development too
- Culture is measured by interactions
- Gratitude, standards, and the McDonald's test
- Set standards you'll fight for
- Start every season from zero
- Create ownership in your values
- Adversity reveals where culture really is
- The "old crap" meeting explained
- Build better people, better culture
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Staff leadership might be the most overlooked skill in coaching, and one of the toughest. TJ, Sam, and Lisa explore what it takes for an assistant coach to bring value and grow, and what head coaches owe their staffs in return. Along the way they tackle why communication sits at the root of nearly every staff breakdown, why you should hire people you can "do life with," and how to correct a coach mid-practice without undermining them. They get candid about moody staffs, owning your mistakes, and the relational deposits that carry a group through the peaks and valleys of every season.
Show notes
- Staff leadership has no blueprint
- Communication needs
- Get alignment
- Values over talent
- Everyday keys to success
- Differences from leading your players
- EQ over Xs and Os
- The right way to correct
- Owning your mistakes
- Compete, serve, humility
- Stay out of the weeds
- Offering your gifts and talents
- Swallow the frog
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Most coaches are wired to compete, and that ambition can either fuel a career or quietly hijack it. In this episode, TJ and Sam explore how to honor your drive without losing sight of the impact you're making today. Using Dusty May's recent press conference as a jumping-off point, they work through the difference between contentment and complacency, and how gratitude eventually opens the next door. They share from their own coaching journeys and life changes reshape priorities over time. It's a conversation to catch yourself when you're thinking more about what's next than what's in front of you.
Show Notes:
- Ambition helps or hinders
- Dusty May's telling press conference
- Impact over climbing ladders
- Which economy are you focused on
- Wrong ladder, wrong roof
- Content is not complacent
- Be great where you're at
- Gratitude
- Shifting priorities
- Experience and humility
- Living the dream
- Today's opportunities
- High standards fuel transformation
- Getting the next door to open
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
What if your practices could build basketball IQ, sharpen habits, and raise engagement all at once? In this episode, Sam and TJ break down how to use a games-based and constraints-led approach to make sure what your team works on in practice actually transfers to games. They share specific games you can steal — from five-point plays and golden guns to weak-hand assist rules — plus the coaching framework behind them. TJ also unpacks the master-teaching skill of "loading and unloading" constraints so players are challenged without being overwhelmed. Whether you coach seventh graders or college players, this conversation will change how you design your next practice.
Show Notes
- Why practice design builds culture
- TJ's freshman year shaped his philosophy
- Coaching today's "epic learner"
- Fun and winning aren't opposites
- Engagement drives retention and improvement
- Filter every idea through your team
- Kirby Smart's lesson on evolving practices
- Beware the copycat coaching trap
- Pick three habits to be elite at
- Games that check multiple boxes
- Let players choose the five-point play
- Empowering players builds basketball IQ
- The whistle is the teacher
- Don't remove yourself from the game
- Tie games to the Key 5 Blueprint
- Build habits like the "peek" rule
- Loading and unloading constraints properly
- Right dosage beats more rules
- Use point values to create gravity
- Coaches should be learning, too
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Every coach preaches toughness and confidence — but how do we actually define and teach them? In this episode, TJ and Sam dig into the five mental components of a player's mindset: approach, confidence, composure, toughness, and competitive greatness. You'll hear the lion vs. sparrow mentality, the NATO principle (not attached to outcome), and a simple 30-year coaching test for spotting your toughest players. If you want a real edge that 80% of teams ignore, give this one a listen.
Show Notes:
- Why mindset separates special teams
- Five mental components coaches must teach
- Habits drive a consistent approach
- Responses vs. reactions: decide ahead
- Lion vs. sparrow mentality explained
- Preparation plus quality thinking equals confidence
- Stop tying identity to made shots
- Composure starts with the coach
- NATO: not attached to outcome
- Transition defense reveals true toughness
- Define toughness, don't just preach it
- Competitive greatness starts in unseen hours
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Was De'Aaron Fox's blocked layup at the end of Game 4 a bad decision, or are we all just being couch coaches with the benefit of slow-motion replay? Sam and TJ use that exact moment — plus the late double team on Brunson and San Antonio's third-quarter three-point barrage — to dig into one of the most debated topics in coaching: how much time should you actually spend on situational basketball? They get into building "non-timeout calls" to change the flow of a game, why shot selection (not just execution) wins and loses close games, and why coaching your own emotional response might matter more than any late-game playbook. Whether you're running a youth program or a college staff, this episode will change how you think about practice planning for crunch time.
Show Notes:
- De'Aaron Fox's blocked layup decision
- Couch coaching vs. real-time decisions
- The Spurs' 29-point collapse
- Shot selection during big runs
- Doubling Brunson late in the game
- Boxing out and rebounding assignments
- How much to script end-of-game situations
- Building non-timeout calls to shift momentum
- Coaching player mindset under pressure
- Coaching your own emotional regulation
- Process-oriented vs. results-oriented coaching
- Knowing your team's late-game identity
- PGC Courtside Coaching Clinic announcement
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
If you're a varsity coach, what do you actually want a player to look like when they walk through your gym door for the first time? TJ and Sam dig into the world of feeder programs — travel ball, middle school, JV — and why most programs are leaving a ton on the table by not building synergy across all those levels. From the X's and O's to the intangibles that actually win games, they break down what it looks like when a program pulls in the same direction from sixth grade all the way to senior night.
Show Notes:
- Define feeder programs and final destination
- Create synergy across all levels
- Reverse engineer what varsity needs
- Best coaches belong at middle school
- Teach intangibles before X's and O's
- Build culture from fifth grade up
- Varsity coach as program CEO
- Ask parents better travel ball questions
- Align terminology and system across levels
- Monthly coach check-ins build consistency
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
TJ and Sam talk through the tough decisions coaches make when real coaching scenarios run up against your principles, standards, and methods of accountability. They share how coaches can navigate gray areas without losing trust, culture, or credibility. The conversation dives into leadership, communication, consistency, and the difficult reality that where the rubber meets the road, there are rarely easy answers.
Show Notes:
- Where the rubber meets
- Leadership in gray areas
- Standards versus circumstances
- Handling difficult decisions
- Accountability and compassion
- Team culture challenges
- Communicating tough choices
- Building player trust
- Consistency in leadership
- When rules collide
- Earning locker room respect
- The cost of leadership
- Avoiding culture cracks
- Individualized player accountability
- Balancing grace and standards
- Leading through complexity
- Creating meaningful buy-in
- The power of communication
- Trust over rigid rules
- Decisions that shape culture
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
TJ and Sam explore how basketball trends evolve through the influence of iconic players, successful teams, and today's strategies. From Magic and Bird to Jordan, Curry, and today’s NBA contenders, they discuss the return of two-way player, the value of role players, ball movement, spacing, and defensive versatility. They also highlight why coaches and how coaches should learn from and apply trendy strategies.
Show Notes
- Evolution of basketball trends
- Superstar influence on the game
- Return of two-way players
- Why super teams struggle
- Role players win championships
- Ball movement and spacing
- Steph Curry's lasting impact
- Defensive versatility matters
- Full-court pressure resurgence
- Playoff adjustments and counters
- Spurs vs. OKC lessons
- Coaching beyond copycat trends
- Team connectivity and energy
- Applying trends to coaching
- What never changes in basketball
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Coaches, players, and parents all share the tendency to get caught up in the doing and grinding through seasons without pausing to define what a meaningful experience actually looks like. TJ, Sam, and special guest, Mano Watsa, President of PGC Basketball walk through how to build a vision for your program and reverse engineer it to have a more meaningful coaching career. They share four pillars of a great sport environment and how to intentionally create a vision for your program you will be proud of.
Show Notes
- Why vision leaks during seasons
- Starting with the end in mind
- Setting expectations with parents
- Pursuing excellence as a group
- Why great teammates matter
- Believing in your players as people
- Building habits that last
- Celebrating others as a practice
- Why you should attend at PGC Basketball Camp
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
TJ and Sam discuss how coaches should choose the right offensive system for their team, emphasizing that there is no single “best” offense—only the offense that best fits a team’s age, skill level, personnel, developmental goals, and competitive needs. They compare different offensive approaches (from pure “hooping” to structured sets, continuity offenses, conceptual basketball, and Read & React), ultimately advocating for a balance of player freedom and structure—especially through conceptual or Read & React frameworks that develop decision-making while still supporting team success.
Show Notes:
- Choosing the right offensive system
- Why one size doesn’t fit all
- Matching offense to age and stage
- Balancing development and winning
- Evaluating your coaching style
- Building around your personnel
- Great shots drive offensive decisions
- Why pure hooping falls short
- The limits of set plays
- Continuity offense pros and cons
- Understanding conceptual basketball
- Read and react with structure
- Using rules to guide freedom
- Adjusting structure throughout the season
- Finding the right offensive balance
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week, TJ and Sam dig into one of the most important defensive questions every coach faces: What are your true non-negotiables? Instead of getting lost in schemes, coverages, and endless tactical adjustments, they challenge coaches to narrow their focus and identify the 2–3 defensive habits their team must become elite at—whether that’s guarding the dribble, winning the glass, or eliminating transition layups. They discuss whether being exceptional at a few things beats generalizing on everything. If you want to reflect and be intentional about your team's defensive identity—and coach with greater clarity—this episode will help you sharpen your focus and raise your team’s standard.
Show Notes:
- Defining defensive non-negotiables
- Choosing what to be elite at
- Guarding the dribble and winning your yard
- Eliminating straight-line drives
- Prioritizing competitive effort daily
- Playing in an athletic stance
- Building communication habits
- No layups in transition
- Finishing possessions with rebounds
- Avoiding the trap of average
- Creating a clear defensive identity
- Aligning drills with priorities
- Measuring what matters most
- Practicing with intentional focus
- Becoming elite through consistency
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Most coaches spend hours teaching skills—but are you spending enough time on the skills that matter most? In this episode, TJ and Sam break down three often-overlooked areas that can dramatically change your team: developing effort as a trainable skill, teaching players to think the game, and building elite passing habits. They share specific drills, practical examples, and coaching strategies you can implement immediately. If you want your team to play harder, smarter, and more connected, this episode has the ideas you’ll want to bring straight into practice.
Show Notes:
- Learn why effort should be trained daily.
- Discover ways to build high-effort habits.
- Use short game segments to teach intensity.
- Explore why basketball IQ is often overlooked.
- Learn how smarter players gain an edge.
- Use games to improve decision-making.
- Teach players how to solve problems faster.
- Understand why passing deserves more attention.
- See how better passing creates better shots.
- Focus on passing with timing, accuracy, and touch.
- Add purposeful passing work to practice.
- Help players compete harder and think smarter.
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
What if the biggest thing holding your team back isn’t effort, but communication? Betsy Butterick, communication specialist, coaches' coach, and author, joins the Hardwood Hustle to unpack why today’s athletes respond differently and how coaches can evolve without losing authority or standards. From turning questions into powerful teaching tools to navigating “gray area” players and team culture challenges, Betsy shares real, usable strategies and bridges the gap between old-school coaching and modern athlete expectations. Listen to hear how to develop both high performance and meaningful impact. If you’ve ever felt stuck between winning and connecting, this conversation will give you a better path forward.
Exclusive Discount Link for Betsy's Book
Learn more about Betsy and her latest book on her website: https://betsybutterick.com/
Show Notes:
- Communication mistakes coaches make
- Ask versus tell coaching approach
- Building athlete coach relationships
- Handling disrespectful player questions
- Setting expectations and team standards
- Coaching different player personalities
- Balancing winning and development
- Creating effective team communication
- Teaching modern generation athletes
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
What makes a great coach–athletic director relationship—and why do so many fail? In this episode, Sam and TJ break down the conversations that should happen before a hire is ever made, from defining what “winning” actually means to uncovering a coach’s true vision and identity. They dig into the hidden cost of misalignment, the importance of support and accountability, and why getting the right fit matters more than just “winning the interview.” You’ll also hear practical questions every AD should ask—and every coach should be ready to answer. If you lead, hire, or aspire to build a strong program culture, this episode will challenge how you think about alignment, leadership, and long-term success.
Show Notes:
- Why the ad–coach relationship matters
- The power of asking “can you win here?”
- Define what “winning” means
- Alignment vs. misalignment
- Shared vision and expectations
- Key questions for ads to ask
- Defining team/program identity
- Fit over just getting the job
- Cost of bad hires
- Support and accountability
- Developing coaches over time
- Leading coaches is complex
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Why do some talented teams underperform and why do some less talented teams overachieve? In this episode, Ben Darwin, CEO of Gain Line Analytics unpacks years of research to help coaches build more cohesion. From locker rooms to data models, he shares eye-opening insights on how shared experience, role clarity, and stability can outperform talent. If you coach, lead, or build teams in any capacity, this conversation will challenge what you think actually wins.
Learn more about Ben and his work at: https://www.gainline.biz/
Show Notes:
- Why cohesion matters more than talent
- Shared experience as a predictor of success
- How teams improve over time together
- The impact of lineup stability
- Key elements: clarity, roles, and consistency
- Attribution bias in coaching decisions
- Why talented teams can underperform
- The cost of constant change
- Simple strategies to build cohesion faster
- Importance of patience early in the season
- Adapting coaching to team context
- Rethinking how performance is evaluated
More on Ben Darwin:
Ben Darwin is the CEO of Gain Line Analytics and former Wallaby who developed the theory of Cohesion Analytics.
Ben's specialty is Governance including identifying the drivers of success impacting the Portability of Talent, Change Management, Team Culture, Team Building, and Team Cohesion.
Ben started Gain Line Analytics in 2013 driven by a desire to introduce a greater degree of empirical analysis into professional sport,. Gain Line Analytics is an operations and management consultancy with a unique perspective on success in professional sport and business. It is based on the belief that great teams are more than just the sum of their parts; great teams are the product of the linkages and connections within the organisation.
Ben has now been investigating the performance of teams with Gain Line Analytics for 13 years. Informed by his career with the Wallabies and Brumbies, as well as coaching and data analytics Ben found that the clues to successful performance were not being explored and so began Gain Line Analytics.
Ben Darwin is a former Australian rugby union footballer, he played 28 times for the Wallabies between 2001 to 2003. He made his international debut for Australia in June 2001, against the touring British and Irish Lions in Brisbane.
It was during the Wallabies' World Cup semi-final win against the All Blacks in 2003, that Darwin sustained a neck injury that forced him to retire from rugby at the age of 27. After retirement, Darwin made the switch from player to coach and media and then to an entrepreneur as the Co-founder and CEO of Gain Line Analytics.
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
What you say and how you say it can build or break your team. In this episode, TJ and Sam unpack coaching soundbites from press conferences about calling players out publicly and what it reveals about leadership, accountability, and team trust. They also dive into practice philosophies – do longer practices always mean better? From locker room language to weekly planning, this conversation highlights critical elements to consider in your leadership. Hit that play button if you want to sharpen your mindset, messaging, and impact as a leader.
Show Notes:
- Why a coach’s words shape team belief and culture
- The impact of saying “they” vs. “we”
- Balancing accountability with ownership
- How public criticism affects trust and chemistry
- Why mindset often determines outcomes early
- The danger of copying without understanding why
- Practice length vs. effectiveness
- Designing practices around player needs and context
- Adjusting for team age and experience
- Catching unintended messages as a coach
- Why elite coaches prioritize mindset
- The value of intentional season planning
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
In this episode, Edward LeBlanc breaks down the three essential ingredients every great practice needs: fun, finding something new, and embracing frustration. He challenges coaches to redefine “fun” as enjoyment of growth and hard work, while emphasizing that real improvement comes from discovery and struggling through mistakes. The discussion dives into common coaching mistakes—like overloading players, poor communication, and prioritizing outcomes over process—and offers clear ways to fix them. LeBlanc also shares how elite coaches evolve by simplifying teaching, asking better questions, and creating game-like learning environments. If you want to run more effective practices and develop smarter, more resilient players, this episode is packed with actionable insight.
Show Notes:
- 3 Essentials: Fun, Find, Frustrate
- Enjoying the work, not just games
- Keeping players engaged through discovery
- Find something new every practice
- Learning can come from old skills, seen differently
- Frustration is part of growth
- Teach players to embrace mistakes
- Avoid overcomplicating drills
- Don’t prioritize results over process
- Define the “win” in every drill
- Replace generic coach speak with specifics
- Ask more questions
- Connect drills to real game situations
- Use more game-like reps
- Balance simple vs. complex teaching
- Adjust based on age and development
- Create a shared team vocabulary
- Allowing bad reps
- Evolving as a coach
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
What does it really take to build a winning team in today’s ever-changing game? In this episode we revisit Don Meyer's Definite Dozen and apply them to coaching today. Whether it's addressing academics, or building team identity, this conversation uncovers the hidden foundations behind great programs. For coaches looking to build a strong and sustainable program in today's landscape, Don Meyer's wisdom offers a blueprint you can take back to your team.
Show Notes:
- Don Meyer’s 12 rules broken into stay, play, and win
- Start with the basics: academics, character, discipline
- Doing the right thing builds trust and consistency
- Commitment looks different in today’s transfer culture
- Hard work must be clearly defined and modeled
- Smart players and high IQ teams have an edge
- Team-first mindset requires constant emphasis
- Roles must be understood, accepted, and executed
- Winning starts with belief and mindset
- Great teams believe in the system, each other, and coaches
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
What do you do when your best player stops giving effort, or when parents start pulling your team in a different direction? In this listener-driven episode, TJ and Sam dive into the real challenges coaches face, from motivating teammates and bridging skill gaps to creating practices that actually translate to game performance. They emphasize building systems rather than quick fixes to set your team up for long term success. In this episode, hear how to connect, challenge, and lead your team more effectively, with insights you can implement immediately.
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
What separates good coaches from great ones isn’t simply experience—it’s evaluated experience. Using one of PGC Coaching's postseason evaluation tools, TJ evaluates critical aspects of his program this past season giving coaches a framework they can build off of. From building winning habits to strengthening culture, they dive into real questions most coaches avoid. You’ll hear honest reflections, practical adjustments, and how to apply new learnings. PGC Coaching's postseason evaluation tool is available to members and anyone interested in starting a free trial. Go to PGCHustle.com/trial to access now.
Show Notes:
- Introduce postseason evaluation framework for coaches
- Focus on the “key five” coaching area
- Identify habits to continue, stop, add
- Build intentional, system-driven player development
- Simplify decision-making during the season
- Prioritize high-impact skills and reads
- Address mental performance at root causes
- Develop self-aware, relational leadership
- Assign clear roles to coaching staff
- Measure culture through specific standards
- Use accountability to reinforce team values
- Ensure practice translates to game performance
- Keep practices focused and simple
- Use adversity as teachable moments
- Balance culture work with tactical adjustments
- Evaluate systems for preparation and adjustments
- Growth requires evaluated, not just lived experience
- Reflect intentionally to avoid repeating seasons
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
The three-point shot has transformed basketball—but are teams actually using it the right way? In this episode, TJ and Sam dig into the analytics behind the 3, why only a handful of college teams shoot 40% from deep, and how chasing threes the wrong way can hurt your offense. They break down the importance of rim pressure, inside-out threes, and understanding your team’s ideal three-point rate. You’ll also hear how elite offenses create quality looks, how defensive philosophies influence three-point success, and why role clarity matters for shooters. If you’re a coach trying to build a smarter offense in today’s game, this conversation will challenge how you think about the three.
Show Notes
- Why coaches must identify the role of 3s in their offense.
- The math behind 33% from three equaling 50% from two.
- Why not all threes are created equal.
- The importance of rim pressure for creating quality threes.
- Understanding and managing your team’s three-point rate.
- How shooters create spacing and “gravity” for the offense.
- Shot creation vs. simply shooting more threes.
- Defensive choices: protect the rim or defend the arc.
- Developing shooters and defining roles within your offense.
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week TJ and Sam are joined by Brendan O'Meara, national college championship rugby coach and current professional Major League Rugby Attack Coach. They discuss what it really takes to build buy-in with players. They explore how connection, clarity, and courageous conversations shape strong team culture, and how you can try and right the ship with individual players when things are headed in the wrong direction.
Show Notes:
- Buy-in begins with intentional connection.
- Trust is built through relationships and competency.
- Clearly define and reinforce team standards.
- Ask players how they want to be seen by teammates.
- Gain permission to hold players accountable.
- Address tension early instead of avoiding it.
- Public moments often require public clarity.
- Adversity exposes culture gaps.
- Leadership requires consistent, honest communication.
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week, TJ reflects on reaching 500 career wins and the lessons learned across more than two decades of coaching. From early experimentation and self-doubt to hard conversations and fighting for team culture, he shares the pivotal experiences that have shaped his philosophy.
Show Notes:
- Reflecting on 500 career wins and the journey to get there
- Early coaching struggles and lessons learned the hard way
- The mentors and influences that shaped the philosophy
- Experimentation, growth, and finding a coaching identity
- Defining culture before chasing results
- The role of hard conversations in leadership growth
- Shifting from proving yourself to serving others
- Perspective gained through adversity and setbacks
- Balancing competitive drive with long-term impact
- Building trust and accountability within a program
- Coaching from a place of significance, not insecurity
- The importance of relationships over records
- What 500 wins really represent beyond the scoreboard
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week, TJ and Sam dive into player development and discuss the best approach, why coaches and players may be frustrated, and overlooked areas such as defense, mindset, application, and alignment.
Show Notes:
- The evolving conversation around player development
- Constraints-led approach (CLA) vs. traditional skill training
- Decision-making vs. volume reps
- When games-based training helps most
- The reality of limited practice time
- Developing players vs. winning now
- Why American basketball feels fragmented
- Misalignment between trainers, travel teams, and school coaches
- Training reads vs. training decisions
- The importance of off-ball development
- Defense as an overlooked piece of player development
- Mindset, toughness, and basketball IQ
- In-season vs. long-term development planning
- Return on investment in practice time
- The need for better communication and alignment around the player
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
As teams prepare for postseason play, Sam and TJ break down what it truly takes to win in late-game situations. The episode covers everything from practice time allocation and free throw scenarios to full-court defense, trapping decisions, and clock management. Drawing from real games and personal coaching experiences, they highlight how small details, discipline, and preparation can swing outcomes. The conversation also addresses common player mistakes under pressure and how coaches can better anticipate them. Ultimately, the episode equips coaches with practical strategies and reminders to handle the most critical moments of the game.
Show Notes:
- Late-game execution and winning close games
- Allocating practice time for late-game situations
- Adjusting strategy based on team age and experience
- Defending free throw situations when up three
- Lane violations and perimeter coverage decisions
- Practicing missed free throws and tip-out plays
- Full-court defense and forcing ball handlers backward
- Sending two defenders to the ball late
- Player decision-making under pressure
- Managing games when up or down four to five points
- Inbounds execution and clock awareness
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week we’re back again with Coach Mike Neighbors, and this time going through his lists of Top 3’s sparking conversation on culture, leadership, game coaching, and a little life outside of basketball.
There's life lessons and practical insights to challenge us as coaches to think differently, grow our experiences, and be better both on and off the court for ourselves and our players.
Show Notes:
- Why create lists
- Defining culture and how to build it
- In-game coaching tips
- Favorite team shooting drills
- Leadership lessons, delayed gratification, and adding value
- Reading, learning, and finding information that shapes better decisions
- Life outside basketball, including hobbies and finding balance
- Personal favorites in movies, TV shows, books, food, and travel
- Reflections on coaching longevity, mentorship, and saving basketball
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week, our referee friend Tim McLean with over 35 years of experience joins the show to pull back the curtain on officiating. From managing emotions and reading the game to how coaches, players, and parents can communicate better with refs, this episode offers practical insight to improve relationships—and the experience for our players.
Show Notes:
- The four parts of the game: players, coaches, fans, and referees
- What coaches misunderstand most about officiating
- Why most referees officiate for love of the game, not money
- The art vs. the science of refereeing basketball
- How officials decide when to let players play
- Reading the emotional temperature of a game
- Managing physicality as the season progresses
- Points of emphasis and how rule changes affect coaches and refs
- Officiating crews, veteran refs, and developing young officials
- How coaches should approach different officials during a game
- Why picking your battles with referees matters
- Teaching players how to talk to officials respectfully
- Preventive officiating and understanding player tendencies
- Why youth basketball is the hardest level to officiate
- The referee shortage and why officials are leaving the game
- The impact of parent and coach behavior on youth sports
- Creating better experiences for kids through mutual respect
- How coaches set the tone for players, parents, and the gym
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Coaching is more than X’s and O’s—and in this episode, TJ and Sam break down how coaches can make smart adjustments during tough stretches, balance winning with development, and find or stay true to their team identity.
Show Notes:
- How Much Is Too Much?
- Winning vs. Development
- The “Can Count On” Exercise
- Diagnosis Before Prescription
- Youth, Experience, and Playing Time
- Two Main Things to Always Have Front of Mind
- Being the Rock as a Leader
- Coaching Is Hard
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week, our old friend, Coach Mike Neighbors joins the show to share his latest reflections, learnings, and experiences in coaching including how to look at your Offensive and Defensive Xs and Os and ensure you're solving the right problems.
Show Notes:
• Taking Advantage of New Learning Opportunities
• Finding Your Coaching Brightspots
• Fixing Problems Without Losing Your Strengths
• “You’re Not Looking at the Problem”
• Clinic Culture, Rituals, and the Fear of Looking Bad
• How to Approach Limited Practice Time
• Getting Rid of Postgame Talks
• Getting Honest Feedback
• Core Offensive Beliefs: Creating & Punishing Advantages
• Defense Starts with Offense
• Teaching Transition
• “Can’t, Won’t, or Didn’t?”
• Role Definition, Acceptance, & Reward
• Role Acceptance vs. Role Reward
• Outside Influences & Protecting Player Buy-In
• Knowing Your Players
• Coaching Across Levels: Pros vs. College vs. High School
• Coaching Humans
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week, Sam and TJ discuss the critical two-day prep period between games especially after coming off a loss, needing to evaluate your team, determining the focus in practice, and addressing both team dynamics and individual needs.
Show Notes:
- Navigating Two-Day Game Prep
- Assessing Team Dynamics and Individual Needs
- Prioritizing Practice Focus
- Addressing Cultural and Leadership Issues
- Tangible Processes for Game Preparation
- Adjusting Strategies Based on Team Experience
- Evaluating Return on Investment in Practice
- Final Thoughts on Effective Coaching Practices
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week TJ and Sam discuss the tension we all feel in coaching when you’re competing at a high level. This week they discuss how to have and handle healthy tension that’s going to benefit your team rather than hurt your team.
Show Notes:
- Natural tension among team members
- Benefits of healthy tension
- Communication is key
- The two sleeps rule
- Understanding individual player dynamics
- Balancing ambition and celebration of success
- Building trust
- A coach's approach to practice
- Collecting information
- Accountability and standards
- Great teams know how to handle tension
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
In-game coaching is usually a coach's biggest strength or weakness. This week TJ and Sam share 5 aspects of it that are crucial to growing in for your team’s success.
Show Notes:
- Substitutions
- Timeouts
- Adjustments
- Pregame talks
- Postgame talks
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week we have a 4 quarters episode on applicable topics for in-season troubleshooting which are closeouts, exploiting matchups, scouting opponents, and developing point guards.
Show Notes:
- Teaching closeouts within your strategy and philosophy
- Exploiting matchups and offensive tactics
- How much of scouting is worth the effort?
- Scouting strategies and balancing information
- Developing points guards and other players
- Providing clarity and keeping it simple
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
Having the right conversations at the right time is crucial to your success as a coach. This week, TJ and Sam dive into the importance of player-coach conversations throughout the season and how to ensure they’re productive and helpful for you and your team.
Show Notes:
- The Importance of Player-Coach Conversations
- Clarity and Alignment in Communication
- The Art of Effective Dialogue
- Truth, Love, and Transparency
- Follow-Up and Accountability
- Navigating Honest Conversations
- Head Coach Energy and Emotion
- Final Thoughts
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week TJ and Sam discuss how to make your practices more effective including setting up drills, reinforcing habits, teaching the game, and building culture.
- Practice is where coaches spend most of their time
- Building relationships and having check-ins
- Drills should supplement live play, not replace it
- Intentional coaching during live play
- Making real-time adjustments to your practice plan
- Motivating through creative scoring systems
- Staying focused on the main objectives
- Evaluating the effectiveness of drills
- Player development in practice
- Making it fun and engaging
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Every fall, over 2,700 players from elementary school to high school attend a PGC Shooting College. PGC is the place for dedicated players who are serious about becoming better shooters. At a Fall Shooting College, they'll get the knowledge, skills and blueprint needed to quickly become a great shooter before the season starts.
Learn more & Register: https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/shooting-college/
This week TJ and Sam discuss how to lead well through the ups and downs of a season. Whether it’s coaching style, your team’s identity, or diagnosing your Xs and Os, as they discuss, it all comes down to knowing how to get the best out of your team.
Show Notes:
- Coaching is Teaching and Leading
- Leadership will get tested during your season
- Coaches are hardest on themselves
- Basketball as a microcosm of life
- Optimist vs Realist
- Importance of being Determined
- Working through Fears and Doubts during Adversity
- Diagnosing what you need to get right first
- Process over outcomes
- Importance of a healthy mindset for coaches
- Importance of building healthy relationships
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
This week we’re joined by Dr. Cindra Kamphoff. She’s a best-selling author, award-winning speaker, and founder of the Mentally Strong Institute. As an expert in helping teams and athlete reach their goals with mental skills, in this episode Dr. Kamphoff shares how to improve your players' performance by building grit and confidence in your athletes.
Show Notes:
- Beyond Grit
- How do you develop Grit?
- Grit = Passion and perseverance towards your long term goals
- Grit comes from refarming difficulties
- Grit is powered by confidence and positive self-talk
- How can coaches help develop Grit in their players?
- I will, I can, I am
- Thoughts direct feelings
- High Achievers are over-thinkers
- Learn, Burn, Return
- Positive to negative feedback balance
- Difference in Boys and Girls
- Truth Meter
Learn more about Dr. Cindra Kamphoff and the Mentally Strong Institute here.
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After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
This week TJ and Sam discuss the pros and cons of implementing pressure defense in your program and how to break it on offense.
Show Notes:
- Offensive and defensive pressure
- How to decide whether to press or not
- Development and competition
- Implications for the youth level
- Knowing what and why
- Is pressing helping your kids develop?
- Pressing at the high school and college level
- Fitting your offensive and defensive systems together
- Play your best players more
- Is pressing too much for your team?
- Mindset shift
- Attacking the press and turning it into an advantage on offense
- How to handle pressure
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This week we have special guests, John Carter from Noah Basketball and Mano Watsa from PGC Basketball with us to discuss three specific ways you can improve team and individual scoring this upcoming season.
Show Notes:
• Introduction to scoring more points
• Generating good shots
• Understanding shot selection
• Player development and shooting skills
• Shooting mechanics
• Ideal shooting arc and its impact
• Giving players feedback on their shot
• The value of technology in coaching
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
This week we’re joined by Savannah Bix, who’s going into her 8th season as a high school head coach. She’s won four region titles and is a 5x Region Coach of the Year. She has experience rebuilding a program and shares how she builds her team culture and lays a foundation for success.
Show Notes:
- Challenges in coaching today (Social media, transfers, parents)
- Leading parents
- Building relationships with your players
- Coaching hard
- Building toughness
- Team standards, fairness, and style
- Team bonding
- Differences in coaching boys and girls
- Advise to your younger self
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
The keys to winning consistently and taking your program to the next level aren’t developed overnight. This week, TJ and Sam share how to cultivate a winning culture and set expectations.
Show Notes:
• Understanding player mentality and team focus
• Sustaining success
• The role of psychology in coaching
• Building trust
• Transformational vs. transactional
• Establishing core values
• Controlling what you can control
• Developing consistency
Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.
After analyzing over 100 million shots, basketball data scientists at Noah Basketball have uncovered the formula of the perfect shot, helping players on 28 of 30 NBA teams improve their accuracy faster than ever before.
This same patented shot-tracking technology is now available to you in the Noah Backboard for a fraction of the cost. Learn more today at noahbasketball.com. Inquire while supplies last!
Going into the upcoming season, you probably have a list of things you’re looking to change or improve on. In this episode TJ shares 4 things he’s going to be implementing and adjusting with his team to inspire ideas for your coaching.
Show Notes:
- Do you coach the same season every year?
- Hold true to time tested values
- Be intentional about what is changing and what is staying the same
- 4 things TJ is Changing for his next season
- Practice plans and how you start practice
- Starting practice with what will be your identity
- Player Development
- Transition Defense
- Fire Drills
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Most Teams Plateau Mid-Season. The Reason? Player Development Gets Pushed Aside. Players stall. Confidence dips. Games slip away... But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Join us for a FREE Webinar October 19th, 8pm ET! (Register at PGCHustle.com)
You'll Get:3 Strategies to Keep Player Dev. a priority
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In order to maximize our coaching experience, this week we discuss the things we wish we had known as a younger coach from both the assistant and head coach perspective.
Show Notes:
• Only one real shortcut in life - mentorship
• Nobody is perfect
• Be clear and connected to your Why as a coach
• Bringing your gifts and talents to the table
• Learn the heartbeat of your team
• Unlocking people’s potential
• What defines your coaching career
• No is more important than Yes
• Bring people in
• What is the best ROI?
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This week, TJ and Sam discuss the critical elements of running an effective basketball offense. They emphasize the importance of clarity in understanding roles, triggers for actions, and the pace at which the game is played. The highlight how clarity can lead to better decision-making and performance, while teaching triggers gives players the tools to react instinctively during games.
Show Notes:
• Clarity is essential for effective offensive execution.
• Players must understand their roles within the offense.
• Help players react instinctively during games.
• Pace can vary; it’s not always about playing fast.
• Good teams have clear triggers.
• Adjusting roles based on player performance.
• High clarity leads to high performance on the court.
• Players need to think the game to play effectively.
• Understanding triggers can simplify decision-making for players.
• Effective offense requires a balance of clarity, triggers, and pace.
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There’s more to defense than the system. This week we discuss how you teach and implement your defense and getting your team bought into the details that make it work.
Show Notes:
• Teaching Defense Better
• Installing Your Defense
• Getting extreme clarity
• Don't leave home base
• Having a communication system
• Give them the Why
• Developing terminology
• Slow it down to speed it up
• Player Development on the Defensive end
• Getting players to stay engaged and aggressive
• What should they be thinking and feeling
• Guarding 1.5
• Have to v. Get to
• Giving your players the problem to fix
• Teaching points from the group
- Rebounding, Identifying the threat, Anticipation, Physical without fouling, Post defense, Knowing what to practice, 2nd Jumper
• Closing thoughts
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If you want to maximize your practice time you have to focus on both the what and the how. In this episode, TJ and Sam share the 3 most important aspects of your practice plan to ensure you're not spinning your wheels.
Show Notes:
• Talking about “Practice"
• Where you're spending the most time
• What is your team's identity?
• How many things can you work on in practice?
• Discipline = Freedom in practice
• After Action Report on your coaching
• More sound bites less monologues
• Culture happens in practice
• Practice with urgency
• Counting the cost of saying yes to something
• Constant pursuit of improvement
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A great way to maximize your upcoming season is by maximizing your team’s effort every possession. Though challenging, TJ and Sam share why it’s a worthwhile endeavor, and how to practically improve your team’s effort in practice.
Show Notes:
- Playing hard is a Skill
- T.J. McConnell - Playing hard as a skill
- Coaching & Teaching it
- 2-Way players
- Effort and IQ not taught enough
- Coach Speak vs Teacher Talk
- Is your standard high enough?
- Practice shorter and harder
- Helping players understand the importance
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This week TJ and Sam go through 9 coaching questions from strategic scouting decisions to lifting on game days, there’s a lot you to be thinking about before your season starts.
Show Notes:• Wall up?
• Take out the other team's best player?
• Choose not to guard a player on the other team?
• Reminders v. complaining
• Crash the boards even harder?
• Lift weights on game day?
• Zone every BLOB?
• More time shooting in practice?
• Emphasize drills or competing?
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This week the topic is about embracing the grind of coaching, but more importantly how to work hard while being at your best. Instead of going into survival mode during season, TJ and Sam discuss ways you can set expectations, make small changes, and gain advantages in creative ways.
Show Notes:
- Are you a grinder?
- Is it worth it?
- Don’t deprive yourself of what you need to be at your best
- The cost of running a special program
- Do we need to be the last coach to leave the office?
- Gain Efficiency over time
- Early Morning vs Late night vs Both
- Areas you could be depriving yourself
- The grind is the expectation
- The “present” litmus test
- Small changes can lead to massive results
- Small Habits and Deep Dives
Mentioned on the episode...
Links to Episode 516 with Todd Gongwer:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5vGRyqhWCmyuXNZLTb6CAs?si=9c50c3ad631f457d
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/episode-516-maximizing-your-leadership-with-todd-gongwer/id658885222?i=1000628379428
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This week, Chad Warner, assistant coach at the University of Minnesota joins TJ and Sam to discuss all things coaching. In this conversation they touch on the pressures and anxieties of coaching, what Chad's learned throughout his long and successful coaching journey, and what wins on the court.
Show Notes:
• Working through the stress of coaching
• Being transformationally driven
• Applying talent and people skills to your coaching
• Learnings from various coaches
• Changing offensive systems and why
• Staying ahead of the curve
• Being creative without overcomplicating it
• The value of having core values
• Being respected and liked
• Great teammates and great competitors
• The value of shot selection
• Being a set defense
• Playing fast
• Offensive rebounding philosophies
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There's a ton of strategic decisions coaches have to make. This week TJ and Sam go through four of them to uncover things you should be thinking about to put your team in the best place to be successful. Depending on your age and stage, there's likely enough games that get decided in the last minute of a game, and all four of these decisions have implications for late-game execution.
Show Notes:
• Who should inbound the ball?
• Where, who and when... personnel-based decisions
• System implications
• The skill of inbounding
• Practicing end of game situations
• Building basketball IQ
• Practicing situations versus plays
• Do overs
• When to pull the goalie
• Changing strategies when you're down
• How many defenses should you play
• Variety, adjustments, and creativity
• Having a change up
• Having too many
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Building teamwork has never been more challenging in today's culture. But if you can get individual players to buy-in to the importance of team and sacrifice for the greater good, it's quite a rewarding endeavor. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss the challenges and practical ways you can overcome individualism and emphasize team throughout your season.
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Blindspots are inevitable. We all have them. And how we find them and work through them can make or break our coaching careers. Having a growth mindset is part of the process, but in this episode TJ and Sam discuss the importance of figuring out both your strengths and your weaknesses as a coach.
Show Notes:
- Blindspots for coaches
- First step is acknowledging your blindspots
- It’s called a blindspot for a reason
- Growth mindset and humility
- Are you in pursuit of “mastery”?
- Blindspots hold you back from becoming great
- Knowing your strengths and weaknesses
- To grow others you must grow yourself
- The work is the fulfillment
- Don’t let blindspots be your downfall this season
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This week TJ and Sam discuss 10 quotes from or about legendary UCLA coach, John Wooden and how we can apply wisdom that has stood the test of time and apply it to our own coaching.
Show Notes:
• Learning about yourself
• Growing through adversity
• Intensity with transformation
• John Wooden's 3 rules
• "Ability is a poor man's wealth."
• "Listen if you want to be heard."
• Leading by example
• "Basketball is played between the ears..."
• "Happiness begins where selfishness ends."
• Person over player
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This week TJ and Sam discuss pros and cons of different defensive decisions you’ll have to make for your team. This season, don't get caught without a process that allows you to identify the strength and weaknesses of your defense and knowing ahead of time where you'll need to invest more time.
Show Notes:
• Current trends
• To pressure or not to pressure
• What comes with pressuring the ball
• Have a process that allows you to be great at what you do
• Personnel factors
• More pressure may equal more opportunities
• 5 to the glass?
• Why to send 5 to the glass
• Winning the margin
• Can't be in limbo
• When to punt on it
• Switch everything?
• Double the post?
• Inbounds Underneath Defense?
• Forcing to a side?
• Trap or under on ball screen D?
• Transition D - press or sprint back?
• 1 Type of closeout or personnel driven?
• Positioning of backside help
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To kick off the Be A Light Pledge and we want to give you the opportunity to join like-minded transformational coaches, learn the L.I.G.H.T. framework to put your values into practice and receive free resources for coaching beyond the game. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss what that looks like with the 4 must-wins to sustain success.
- Winning on the court and off the court
- The quadruple win
- Leaders put themselves last
- The impact of coaching on your body and health
- The value of boundaries
- Evidence of excellence in the quadruple win
- Planning and executing
- Being great at the process
- The power of consistency
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This week TJ and Sam talk all about offensive actions and what personnel they’re good for to give you ideas for building and enhancing your offensive strategy.
Show Notes:
• Figuring out the best offensive actions for your personnel
• Learning from what we're seeing in the NBA
• Best players and role players in their best spots
• 1, 2, and 3 player actions and hammering out pros and cons
• Reads, counters, & adjustments
• Maintaining pace within your actions
• What gives defenses the most trouble
• Implement specific actions for specific personnel
• Getting every player to be dangerous
• Having good terminology and making it simple for your players
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Like your X’s and O’s, but not sure what’s missing? - This week TJ and Sam explore what it looks like to up your conditioning level and get your players to give max effort in practices and games. It might just be the x-factor you need for next season.
Show Notes:
• Defining max effort reps and rethinking conditioning
• Why this is important
• What’s good conditioning
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Sharing past experiences
• Comparing to pick-up basketball
• Fighting human nature
• Coach effort
• Giving players specifics
• Practice ideas
• Going to the players for individual buy-in
• Rewarding max effort possessions
• What effort can achieve for a team
• Improving both physically and mentally
• Boost in confidence
• Focusing on the right things
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This week we’re joined by Justin Joyner, Assistant Coach at Michigan to first breakdown all things ball screen defense. Then we dive into culture, leadership, and what he’s learned in his coaching journey. Justin Joyner spent 7 seasons at Saint Mary’s College under Head Coach Randy Bennett and this past season joined the staff Coach Dusty May’s staff at the University of Michigan. Last year they finished second in the Big Ten and reached the sweet sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.
Show Notes:
• Where ball screen defense starts – Knowing who you are
• Having two types of coverages
• The Why and personnel considerations
• Guarding the 3
• Contingency plans and switching
• What offenses are doing
• Matchups, switching, and must do’s of ball screen D
• Flat/middle ball screens
• Rebounding teaching points
• Being aggressive against unorthodox ball screen offense
• Weakside rules / zone – helping on ball v. the roll
• Culture of joy and flexibility in leadership & coaching
• Learning your team in the summer
• Having an approach of gratitude
• How Randy Bennett at Saint Mary’s wins the margins
• What separates Dusty May at Michigan
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This week we discuss various ways and give tangible ideas for training leaders in your program. And coaches, if you want to go deeper on this topic with PGC Coaching staff and members there is an upcoming leadership track to help you master this facet of your coaching. Go to PGCCoaching.com to learn more.
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This week TJ and Sam jump into the topic of player development and the 4 steps you need to take to ensure your players are improving for next season.
Show Notes:
- Nick Saban quote
- Getting talent v. developing talent
- When development is your only option
- Getting to action
- What if you focused on development over systems & strategies
- Evaluating the quality of your player development
- Various facets of player development
- Having a shared vision & creating a plan
- Focusing on strengths or weaknesses
- Good coaches are problem solvers
- Developing the mental aspect
- Making it tangible and measurable
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This week TJ and Sam are joined by Head Coach Andre Cook from St. Edward’s University. With over 400 collegiate wins and 20 years of coaching experience Coach Cook shares how he coaches the offensive side of the ball - specifically looking at their pace, shot selection, player development and more.
Show Notes:
• Setting his offensive foundation & keeping the ball moving
• Implementing sets & constant pressure on the defense
• Defining shot selection for your team
• Developing pace in practice
• What are the hardest actions to guard & paint pressure
• What translates from player development
• How his coaching has evolved and finding the path
• Know thy self
• Adapting to zone defenses
• Offensive rebound philosophy
• Marrying the offense to the defense
• Find what's best for you
More about Coach Andre Cook:
Andre Cook has helmed St. Edward’s men’s basketball since the 2009-2010 season, becoming the program’s all-time winningest coach during the 2022-23.
The Hilltoppers have posted 11 consecutive winning seasons and four NCAA Tournament appearances under Cook, including a program-record 30 wins in 2018-19, snagging the Heartland Conference Regular Season Title, Heartland Conference Tournament Championship and advancing to the NCAA Regional Final while climbing as high as No. 2 in the national rankings.
In 2019, Cook was named the Clarance Gaines Award winner by CollegeInsider.com to the Division II National Coach of the Year and NABC District Coach of the Year. During his tenure, Cook has coached 31 players to 44 all-conference selections, one LSC Freshman of the Year, and guided six players to all-region honors.
Cook came to St. Edward’s from Hudson Valley Community College, where he compiled an overall record of 119-40 (.748) in five seasons. In his last two seasons there, his Vikings combined for a 62-5 overall record and a 32-0 mark in conference play. Cook was named Region III Coach of the Year and BCANY Junior College Coach of the Year in 2007-08. In 2008–2009, the Vikings advanced to the NJCAA Division III national tournament semi-final.
Credit & More info: https://gohilltoppers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/andre-cook/14
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This week TJ and Sam tackle the topic of how to best approach summer basketball with your club or high school team because when it comes to spending your time and money wisely as a coach, parent, and player, you want to be confident you're getting it right. In this episode the topics range from having the right goals, understanding referees, setting expectations with parents, and ultimately how to think outside the box to ensure everyone wins.
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This week Coach Graham Maxwell joins TJ and Sam to go through 4 Quarters discussing tips for coaches when it comes to having a better passing teams, working with Parents, designing your practices, and what we’re seeing in the NBA Playoffs.
Show Notes:
Passing
• Grow their understanding
• Take coaches out
• 4 T's
Parents
• Expectations on communications
• Letting go
• The parents perspective
• Doing better
Practice
• Less is more
• The arc of a practice
• Let the drills be the teacher
NBA Playoffs
• How role players show up
• Defense, Role ID, & Coaching
• Adjustments & Style of play
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In light of Gregg Popovich’s decision to step down as head coach of the Spurs, this week TJ and Sam discuss the impact he’s had on the game and specifically 5 learnings from his leadership you can apply to your own coaching.
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This week TJ and Sam are joined by PGC Basketball Owner and President, Mano Watsa, along with Better Basketball founder Rick Torbett, first to discuss how relationships are foundational to everything we do as coaches, and how to build them and grow your network. They’re also excited to share an important announcement with everyone about PGC Coaching and Better Basketball once again coming together to deliver resources and build community with coaches.
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This week we’re excited to be joined by Coach Jamon Copeland, head men’s basketball coach at Ave Maria University. This past season he led his team to a conference tournament championship and a win in the NAIA national tournament. With 15 years of head coaching experience, in this episode Jamon shares the ins and outs of how he implemented an aggressive style and fast paced system.
Show Notes:
• Having an identity as a coach
• Switching Styles, 'touch the wall' drill, and marrying offense & defense
• Winning possession battle: turnovers and rebounding
• Full court defensive pressure concepts & decision making
• Starting Aggressive then pulling back
• Ability to make adjustments
• Dictating the pace and fast paced principles
• Half-court principles
• Selling your system to your players
• How it looks in practice and manipulating load
• Different defensive looks and teaching points
• Personnel implications
• Advantages of playing fast
• Match your coaching style with your personality
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This week Sam and TJ dive into how important it is for coaches to be great teachers and we can level up in this area.
Show Notes:
• What is master teaching
• Finding teachable moments
• Being intentional about what you're focusing on
• Opportunities to coach the mental side of the game
• Priming the environment and priming the mind
• Using constraints in drills to emphasize what you're teaching
• Coaching habits
• Paying attention during practice
• Two common teaching errors
• Having a common language
• Early season practice musts and tapering off
• Having a team identity
• Humility as a teacher
• Increasing efficiency and improving over time
• Progressing and layering in teaching
• Challenge yourself and apply
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This week we’re joined by Coach Raul Placeres from Maryville College. He's led his program to 5 straight regular season championships and won 3 out of the last 5 tournament championships. As the quickest coach in program history to 100 wins, we're honored to have him share with listeners what he's learned throughout his coaching journey, especially now as a head coach, and how he's defined his own success.
Show Notes:• Following a hall of fame coach
• Transitioning from assistant to head coach
• Making the decision - fatigue, pressure, and time
• Listening to and talking with your players
• Working through the mental side of the game
• Listening to your players
• Coach Raul's practice setup
• Focused on the most important boxscore
• How do you know you're getting it right
• Leadership examples
• Culture examples and player to player mentorship
• Player development
• Empowering your players
• Growth mindset
• Knowing your team
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Whether it’s parents, recruiting, or analytics the game is changing, and this week TJ and Sam discuss how it’s affecting coaching at all levels.
Show Notes:
• More changes more rapid then before
• Coaches staying and going
• Players skill level
• Parents investing in athletic careers
• AAU basketball a waste?
• Recruiting today
• Freedom and transfer dilemma
• Emotional investment in coaching
• Officials - Who wants that job...
• Women’s hoops
• Analytics
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Sam is joined by Coach Graham Maxwell to discuss in-game and late-game coaching tactics that we often see in March or tournament time with our teams.
Show Notes:
- Inbounds underneath / BLOBs
- Shot selection
- Using timeouts
- Late clock
- Fouling up 3
- Stopping their best player
- Having a non-free throw shooter in the game
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This week Sam is joined by Josh Merkel, Head Men’s Coach at Randolph-Macon to discuss end of season evaluations, off-season plans, and ways to continue improving your program.
Show Notes:
• Postseason feelings
• Locker room after your last game
• Finding 1%ers
• How do you talk about championship goals
• Value of player IQ
• Getting better during the season
• Getting player feedback
• Off-season goals
• Leadership lessons
• Evaluating and implementing changes
• Josh's off-season plan
• Implementing shooting challenges
• Sam's practice shooting routines
• Evaluating offensive and defensive systems
• Finding the curve ball
• Taking notes from March Madness
• The hedgehog concept
• Knowing your strengths and who you are
• Focusing on the most important things
More about Head Coach Josh Merkel and his program.
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Having just finished their seasons, TJ and Sam discuss how they process that end of season feeling we all have as coaches.
Show Notes:
• The feeling of it being over
• Approach to the locker room
• Expressing gratitude
• Modeling for your players
• Approaching individual players
• Adapting to the new reality
• How recruiting has changed
• Transitioning to a new routine
• Turning the page to growth
• Finding shortcuts and mentors
• Post season evaluations and exit interviews
• How to helpful feedback
• Committing to telling the truth
• Putting yourself out there
• The opportunity to impact
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This week we’re joined by Coach Charli Turner Thorne winningest coach in Arizona State program history and now assistant coach with the Phoenix Mercury. In this episode she shares both successes and learnings from her long coaching career.
Show Notes:
• What's changing in the game
• Everyday fundamentals
• Characteristics of the best teams
• Investing in your culture
• Role of rest and recovery
• Creatively holding your team accountable
• How to build toughness
• EFT
• Helping your players perform
• Investing in relationships with players
• Fatigue in coaching
• Leading yourself well
• Being a learner
• Book recommendations
• What it takes to develop leaders
About Coach Charli Turner Thorne:
• 2024 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
• WNBA Phoenix Mercury Assistant Coach
• The winningest head coach in ASU women’s basketball history and No. 2 all-time in career wins (488) by a Pac-12 coach, Two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, 3 Pac-12 championships (two regular season titles and the league’s first tournament title in 2002) and the program’s only two NCAA Elite Eight appearances
• Past president of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s (WBCA) Executive Committee
• During the summer of 2009 Turner Thorne served as the head coach of the USA Women’s World University Games Team which went undefeated (7-0) and captured the gold medal at the 2009 World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia. In the summer of 2007 Turner Thorne served as an assistant coach on USA Basketball’s U21 World Championship Team which won the gold medal at the FIBA U21 World Championship in Moscow, Russia.
• As a player, Turner Thorne lettered four years at Stanford where she played three years under Tara VanDerveer. She graduated from Stanford in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and later earned her master’s degree in education from Washington in 1990.
Credit: Sun Devil Athletics webpage
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This week TJ and Sam share 3 tips for your late season and postseason success. To finish on a high note they discuss how to rebound well, keep your team fresh, and strategies for performing under pressure.
Show Notes:
• Double down on rebounding
• The little things win games
• Habits and desire
• Utilize your best rebounding lineups
• Celebrating rebounding
• 3 winning stats to know
• Fresh February
• Why teams get worn down
• Player check-ins & getting pulse of your team
• It's never too late - keep fighting for what is right
• Handling pressure
• Focus on the right things
• Coaches - understand how you show up
• Players - keep it simple
• Where you put the extra energy
• Calming your team down
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Whether it's a game plan, season plan, or plan for your program, at some point when it doesn't go well we're all faced with questions, concerns and challenges about if our plan should change. In this week's episode TJ and Sam discuss how coaches adapt and assess while also staying true to who they are.
Show Notes:
• The skill of being adaptability as coaches
• Culture & Leadership are the base
• Failure to adapt
• When to change strategies and schemes
• How to assess the situation
• Style of play
• What type of coach are you?
• Fringe things v. winning habits
• When your adjustments won't make a difference
• Preparing for the best teams
• Winning multiple ways
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This week, in order to unpack some best practices and strategies to coach development and growth, TJ and Sam reflect on 4 ways coaches can choose the best approach.
Show Notes:
- Intro to topic, different approaches to take
- How to pick the right one
- Find your authentic voice
- When it's time to reinvent yourself
- Knowing yourself
- Identifying your gifts & blind spots
- Coaching to your North star
- Developing coaching skills
- Apologizing to your former players
- Loving, hostile, firm, and permissive
- Recap
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This week, Coach Graham Maxwell joins Sam and TJ to discuss how your leadership and team culture affect your Xs and Os, especially your team’s shot selection.
Show Notes:• The art of coaching - mastering all facets
• Identifying what each team needs
• Getting buy-in about shot selection
• Playing CIA - Confident, Intelligent, and Aggressive
• FG%'s - Educating players and coaches
• Hearing the player's perspective
• How players earn freedom
• Being able to 'show' players
• Playing fearless and riding the edge
• Transparency with the team
• Being able to back it up with the #'s
• Teaching shot selection
• Do you know your team?
• Letting players in on your coaching
• Heartset and mindset
• Film sessions focused on when they're getting it right
• The fundamental of winning and losing
• Talented v. less talented teams
• Every player should anticipate shooting
• Adjusting game to game - season to season
• Confident yet responsible
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This week, Sam and TJ discuss 4 important tips and strategies for your player development that you’re going to want to incorporate right away.
If you're interested in going deeper on this topic, or joining our community of coaches, go to https://coach.pgcbasketball.com/ to learn more about upcoming coaching tracks and membership.
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This week, is a reminder of the importance of the mindset and approach you bring to every practice and every game throughout the entire season. TJ and Sam discuss how to avoid complacency and maintain enthusiasm for the standards.
Show Notes:
• Practicing like you lost your last game
• The value of consistency v. adjustments
• Leading your team and having an edge
• Competing and holding the rope in practice
• Yelling is overrated
• Actions speak louder than words
• Be attached to the right things
• Moments of truth
• "You have to coach next year's team now"
• What habits do you need to beat the best?
• Process v. Outcome driven
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For most of us, the off-season is closer than we think. This week we’re joined by Mano Watsa, president of PGC Basketball to discuss how players, coaches, and parents can focus on the most important aspects of player development.
Show Notes:
• Introduction
• Preparing players
• Personal trainers and how to utilize them
• Overskilled and underdeveloped
• The quality of the experience: Time, Energy, and Money
• Dreams, Direction, and Discipline
• Matching the player's aspirations, not the parent's
• Increasing passion and confidence
• The camp experience
• Why PGC
•. Go to https://pgcbasketball.com/ to find out more
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This week TJ and Sam discuss coaching tips and strategies that impact winning and can make a big difference for your team and season.
Show Notes:
• Playing harder
• Play hard, smart, and together
• What loses
• Coaching effort
• Coaching examples
• Identifying the standard without emotion
• Avoid coaching out of frustration
• The game is held hostage
• Coaching the mistake
• The role of analytics
• Effecting winning - What gets lost
• Shot generation & Shot selection
• Getting the map right
• Substitutions and balance
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This week we discuss a quote from UCONN Men’s Coach, Dan Hurley about wanting his players to be obsessed, how we agree and disagree with his statement, and what that might look like for your team.
Show Notes:
• Coach Dan Hurley's quote
• Helping your players love the game
• Baseline standards and expectations
• Understanding individual player perspectives
• Not wanting obsessed players
• How to help players who aren't as committed
• Players want high standards
• Identify your non-negotiables
• Modeling love for the game
• Knowing what matters most
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This week is a 4 quarters episode with TJ and Lisa discussing ball pressure, preparation, rebounding, and what we do in our culture when we’re winning versus when we’re losing.
Show Notes:
• Ball pressure
• Compete and anticipate
• Anticipate what they do if you apply pressure
• Changing pressure – keep offense guessing
• Mental pressure = mental fatigue
• Teach players the nuance of pressure
• What types of teams to pressure
• Preparation & Scouting
• What you do physically to prepare matters
• Layer it in and build – grow over time
• Emphasis everything and get nothing
• Implications of switching
• Rebounding
• Habits & Individual Approaches
• Mentality & Urgency
• Personnel options
• Playing the percentages & angles
• Culture – When you’re winning v. losing
• Focusing on the process
• The importance of honesty
• Knowing the heartbeat of the team
• Meeting your standards every day
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This week TJ and Sam hit on an important topic for coaches which is how you confront your players and be honest with where they’re at while also creating a team culture that genuinely cares about each other.
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Coach Micah Mills is back on the show to discuss troubleshooting your offense and player development in order to find solutions to your offensive frustrations midseason.
Show Notes:
- 3 ways to look at offensive problem solving
- "Identify the problem so we can prescribe the right medicine"
- Being a "Defensive coach"
- Balance in using Sets
- Determining your offensive identity
- Start with understanding how you will generate shots
- Role identification
- Giving players "freedom" on offense is overrated
- Clarity on what we are hunting
- Getting the ball to the paint is half the battle
- Skill Development and 18 ways to finish
- "Why are you working on that?"
- Money actions
- What do we do best? How do we do it more?
- Timeout plays
- Be an expert on your team
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This week TJ and Sam discuss managing your roster in terms of number of players along with playing time decisions in order to limit the headaches and maximize the potential of your team.
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This week we’re talking about aspects of your program that make for a winning culture such as setting high standards, building accountability, and growing through conflict and adversity.
Show Notes:
- Intro episode
- Levels to coaching and winning
- Reality of Accountability and holding the line on standards
- Being unattached emotionally to standards
- Standards vs Rules
- Setting the Bar
- Having a powerful WHY
- Relationships and Rebellion
- Coach mode at home
- Transformational v Transactional
- Approach to Adversity
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Joined by special guest, Jason Peery, this week we dive into how he built a successful high school program as he shares his best practices when it comes to creating drills, teaching the game, and developing players.
Show Notes:
- Coach Jason Peery's background
- Blood Drills
- Your motive in care is really important
- Creating Connection
- Clear expectations
- Positive, negative or neutral coaching
- Coachability
- Teaching the little things
- What basketball can learn from pickleball
- Naming your drills
- Mental toughness vs emotional toughness
More about Jason Peery:
- Currently assistant varsity coach at American Heritage High School in Utah under head coach Paora Winitana. Both of us have sons on the team.
- Former Head Coach at Pinewood High School (CA)
- Consulted Stanford Men's (Johnny Dawkins) and Women's Basketball (Hall-of-Face coach Tara Vanderveer) teams in 2013-2014, installing Triangle Offense in both programs, which went to Sweet 16 and Final Four respectively that year. Article in NY Times, "Riding the Triangle to the Pinnacle"
- Coach of top Pro pickleball players, including Tyler Loong, Meghan Dizon, Etta Wright, and Alix Truong.
- Founded the UHSPA (Utah High School Pickleball Association) with his wife Lisa, to the bring the sport of Pickleball to high schools in Utah.
- Runs various businesses and investments, including commercial real estate an angel investing group, also works with youth and young adults, including mental health initiatives.
- Founded Sportstalk.com (1999) (Acquired by ESPN, turned into ESPN Insider, now ESPN+)
- Once Bishop in LDS Church, very interested in promoting gospel throughout the world. Served 2-year mission in Brazil.
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This week TJ and Sam discuss how to start the season off right by knowing what you need out of your first practices, how to evaluate your first games, and setting up your team for success not just at the start, but throughout the season.
Show Notes:
• General Thoughts on how to prepare your team for the first game of the season
• First week of practice
• Identifying the goal
• How can you stack things
• Balance Offense and Defense
• Creating standards of practice
• Attitude and effort
• Capturing the vision of who you want to be as a team
• Cover your butt coaching
• Player Development
• Handling adversity
• Leadership
• Holes in the ceiling
• Working in 3s
• Getting the foundation right
• Learning and improving season to season
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This week we discuss the offensive and defensive implications of the 3pt line, how it affects your players and it's changed all levels of the game.
Show Notes:
- How the 3 is changing the game.
- Defensive implications
- The equalizer
- The Steph Curry effect
- Where coaching matters
- The next trend
- A coaching mistake
- Guess TJ’s favorite NBA player right now
- Value of players beyond the 3
- The hardest teams to play against
- The risk of being 3 point heavy
- Coaching shot quality
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This week Graham Maxwell joins the show to discuss how coaches can win in their relationships with opponents, players, and staff and why it can be the difference maker for you this season.
Show Notes:
• Opponent relationships
• Healthy competition
• Finding middle ground
• Setting the example
• Tony Bennett example
• Staff relationships
• Who over What
• Coaching hard
• Jockeying for positions
• Being a generous listener
• Acknowledging and celebrating
• Catch them doing something good
• What hurts relationships with players
• Playing time
• Sharing the burden
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In light of Coach Tony Bennett’s recent retirement announcement, we thought we’d honor his legacy and what he’s given to the game by reposting his 2021 interview with us where he laid out his foundation as a coach and how his team bounced back to win a National Championship.
Show Notes:
• 5 Pillars / Core Values
• Getting player buy-in
• How you face adversity
• Knowing your Why
• Vulnerability & Leading by example
• Developing leaders
• Style of play & paying the price
• Becoming a great teacher
• What truly matters
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In the world of coaching and leadership we often hear phrases and mantras that serve our coaching in a positive way. And there's also statements and quotes that initial appeal to us and may even carry some truth, but if we put too much stock in them, they could also steer us in the wrong direction. Before we know it, we may end up be off course. This week TJ and Sam discuss different 'coachisms' in the form of 3 truths and 3 lies and debate what's reasonable, what's practical, and what ultimately makes sense to apply to your coaching and share with your team.
Show Notes:
• Intro to Topic
• Relationships are paramount to coaching and leadership
• Competing is the ultimate equalizer
• How you do what you do is the separator
• Winning cures everything
• Leaders are born, not made
• Talent trumps team
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This week TJ and Sam discuss the importance of practice design and share common mistakes you’ll want to avoid in your practice planning this season.
Show Notes:
• 1. Lack of preparation
• Communication and delegation + more tips
• Picking the right things to practice
• Enrolling your players
• Knowing your strengths and practices
• What to pay attention to
• 2. Distributing roles in practice
• "If you try and watch everything, you'll see nothing."
• 3. Identifying influential practice factors
• Doing your best stuff most of the time
• 4. Designing more than the 'What'
• Flow of practice
• 5. Marrying the practice plan
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This week we’re joined by Micah Mills, head coach at Wilmington College and PGC Coaching mentor to discuss managing the energy, emotions, and egos of your players as well as yourself.
Show Notes:
• Bringing energy & being your authentic self as a coach
• Teach players how to bring their own energy
• Individual hype numbers
• Engaging with individual players
• Managing your own energy
• Changes with time
• Consistency with the option to change it up
• "Don't let your circumstances dictate your behavior."
• Regulating emotions
• Individual differences
• Helping your players - Walking a fine line
• Ensuring your team has an edge
• Buying into a team mentality
• Having the right conversations
• The role of social media today
• Speaking the truth to players
• Controlling the narrative
• Getting it right before its too late
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A good passing team is a well coached team. This week we discuss all things related to helping your players be better passers this season.
Show Notes:
• Why you should consider being a pressing team.
• Thinking ahead in your season
• Developing better passers and emphasis in practice
• "Passing is like leadership"
• Executing your sets
• "Make the simple play"
• Inability to pass is limiting - Minimize risky decisions
• Defining good passing
• Coaching pet peeves
• Coaching different types of passes
• What will you do the most in your offense
• Jump Passes
• Taking care of your possessions
• Team confidence
• Better Passing = More Fun
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Building a successful program is all about how you cultivate the identity of the team. This week, TJ and Sam discuss 4 principles to help shape your team culture and strengthen your team identity in something bigger than any individual.
Show Notes:
• Topic Intro
• Shared Ownership
- Getting players to lead
- Working through conflict
• Shared suffering
- giving players ownership
• Individual Responsibility
- Having it come to life in practice
• Collective pride
- Why its important
- The challenges coaches face
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This week the team discusses “Less & More” - where as coaches we should be looking to add more to our programs both on and off the court and where can we make additions by subtraction.
Show Notes:
What should players do less and more of?
- Relationships, social media, fundamentals
What should parents do less and more of?
- Perspective, teaching, blaming, relationship building
What should coaches do less and more of?
- Preparation, mindset, drama, improvement
- Offense: Shot selection, transition, teaching
- Defense: Aggressive, switching, emphasis
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TJ and Sam discuss the Xs and Os decisions all coaches have to make going into their preseason and the implications for your team.
Show Notes:
• Topic Intro
OFFENSE
• Why + Who = What + How
• Does it matter if it's a fun offensive system to play in?
• Balancing freedom & structure
• Testing your team's IQ
• Does your team know:
- What they're hunting
- How to hunt it
- How to improve
• Does talent need structure?
• Getting player buy-in
• Ability to spread the floor
• Making up for deficits
• Questions to ask
• How many things can you be great at?
DEFENSE
• To pressure or not
• Matching your offense and defense
REBOUNDING
• Both sides of the ball
• Tagging
• Creating roles
SPECIAL TEAMS
• How committed do you want to be?
• Defense
• Low Clock / Late Game
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This week we’re joined by Head Coach Missy Traversi from Army women’s basketball. With over 16 years of coaching experience at all levels, Missy shares how she’s developed as a leader, been able to adjust her team’s style of play and how the culture at West Point has shaped her coaching.
Show Notes:
• Leadership
• Sprinting toward failure
• Changing style of play
• Understanding the analytics
• Generating the right shots
• Finding what will help your team win
• What others are doing well
• Controlling the pace of the game
• Next Right Thing
• West Point Culture
• Being the model for your athletes
More about Coach Missy Traversi:
Coach Traversi is going into her 4th season as the Head Coach for Army Women's Basketball. Previously, Missy spent 5 seasons as the head coach at Adelphi University. At Adelphi, she coached the Panthers to an 83-37 (.692) overall record, two NE10 Southwest Division regular-season championships, an NE10 Tournament Championship in 2017, and two NCAA Division II Tournament berths.
In 2019-20, Traversi guided Adelphi to a historic season that consisted of a 27-3 overall record on her way to capturing All-Met Division II Coach of the Year honors. Winners of the NE10 Southwest Division regular-season championship, the Panthers were selected as the East Region's top seed in the 2020 NCAA Division II Tournament before the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the tournament before it began. Adelphi finished the season ranked No. 8 in the WBCA Division II Top 25 Poll.
She has 13 years of coaching experience ranging across the Division I, Division II, Division III and high school ranks. The Attleboro, Mass. native was a standout Division I player at the University of Maine from 2001-05 and played professionally overseas before beginning her coaching career.
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How does your team react when they face a high pressure defense? This week the discussion is around the habits, mindset, and principles you’ll want to instill next season in your players in order to be great at breaking and handling pressure.
Show Notes:
• Intro to Topic
• Teaching necessary skills and habits
• Flipping the mindset - Pressure is a facade
• Being the aggressor
• Making it part of your style
• Who passes the ball in
• Availability of the first pass
• Squirrel analogy
• 3 available receivers
• Attack out of first or second reversal
• Alignment and stretching the defense
• Why you should be a pressing team
• Role identification
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Find out more about PGC Coach's Courtside Retreat here: https://coach.pgcbasketball.com/courtside-retreat-special/https://coach.pgcbasketball.com/courtside-retreat-special/
This week TJ and Sam discuss fundamentals, but maybe not in the same way you’re used to. They’re talking about how to develop and communicate core principles that set the foundation for your team’s success.
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Find out more about PGC Coach's Courtside Retreat here: https://coach.pgcbasketball.com/courtside-retreat-special/https://coach.pgcbasketball.com/courtside-retreat-special/
If you want to better teacher of the game it’s important to understand how your coaching is received. This week the discussion is about putting yourself in the shoes of the learner so you can maximize your coaching.
Show Notes:
- Why focus on your teaching
- Overcoaching v. undercoaching
- Setting goals and creating a learning environment
- Connecting with players
- Continuous improvement in your coaching
- Understanding the psychology behind coaching
- Embracing the role of the learning
- Final thoughts and a challenge for coaches
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Show Notes:
• Thoughts after watching Team USA
• Coaching philosophies
• Managing egos
• Honesty and empathy
• The realist vs. optimist conversation
• How many in a rotation?
• Navigating challenges
• Other factors
• The Impact on player rhythm and chemistry
• The importance of communication and leadership
• The value of every player
• Challenges in implementation
• Adapting to the team's talent
• Who's to blame
• Closing thoughts
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This week Sam and TJ share 3 Preseason Mistakes you’ll want to avoid in your planning for the upcoming season and how you can begin preparing to have your best season yet.
Show Notes:
• Lack of vision
• Defining the win
• Reverse engineering weekly and monthly plans
• Role clarity for staff
• Humility, empower, train & delegate
• Building culture
• TJ's experience at Emmanuel
• Creating a culture plan
• Sharpening the axe
Interested PGC Coaching Tracks? - Click here: https://coach.pgcbasketball.com/tracks/
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This week Sam shares Coach Pat Summitt's Definite Dozen as the team discusses leadership principles that have withstood the test of time and how coaches can apply them to their teams.
Show Notes:
1. Respect Yourself and Others
2. Take Full Responsibility
3. Develop and Demonstrate Loyalty
4. Learn to be a Great Communicator
5. Discipline Yourself so No One Else Has To
6. Make Hard Work Your Passion
7. Don’t Just Work Hard, Work Smart
8. Put the Team Before Yourself
9. Make Winning an Attitude
10. Be a Competitor
11. Change is a Must
12. Handle Success Like You Handle Failure
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This week we discuss our topic comes to us from a question posed by one of our listeners as we discuss what it takes to incorporate new players into your team. When players leave and new players come in, how do you ensure that your culture as well as your systems and strategies are going to be the right for your current group? In this episode TJ and Sam share things you need to be aware of as you avoid growing complacent and seek to bring the best out of the group in front of you.
Show Notes:
• Intro: The Impact of Player Addition or Subtraction
• Acclimating New Players while Maintaining Confidence and Roles
• Starting from Ground Zero Each Season
• The Interplay Between Culture and X's and O's
• Adapting to Changes in Personnel for Long-Term Success
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This week our topic questions the behavior of basketball coaches on the sideline, simply, are we yelling too much as coaches? In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss the factors that lead to coaches yelling and if and when it’s necessary.
Show Notes:
• Introduction
• Expectations of a coach
• The best coaching happens in practice
• Difference between passion, anger, and putting people down
• Leadership and communication
• Demanding high standards
• Coaching effort and attitude
• Urgency and context of a game
• Teaching mistake reactions
• Getting more out of 'kids these days'
• Why NBA coaches don't yell
• Coaching insecurities
• Reacting to players and their response
• When players tune you out
• Striking the balance
• Reflecting on your experience
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This week, TJ and Sam are joined by Pastor Tracy Reynolds. With a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, Pastor Tracy shares about the importance of second chair leadership, how not to get caught up in comparison or your next career move, and how you can thrive in your leadership role regardless of position.
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This week, Coach Zak Boisvert from Saint Louis University with over 13 years of college coaching experience joins TJ and Sam to discuss building your offense, key elements of player development, along with some quick tips for defense and rebounding.
Show Notes:
• Building out your offense
• Motion v. set play offense
• Getting players to play to their strengths
• Creating a malleable offense
• Teaching basketball literacy
• Small-sided games & asking questions
• The role of the 4s and 5s in your offense
• Learning from the Celtics
• Be an expert on your personnel
• The key elements of player development
• Putting shooting in your practice plan
• Diagnosing your defense
• 5 areas you have to be good at on defense
• Prioritize drilling or emphasizing rebounding
• Tips for your coaching journey
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This week, TJ and Lisa discuss how to attack zone defenses with great habits, spacing, and screening, along with the types of sets you should have in your playbook, and the reminders that you'll want to give your team next time you see a zone defense.
- Offensive identity v. zone
- 3s, rim shots, and counter moves
- Attacking the paint
- Scouting your opponent's zone defense
- Disrupting rotations with screens
- Player roles & limiting options
- Zone habits & reminders
- Maintaining flow
- Running sets v. zone
- Timing and pace
- Quick-fire zone tips
- Hunting layups
- Role identification
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Dick DeVenzio, founder of PGC Basketball, wrote a book titled Think Like a Champion. And in that book is chapter titled, "Teammates You Don't Like." This week TJ and Sam discuss that chapter and the insights DeVenzio shares that could be a game-changer for your players individually and as a group next season.
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Coach, if you’re turning every stone but falling short of your goals—if your team is falling short of their potential but unsure how to break the glass ceiling—You can get a ton out of PGC Coaching’s next Track, learn more here: pgccoaching.com/tracksby June 13th.
This week we’re joined by Matt Phillips from Pro Athlete Advantage to talk about the secret to peak performance, mental toughness. In this episode Matt defines mental toughness and shares tried and true principles and practices we can put into action to help take our performance and leadership to the next level.
Sign up for the “Masters of the Game: Exclusive Interview Series with Athletic Titans” at www.proathleteadvantage.com/newsletter
If you are a coach interested in teaching your athletes the mental side, join us by going to www.proathleteadvantage.com
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive interviews and training at http://www.youtube.com/@ProAthleteAdvantage
Show Notes:
• Defining Mental Toughness
- Confidence, Focus, Emotional Control, Energy, Consistent Intentional Action
• Fake it 'til you make it?
• Compete don't compare
• Why and How of Confidence Building
• Asking quality questions
• Taking ownership and accelerating your growth
• Developing emotional control
• Proactive Training
• Managing Energy
• Small things add up
About Matt Phillips:
Matt is the Founder of Pro Athlete Advantage, and a High Performance Leadership & Mental Toughness Coach. Over the past 12+ years, he's worked with professional athletes (e.g., Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs), collegiate athletes (e.g., University of Colorado, Creighton University) and high school athletes around the United States.
Matt is a former professional baseball player in Austria's Bundesliga ("first league") and Division-1 baseball player at Creighton University.
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This week we’re discussing how intensity can be your team’s separator next season. In a sports culture where players are playing so many games and rewarded for individual performances over team wins, TJ and Sam discuss how you can bring intensity, energy, and effort to life in your programs.
Show Notes:
- Intro Topic
- Timberwolves & Anthony Edwards
- Achieving something special
- Competing on the defensive end
- "I don't coach effort & attitude"
- Gaining skill with intensity without overtraining
- Practice goals and design
- More games & social media influences
- Intensity and toughness
- "Never stop playing hard - Never stop talking"
- Udonis Haslem story
- Giving your team an edge
- Fun to coach
- Winning players make winning plays
- Don't cheat it and stay hungry
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Become a better leader and raise the ceiling for your team. Join PGC Coaching's 4-Week Leadership Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby June 13th.
This week TJ and Sam discuss how coaches strike a balance between creating an intense hard-working and competitive environment with ensuring your players are enjoying their experience invested in the team.
Show Notes:
• Creating the right environment for skill acquisition
• Being aware of the player experience
• Can it be competitive, hard-working, and fun?
• Goal of a coach
• Getting your team invested in the team
• The importance of teaching
• Role of running as conditioning
• Coach personality
• Fighting to strike a balance
• Gamify• Identifying the skills you need
• Creating opportunity for discovery
• Appropriate amount of challenge
• Intentional joy - creating a feeling of accomplishment
• Building in celebration
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This week on the Hardwood Hustle we’re joined by Coach Matthew Smith from Washington State to discuss analytics, propelling your coaching career and what we can learn from pickup basketball.
- Finding a mentor
- Opportunities to grow
- Little things that make you invaluable
- Utilizing analytics
- Do what others wont
- Teach better
- Pickup basketball
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
It's easy to go through the off-season just checking boxes... Ball handling drills, check. Passing drills, check. Shooting drills, check. But to ensure your individual players are actually improving, take a more intentional approach and hone on theirs and your biggest return on investment.
Show Notes:
• Universal Fundamental skills approach v. Individual approach
• SICC Approach|
• Current v. Next Level & Developing a specialty
• Factors: Time, System, & Long Term Development
• Summer Practice Approach
• Alignment in Developmental System
• Game experience v. Reps in practice
• Spend time on strengths v. weaknesses
• The difference between players today
• 2 ft. vs. 1 ft. Finishing & Passing
• Valuing: Decision-Making, Shooting, Effort, Being a Good Teammate
• Developing smarter more athletic players
• 32-Minute Workout
• Creating 7-Day Challenges
• Avoiding checkbox workouts
This week TJ and Sam discuss what makes offensive actions work including how to utilize different types of screens, combining actions together, personnel implications and how you might steal actions from other teams based on what’s hard to guard.
Show Notes:
• Flare Screens
• Back Screens
• Ball Screens
• Combo & Iso Actions
• 2-Man Actions
• What's Hard to Guard & Small-Sided Games
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
This week we’re joined by NBA Shooting Coach, Dave Love to discuss the most important aspects and essential teaching points of developing better shooters and even fixing broken shots.
Show Notes:
- Positive & Negative Energy
- Building a Base
- Foundational Footwork
- The 'One Thing' to Coach
- Arch & Set Point
- Improving Youth Development
- How the Greats Got There
- Fixing Broken Shots
- Knowledge of Process v. Results
- Coaching the Mental Game
About Coach Dave Love:
For the past 18 years, Dave has coached players of all levels to improve their shooting, through a series of systematic drills & skill progressions.
His skills in developing shooters has brought him to the NBA where he continues to work with some of the greatest players in the league.
Dave has been featured in: NBA.com, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, ESPN, SBNATION, and The Guardian for his unique and noteworthy ability to improve a player’s shooting ability.
Follow on twitter: @CoachDaveLove
Website: https://www.coachdavelove.com/
Iowa women’s basketball just made another run to the National Championship Game, and did you know they run the Read & React offense? This week, Rick Torbett from Better Basketball joins TJ and Sam to discuss what makes for good offense and how Iowa’s system has set Caitlin Clark and her teammates up for success.
Free Read & React Master Class: https://betterbasketball.com/read-and-react-on-demand/
Website: https://betterbasketball.com/
Show Notes:
• What is the Read & React allowing Iowa Women's Basketball to do?
• Favorite Action in the Read & React
• Observations from Iowa WBB practices
• Player Development with Read & React
• Signs of Good Offense
• What if you don't have a Caitlin Clark?
• Finding extra opportunities for your best players and your offense
• Running sets within the Read & React
• Simple actions, principles, and Circle Movement
• Feeding the post
• FAFSA Offense
• Coaches wanting either freedom or control
On the other side of a breakdown is a breakthrough and this week, PGC President, Mano Watsa joins the show to share how having courageous conversations can transform your program by building more trust and ensuring more growth.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
There can be a lot of mixed emotions when the basketball season finally comes to an end. In this week’s episode, TJ shares personal reflections on his season at Emmanuel as he discusses with Sam how coaches can properly reflect and evaluate where they’re at and where they need to be.
Show Notes:
- Emotions After the Season
- Different Perspectives & Reflections on the Season
- Realizations and Regrets
- The Unique Nature of Coaching
- The Importance of Grounding and Perspective
- Player Reflections and Gratitude
- Reflecting with Staff and Players
- When to do Player Exit Interviews
- Changes in Perspective Over Time
- Preparing for the End of the Season
- Resetting and Closing the Book on the Season
- Where Coaches Put Their Worth
- The Importance of Resetting
- Final Thoughts
This week, TJ and Sam discuss how coaches show up as leaders. Consistency matters, but so does the ability to see a need and fill a need for your team. Whether it’s knowing when to be demanding, supportive, empathetic, or inspirational, in this episode we discuss the importance of understanding and growing in your role as a coach.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
This week we’re joined once again by special guest, Cody Royle, a former professional head coach who now works full time helping coaches perform at their best. In this episode we discuss ideas from his 3rd book, Second Set of Eyes, and how coaches can better approach their goals, others’ expectations, and feelings of burnout.
Website: https://www.codyroyle.com/
Twitter: @codyroyle
Books: Second Set of Eyes, The Tough Stuff, Where Others Won’t,
This week, TJ and Sam are joined by PGC Director Chad Songy, and Puget Sound Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Casey Kushiyama. In his 7th year as head coach, they’re coming off 3 20-win seasons and most recently a big upset win in the national tournament. In this episode Casey and Chad share how making the team culture a priority has played a big role in their success including ideas you can take back to your programs.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
We believe competitiveness is a skill that can be taught and this week Sam and TJ discuss the difference between playing and competing and popular misconceptions so we can better develop it in our programs.
Usually it's the little things that can have the biggest impact on your team's performance. TJ Rosene and Sam Allen discuss four underrated aspects of basketball practices especially mid-season when the pressure ramps up, and the desire to enhance your offensive and defensive scheme is high. They dive into passing, rebounding, playing powerful, and shooting and emphasize the how and why behind their importance so as to not regret overlooking them at the end of your season.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
How do you know your team is ready for the postseason? Whether you’re the underdog or the favorite, in this episode, Sam and TJ discuss 4 mistakes to avoid making to ensure your team is prepared and confident going into tournament play.
Show Notes:
The Goldilocks Mistake
- Adding too much or not doing enough
- Having something in your back pocket
- What can you double down on and emphasize?
The Hunting Mistake
- Playing not to lose rather than playing to win
- Feeling the pressure of the postseason
- Using tactics to enhance your mentality
- Do you know your team?
The Boxing Mistake
- Preparation: It's not working - what's next?
- Reviewing zone options, press situations, etc. gives confidence
- Anticipating scenarios, special situations, foul trouble
The Head & Heart Mistake
- Is the vibe right?
- Getting your players connected, confident, energized, and enthusiastic
- Asking the right questions
- Putting energy on the defensive rather than offensive end
- Don't hunt home runs, aim for singles
This week we're joined by Greg Tonagel, head men's basketball coach at Indiana Wesleyan University. With over 500 wins and 3 national championships, we discuss how he's created a winning culture and his journey as a coach and transformational leader. He shares his early learning moments and the mistakes he made as a young coach. Coach Tonagel highlights the root of their team culture and how they made a significant jump as a program when he focused on taking fear out his coaching.
Hear more about the I AM THIRD philosophy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/iwuhoops-presents-the-pursuit/id1375802520
Go to https://www.iwuhoops.net/ to learn more about their program.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
This week we dive into current events with Sam and TJ’s teams to see if you can relate as a leader and coach as we discuss a variety of topics including creating player-led teams, and fighting complacency. It's also important to be able to pinpoint why your team is struggling. Do you have a basketball, head, or heart problem? We typically like to solve our team's problems with better drills, strategies, and practices, but there's also a chance there's something deeper for you to address. Listen this week to hear how your own coaching strategy stacks up.
Managing your player’s expectations as well as your own can be one of the toughest tasks as a coach. From social media influences, the role of parents, the overvaluing of the stat sheet, and dealing with disappointment all of these factors can create a frustrating situation for coaches. This week we discuss underlying factors, opportunities, and solutions to help you turn the corner in this area. Building a strong team culture and setting team standards are key to helping players adjust their expectations, set new ones, and create an environment where everyone can find fulfillment.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
Talent is overrated… A statement that TJ and Sam explore in this episode how in a given coaching career you can experience the highest levels of success along with the lowest of lows in losing and frustrating seasons. When we face these challenges how do we figure out what’s hurting our team the most and help our team reach their potential? Accountability, consistency, building culture and more are big keys discussed when it comes to maximizing your team’s talent.
In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss winning offensive habits as they each draft their top five habits, including valuing the ball, playing with pace, decision-making, spacing the floor, and more. Wherever you’re at in your season, you can see how your team’s habits stack up with Sam and TJ’s picks.
Show Notes:
- Valuing the ball
- Choosing great shots
- Passing
- Good spacing
- Decision-Making
- Playing with pace
- Using the glass
- Offensive rebounding
- Being great cutters
- Using fakes
- Role identification
- Puncturing the defense v. zone
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
There's power in being able to say, "I don't know." This week Sam and Lisa dive into the topic of leadership and the importance of being able to admit we don’t have all of the answers, and what we can do about it. It’s facing the ever-present challenge to stay humble and live what we preach by being honest, prepared, and committed to growth.
Leaders have to evolve and adapt, by balancing old school principles with new age approaches. The value of surrounding oneself with complementary team members is critical to our success. We reflect on the leadership lessons learned about making tough decisions, embracing change, and the rewards of the leadership journey.
This week, Sam and TJ discuss frustrations and questions coaches face during seasons as we try to problem solve strategy and scouting decisions as well as common mistakes we’ll want to avoid making. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the variability of opponents and the need for players to adapt to different game situations. Good offensive coaches are characterized by their clarity of how they want to play and their ability to generate good shots. Good passing, cutting, and spacing on offense can be the little details that make your offense go. On the defensive end, coaches should have a clear defensive identity and make adjustments based on their personnel. Not to be left out of your in-season priorities is the importance of player development and keeping that a focus for your players and within your practice plans.
Show Notes:
• Understanding changes from game to game
• The 80/20 Rule
• Growing your offense by adapting and evolving
• What Good offensive coaches do
• Shot selection and playing to your strengths
• Having multiple ways to generate the shots you want
• Knowing the most frequent decisions in your offense
• "Offense gets better when your passing gets better"
• Common coaching mistakes
• Defining good spacing
• Adapting to your opponent
• Defensive identity and creating clarity
• Characteristics of good defensive teams
• Forcing baseline v. playing square
• Overcoming lack of athleticism with basketball IQ
• Complementary defensive principles
• What are you taking away and what are you living with
• Process v. outcome oriented
• Minor adjustments v. wholesale changes
• In-season player development
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
This week, JP Nerbun is back to help us discuss the important topic of working with and ultimately building partnerships with parents. If we can get this right in our programs, we have the opportunity to create an even better experience for our athletes and make an even greater impact in our communities.
If you listen to this episode and want to go deeper, check out his new book, The Sports Parent Solution available on Amazon.
More On J.P. Nerbun:
J.P. Nerbun is a bestselling author, leadership coach, and founder of TOC Culture Consulting, a leading global sports-consulting and leadership coaching business. His mission is to support leaders and their teams to achieve their full potential through 1:1 coaching, consulting, and community.
In 2019, he published his first book, Calling Up: Discovering Your Journey to
Transformational Leadership, which has received critical acclaim. In 2022, he published
The Culture System: A Proven Process for Creating an Extraordinary Team Culture, a
groundbreaking book offering a framework for developing team culture.
In 2023, he launched The Culture System Online Training Platform, which has been
praised for being one of the most applicable online coach educations available. His
podcast, Coaching Culture, is one of the top sports leadership podcasts globally. Nerbun lives in Ireland with his wife and their three children.
This week TJ and Sam discuss style of play and the advantages and disadvantages of varying styles as well reasons for adjusting, changing, or doubling down on the style you choose for your team.
Show Notes:
- Does your offensive and defensive systems fit each other.
- Year to year changes
- Grinding styles: Layups & Threes
- What's your style of coaching?
- Getting your opponent to play your style
- Why make a change?
- Big picture 'Why'
- The teaching factor
- Starting back at zero
- Being able to "just play"
- Having a hodgepodge of players & choosing a style
- Regular and post season expectations
- How do you want to win?
- Shot quality on both ends
- When it's not working...
- Have a curveball
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
This episode is part 2 of the Read & React offense with Rick Torbett, celebrating 20 years since its creation and impact on the basketball community. In this episode we dive into teaching, implementing, and gamifying the Read & React where you can get ideas and strategies for coaching any offense.
To go deeper on the Read & React offense, sign up for Rick Torbett's free Read & React Master Class. Go to PGCHustle.com to sign up.
This week we’re joined by the creator of the Read & React Offense and founder of Better Basketball, Rick Torbett. Over 20 years ago Coach Rick asked some hard questions about how he could create a flow to his offense, play his 5 best players regardless of position, and truly help his players learn the game. In Part 1 Coach Rick shares the stories behind how he developed it and why so many coaches have implemented the Read & React Offense.
Don't forget to check out Episode 526 for Part 2 on the Read & React Offense with Rick Torbett.
To go deeper on the Read & React offense, sign up for Rick Torbett's free Read & React Master Class. Go to PGCHustle.com to sign up.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
Every season has its own challenges and as we know, adversity is coming for us and our players. This week TJ and Sam discuss how to navigate and mentor players face the challenges of earning playing time, receiving tough coaching, or being disappointed in their role. Helping players understand that adversity is meant to make us better if we learn how to face it head on is a great opportunity as a coach which can change the trajectory of our players lives. Listen this week to join the discussion and follow us @hardwood_hustle to stay connected.
This week TJ and Sam discuss In-Game coaching strategies including making strategic adjustments, how and when to use timeouts, managing our emotions and our team’s energy, using stats during games, and ensuring your team is prepared.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
Show Notes:
• Intro Topic
• Injured player example
• Michigan football stealing signs
• Justifying breaking rules
• Rick Majerus example
• Reading opponent's scout
• Winning the right way
• Celebrating the right way
• Getting a technical on purpose
This week we’re joined by Coach Jonas Allen. With years of high school and college coaching experience, Coach Allen was in his second year as a head coach, when he was ready to quit. In this episode he shares how he transformed his coaching and quickly turned around his program to win a state championship.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
This week TJ and Sam dive into the details of what will make your offense work this season. They discuss spacing, screening angles, timing, assessing different offensive strategies for your team, and much more.
With all the 'Me First' influences we have in our culture, it can be even more challenging to develop great teams and great teammates in our programs. This week TJ’s associate head coach, Graham Maxwell joins us to discuss how to take our programs to the next level by ensuring we help our players zoom out and develop the tools and skills to be a great teammate in basketball and in life. The difficulty level is high, but the reward is worthwhile.
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
This week’s episode is about offensive and defensive rebounding strategies and tactics including things you can try with your team and lessons learned from TJ and Sam.
Show Notes:
• Offensive rebounding percentage
• How many to send to the glass?
• Creating clarity
• Tagging
• By area on the court
• Do what you do best
• What your players do naturally
• Emphasis and accountability
• Statistical examples
• Defensive rebounding strategies
• Basketball IQ, physicality, and incentevize
• Practice details
• Technique
This we discuss staff dynamics and how both assistants and head coaches can lead well and bring the best out in each other even when it comes to disagreements and giving feedback.
Show Notes:
• Importance of alignment
• Giving assistants ownership
• Loyalty to the head coach
• Finding the best solutions for the team
• Can you agree to disagree?
• Being all in
• Importance of trust
• We're in the relationship business
• How staff dynamics effect the team
Score 7-10 more points next season, by joining PGC Coaching's 4-Week Offensive Track for coaches. Go to pgccoaching.com/tracksby May 9th.
This week we’re joined by Todd Gongwer, a best-selling author, speaker and teacher on leadership and cultural development. He wrote one of our favorite books, Lead… for God’s Sake, and in this episode they discuss leading well in a competitive environment amidst the pressures of winning.
Show Notes:
• Responsibility crisis
• Finding blind spots
• The emphasis on results
• Winning the right ways
• Pursuing happiness
• Finding peace
• Being a competitor
• Passion v. Purpose
• Making an impact
• What will be enough
• What other relationships are effected
• Finding purpose
• Reaping the rewards
Learn more from Todd Gongwer:
@ToddGongwer
Kardiatg.com
Todd's Gongwer's Bio:
(Pronounced GONG-wur)
For nearly thirty years, Todd Gongwer has been building his expertise in leadership
and team dynamics by serving in a variety of senior level roles in business and
athletics. From entrepreneurial start-up, to public company to college athletics,
Todd’s real-life practical experiences in these worlds have given him a perspective
that allows him to connect with his audiences in powerfully impactful ways.
As a best-selling author, speaker and teacher on leadership and cultural
development, Todd has spent the last decade working with some of the most
successful coaches, teams, business leaders and educators in America. His
principles have been embraced by countless leaders, including coaches and
athletes from championship programs in the NCAA, NBA, MLB and NFL. Stories of
the profound impact of Todd’s message have been featured on ESPN the
Magazine, ESPN.com, Bleacher Report and Forbes.com.
Todd continues to work with many of the most successful coaches in sports and is a
popular speaker at major universities, high-profile sports teams, national
associations, and high-profile businesses throughout the country. He lives in
Indiana with his wife and three children, Kaden, Kira, and Wadson and is currently
leading a cultural transformation initiative as an executive vice president at Patrick
Industries.
This week TJ and Sam zoom out on offense and discuss different approaches coaches take in choosing their offensive strategy. They discuss what works and what doesn’t, and how to get your team to buy-in.
Show Notes:
• Getting players into roles
• Style of coaching
• The good and bad of freedom on offense
• Understanding what wins
• Having to breakdown bad habits
• Scoring v. winning
• Cultivating discipline and responsibility
• Does your team know?
• Players losing trust early in the season
• Offensive essentials: pressure on rim, perimeter threat, shot selection
• Getting your team to understand and buy-in
• Deeper questions about your strategy
• Playing small example
• Bringing your coaching to life
• Paint Touches
This week we discuss the importance of how a coach evaluates their team throughout the season. Specifically we dive into evaluating games, practices, players, and staff.
This week TJ and Sam discuss whether individual stats or team success get you in the hall of fame, what it means to impact winning, and how to get our players to value more than just scoring.
This week we kick off the episode discussing a recent event in coaching where a professional football player went to the head coach to complain about the offensive coordinator. From there we touch on a variety of topics including coaches making adjustments, navigating relationship dynamics, and the challenge of leading today.
This week we’re joined by Coach Dean Lockwood from Michigan State who has 40 years of coaching experience in both men’s and women’s college basketball, as both an assistant and head coach, and including 5 Final Four appearances and two national championships at the University of Tennessee with legendary coach, Pat Summit.
Show Notes:
• Mentorship and growing as a coach
• Pat Summit
• Importance of fundamentals
• Top offensive and defensive habits
• Telling players the truth
• Differences and similarities coaching men and women
• Coach development
• Assistant coaching
Sign up for our fall coaching clinics and shooting colleges at https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/coaching-clinic/
We’ve heard it said, you become like the 5 people you spend the most time with and in this episode, Sam and TJ discuss what that means for you and your coaching journey.
It takes some work to get the pieces of our teams to come together and complement each other. In this week’s episode, we discuss what factors into picking your starting five, managing your rotations, and how to get everyone bought into the team’s success.
Show Notes:
- Starting the game well
- Finding complementary parts and playing small
- Be afraid to switch it up
- Who you're bringing off the bench and when
- Identifying and communicating roles
- Getting your team to buy-in
- Not making decisions in a silo
- Fitting players into your system
- Knowing your personnel
- Pivoting when it's not working
- When superstars don't mesh
- Team culture implications
- Golden State examples
- Helping players step up into roles and thrive
Sign up for our fall coaching clinics and shooting colleges at https://pgcbasketball.com/camps/coaching-clinic/
In this week’s episode, Sam and TJ discuss how we can maximize our team’s potential by keeping it simple both on and off the court and why it’s so important to our success.
This week Associate Head Coach from Utah Women’s Basketball, Gavin Petersen joins the show. Coach Petersen has over 20 years of Division I coaching experience and is in his 8th season at Utah where the program is coming off a 27-5 season after advancing to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. In this episode we discuss what a successful program culture looks like, staff dynamics, qualities of a great head coach, shot selection, and more.
This week TJ and Sam discuss how to prevent your team from coming out flat, what to do tactically during the game to get them out of it, and how to approach them after a game where you came out flat.
Pregame Prevention:
• Knowing how your team prepares and gets ready
• Resulting
• Maybe it's something else
• Why, Short Term Solutions, Tactics, Substitutions
Tactics:
• Increase Defensive Pressure
• Using the Early Timeout
• Using Questions
• Explaining Your Strategy
• Green Offense
• Using Sets & Focusing on Execution
AAR:
• Approaching Your Team & Building Ownership
• Punting
• Using Group Chat
• Time & Place
• Getting to Clarity
• Developing a Sense of Urgency
• Smelling a Loss & Grabbing Their Attention
• Self-Evaluation & Accountability
This week we’re joined by Head Coach Tracy Mason, formerly Tracy Sanders. She has a long list of accolades as a player and coach, most recently this past season, in her fifth season as a head coach at Southern Utah her team won the regular season WAC title, and the WAC Tournament Championship. In this episode we discuss turning around a program, building accountability and competitiveness, and helping your players perform at their best.
As a head coach, Tracy Mason (Sanders) has led her team to 4 consecutive winning seasons in 5 years. She joined the Thunderbirds from Saint Mary's College where she served on staff for 12 years under head coach Paul Thomas. Mason held the title of Associate Head Coach for her last five seasons. Her duties included coordinating all aspects of recruiting, opponent scouting, game preparation, and player development.
Mason worked primarily with the post players during her time with the Gaels, which led to the development of two WCC Players of the Year, a two-time WCC Defender of the Year, and a WCC Tournament MVP amongst many other accolades. The two-time WCC Defender of the Year, Louella Tomlinson, is the Gael's all-time leading scorer, taking the title from Mason herself, and holds the NCAA record for career blocks per game average.
Before starting her coaching career in 2000, Mason was a four-year letterwinner for the Gaels from 1996-2000. During her time as a member of the team, Mason was a three-time All-WCC First Team member, two-time WCC Tournament Team member (including Tournament MVP in 1999), WCC Freshman of the Year in her inaugural season, and WCC Player of the Year her junior season. She led the conference in scoring for three straight years and finished her career as the WCC's second all-time leading scorer.
In addition to her individual achievements, Mason led the Gaels to the program's first NCAA tournament appearance in 1999 and the WNIT in 2000. In 2007, Mason was inducted into the Saint Mary's Hall of Fame and in 2014 she was inducted into the WCC Hall of Honor.
This week TJ and Sam discuss what’s overrated and underrated in coaching. They cover off spending time on strategies and tactics as well as the intangibles. With limited time, this episode will help you find your biggest return on investment next season.
Show Notes:
- Connection
- Role Identification
- Coach Clarity and Vision
- Player Understanding
- Player Acceptance
- How you Communicate it
- Hard Conversations
- Systems & Strategies
- Scouting Report & what you should do instead
- Ball Control
- The Value of Rebounding
- Special Teams
- Free Throw Rebounding
- Practice Preparation
- Game Adjustments
- Player Development
- Pregame Speeches
- Communication
Coaches are always looking for creative ways to get their message across to their athletes. This week Sam and TJ talk to Dylan Kurt who’s written a book titled, Stats Don’t Tell the Whole Story. As an athlete, Dylan realized how easy it was to get caught up in tracked stats and miss his true value, impact. In this episode they discuss how an athlete can understand and increase their value and how coaches can emphasize what they're looking for from their athletes and build up their team culture.
This week, Sam and TJ talk about player problems. It’s something every leader faces, and very pronounced for coaches season after season leading young men and women. Whether it’s playing time, buying into individual roles, or following team rules, coaches need to know what to prepare for and how to get ahead of it. TJ and Sam discuss how to approach potential issues and stay ahead so your season stays on track.
This week, TJ and Sam discuss Pack Line Defense with Head Coach Jim Boone. Coach Boone has almost 40 seasons of head coaching experience with over 600 wins. During his career, Boone’s teams have won eight conference championships, five tournament titles and have made 12 postseason NCAA appearances. His expertise has been in rebuilding programs, creating a winning culture, and teaching and implementing the Pack Line Defense, in this episode he shares about all three.
Join the PGC Coaching Team for their next 'Track' at PGCCoaching.com
This week, the Hardwood Hustle team reflects on past learnings and present applications - sharing how the podcast has evolved and the listening coaching community has grown through the years.
This week, we’re joined by Coach Cody Anderson, former Division I assistant coach and now head coach at Morgan County High School. In this episode, they discuss the differences of coaching at the high school and college levels and things coaches should consider when leading and building a program.
Show Notes:
• Coaching High School v. College
• Meeting the goals of different players
• Doing things first class
• Casting a vision
• Treating players differently
• Goal related standards and accountability
• Taking ownership of your role
• Loving what you're doing
• Talking about what matters
• Evaluating balance year to year
• Putting your time in the right places
About Coach Cody Anderson:
Cody Anderson was named the Head Men's Basketball coach at Morgan County High School in July of 2022. He and his wife, Gabby Anderson, reside in Madison with their two dogs, Baylor and Georgia. They welcomed their first child, Nash Tyler Anderson, in January of 2023.
Prior to Morgan County, Anderson spent 9 of the last 11 years at the collegiate level after his most recent stop as an assistant coach at Division I member Longwood University. As offensive coordinator, Anderson helped lead Longwood to its best season in school history with a 26-7 record, 15-1 conference record, Big South regular season championship, Big South tournament championship, and the first NCAA tournament appearance in school history.
Prior to his second stint at Longwood, Anderson was the head coach at his alma mater, Habersham Central High School, from 2019-2021.
Anderson first arrived at Longwood in 2015. He spent one season as the Director of Basketball Operations before becoming the youngest full-time DI assistant coach in the country the following season. He remained at Longwood as an assistant coach for Head Coaches Jayson Gee and Griff Aldrich until 2019.
Anderson attended the University of Georgia from 2011-2015 and worked on Mark Fox's staff as a student manager. He received his Bachelor's degree in math education and is currently pursuing his masters degree in health & wellness.
This week, we're joined by Angie Sun, Director of the Northwest Select basketball club in Portland OR. She’s trained and coached youth through Power 5 level collegiate players for the last 16 years and on this episode we discuss many facets of the player development and club/travel ball world.
Show Notes:
• Skill Acquisition – Perception-Action Coupling
– Learning how to solve the problem
• Using guided defense, live scenarios, and games right away in practice
• Coaching your coaches
• Practicing ugly
• Investing in the process
• Evaluating your practices
– Identifying objectives
• Building accountability in practice
• Using former player experiences
• Coaches getting in the way
• Developing Leaders and Followers
• Empowering your players
This week, TJ and Sam share some coaching wisdom from legendary coach and Hall of Famer, George Raveling discussing various quotes of his on leadership, growth, perspective, and more.
Learn more from Coach George Raveling at http://coachgeorgeraveling.com/
Learn more about PGC Coaching and "Tracks" at https://coach.pgcbasketball.com/
Bob Starkey joins once again this week to discuss opponent scouting. Spurred on by a recent twitter storm from Coach Starkey, we discuss how to approach scouts, use film, and communicate clearly to ensure your scouts are giving your team an advantage next season.
Show Notes:
• Watch the whole game
• Concepts over patterns
• Cutting the head off the snake
• How to use video
• Scouting to impress
• Personnel
- Prioritize
- Slow feet don't eat
- Getting your message across
• Start scouting defense work in preseason
• Timeline of prep example
• Make them a bad passing team
• Making adjustments
• Emphasizing Terminology
• Book Mentioned: Football Scouting Methods by Steve Belichick
• Up 3 - Foul or Don't Foul?
• Identifying Substitution Patterns and Opportunities
• Reviewing how team's scouted your team
• Knowing your own team
• Getting another coach's scout on your team
• It takes what it takes
This week, Bob Starkey, Associate Head Coach for LSU Women's Basketball joins us again for the first of two episodes. In this episode Coach Starkey shares what he's learned from Head Coach, Kim Mulkey , what they focused on strategically, and what they did every day in practice en route to their national championship.
PGCCoaching.com.
This week, TJ and Sam are joined once again by PGC Director and now professional pickleballer, Kyle Koszuta to talk player development. With examples and applications in basketball and pickleball, they discuss strategies coaches can take back to their teams.
This week, TJ and Sam tackle whether there's room for trash talk in the game of basketball. The distinguish the difference between it being used to promote the team or the individual and discuss how coaches can help players navigate today’s culture and competitive environment while keeping everyone focused on the team.
PGCCoaching.com.
It’s easy to see the challenges, issues, and uphill battles for coaches trying to build a great team environment. This week, TJ and Sam share what leaders need to consider when building a transformational culture. They hit on topics such as creating buy-in, winning over everything, outside influences, and living it out daily.
This week, we discuss what it means to have no excuses as a coach and focus on nothing else this off-season except getting better by finding creative solutions to your problems and overcoming any obstacle you may encounter in coaching.
This week, TJ and Sam discuss recent March Madness events and coaching strategies. In this episode they cover off rebounding, 3 pt shooting, game pressure, style of play, and what wins come tournament time.
Show Notes:
- Rebounding
- Is boxing out overrated
- Not all rebounders are created equal
- Personnel
- Make it an all the time thing
- Game Pressure & 3 pt Shooting
- What lowers a team's percentage
- Getting ahead of it
- Attacking the moment
- Style of Play & What Wins
- Tournament v. Regular Season
- Being a Tournament Team
This week, we discuss what’s next when your season has just ended including where to start your post season evaluations and how to have the right conversations to move your program forward.
This week, we’re joined by Craig Nickel, PGC Director of Basketball Development. As a coach and now leading PGC Director team, Craig shares insights into how coaches and players can grow this off-season in developing player decision-making, leadership, and more.
This week, we have a conversation with Mark Jarram, former college and professional basketball coach, and now Head of Coaching and Performance Development at Loughborough University. In this episode we discuss 4 areas of opportunity to help coaches reach their potential.
- Developing a Growth Mindset
- Curiosity, Open-Mindedness and Hunger for Growth
- Being Brave - Finding Things that Fit
- So What? - Now What? Doing something about it
- Exposing yourself to new perspectives, environments, and ways of doing things
- Avoiding the Comparison Conflict
- Pressures of Winning
- Measuring Against Potential
- Letting Things Pass Through You
- Creating an Environment Where People Can Do Their Best Work
- Gratitude
- Seeking and Sharing Clarity - Creating Alignment
- Power of Purpose
- Answering: How Do You Know?
- Building Self-Awareness
- How We Build It
- Asking the Right Questions
- Getting Feedback
About Mark Jarram:
Mark Jarram qualified in Sports Coaching Science at University of Worcester. Then began his coaching career, spending three years in the United States coaching at Bard College in the NCAA. He then coached at the Elite Academy Basketball League, then at the University level for ten years as Head Coach of Loughborough University men's program. Simultaneously he was also coaching professionally in the British Basketball League for the Leicester Riders. He has National Team experience coaching Great Britain U16's, U18's and U20's spanning five year period attending multiple European Championships.
Mark is one of the most decorated coaches in British basketball, winning 25 National Championships along the way, three Coach of the Year awards, and multiple Team of the Year awards. He coaches and speaks at a variety of camps, clinics, and events.
Now venturing into coach development, Mark's current role at Loughborough involves working with and through staff for development and making sure that performance is trending in the right direction. He's passionate about helping teams and people reaching their potential, focusing on trying to make a positive impact. There is an expectation for him to collaborate internally and externally and to look outside of the Loughborough bubble, globally, to find opportunities to transform the Loughborough environment.
Coaching changes happen every season. This week, TJ and Sam discuss how you should go about evaluating where you’re at and whether or not a coaching move is right for you. Some topics in this episode include:
- Self evaluation
- Is the grass greener? – Dealing with problems in your program
- Should you keep coaching
- Making your job better
- Protecting Your Joy and Shutting out the noise
- Reasons to look for another job
- Knowing who you are
- The Interview process
This week we dive into coaching the mental side of the game in hopes of helping your team peak at the end of your season including, continuing to have great practices and performing at your best in games.
Find a PGC Basketball Camp: https://pgcbasketball.com/
This week we discuss how to handle winning streaks and losing streaks as the leader of your program. Topics we touch on in this episode:
- Setting a foundation on the mental side of the game.
- Consistent Messaging
- Having the heartbeat of your team
- The best coaches have the heart beat of the team
- Making changes and providing a solution
- How and when to be inconsistent
- Asking yourself the right questions
- Creating the feel you want your team to have
- Working through adversity
- Prepared for and intentional about teachable moments
- Seeking out your deepest problems
This week TJ and Sam dive into the decisions coaches have to make in games. From substitution patterns to managing player fouls, running set plays versus your motion, and fouling in end of game situations, they discuss their opinions and how coaches can figure out what’s best for them and their team.
Find a PGC Basketball Camp: https://pgcbasketball.com/
This week we welcome PGC Director, Dustin Aubert to the podcast. He shares lessons from his coaching career and deep dives into the game including what makes offense work, how to teach the game, skill development, using film and lots more.
Most of us know from experience, what we see out on the floor on game day is the product of what we do or don’t do in practice. As coaches, we can identify the habits we want to instill that will make the biggest difference. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss building habits in offense, defense, communication, intangibles, and preparation.
This week, TJ and Sam dive into how we can better ourselves as a coach. To be the leader most of us want to be, we should aim to be someone people want to be around, and in this episode you’ll get 5 ways to transform or level up your coaching in the new year: Bring joy, be present, be interested, lift others, invest in others.
This week, We’re joined by Coach C White from Bentley University, a Division II program that’s has a history of success including a National Championship in 2014. She’s been part of the program as a player and coach for over 20 years and has recently taken over won their conference tournament championship last season. In this episode we talk about leading all aspects of a program including creating adversity, developing point guards, and sustaining and building a championship culture.
This week, Sam and TJ discuss what we love about coaching, why we get into it, why we stay in it. And then on the flip side, what’s challenging about coaching, what keeps us up at night, and why at times we may question what we’re doing. To be in a healthy space for coaching we want to be coaching from a place of significance where we're performing at high level and making an impact. Comparison, jealousy, and worrying about things we can't control always threaten to steal our joy. We must protect it. This episode is a conversation starter for you to evaluate where you’re at, but also to be reminded our purpose is bigger than our problems.
This week, Sam and TJ discuss three different situations in the NBA with Trae Young missing a game day walkthrough, Russel Westbrook in a 6th man role, and Kyrie Irving's statements in the media. The NBA environment is not the same as amateur sports, but they'll unpack the leadership lessons coaches and players at all levels can take back to their programs.
This week, TJ and Sam discuss what it takes for coaches to be their authentic selves. If we want to be the best leader we can be, we have to build trust and strong connections with our players. In this conversation you’ll hear ways you can make sure you’re on the right track.
In this episode, Sam and Lisa discuss the difference between developing skills, reads, and decision-making. It's important for coaches to decide how they'll approach develop their players in each area and know what it looks like for their team in their system. The importance of habits, narrowing their focus, creating role clarity, and setting expectations are all part of the formula for growing in this area.
This week we’re joined by Lee Whitwell, an accomplished tennis player turned Major League Pickleball MVP. In this episode TJ, Sam, and Lee discuss how becoming the learner again, or the role of student or player, can help you become a better coach and teacher as well as what pickleball has to offer basketball coaches all around.
This week TJ and Sam discuss basic philosophies around transition offense. Transition is one of the parts of the game that happens the most, and being great in transition comes from having great clarity and commitment and asking yourself the right questions as a coach. In this episode, TJ and Sam talk about using a numbered break, running on both makes and misses, the difference between a great transition team and a team that runs, and how to train it in practice.
With the season gearing up, this week TJ and I discuss what we’re going through in our respective preseasons. Your strategy and philosophy are often tested early and we look at the decisions coaching are making when it comes to defensive reads, player development, and getting the right data to evaluate where you’re at in the beginning stages of your season.
This week we’re talking about leadership in coaching with Marke Freeman. You may know her as a PGC Director, but she’s also author of the Champions Creed, CEO of a non-profit, a renowned speaker, and a sports analyst. In this episode she shares how coaches can build confidence in their athletes and define their own scoreboard.
This week’s conversation is about maximizing your offense by playing out of the post in a variety of personnel situations. Whether you have a dominant post player, no post players, or even someone in between, TJ and Sam cover off all three scenarios.
Another season is just around the corner and our job as coaches and leaders is to be the expert. We don’t have to have all the answers, but it does mean we have to constantly be learning and filtering information on and off the court so we can lead our teams in the right direction. In this episode we talk about what that looks like and how it will help your team.
Is a fresh set of eyes what you need to be the best version of yourself? It's time to find out and evaluate the way you're thinking and how you're doing. This episode is meant to be a welcome challenge to make sure your tank is full and you're going into another year or season feeling inspired and passionate about chasing your goals.
The truth is, most of us want to win more games, but do we fully understand what’s losing us game? This week, TJ and Sam discuss 5 critical aspects of the game you should consider when it comes to your team’s strategies and performance this season.
This week, TJ and Sam compare different half court defenses. They cover off advantages and disadvantages to multiple styles and share helpful things to think about when enhancing your own defense or strategizing to attack an opponent’s.
One of the most under coached areas of the game is the mindset and mentality that is needed to perform at our highest level. This week we finish our series on developing mental skills with Part 2 as we discuss composure, toughness, and competitive greatness. x
This week we start a 2 part series on the mental side of the game. As coaches we know how important it is, but we don’t always know how to practically develop the much needed mental skills that will help our players reach their potential.. In this episode TJ and Sam focus on approach and confidence.
This week we’re joined by Coach Micah Mills, a long time PGC Family member who shares his journey in coaching as he steps into his first year as the head men's basketball coach at Wilmington College. In this conversation with TJ and Sam, they discuss creating separation in the interview process, developing champions for life, and teaching players how to be coachable.
This week TJ and Sam discuss players making demands. We’re currently seeing the affects of player movement in the NBA and the transfer portal in college and how it’s trickling down to our high school and youth programs. This conversation will help coaches be more aware of the challenges and think through the best response.
This week, TJ and Sam talk Xs and Os on the offensive side of the ball. Specifically how can coaches evaluate and choose the best offensive actions for their team this season. Behind the decision of your offensive strategy goes a lot of thought: Can you teach it, does it fit your system and players, do you have the time to invest, how will it change your player development, how many actions should you focus on, and more! This episode will help you think more critically about what you choose and how you can maximize your scoring opportunities.
This week we’re joined by Coach Corey Lowery who has over 22 years of coaching experience and has received coach of the year honors 9 times. Most recently he was the head coach at Lincoln University and now is an assistant coach at Seton Hall. In this episode Coach Lowery shares what he’s learned about building a great program, as well as some big picture takeaways on player development and system and strategies.
Each season brings a unique set of challenges and experiences. While we know there will be ups and downs, how are we preparing to be at our best this upcoming season? - This week TJ and Sam discuss the mindset and preparation needed to create and implement a plan of action to ensure you're consistently improving for your players and ready to coach your best season yet!
This week we discuss the role of assistant coaches. There are takeaways for both head and assistant coaches on how to lead and support the program by making your staff better with ideas on improving communication, narrowing your focus, and anticipating the needs of the program.
This week we welcome leadership expert, Devin Durrant to the show. An All-American at BYU, former NBA player, successful real estate investor, and inspirational speaker. From the basketball court to conference rooms, Devin has found success in multiple ventures, but doesn't credit his basketball prowess or innate leadership knowledge with his accomplishments - instead, he owes it all to the inner moral compass that has guided him over the course of his life. His new book, The Values Delta helps coaches and leaders discover their own compass. In this episode he shares practical advice on how coaches and leaders can create a meaningful difference by identifying priority values and simplify their message and approach.
https://thevaluesdelta.com/
This week Sam welcomes Head Coach John Baines to the show to talk Xs and Os. Coach Baines is entering his 10th as the head coach at Elmhurst University and fresh off a run to the Division III National Championship game. In this episode they talk playing fast, rebounding strategies, practice drills, and much more.
This week TJ welcomes back Paige Tonz to discuss some important topics around the mental side of the game. We all want more confident athletes, but as coaches we need to learn how to help players help themselves. In this episode learn how to take the first steps in having your athletes practice their confidence before you get to the big game.
Check out more here: https://www.paigetonz.com/
This week, J.P. Nerbun returns to the Hardwood Hustle. He's the Founder and President of Thrive on Challenge, Author of Calling Up, and Host of the Coaching Culture Podcast. He's coached at a variety of levels and around the world, and now he coaches the coaches. Today we talk about his latest book, The Culture System and discuss how coach's can avoid the pitfalls of culture building shortcuts and instead focus on building stronger cultures for their team next season.
Check out his latest book at MyCultureSystem.com or find it on Amazon
This episode is part of a 2 part series with TJ and Sam as they continue to share what it looks like to execute better practices. In part 2 today, they'll cover off building habits, implementing a games approach, raising competitiveness, and how and when to pivot your practice plan.
To Learn more about PGC Coaching Clinics and Read & React Workshops go to PGCClinics.com
The practice court is the coach's classroom. As we travel through our coaching careers how do we ensure we're getting better in this critical aspect which our season ultimately depends? This week, we start part 1 of Executing Better Practices and discuss developing players' focus, points of precision, communication, and growing intangibles.
When it comes to parents, most coaches are frustrated dealing with difficult parents, or handling stressful parent situations, but today the team shares solutions and tools you can use to lead parents better and have a more fulfilling coaching experience.
To run or not to run? This week, TJ and Sam discuss the pros and cons of being a fast paced transition team. They also share the things you should be considering as a coach when deciding on your approach to transition offense.
To Learn more about PGC Coaching Clinics and Read & React Workshops go to PGCClinics.com
As coaches, our teams need us to be at our best, but we get pulled in a lot of different direction, lack the support, and too often fall short. This week, we're joined by Cody Royle, a professional Aussie Rules Football Coach who is passionate about challenging the status quo in coaching and helping great coaches stay in the game. He's the author of Where Others Won't, and The Tough Stuff, and joins us today to give coaches tips on how to lead well, avoid burnout, and stay focused on your mission.
Website: https://www.codyroyle.com/
Twitter: @codyroyle
We all know being a great communicator is essential to being a great leader and coach. Our players are always depending on us to give them the what, how, and why, in a clear and efficient manner. It's true, most also coaches assume they're good communicators. In this episode, Sam and TJ will help you take the guessing out of it and gauge where you're at with 5 tips to help you become a better communicator.
To Learn more about PGC Coaching Clinics and Read & React Workshops go to PGCClinics.com
This week TJ, Sam, and Lisa dive into the state of coaching and what you can do to combat the challenges you're facing as a coach. We play an important role and have a tremendous opportunity to impact young people and influence our communities for the better. But we need to find ways to be the best version of ourselves and make sure we're on the right track personally and professionally. That's where the 3 P's come in.
This week we're joined by a special guest, Coach Bob Starkey. He's coached both men's and women's college basketball for almost 40 years and is returning this upcoming season to LSU as the associate head coach. In this episode he shares from his wealth of knowledge and experiences around coach development, specifically around teaching and motivating players and helping them reach their potential.
This week, TJ and Sam discuss how to go about improving basketball IQ on your team. For some of us, this is one of our biggest headache watching our players take bad shots, turn the ball over, and making poor decisions on both ends of the floor. In this episode we attack those frustrations with better methods for teaching the game so you can get the biggest return on investment.
This week, we're once again joined by our friend and DIII men's coach of the year, Head Coach Josh Merkel from Randolph-Macon. In the last 3 seasons they've sustained their winning ways compiling a 100-7 record. We interviewed him last spring to talk about building his program, and this year we get the inside scoop on their national championship run and how they mapped out their season from start to finish. Lots to learn in this episode about how to lead your program at a high level.
This week, Sam and Lisa discuss how a coach leads their players when it comes to development, role identification and building relationships. Mapping out the development process for your team and your players is a big step forward for coaches. In this episode we share how you can start developing plans, creating opportunities, and evaluating progress.
This week we're joined by John Leonzo to break down the Dribble Drive Motion Offense. John Leonzo is an assistant coach at Wright State and is known in the basketball world for sharing his learnings and giving back to the game. After listening you'll not only understand the Dribble Drive offense better you'll also walk away with best practices for any offensive system you run.
This week we're excited to have Greg Sheley join Sam and myself for a conversation about success at the junior college level, the one thing he wishes he would could go back and tell his younger self about hiring a staff, and how to prepare for the big games. In his 30 year career, his teams have won 5 NWACC championships and he's accumulated over 700 wins. We can't wait to have you learn from his experiences in this episode.
We're joined by Coach Matt Sayman to talk about his unique story as a player with Baylor Basketball, how he's learned perspective as a high school coach at Grapevine Christian and developed his offensive run and gun philosophy.
Check out the latest release of Matt's book, The Leftovers.
This week TJ and Sam cover what coaches are doing to be successful come tournament time and what they're seeing right now from top teams specifically around in-game coaching and strategies.
This week TJ and Sam tackle 3 interesting topics in coaching right now. Starting off with the handshake lines. How should coaches approach this aspect of the game with their teams? Is it time to do without or double down? Next they discuss how coaches develop better teams and teammates. With the emphasis on individualism, we need the ability to get outside of ourselves more than ever. And lastly, love him or hate him, hear what TJ and Sam think about Coach K's career and impact on the game.
In this episode we're joined by Patrick Touhey, president at Elite Performance Too – E, and author of Create Forever Teammates. Patrick mentors both coaches and players to help them reach their potential, combat unnecessary adult interventions, and bring back the enjoyment in sports experiences that too often is missing. In this episode and in his book, Patrick gives coaches ideas and strategies to create a positive sports environment and change the tide in our sports culture.
Check out the book and the website: https://eliteperformancetoo-e.com
Knowing that the use of the shot clock isn't universal in basketball, TJ and Sam share why it’s beneficial and how coaches can think about their tactics in this area. They touch on defaulting to a late ball screen, changing defenses, and how to use the clock to their advantage.
Today we're joined by Lee Taft who shares with us what he's learned in his 30 years of developing athletes. He's spent much of this time teaching his multi-directional speed methods to elite athletes and top performance coaches all over the world.
As basketball coaches, when it comes to defensive stance, lateral movements, speed, and agility, how do we know if what we're teaching is helping or hurting? Known as the 'Speed Guy' Lee shares his expertise on the podcast to help coaches make sure they're on the right track when it comes to coaching their players in this crucial area.
Check out Lee's website: LeeTaft.com
Today we're joined by one of PGC's own and current high school coach, George Ellis. George shares what he learned from coaching with a Living Legend, Coach Larry McKenzie at Minneapolis North High School, winning a state championship in 2016 and how he's able to apply the best learnings to his own coaching. We cover a coach's growth mindset, setting player standards, and getting players to commit to their goals.
George is also a director with PGC Basketball leading initiatives to partner with like-minded organizations and help provide access for under resourced athletes and communities to positive basketball experiences such as PGC camps and more.
This week we mix an Xs and Os discussion of what coaches choose to run offensively with how we can maximize player buy-in and enroll them in what we're doing. Of course there's not a one size fits all approach, but there are some key considerations and questions coaches should be asking themselves all season long.
There are times in coaching where you feel like you've done everything you can, and you just can't get a win. If you haven't been there yet, you probably just haven't coached long enough. In this episode, TJ, Sam and former hardwood Hustle Host, Adam Bradley from Lead'em Up, talk about how coaches can approach this challenge and breathe life into their programs.
It's a little cliché, but it's also a real challenge for coaches to keep perspective during the season and to not only trust the process, but to also enjoy it. Dive into this episode to hear how you can stay the course and reap the benefits of that commitment.
This week the team discusses Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator for the Atlanta Falcon's sound bite about paying your dues in coaching. It's a reminder that we're in the people business and we might not all climb the ladder the same way. Hear in this episode how you can double check yourself along your coaching career and ensure you're climbing the right ladder for you.
It's typically easier for us as coaches to identify the big ticket items we want our teams to improve in, but we also know it's the little things invested in over time that will become the ultimate difference makers. With experience, coaches can improve their diagnosing and prescribing skills and take big steps forward in their coaching. This week TJ and Sam discuss how you can can best identify the small daily wins that will lead to biggest payoffs for your team.
What do you do when your team is facing an uphill battle? Whether it's in a single game or the rest of the season, not only do we have to strategize and problem solve, we also need to get our players to buy-in to any adjustments and changes we're making. This week's conversation will gives you ideas and tips on how to approach these situations so your team can reach its potential.
At some point every coach wrestles with how to manage, challenge, and continue to develop their bench players throughout the season. As much as possible, we want every player engaged and excited about the team and the opportunity to compete. In this episode TJ, Sam and Lisa dive into how we as coaches can manage practice reps, playing time, development, and team chemistry.
When you reach the mid-season checkpoint, it's important to evaluate where your team is at and where you're headed. In this episode TJ and Sam walk coaches through some important questions related to on court strategies they should be asking to finish the season strong.
400 wins is more about being willing to learn hard lessons, overcome obstacles, and stay the course than it is about the satisfaction of winning. Recently, our host, TJ Rosene won his 400th game as a head coach and in this episode, Sam interviews him to find out what he's learned at different stages of his career, what you can take back and apply to your coaching, and how we can all continue to be great learners of the game and even better transformational coaches regardless of the number in the win column.
In this episode, Sam is joined by Dr. Matthew Raidbard, former college basketball coach and now leadership consultant and author of Lead Like a Pro, Effective Leadership Styles for Athletic Coaches. They discuss how we as coaches can be more intentional with our leadership style and grow in our communication in order to be the best leader possible for our teams.
What makes the best offense for your team? Today's episode is all about your philosophy behind choosing your offensive system and strategy. TJ and Sam discuss the questions you need to ask yourself heading into a new season. We all know there are many ways to run good offense, but to be confident in what you're running, it needs to fit you, your goals, and your players.
We're joined by special guest, Dre Baldwin who shares his story about how he went from getting cut from his high school team 3 times to playing professionally overseas for 9 years. It's an incredible story that's sure to inspire coaches and players alike as Dre shares strategies for how we can embrace challenges and reach our potential.
Free book, The Third Day: http://ThirdDayBook.com
FREE 30-minute "Game Session" : http://www.WorkOnYourGameUniversity.com/Hardwood
More about Dre:
For the past 15 years, "DreAllDay" has changed the lives of over 75 million entrepreneurs, athletes and business professionals, sold thousands of copies of his books, courses and programs, pioneered personal branding through content, and built a business that helps tens of thousands of people master their "Game" in business, sports and in life, from the inside-out.
http://YouTube.com/Dreupt
http://DreAllDay.com
We've all had goals fall flat in our basketball seasons. Today's conversation is a debate on whether or not goal setting is a healthy practice for your team and your players. In the midst of that, where do standards fit in and how can they drive performance? Listen today to open your mind to new best practices when it comes to goal setting conversations and help your team achieve its potential.
One thing we know for sure, making baskets is a must. How you develop your shooters and give them feedback will be critical to your success. Today, we're joined by John Carter CEO of Noah Basketball. He's been studying what makes for a great shooter across all ages and stages for well over a decade. He shares how you can give shooters better feedback, know what to focus on, and use the free Hoops App to help your players.
https://hoopsapp.com/
https://www.noahbasketball.com/
With the upcoming season around the corner, this week, TJ and Sam highlight the vital role coaches play in the lives of young people. We know it's not getting any easier and hope today's episode will be an encouragement as you seek to refine your craft and make a positive impact beyond basketball. No doubt, there's a lot more at stake than just wins and losses, and to be at your best TJ and Sam share a few ways you can stay on track and energized this season.
This week TJ and Sam discuss the situation with NBA Player, Ben Simmons and the 76ers. From the outside looking in they discuss what coaches can learn in terms of helping your players and teams attack tough situations and conversations head on. We want you to be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way this season.
This week TJ and Sam share with coaches how to navigate team conflict. When teammates don't like each other or don't get a long it can put your team chemistry and even your season at jeopardy. Listen for practical examples and tips to take back to your players and teams this season.
TJ and Sam cover the 1-3-1 Defense on both sides of the ball. How to implement it, different ways of running it, where its strengths and weaknesses lie and how you can best prepare your team when facing it this coming season.
This week TJ and Sam interview Ryan Dyer, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at North Pauling High School. They discuss how to build relationships, best practices in leadership, and potential blind spots you may be missing with parents and admins. As a former coach, Ryan shares some best practices on both sides that can ensure you start this season off on the right track.
TJ and Sam discuss how to strategize when it comes to your team's special situations. They dive into both the offensive and defensive side of inbounds plays and tactics as well as making considerations practicing and planning for end of games. Coaches should pay particular attention to how much time they spend in this area and in this episode, Sam and TJ share why it's the most important question for you to answer.
This week TJ and Sam have an in-depth discussion with Kevin Sutton from Florida Gulf Coast. Coach Sutton has 36 years experience of coaching at the high school and collegiate level both as a a head and assistant coach. I this episode he shares his wisdom about how to learn from the best, holistically develop players, and grow in your leadership as a coach.
This week TJ, Sam and Lisa discuss the hot topic of games approached coaching and dive into the benefits and hurdles of this teaching method. What makes it work and how it can increase your efficiency in practice, as well as how it's misused and may even hurt your players' development. Join in the conversation and better apply a games approach in your upcoming practices this season.
This week we have part 2 of Ideas and tips to improve your defense. In this episode TJ and Sam discuss the pros and cons of switching screens, the benefit of having erasers on on your team, and how and when to add a curve ball to your defensive system.
This week TJ and Sam discuss how you can take your team's defense to the next level for the upcoming season. Listening to this episode you'll get tips for enhancing your team's defensive communication, as well as teaching points and ideas for all positions on the floor.
This week, Sam and Lisa dive into the topic of what makes a true competitor on the court. There's a lot of different opinions and maybe even myths out there about what a competitor looks and acts like, but how do we know? In this episode you'll hear about to address your own biases as a coach and the importance of defining competitiveness for your team and players.
This week TJ, Sam, and PGC Basketball Director Kyle Koszuta discuss whether or not it's important for your players to like you as a coach and to ultimately have fun in your program. In this episode you'll hear how you can create a fun environment and team culture while also holding high standards and work even more productively towards your goals as a team.
Special guest, Head Coach Molly Miller from Grand Canyon University joins the podcast this week. Molly spent six years as the head coach for her alma mater, Drury University, averaging 30 wins before taking over at GCU in 2020. She's a 2 time Division II WBCA Coach of the Year, she holds the highest career winning percentage out of any men's or women's NCAA basketball coach and in this episode she shares why defense wins championships and the guiding principles she uses to build a program.
This week TJ and Sam are joined by Eric Duft, Associate Head Coach at Weber State University and they talk all things offense - how to implement a read & react system, the importance of prioritizing player development, and helping to grow the leadership of guys like Damian Lillard during their time at Weber State.
Distractions are everywhere. This week TJ and Lisa discuss how distractions in coaching can derail us from keeping our focus on what's most important. Both on and off the court it's easy to get sidetracked. Listen now to better identify things that may be hindering your coaching and start preparing yourself and your players for distractions next season.
This week we dive into another 4 quarter episode where we cover how you should approach leading a team that may be lacking in talent, height, heart, or resources. There's not a one-size-fits-all answer, but TJ, Sam and Lisa share the best strategies to take back to your team in each of the four areas.
This week TJ and Lisa are joined by Graham Maxwell, Associate Head Coach at Emmanuel College to discuss staff dynamics and how to address the gaps that exist between assistant coaches and their head coach. In this episode we share what makes for a great assistant and how to create an environment for everyone to thrive in. Tune in to ensure you max out in your role and better serve your program.
This week we're joined by Kirsten Moore, 2021 NAIA National Championship Head Coach at Westmont College. She just completed her 16th season and has guided the program to two NAIA National Championships and is a two-time NAIA Coach of the Year. In this episode she shares how her team has battled through adversity to achieve their biggest successes, what gives them a 10-point advantage come tournament time, and how they build leaders who set the tone for their program each season.
This week we're joined by Matt Lewis, Head Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In his first year as the interim head coach, Matt Lewis led his team to a DIII National Championship. In this episode he shares how they win on the court with their systems and strategies, how they maintain championship standards, and he utilizes a 'menu' in their player development. There are some great ideas and practical applications you can take back to your team in this episode.
This week TJ & Sam discuss the role of set plays within a team's offense. Should your offense be entirely made up of set plays, or should you put your energy and effort into a continuity offense that focuses on teaching reads and develops decision-making? Whatever your philosophy is, this episode will help you create a well thought out approach to knowing why, when, and how you want to use set plays in your offense.
This week we're joined by Head Coach, Steve Gomez. With over 30 years of experience Coach Gomez is headed into his 19th season as head coach at Lubbock Christian University. They recently transitioned from the NAIA to the NCAA Div. II level and in their 6 seasons of being eligible for postseason, they've won 3 National Championships. They're also the first Division II program to have two undefeated seasons. In this episode we talk about fast paced practices, how they teach and execute over 100 set plays, and the importance of senior leadership in their program.
This week we have a special guest, Head Coach Tony Bennett. He’s a 3-time National Coach of the Year and is entering his 16th season as a head coach. In 2019, Coach Bennett led Virginia to their first Final Four and rebounded from a loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament the year […]
This week we’re joined by Bo Hanson, Founder and Director of Athlete Assessments. He’s a four time Olympian, medaling three times with the Australian National Rowing Team. For the past 20 years he’s worked with countless coaches, athletes, and businesses helping leaders and teams work together and reach peak performance. In this episode, Bo shares […]
In today’s episode TJ and Sam talk about the danger of having “sometimes” players or being a “sometimes” coach. How do we strike the right balance? How do we handle frustration and fatigue? Can we or our players have a bad day or take a day off? After listening to this conversation you’ll have a […]
This week, Kiesha Brown shares how she’s used her experience as an accomplished player, which includes 10 years of professional basketball overseas and in the WNBA to build a successful high school program. She was a standout for Georgia women’s basketball, competing in a Final Four, and after her playing career she’s now a head […]
This week Nick Pasqua, head coach at Southern Wesleyan University openly shares his successes and failures with coaches. In 2020, Nick’s second season at Southern Wesleyan, his team was the most improved in NCAA Division II and went 20-11. In that historic season, they also won the university’s first ever Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship. Hear […]
For a head coach, building a staff may be the most important thing you do for your program. In this episode TJ, Sam, and Lisa discuss how coaches can go about selecting their staff and prioritizing the most important things for them and their program. Everyone needs to decide what their non negotiables are whether […]
This week, Josh Merkel, head coach at Randolph-Macon joins TJ and Sam to discuss what its like to takeover a program, implement systems and strategies, and build and sustain a culture of excellence. Josh shares from his 10 years of head coaching experience and is no stranger to success. His program has gone 67-6 over […]
TJ & Sam discuss Xs and Os from this year’s NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four matchups. There’s always a lot to learn from watching the systems and strategies of teams who are winning at the highest level. This episode will help you start thinking about what’s going to help you win next season and […]
In Part 2, TJ and Sam share how parents and players can navigate youth basketball, player development, and finding teachable moments and learning opportunities. It’s a discussion about stepping back and seeing the big picture within the game and ensuring we all contribute to a positive sport experience in whatever role we’re in.
This week we’re starting a two-part series about how to run better programs and grow the game of basketball. Referees, coaches, players, and parents all factor into our basketball experience. Our next two episodes will help you understand these four roles better especially when it comes to creating the right competitive environment for your program. […]
Players today have more choices than ever and it’s becoming all too common for players to transfer to another team for a variety of reasons. In order to equip ourselves as coaches to better serve our players and programs, TJ and Sam discuss how we can do both. Listen to this episode to hear where […]
How do we help our players build their confidence? Too often it feels like trial and error as balancing the right amount of encouragement and challenge for each player can be difficult. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss the best approaches coaches can take to help players earn and develop their confidence.
This week special guest, Joni Taylor, Head Coach for Georgia Women’s Basketball join us on the podcast. With almost 20 years of coaching experience Joni is racking up the honors as a head coach. Just this season she was named Coach of the Year in the SEC Conference and took Georgia to the SEC Tournament […]
In the spirit of March Madness we dive into how and why championship habits make for special teams and special achievements this time of year. Every coach wants to win and be successful and one thing that can separate us from our competition, are the little things we invest in every day. In this episode, […]
This week we take on four quick topics in our “4 Quarters” episode. TJ, Sam, and Lisa discuss how coaches may approach each topic and what could shift late in the season. – Is there ever a good reason to quit? How do the best teams get late season wins? Can transition offense win you […]
In honor of Black History Month, we invited special guest, Ken Friedman on the podcast to share the untold story of how Willie Cooper broke the color line at the University of North Carolina in 1964. Ken worked behind the scenes under legendary coaches Frank McGuire and Dean Smith, and in this episode he sets […]
Choosing your defensive system and strategy is critical to your success. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss the importance of understanding why you would choose a man or zone defense as your primary system and the factors that guide a coach’s decision. In part one, they cover player development implications and appropriate age and […]
Identifying and clarifying player roles is critical. In this episode, TJ and Sam are joined by Tyler Coston, Director of Player Development and PGC+ for PGC Basketball to discuss where coaches may be missing opportunities in this area. Hear ideas and strategies for creating an objective system so you can bring more clarity and inspiration […]
TJ and Sam dive into the critical topic of player leadership. They provide tips for mentoring your players into leadership roles that are best for them and the team. Equip yourself and your players with the right expectations so you can answer the question, does your best player have to be your best leader?
ESPN Analyst, Debbie Antonelli joins us on the Hardwood Hustle to talk about the coaching “IT” factor, keys to being great at situational basketball, and what loses games. Debbie shares her basketball insights from over 33 years of experience giving coaches a checklist of ideas and strategies to take back to their teams. Debbie was […]
Leading and navigating through a season of unknown is challenging. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss practice tips and approaches for coaches to make the most of this season. With so much out of our control, we need our leadership to have a positive impact on our players and program. Tune in to this […]
Best-selling author, Doug Lemov has recently released his book for coaches, The Coach’s Guide to Teaching. In this episode TJ, Sam and Lisa interview Doug and dive into some of his best tips on how to give feedback, use terminology, and teach decision-making. If you’re interested in becoming a master teacher or want to know […]
TJ welcomes Sam as the new co-host in their first official episode together. As former teammates in college, the two of them have a long history and in this episode they both share basketball and life lessons they’ve learned along the way to help you reflect on your own coaching journey.
Episode 375 marks the final episode for co-host Adam Bradley. The episode begins with a conversation with Adam, TJ, and our new co-host discussing a thought process that is sure to help you start 2021 off in a powerful way. The episode finishes with a reflection on the journey of the Hardwood Hustle podcast as […]
In the first half of today’s episode, Adam shares a powerful word shift he was recently introduced to that is sure to give coaches great perspective, especially considering the struggles many have faced in 2020. Adam and TJ round out the second half by introducing the new co-host of the Hardwood Hustle. We know you’ll […]
We bring back the shoot-a-round format with a 4 quarter episode. First, the guys cover the James Harden drama in Houston. Quarter two features a discussion around South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley’s comments following her teams recent loss. In the third quarter, Adam and TJ share their thoughts on Kyrie Irving’s recent […]
In today’s episode, Adam and TJ share a big announcement about upcoming changes for the Hardwood Hustle podcast.
This episode features a Q&A between our co-hosts centered around TJ’s recent game with his Division 2 team taking on a Division 1 opponent. TJ shared his mindset when preparing his team for a tough game, how his players maintained their composure throughout the game, along with a behind the scenes look into his halftime […]
Today we are joined for a special episode by former Hardwood Hustle guest, Coach Randi Henderson. Randi is a former PGC Basketball Director and current head women’s basketball coach at Washington University in St. Louis. Recently, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing regular treatments. In this episode, Randi opens up to […]
Adam and TJ have an important discussion for coaches centering around self awareness, thoughts, and priorities. The episode features several exercises to help coaches assess what they consider first thoughts compared to after thoughts. They present this first thought, after thought idea in a new light that is sure to encourage you to challenge your […]
Today we are joined by Paige Tonz, former Division 1 athlete who is now an athlete mindset mentor in Phoenix, Arizona. Since Paige finished her college career, she has found an incredible passion to help female athletes develop healthier and stronger mindsets. This episode covers strategies and techniques to help female athletes be more confident, […]
In this episode, Adam and TJ tackle the tough question facing coaches across the country. How do you lead a team knowing there may not even be a season? The episode covers how much coaches can lead, push, and motivate their teams through this uncertainty. We hope this episode helps you begin to navigate your […]
Shortly after Steve Nash took the Brooklyn Nets job, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant made headlines during a podcast episode where they discussed the collaborative coaching style the Nets will be using. The superstars referenced how they feel like they don’t even have a head coach, and that they each could essentially take turns being […]
What does it take from an environment standpoint to allow players to be open and honest with each other? This conversation stems from the many comments by Jimmy Butler’s teammates about his open and honest leadership style, and how effective it has been for the Miami Heat. As we’ve seen, this style doesn’t work in […]
Superteams have defined the last decade of the NBA finals. This year we see two LA superstars facing off with an incredibly balanced Heat team that has six players averaging double figure points during these playoffs. With the Heat making the finals lacking a 1st or 2nd All-NBA Team player, we ask the question, “Is […]
In today’s episode we introduce a new concept you may not have considered before. We know the positive impact coaches can have on their players when they celebrate them both publicly and privately, but are there also potential negative ramifications the celebration process can have if not done correctly? Adam shares an example of this […]
A surprise to most in the basketball community was the recent hiring of Steve Nash to the Brooklyn Nets, one of the most talented teams in the NBA when healthy. Adam and TJ share their perspective on the fit that Steve Nash will be with this team, the impact superstar players hiring coaches they are […]
Our friends at PGC Basketball recently released their new online shooting course led by their Director of Player Development, Tyler Coston. Tyler is a world-class player development coach and brings our listeners incredible insight in this episode, which is centered around a recent post he shared about why 10 toes toward the rim is not […]
In this episode Adam, TJ, and Sam Allen bring you their numerous years of experience and perspective on balancing empathy and standards. In addition to discussing the empathy and standards balancing act, the guys also share their thoughts on being a quote unquote soft coach, and if getting softer really means getting smarter. They also […]
In today’s episode Adam, TJ, and Sam Allen discuss the importance of every staff member and player being on the same page when it comes to building a world-class team culture. The episode also covers the importance of being a good follower, and the negative impact that comes from coaches being unwilling to do things […]
In this episode, TJ Rosene and Sam Allen give your team five defensive hacks to help you win more games this upcoming season. Through Key5 Coaching, TJ and Sam share these defensive hacks, must-use practice drills, and a Q&A with coaches to finish the episode. For more information about the content shared in this episode, […]
After the recent news of fall and winter sport seasons already being canceled in some counties, this episode poses the question, “Are high school sports essential?” Adam and TJ bring you their perspective as coaches who’ve worked with thousands of athletes at the high school and college level. After you listen, we’d love your response […]
In today’s episode we tackle the relationship between ego and humility. Your team success depends on the ability to balance this relationship. During the episode we share tangible ways to check your ego at the door, as well as three major pitfalls you may fall into if you have an unhealthy ego. Make sure to […]
Adam and TJ talk all things NBA bubble, along with their predictions on this new style of basketball and playoffs. Tweet us @hardwood_hustle with your predictions to how the end of the NBA season will go!
Today we welcome Jake Rosen to the show. Jake is a former Maryland high school basketball player that Adam worked with though Lead ‘Em Up, and also runs a basketball blog called Jake in the Paint. In this episode Jake shares some of the incredible wisdom he has around the game of basketball, specifically sharing […]
In today’s episode we jump into a discussion about a skill that is critical for coaches to have, with that skill being the ability to read the room well. Coaches must be able to feel and interpret the energy and emotion of their team in order to connect and lead them well. Along with sharing […]
Today we are joined by Micah Hayes for an incredibly important conversation. A former player on TJ’s team and PGC Basketball Director, Micah is a part of the Hardwood Hustle family, and one of the wisest voices in the coaching community. He brings our listeners a perspective on the current state of social justice and […]
In the finale episode of our coverage on The Last Dance documentary, we continue turning entertainment into education with PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen. This episode dives into the 1998 championship victory, as well as some of the comments made by former Bulls since the documentary has aired. Adam, TJ, and Sam also share some of […]
Today we bring you an interview with Brooklyn Nets guard Theo Pinson. We dive into Theo’s approach to being a great teammate, leading North Carolina to a championship, and his advice for coaches based on his experience with coaches at the highest level.
In Episode 349 we bring you a special interview with CEO of the Premier Lacrosse League, Mike Rabil. Mike shares incredible insight for our listeners on hustling to start a new sports league, creating a work environment of transparency and communication, and why team members should be encouraged to act like an owner.
In today’s episode we continue our breakdown of The Last Dance documentary, Episodes 7 & 8. PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen joins Adam and TJ to bring coaches and players the key takeaways and teachable moments. This episode specifically dives into Michael Jordan’s transition in to and out of baseball, as well as his highly debated leadership style.
We are joined by John Beckham and Jimmy Jenkins, Director’s of ‘Basketball County: In The Water’, to give you a behind the scenes look into their upcoming production. This documentary, Executive Produced by Kevin Durant and his team, highlights the basketball hotbed that is Prince George’s County (MD). Since 2000, with a population of under […]
Through Adam’s work with Lead ‘Em Up, a recent topic of conversation that has continually come up is that of accountability. Coaches want to know how teammates can better hold each other accountable, as well as how to create a culture of accountability throughout their entire program. Today, Adam and TJ introduce a new, powerful […]
We’re back with another breakdown of The Last Dance documentary, Episodes 5 and 6, as we try to take the episodes from a place of entertainment to educational. PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen joins us to share what we can learn and the teachable moments you can use with your team. Competitiveness, gambling, and branding are […]
We continue our series with PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen, breaking down episodes three and four of The Last Dance documentary. The story lines surrounding Dennis Rodman, the Bulls perseverance through the Pistons, and the addition of Phil Jackson are topics we go in-depth on in this episode with the goal of creating teachable moments for […]
In addition to producing the Hardwood Hustle podcast, Tucker Herzberg (@tuckerherzberg) is also a certified athletic performance coach. During this time of quarantine, Tucker put out a free at-home training program for teams. The program requires no equipment, and each week builds off of the previous week to make sure your players are progressing. This […]
What does it take to be a great coach? This can be a very daunting question for most. To help provide clarity and a roadmap, Key5 Coaching has outlined 125 things sorted into 5 categories that coaches need to be proficient in to be a great coach. We hope this behind the scenes episode into […]
You’ve heard the phrase before. You’ve probably said those words before. And you absolutely know what it means. Coaches speak a language that is very unique and essentially exclusive to the coaching community. It’s filled with sayings and phrases and things that coaches echo to their teams over and over. Much of the coach talk […]
We are excited to begin a series that will be shared each week after the newest episodes of The Last Dance documentary. Adam, TJ, and Sam Allen will be breaking down the major takeaways for coaches, and the things coaches can communicate to their players through this incredible learning opportunity.
If you’re like most people, you’re fascinated by learning from the best of the best. Today’s guest, Phil Beckner, basketball consultant and coach, is one of those individuals. He is one of the best basketball coaches in the country, working most notably with Damian Lillard, dating back to his years at Weber State. Phil drops […]
As we sit distant from our teams, unsure of when sports will resume, it’s understandable to want to just wait this out. However, should coaches and leaders be doing more? If so, what should they be doing? Adam and TJ discuss this and share tools and resources that coaches and players can be taking advantage […]
What do coaches do in this unprecedented, uncharted territory that we are currently in? How can we respond as coaches? Adam and TJ share how the coronavirus is impacting their coaching world’s, as well as how coaches can better lead their teams through this difficult time.
Coaches have the ability to change lives, especially with the power of a team environment. It is often said that without a program or coach or group of teammates, young people don’t know where they may have ended up. Despite this, it has become riskier for coaches to bring in players who behaviorally may be […]
Have you ever experienced this as a coach? You’ve watched film on your opponent, reviewed stats and match-ups, consulted with other coaches, and finally you’ve come up with a game plan you feel good about. You take share it with your team and go through it in practice and begin to feel even better. Tip-off […]
Basketball is a game of passion filled with tremendous emotion. With that said, when too much emotion is present it is hard to stay fully in control. A recent viral clip of the Indiana Men’s Basketball coaching staff spurred this episode as there was much debate on how coaches should handle their communication on the […]
Executives love hiring people from IBM, Enterprise, and Xerox because they know exactly the kind of person they are getting. As coaches we should ask, “What are people going to get from the players that come through our program? Understanding the leadership abilities, character traits, intangibles that we want to instill in our players is […]
Your team’s leadership is the factor that will determine whether or not you reach your full potential. With this in mind, we ask coaches, “Is your team’s leadership an asset or obstacle?” Adam shares five signs your teams leadership is an obstacle, and seven signs that it is an asset. You will leave this episode […]
In today’s episode we discuss a new trend in basketball and it’s impact on players and coaches. In the NBA, TV viewership is down. However, the NBA is also considered to be more popular than ever. Despite viewership being down, impressions through social media are up. This is a reality that needs to be discussed […]
During a recent Emmanuel College basketball practice, Adam caught a great teaching moment happening between TJ and his team. The practice stopped and ensued with TJ reminding his team of the off-center/on-center defensive concept, focusing on when to be aggressive as a defense and when to pull back. This episode dives into the concepts behind […]
For those that have followed the Hardwood Hustle from day one, you know today’s guest very well. Former co-host Alan Stein joins the show to share his transition away from basketball into the corporate space, what he’s learning in his career as a professional speaker, and how he helps organizations perform at the highest level. […]
Player communication needs to be improved. In this episode we share strategies that will enhance the communication of players on your team. We also discuss the consequences of not making this a priority in your program. You’ll also learn a communication exercise utilizing an Amazon Alexa that can drastically change the way your players communicate.
Today we preview our re-launch of the Hardwood Hustle. Adam and TJ share updates on their coaching, businesses, and families, as well as the new content our Hustlers can expect moving forward. Be on the lookout for our first new episodes coming Thursday! Finally, we’d love if you left us a rating and review on […]
Jayson Wells is back on the show for an incredible interview discussing the themes from his book “The Things We Know But Do Not Do”. He shares his experience in connecting with today’s youth, becoming the best version of yourself, and much more! Make sure to follow Jayson on Twitter @jaysonwells_ and grab a copy […]
Head coach and assistant coach duo Randi and Duez Henderson sit down for an interview with Adam and share the dynamics involved in coaching with a spouse, delegating roles to assistant coaches, and insight assistant coaches can provide for their head coaches.
In this episode Adam is joined by college head coach Randi Henderson for a special interview. Randi shares her experience in taking over a program with a history of success and continuing that tradition while bringing her culture, systems, and strategies to the table. She also shares her insight into how she treats incoming freshman […]
Our Hustlers are in for a great 3 in 1 bonus episode featuring PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen. Sam recently hosted a high school basketball tournament through his Blue Collar Basketball company in Georgia. During the tournament he interviewed coaches to get a deep look into their approach to basketball, strategies for success, and lessons learned […]
Today we are joined by author of the current Amazon #1 Sports Coaching and Sports Psychology book Every Moment Matters, John O’Sullivan. John is the Founder of the Changing the Game Project and host of Way of Champions podcast. John shares great basketball stories and ideas for culture building, practice design, and much more in […]
Today Adam is joined by head coach of Good Counsel boys basketball team, GJ Kissal. Coach Kissal shares his experience as head coach of both public and private high school programs, as well as what it’s like to prepare for each game in the WCAC, what many consider the best basketball conference in the country.
Today Adam and TJ dive into a discussion about how coaches can balance success with both short-term and long-term goals. If you’re in a situation with pressure to win now or be let go, how can you possibly afford to spend time on your long-term vision? If you are building for the long-term, how do […]
As many trends of the NBA trickle downward to the college and high school levels, Adam and TJ discuss how load management plays out in these environments. Should coaches be more aware of the amount their players are doing in-season and throughout the rest of the year? How do you balance hard work with rest […]
Episode 320 brings you a special interview with Maryland football powerhouse Quince Orchard head coach John Kelley. Coach Kelley shares about his teams mindset when it comes to trying to repeat as 4A State Champions. He also gives insight into effective communication as a younger head coach with assistant coaches who are older in age […]
Most coaches would say that the coaching community is a strong one. Within this community, do you feel willing and open to share information with other coaches and programs? Some may find it difficult to share openly while also wanting to maintain their competitive advantage, which is the focus of today’s episode with Adam Bradley, […]
Stemming from a recent Twitter discussion, Adam Bradley and Sam Allen continue the conversation about the differences between training with a “workout guy” and development coach. Is one better than the other? How can you tell the difference? What should I be looking for in when trying to find a great coach to work with? […]
Along with the incredible moments coaching brings you there are accompanying valleys. This time of the year may certainly be one of them as you navigate player cuts from your team try-outs. How do you structure try-outs? Do you post the cuts or meet individually with each player? How do you work with the parents […]
Few players do everything well at the highest level. The vast majority of players are specialists, and today Adam and TJ sit down to share how you can better develop your players into specialists that can contribute more to your team. How many specialists in each area is enough? Do you push specialists to work […]
Today we sit down with girls varsity basketball head coach Aubrey Van Pelt who has built her Utah program up from a 1-19 to a 21-4 record in just three years, as well as now being the desired program to be apart of in her region. Aubrey shares her game-plan for building a winning culture […]
A college athletic scholarship is the most sought after accomplishment for most high school athletes, and now seems to be something to be achieved at any and all costs. Do the ends justify the means? Adam and TJ share their experiences with athletes striving for these goals in today’s episode.
In today’s episode Adam and TJ open up a discussion about how to best manage your rotations from beginning to end of season. Though there is no perfect strategy, we hope this episode sheds light into some of the variables you should consider as you prepare to coach your team this season.
We’re back with college coach Aseem Rastogi to break down the 100-point game exercise that he mentioned in his previous episode. This exercise is sure to improve your practices and can be a valuable addition when implementing new strategies with your team.
Today we are back with an important conversation that is rarely had in the field of coaching. No program sets out to lose games, but in the nature of competition there is always team who ends with victory and team who ends in defeat. This episode with coach Aseem Rastogi is centered around how you […]
Today Adam is joined by on of the top lacrosse players in the world, Ryan Drenner, playing for the Whipsnakes in the Premier Lacrosse League. Ryan and the Whipsnakes play in the PLL championship game this Saturday (9/21) which can be seen on NBC. Adam and Ryan discuss his journey from youth lacrosse to Division […]
In this special interview Adam sits down with George Washington University head coach Jamion Christian. Coach Christian shares his journey through the coaching ranks, recruiting strategies, building the right culture, and much more. Coaches will love the wisdom Jamion brings to this episode as a successful coach at the Division 1 level. Share this episode […]
Today we bring Bryan Bresee, the 2020 top ranked football recruit in the country, back for a part two episode. We discuss his decision to commit to Clemson, how he’s staying focused his Senior season and his most recent viral video.
Today Adam is joined for a 1-on-1 interview with football coach Fred Kim. In 2017 Coach Kim finished a 14 year streak of winning seasons at Seneca Valley high school before being let go after his first losing season in 2018. He shares about his many successes, as well as about how he is bouncing […]
Today we are joined by sports psychology and performance consultant who has worked for the Washington Mystics, Connecticut Suns, and Maryland women’s basketball Stuart Singer. Stu shares his experiences working with elite basketball players and gives practical tips for players and coaches to improve their mental performance. Be sure to check out his mental performance […]
We conclude our series with the Washington Mystics in an interview with former college star and Maryland Terrapin Shatori Walker-Kimbrough. Shatori shares about her role as a vocal leader, player/coach relationships, multi-sport athletes, and more!
Today we are joined by All-WNBA rookie and 7th overall draft pick Ariel Atkins who shares about her role on the Mystics, adjusting from the college to pro level, and being a great follower to team leaders. Coaches, make sure to share this episode with your players!
Today we bring you a master class episode on developing successful partnerships with the ultimate example of people doing partnerships the right way with Danny Farrar and Dave Posin of SoldierFit. Danny and Dave have built an ultra-successful bootcamp fitness business with twelve locations across the country and more coming soon. We hope this episode […]
Kristi Toliver brings her incredible basketball resume to the show today for an impactful, quick hitting episode. As a member of the Maryland Basketball 2006 National Championship team, 3rd overall pick and over a decade spent in the WNBA, as well as time spent as an NBA assistant coach, players and coaches have a lot […]
We continue our series with the Washington Mystics with head coach and winningest coach in WNBA history Mike Thibault. Coach Thibault shares his keys for culture development, becoming and staying a lifelong learner, and more!
Coaches are in for a special episode as we bring former guest Sefu Bernard back for another incredible interview. We begin with a first half discussion on the role and importance of quality officiating at every level, and transition into a player development conversation during the second half. As he has done many times before, […]
“As coaches we have to help our players understand what it will actually take to achieve their goals” (-TJ Rosene) is one of the many key takeaways from today’s episode. Adam and TJ unpack how to understand your level of commitment to a particular goal and how you can better coach your players and keep […]
“When your convictions become strong, your options become weak.” Today Adam and TJ unpack this thought and how it relates to your coaching philosophy. Understanding the things you are most passionate about and how to strategize them when building your program is a key foundation to team success. We hope this episode helps you plan […]
In today’s episode, Adam and TJ are joined by Coach Jason Trout who recently held an incredible basketball clinic in the state of Ohio. The trio shares key takeaways the speakers shared their presentation. Be sure to follow Jason on Twitter @coachjasontrout in preparation for more info for next years clinic!
In this special guest interview, Adam sits down with MMA fighter and Maryland product Josh Jackson. Coaches and players will love the insight that Josh shares into elite competition preparation, a winner’s mindset, and resilience. You can follow Josh’s journey to the top of the MMA on instagram @jjackson_mma!
In this conclusive episode of TJ Rosene’s solo 4-part series, he recaps the 6 previous tips he shared in parts 1-3. TJ finishes the series off with the most important tip as he challenges coaches to ask themselves if they’ve found their purpose. The second half of the episode discussion is then a how-to for […]
In part 3 of this 4-part series, TJ Rosene continues to bring our listeners ways to improve their productivity. In the first half TJ covers how coaches can better fill their cup in order to keep their energy, and finishes with a second half with a reminder for coaches to set aside days to step […]
Coach TJ Rosene is back for part 2 of our 4-part series with additional tips for coaches to immediately become more productive. The first half of the episode covers how being more vulnerable as a coach may save you time, as well as how to attack things that you are currently putting off. Stay tuned […]
In part 1 of a 4-part series, TJ Rosene brings two specific ideas to the table for coaches to increase their productivity. TJ first discusses how coaches can take inventory of stories they tell themselves that may be holding them back, as well as how to initially start your day off with a productive win.
We know that experience is usually an asset in most situations in sport. The question as to what exactly makes experience such a valuable tool is the center of Adam and TJ’s discussion in this episode. Be sure to share this with your coaching staff if they don’t already listen to the show!
We’re back with a discussion on how coaches can work on staying in better touch with their players after they’ve left their program. Unfortunately, many coaches would agree that they haven’t stayed as in touch with former players as they would like. We hope this episode gives you ideas on how to improve in this […]
Today we bring players a special episode sharing a list of things college coaches say makes a great first impression when they are recruiting a player. You won’t want to miss episode as it is sure to add major value to all players immediately. Share this with a teammate, your team, or your players!
In this Memorial Day special Adam and TJ are joined by Army Veteran Captain and 3-time state championship basketball coach Babe Kwasniak. Babe shares about his time serving our country, building leaders through basketball, and much more in this incredible interview.
In today’s episode Adam is joined by state championship coach Gary Hull, 5th on the all-time wins list for coaches in the state of Oregon. Gary shares his incredibly valuable coaching experience and tells the story of his team’s 2019 state championship run, one year after losing in the state championship to the same competitor. […]
Adam and TJ share a powerful conversation about the state of the coach-player relationship in 2019. With players seemingly taking more and more ownership of teams and the influence of social media on relationships, where can coaches find the balance with their players?
Adam is joined by Kyle Cowan, Vice President of the Oregon Athletic Directors Association, Head Coach and Athletic Director of Portland Christian High School. Adam and Kyle sit down at the OADA annual conference to talk about balancing multiple roles within an athletic department, bringing a shot clock into the high school level, and much […]
In this week’s player episode Adam and TJ lay out guidelines to help players think through their off-season planning. TJ also shares a 100/50/25 approach to improving your game that will help you clarify the priorities you have as you maximize your ability to play the game at a high level.
Adam and TJ speak to one of the most pressing situations many coaches face; going all in on winning now or doing whatever it takes to build a solid foundation for future success if winning now is not feasible. As a coach, you are sure to face a situation like this throughout your career. Don’t […]
Adam and TJ sit down for another fun NBA episode covering different topics surrounding the NBA including, are the NBA tribute videos getting out of hand? Who is the most ready to take down Golden State? They also share their opinion on Magic Johnson stepping away from the Lakers in the way that he did, […]
Today we dive into a discussion involving one of the most popular websites for coaches, HoopDirt.com, a great resource for the latest updates on all things coaching. During the episode Adam asks if sites like this that revolve around coaching changes feed into the constant coaching turnover that we see in today’s college basketball world. […]
In the recent men’s NCAA Final Four, all four participating teams ran a man to man defense for over 90% of possessions. This stat lead co-host TJ Rosene and assistant coach Graham Maxwell to discuss the strategies behind using one or many styles of defense, as well as how to think through this decision making […]
It’s the end of the basketball season. As teams experience the highs of championships and the lows of tough defeats, the coaching carousel begins to turn. Are you looking for a new job? Are you happy and content to make your current job your dream job? We cover these topics and much more!
TJ Rosene is joined by assistant coach Graham Maxwell to discuss the impact of the college basketball transfer rate on high school basketball. With transfer lists now becoming available at the high school level, this topic is something almost every coach may be impacted by going forward.
As we continue covering stories from the NCAA tournament, TJ Rosene and Graham Maxwell share their thoughts on what became a national story with Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and Aaron Henry. They share their perspective as college basketball coaches and discuss how this situation was handled. Please reply with your thoughts with a tweet @hardwood_hustle!
We take a deep dive into a few valuable lessons players and coaches can learn from the men’s NCAA tournament games that took place this past weekend. From field goal and turnover percentages to strategies used by coaches, you will take away something for your team in this March Madness episode!
In today’s episode we outline storylines from the upcoming NCAA tournament. Send us a tweet @hardwood_hustle to share your biggest upset picks and final four locks!
In this week’s player episode Adam offers up a strategy for players to improve their game. It starts with understanding every players role on all the offensive and defensive sets your team runs. Most players know their role on each set, but few players know and understand everyone’s role on every set, and coaches put […]
Adam and TJ are back with a powerful episode discussing one of the hardest components of sport, and that is the pressure to win. Should winning games be the only metric for success, or should it be more related to how well your team performs in relation to its potential? As always, we’d love your […]
We recently received questions from our Hustlers about the impact of faith on their coaching, and took this opportunity to share our experience with our Hustlers. We hope this episode allows you to consider how faith impacts your coaching, relationships, mindset, and more!
What causes teams to underachieve or not be as successful as they look to be “on paper”? Adam and TJ share their thoughts on why this occurs, as well as ways for players to keep themselves and their teams out of these situations. Make sure to share this week’s player episode with your team if […]
In this special episode TJ Rosene and Sam Allen share a conversation with national championship coach Donnie Bostwick. Donnie shares his heart for players and coaches, as well as the release of the Spirit Led Coach movement. Please visit spiritledcoach.com to learn more about this incredible coaching movement!
We recently collected questions from our Instagram followers (@hardwood_hustle) for a mailbag episode! Here are the questions we cover: (1) What is the biggest difference for players between the high school and college level? (2) Do you prefer to run zone or man defense in out of bounds situations? (3) Best youth basketball leadership exercise […]
Adam and TJ share an important conversation for players trying to stand out and maximize their potential. As an underdog, almost everyone will support your journey up to a certain point of success. If you are the best, people will do their best to bring you down to their level. Most people are happy if […]
In this episode of the Hardwood Hustle Adam and TJ bring up one of the most important conversations a team can have, and without it, can be one of the most destructive things a program can experience. That conversation is about how a senior led team can mesh with talented underclassmen in order to reach […]
We’re back with another fun NBA episode and a first quarter discussion on the incredible job the Brooklyn coaching staff has done with the Nets this season. In quarter two Adam and TJ cover the recent Kyrie and LeBron potential reunion headlines. After our TeamSnap halftime break the third quarter begins with coverage of the […]
In this week’s player episode Adam and TJ debate whether or not playing with a chip on your shoulder is really an effective mindset to use. Some players use small chips for the day to day, while others may have large chips that motivate them to work relentlessly year round. We’d love if you shared […]
In the final installment of our ‘One Thing’ series, Adam and TJ dive in to the one thing assistant coaches could do more of during the first half of the episode. They complete the episode by sharing the one thing they’ve been putting off for too long that they’d like to improve upon.
We’re back with part three of our four-part series covering coaching topics based around helping coaches get better. We begin the first half of the episode discussing the one thing that can help maintain a happy family life during the busy basketball season, and finish with a second half discussing the one thing that your […]
In this week’s player episode we bring a strong challenge to players and ask them to consider asking their coaches this question: “What’s the most frustrating part about coaching me?” The answer to this question could be a game-changer for your development and relationship with your coach. Take this opportunity that most players won’t and […]
As we continue our ‘One Thing’ series with part two, we begin with a first half covering the one thing coaches have tolerated in their program longer than they should have. The second half rounds off with a discussion about the one thing that coaches wish was different about their program. We appreciate everyone who […]
Today we start a new series called “One Thing” and begin with feedback we received from coaches about the one thing they’d like to see their players do more of. We also discuss the one thing that coaches do that demotivates their team the most. Stay tuned for the next three installments of the series […]
In today’s quick hitting player episode Adam challenges players to consider what good character is, and how players can maximize this area of their development.
With the February 7 NBA trade deadline fast approaching, we cover the current state of player demands in the NBA and the trickle down effect this player power has on the increasing high school and college athlete transfer rate. We’d love your feedback on this episode – send us a tweet at @hardwood_hustle. As always, […]
We’re back with another fun NBA shoot-a-round episode covering recent headlines including the Chicago Bulls practice drama, James Harden’s tear, Eurpoean success in the NBA, and Tom Brady’s NBA comparison.
In this week’s player episode we are joined by sophomore phenom Jordan Hawkins, one of the top underclassmen in the state of Maryland. Jordan shares his perspective on leading as an underclassmen, sharing a starring role, and more. Be sure to share this player episode with your team for great insights from a current player, […]
We are joined by the nations top football recruit for the 2020 class, Bryan Bresee. Bryan is a member of the football powerhouse Damascus High School and shares his work ethic, recruiting experiences, and much more in this interview. Coaches, be sure to share this with the players in your program as Bryan brings a […]
We are joined for a special interview by one of the top basketball players in the state of Maryland, Jao Ituka. Adam and Jao discuss learning to lead as an underclassman, as well as how leadership roles change for players as they grow as a leader and player. Players are sure to love the valuable […]
In today’s episode we are joined by Coach Holda, head coach for Gaithersburg High School, one of the top basketball programs in the state of Maryland. Topics include fostering relationships between players in your program, building trust with your players, and focusing on the present.
Whether it’s for a part-time position or your first job after your sports career, we want to help you prepare to the fullest. In this week’s player episode we are joined by Kayla Smith, one of the youngest Owners and Operators in the Chick-Fil-A organization, to help players start thinking about how they can prepare […]
Coaches are sure to love this interview with Kayla Smith, one of the youngest owner and operators in the Chick-Fil-A organization. Adam and Kayla discuss bringing the right people into your organization, instilling your core values from day one, and how to build strong relationships with those in your work/team community. Get your notebooks ready […]
We’re back with another special interview today joined by Logan DiPaolo, President of LOUYAA (Linganore, Oakdale, Urbana Youth Athletic Association), one of the biggest youth sports organizations in the state of Maryland. Logan shares his incredible perspective on the current state of youth athletics, as well as LOUYAA’s passion for providing the best possible experience […]
In this week’s player episode Adam challenges players to consider the time they spend developing their athleticism in comparison with the time they spend developing their focus, leadership, and mindset. The value of quality strength and conditioning sessions can’t be stated enough, but if there’s no time left to develop the mental aspects of your […]
Adam is joined for a special interview with JP Nerbun, Author of Calling Up and host of CoachingCulture podcast. Adam and JP discuss ways for coaches to impact their team outside of the Xs and Os, as well as the motivation for writing his book and how he hopes to impact those who read it. […]
Today Adam and Sam share a powerful conversation about the ups and downs on the journey to success. In many fields of work, especially coaching, health and family life are often sacrificed in order to reach the highest level. The balancing act that takes place for those that are successful in work as well as […]
In this week’s new player episode Adam sits down with author and podcast host JP Nerbun to break down how players can drive positive change with their teammates. For more great content from JP check out his podcast called CoachingCulture!
In today’s episode we are joined by Wake Forest football commit Zach Ranson for a special interview covering the in’s and out’s of his recruiting process, excelling as a multi-sport athlete, and more! Coaches and players will love Zach’s insight as a current high school athlete who has gone through the process of getting an […]
In today’s episode Adam and Sam break down the pros and cons of having a ‘dunk’ versus a ‘lay it in’ mentality. We’ve heard from coaches on both sides of the discussion about why they coach dunking over laying the ball up, as well as coaches who stress getting the sure points with a lay-up. […]
Legendary Atlanta high school basketball coach Gene Durden and assistant coach Kobe Durden join us for an incredibly insightful show. Gene has lead his Buford Lady Wolves to eight out of the last ten state championship games with six state titles and brings a wealth of coaching experience to our hustlers today.
At every level of basketball coaches find themselves in situations where getting player buy-in seems impossible and leads to feelings of helplessness. To that we say, welcome to leadership! In this episode Adam Bradley and Sam Allen discuss getting burned out in your leadership role and how you can fight against this at all costs […]
Almost all players have pre-game routines, but very few have pre-practice routines! Today Adam and Sam share their thoughts on what players can do to not only maximize game day but every practice day as well. A structured and disciplined pre-practice routine can be a game changer for a players development with the amount of […]
In today’s episode Adam Bradley and PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen are joined by Coach Parr of St. Pius at the BCB Buford basketball showcase in Atlanta, GA. Coach Parr shares the key areas his program strives for excellence in. He also shares great insight into how he tries to develop true mental toughness with his […]
Today co-host Adam Bradley and PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen sit down to discuss how players can ‘beat the coach’ during key leadership moments of practices or games. In most situations, coaches have to stop practice to reset their teams energy level, effort, and focus. What if this came from players earlier and coaches didn’t have […]
Today co-host Adam Bradley and PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen sit down to discuss how players can ‘beat the coach’ during key leadership moments of practices or games. In most situations, coaches have to stop practice to reset their teams energy level, effort, and focus. What if this came from players earlier and coaches didn’t have […]
After a recent video surfaced of a coach speaking to his team with words laced with profanity, TJ and Graham dive into whether or not they believe profanity should be commonly used with coaching, as well as scenarios in which it may change depending on the situation.
As the basketball analytics movement continues to move forward, it’s important to outline what and why you are tracking certain aspects of your teams performance. Today we share data points to consider tracking from a culture, offensive, and defensive perspective. Be sure to share this with another coach and discuss things that may be most […]
In today’s episode we are back with another fun NBA shoot-a-round episode where we cover some of the top storylines from the first quarter of the NBA season. Send us a tweet @hardwood_hustle with your thoughts on the players TJ and Max outline as “Do not touch” regarding players they wouldn’t want if they were […]
In this week’s player episode co-host TJ Rosene is joined by his assistant coach and former college basketball player Graham Maxwell to discuss keys to becoming a great defender. They discuss defensive mindset, anticipation, having a willingness to fail. Share this episode with your teammates who you know are dedicated to improving themselves in order […]
This week TJ sits down with assistant coach Graham Maxwell to discuss the things they are most thankful for in their coaching careers. Tweet us with the things you are most thankful for as coaches @hardwood_hustle!
In today’s episode our Hustlers get an inside look into a college basketball program and their game preparation/game-day routines. Co-host and head coach TJ Rosene sits down with his assistant coaches to discuss how they structure their game preparation practices and specific game-day routines that their team implements.
In today’s player episode college coach and co-host TJ Rosene shares an out-of-the-box method to scoring more through ‘stealing’ points. By using some of the strategies discussed today, players may be able to provide more scoring for their teams on a consistent basis, without needing to be able to shoot like Klay Thompson.
Today co-host TJ Rosene and assistant coach Graham Maxwell discuss the differences between playing hard and competing hard. It’s on coaches to teach players how to differentiate whether or not they are truly competing hard all season long.
In today’s episode TJ Rosene brings you a special edition offensive strategy episode focused on how to gain small advantages throughout games in order to maximize your offensive efficiency. TJ breaks down the process of ‘stealing’ points, which can be a game changer for your entire team.
Today we discuss a vital question Adam was recently asked by one of his athletes. The question was, “Can you get a scholarship without being a leader?” Of the many things that go into receiving a college scholarship, leadership certainly plays a role at some level. Be sure to share this important conversation with your […]
In today’s episode we bring you an impactful interview with long-time head coach Larry Hurd, Jr. Coach Hurd shares his passion for teaching players, growing as a coach, and developing a program full of great relationships. You will love the insights shared from Coach Hurd’s wealth of experiences he’s accumulated during his incredible career.
In this episode Ryan Hoover joins us once again for a great interview sharing what has educated, empowered, and encouraged his basketball career. We also discuss basketball analytics and the ability coaches now have to show their players more details than ever before with the technology that is available.
As a player, we often forget about our role as a coach in addition to the player. If we want our team to be the best team possible, then players need to embrace the role of coach as well as player. In this episode we’ll teach you how to assist your coaches and be a […]
In today’s episode we are joined by analytics coach Corey Wacknov. Before joining ShotTracker, Corey was a member of the Orlando Magic Basketball Operations staff, and brings a special perspective to our hustlers with his analytics background.
Former professional basketball player Jeremiah Boswell and Jr. NBA representative joins us today to talk about how the NBA is working to develop youth basketball into an even better experience for players, parents, and coaches around the world.
As a player, you will make mistakes which are okay, but what’s most important is how you respond from the mistakes you make. In this episode we’ll share ways you can create a healthy mistake response and eliminate unhealthy mistake reactions.
In today’s special interview we are joined by one of ShotTracker’s Founders, Davyeon Ross. Our Hustlers get an incredible inside look into the ShotTracker technology that is revolutionizing basketball stats and analytics at every level of the game.
Our hustlers are in for a treat today as TJ is joined by NBA Senior Director of Basketball Operations International Troy Justice. Troy shares his incredible journey to his current position with the NBA, as well as his passion for developing players and sharing the game with kids all over the globe.
In this week’s player episode we are joined by PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen to talk about the differences in what society has deemed “being a man” and what actually defines manhood. From becoming a star on the court to success in your career, we cover multiple aspects of how you can truly become a man.
In this Jr. NBA series interview we are joined by Coach Haro from Finland. We discuss his time at the Jr. NBA event, as well as differences he sees in the international game versus the American game. He shares a great perspective from the viewpoint of a successful veteran coach that you won’t want to […]
In Episode 238 we are joined by Coach Walter Webb who leads the DMV’s Slam City basketball program. His mission statement is “Committed to training the overlooked to compete against the overrated” and brings a wealth of great basketball insight for our hustlers.
A list of advice from Warren Buffett, one of the world’s wisest men, recently came out and is the topic of today’s player episode. Try to work on one of the ten pieces of advice every week for the next ten weeks and try to build in these new habits! Make sure to share this […]
In this episode co-hosts Adam and TJ debate the importance of pro athletes aligning all of the messages they share through their platforms. The center of debate forms around Adam’s thoughts on LeBron James sharing the incredible message of hope through his school, as well as promoting music that may not have the most positive […]
In Episode 236 we are joined by repeat guests Derek and Jody Wynn. Jody recently became the women’s basketball head coach at the University of Washington with her husband Derek joining as an assistant with the team. We discuss building a program from the ground up as well as parenting kids through their basketball journey.
In today’s player episode we share actionable advice for players who are aspiring to take their game to the next level. We discuss closing the gap between what players ‘know’ and what players actually do. It is one thing to understand what it takes to improve your game, but a whole separate challenge to actually […]
In today’s episode we challenge coaches to continue to grow by using the power of dedicated focus. As coaches, there are endless opportunities on a daily basis to lose focus and get distracted by things that in the end may not matter. By taking the challenge to focus in only on the most important things, […]
Jr. NBA World Championship coach Dana Copeland joins the show today to talk about his team’s experience on their way to a world championship. We also discuss player development, coaching tips, and much more!
Today we challenge players to consider the impact their consumption of music and social media has on their mindset. With the endless amount of uplifting and positive content available, should players make more of an effort to consume things that may impact themselves in a more positive way? Or does certain music and social media […]
Today we challenge coaches to take a deeper look into the positive and negative things they are consuming. From social media to music, are there more positive things your players could benefit from consuming? Please share this with another coach to start a very important conversation that could have a huge impact on your players.
We recently asked coaches about who has the most influence over team culture – Players or Coaches? Though it may be a middle ground, Adam and TJ debate this question today and share why they believe it is either the coach or the players. Tweet us your answer @Hardwood_Hustle!
In today’s player episode we share wisdom from a story out of the recent world cup. A viral photo of the way the Japanese team left their locker room with a thank you note brings a great example of leadership and grace in defeat. Players who use this story for inspiration may take their leadership […]
In this conclusive part 4 of our ‘3 Tips’ series we give coaches and players actionable ways to dominate the glass this season. From strategic changes to your rebounding game-plan to specific moves players can implement while fighting for a rebound, this episode will add value to you and your program!
In part 3 of 4 of our ‘3 Tips’ series we take a deep dive into how to improve your practices. We try to avoid the common tips that are given and give you creative ideas that you may not have considered before. If this episode brought you value, please share it with a coach […]
Today we encourage players to have confidence as they face seemingly insurmountable challenges this season. In addition to the motivation needed to face these challenges, players also need to consider the tactical advantages they may have in these situations. Be sure to share this with another player or your team today!
We continue our ‘3 Tips’ series today as we break down how you can take your team’s defense to another level this upcoming season. From the mental aspect of the defensive side of the ball to defensive “hacks” you can teach your team, those looking to improve their knowledge of defensive strategy will love this […]
We start a “3 Tips” series today TJ and Adam break down 3 ways to improve your offense as you prepare for the upcoming season. They speak on player movement, ball movement, and player spacing as well as how you can play offense that compliments your defense. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes covering 3 tips […]
We’re back with another powerful player episode where we give players strategies to work with their teammates as they make mistakes in practice, in games, and off the court. Players will take away actionable steps to become a better teammate with this episode! Share with a player or teammate today and tweet us your feedback […]
Today Adam and TJ cover all aspects of how you can maximize your assistant coaching staff this upcoming season. From offensive and defensive strategy to practice and game responsibilities, get your notebooks ready for a deep dive into maximizing your assistant coaches. Be sure to share this episode with another coach or leave us feedback […]
Today Adam and TJ ask the question – Is sustained excellence more about the coach or the player? Can the majority of the Spurs and Patriots success be attributed more to Tim Duncan and Tom Brady compared to the coaching staff? Listen and let us know who you think may be more important and why […]
In today’s player episode TJ shares a powerful mind-shift for players as he and Adam break down how players should look at mistakes they make. There is a balance to using mistakes as a learning opportunity versus not caring about mistakes you make at all, and we hope this episode gives you impactful insight and […]
Today we bring you a ‘chop it up’ episode where Adam and TJ share questions and answers back and forth in a rapid fire format. We’d love your feedback on twitter @hardwood_hustle – let us know if you enjoyed this format and any other questions you’d like to hear Adam and TJ ask each other!
There are times in your program where you may feel like your program is not getting better or worse but simply coasting. At times like this it may be time to shake things up, but how do you when the right time may be or what moves to make? Adam and TJ break down the […]
Great leaders know that not everything they do to lead others will have an immediate impact, but that every one of their positive actions is a seed planted that may grow years later. Today Adam and TJ give players ideas on how they can begin to lead with this in mind on a daily basis.
We bring you a fun episode today where you get to know co-hosts Adam and TJ better with the ‘2 Truths & A Lie’ game. Has TJ had run-ins with Sammy Davis Jr, Chris Farley, or Dennis Rodman? Has Adam been a victim of a shark attack, Chesapeake bridge scare, or a bike accident that […]
A happy marriage is key to being the best version of yourself as a coach. Today Adam and TJ bring you ideas for continuing to have a great marriage. Be sure to tweet us any feedback you have or other ideas you would like to share with coaches about what has worked for you in […]
Players, the off-season is the time to improve your individual skills, but don’t let that allow you and your teammates you don’t see as often to drift apart! In this episode Adam and TJ challenge players to check in more often with their teammates throughout the off-season in order to maintain these key relationships.
In today’s episode co-hosts Adam Bradley and TJ Rosene share ways for you to identify the level of positive team culture your program currently has, as well as ways to continue to raise the level of standards you, your coaches, and your players strive to uphold throughout your season.
We’re back with another NBA shoot-a-round episode where we cover storylines from the 2018 Warriors season in the first half and finish the second half with a discussion about the impact the young stars will have on the league going forward.
Maximizing your potential as a player starts with mastering your game in practice. Today we share habits that will help you prepare better in order to perform at a higher level on a consistent basis against the competition. Make sure to share this player episode with one of your players or teammates who don’t yet […]
In the building of your team’s leaders it’s important to stop and recognize the little things your players do in order to get them to see the bigger picture. The more they see how even the smallest of actions can have large impact around them will encourage them to continue on their path towards becoming […]
For most high school teams and many college teams, using analytics at even the most basic level seems like a daunting task. Today we discuss how to simply this process so you can actually get started, and how our friends at ShotTracker have changed the game with their affordable analytics technology.
Stemming from recent remarks from Bruce Bowen about the Kawhi Leonard and San Antonio injury issues, we have an important discussion on the role of players who are injured with their team. How can you make an impact on your team even when you’re not on the floor? What should be expected of you and […]
Stemming from recent remarks from Bruce Bowen about the Kawhi Leonard and San Antonio injury issues, we have an important discussion on the role of players who are injured with their team. Should they be required to be at every team film session, practice, and game? Can they miss team events to train with outside […]
Is the Read & React offense right for teams at the youth level? Adam and TJ break down this system and how youth teams could possibly use the layers of the R&R to teach great passing, spacing, and movement on offense.
With most of the focus on leadership while building a positive team culture, becoming an active follower can often be forgotten. Without followers, even team’s with the best leadership may fall short of their potential. Get your notebooks ready for actionable ways to become an active follower and watch your team’s culture become transformed during […]
With most of the focus on leadership while building a positive team culture, developing active followers can often be forgotten. Without followers even team’s with the best leadership may fall short of their potential. Get your notebooks ready for actionable ways to build a team of active followers and watch your team’s culture become transformed […]
Hanging your team values on the locker room wall is a start, but there are many more ways to bring the values you set for your team to life. Adam and TJ share actionable ways to put real meaning behind your team’s values in order to cultivate the best environment for your team possible.
Inspired by a recent John Wall social media post, Adam and TJ discuss the difference between separating yourself and just doing enough to keep up with the pack. Share this with a teammate or player today!
In today’s episode Adam and TJ cover the most intriguing storylines from this year’s NBA Draft, as well as discuss the players that may be the most interesting based on their talent and draft destination.
In Episode 212 Adam and TJ break down 4 takeaways from this year’s World Cup you can share with your team. Take advantage of the excitement your players may have for this tournament and discuss these takeaways with them.
It is easy to take for granted the time players have during their high school years with school, AAU/club sports, and college approaching. In this player episode Adam and TJ give players a chance to shift their perspective and take full advantage of the time they have playing high school sports. Be sure to share […]
In today’s episode we discuss the recent Puma basketball player signings, team’s envying the Lakers which may impact Free Agency, Donovan Mitchell’s comments about wanting to beat LeBron rather than join him, and the LeBron Free Agency extravaganza. Don’t miss this 4 quarter shoot-a-round!
In today’s episode co-host TJ Rosene challenges coaches to become someone who not only holds themselves accountable but takes extreme ownership in everything they do. Share this episode with your other coaches and brainstorm how your staff can begin to take more ownership of everything that takes place in your program.
In this week’s player episode TJ gives players actionable advice for how to become more mindful and aware of their thoughts in order to better control their thoughts. Be sure to share this one with your teammates or players!
In today’s episode co-host and National Championship coach TJ Rosene breaks down his thoughts on developing an off-season plan and how he thinks through this process. Get your notebooks ready for this information packed episode!
In this quick hitting interview TJ Rosene and former player and current PGC Basketball Director Clint Cybulski cover topics including PGC basketball sessions, practices as a player under TJ, book resources, and more!
In today’s episode co-host TJ Rosene is joined by a former player for an interview that pulls back the curtain on TJ’s coaching and what it’s like to be a player in his program.
In today’s episode we’re joined by a very special guest, Arkansas Women’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Neighbors. Coach Neighbors is one of the most giving and knowledgeable coaches you will ever meet and shares incredible insight in today’s episode.
In today’s episode we are joined by PGC’s Sam Allen and Mano Watsa to discuss specific ways to help your team have better practices. Get your notebooks ready for actionable tips you can use in your next practice.
In today’s episode Adam Bradley and PGC Basketball’s Sam Allen pay tribute to TJ Rosene’s father after his recent passing. A man that impacted so many lives on his own which continues through all of those that TJ impacts every day, we celebrate him in this special edition of the Hardwood Hustle.
Today we bring you a special conversation from a recent PGC Basketball clinic where we were joined by a coach/dad and player/daughter to discuss the dynamics of coaching your child and what that really looks like. Make sure to share this episode with another coach who is also a coach to their child!
In today’s episode we challenge coaches to enhance their ability to help their players get to college while sharing specific ways for coaches to do just this.
Today Adam and TJ break down how ‘word switches’ can be a powerful reminder and practice for your team. Though it may seem like a small shift it can have a huge impact on your entire program. Make sure to take notes and share these with your team this week!
In today’s NBA shoot-a-round we bring you a first half discussion about a powerful recent quote from Damian Lillard and then close out the second half with our thoughts on CP3’s statement on the anxiety he felt beginning with a new team in Houston.
Today we share our thoughts on the importance of not only being a great player yourself but also raising the level of the players around you. Whether you are a 5 star talent or a 3 star up and comer, if you can raise the level of ‘star’ around you, coaches will find a spot […]
At some point all coaches struggle with communicating knowledge they have to their team or an individual player. Coaches must always be conscious that what they think they are communicating may not be exactly what their players are hearing, and then work towards bridging any communication gaps that are present. We break down how coaches […]
In the first half of today’s episode we discuss a recent quote from Kobe about women’s basketball and ‘true fans of the game’, and finish with a second half covering LeBron’s comments on female coaching in the NBA.
In today’s player episode we challenge players to consider their ‘average speed’ over the last month of their workouts. Though some players may go all out for one workout a week, the players who can consistently put in quality work each and every day without completely emptying their tank are more likely to succeed and […]
Between the complex offensive and defensive schemes to the big personalities, Adam and TJ break down some of the things they look for during NBA games that are different from other levels of basketball. Make sure to share this episode with someone who loves the NBA!
In today’s episode Adam and TJ give coaches insight into how they can move from just ‘coaching’ players to ‘teaching’ players. From the ‘Hear it See it Do it’ method to the ‘Pain’ method, we hope this episode gives coaches actionable ideas to use with their teams.
Whether it’s through your phone or a notebook, serious players know how important it is to track the work they are putting in over the summer. In this episode Adam and TJ share different ideas for things players can measure this summer to make sure they are progressing. Make sure to share this with a […]
Coaches don’t have time to have their team perfect at everything, but how do they decide what they want their team to prioritize? Adam and TJ bring their coaching experience to this discussion that challenges coaches to plan our their time with more purpose so that they can better serve their team.
In today’s shoot-a-round episode we dive into a first half discussion about the exploding world of eSports including the NBA’s recent eSports draft. We finish with a second half where we cover current and future NCAA recruiting methods after the success of veteran teams in this year’s NCAA basketball tournament.
In today’s player episode we challenge players to change their mindset from “I need basketball because it’s my only way out” to “I’m going to use basketball as my way out.” Make sure to share this with a player or teammate today!
Whether you are overworking yourself as a coach or overworking your team, more is not always better. In Episode 193 Adam and TJ discuss how to balance putting in hard work while keeping yourself, your coaches, and your team fresh throughout your entire year.
In this NCAA shoot-a-round episode we cover some of the main storylines from this years March Madness tournament, including the cinderella teams like Loyola Chicago as well as reviewing the interesting TV ratings from the tournament.
In today’s player episode TJ and Sam Allen dive deep into why academics really matter. Most coaches talk about how important they are, but this episode will help players understand exactly why they are important for more reasons than simply being eligible to play.
Today’s episode is brought to you by TeamSnap, the #1 team communication app for high school, AAU, or club teams! TJ Rosene and Sam Allen are back with a great discussion about how coaches can move from only being a transactional coach to becoming a transformational coach who leaves an impact on their players for […]
We finish our 4-part ‘Journey Through a Season’ series in Episode 190 with a discussion about the end of your season and how you can continue to improve your team even as the season comes to a close!
Playing AAU basketball can be one of the best ways to compete and improve your in-game decision making during your off-season. TJ and PGC’s Sam Allen share specifically how players can make the most of their AAU season in order to have the best off-season yet.
In part 3 we discuss the adversity your team may face throughout a season and how you can prepare in advance for these situations. Teams who successful handle adversity the best will set themselves up for a great playoff push/run as the season comes to a close!
We’re back with another short player episode packed with insight from PGC’s TJ Rosene and Sam Allen for players who want to become better shooters. Take fifteen minutes to improve your game today. Share this with another player or teammate who is working on their game!
In part of this 4 part series we discuss the in’s and out’s of the middle of your season. This is the time when you begin to make adjustments, define roles, and find out what you have with your team. Sam and TJ share great insight into how you can make the most of this […]
We begin a new series ‘Journey Through a Season’ today in which we will be breaking down all components of a season and things coaches should be preparing for as they begin to think about the next season. Today begins with the pre-season and the important nuances that come with this exciting time of the […]
Today we are joined by professional performance coach Chris Gorres and USA National Soccer player Oguchi Onyewu of ONYX Elite. Adam recently joined them at their new performance center in Richmond, VA to talk about elite athlete performance and their new business venture. Don’t miss this one as Chris and Oguchi bring amazing perspective from […]
As one of the most successful high school coaches in high school basketball history, Coach White shares some of his secrets and how he is approaching his next step in his journey at Georgia State University. You are certain to be inspired by Coach White in this episode.
In the constant search for great team culture, there will be times your team can simply not figure it out. Adam and TJ discuss whether or not there is ever time to accept this and make the most of it, or if drastic measures need to be taken.
We’re back with another fun NBA shoot-a-round breaking down Blake Griffin to Detroit and potential improvements to the All-Star game. Make sure to tweet us @hardwood_hustle with your thoughts on the Blake trade and how you would improve the All-Star game yourself!
In part 4 of this player episode series we discuss how coaches that constantly have to rescue their players tend to create not only helpless players, but also helpless people. Are you a player that is always needing to be rescued by your coach? If so, you could be taking valuable time away from your […]
In today’s world of social media and viral dunks and crossovers, some coaches are wondering whether or not this is actually good for the game. While the popularity of basketball certainly seems to be increasing in the era of social media, are these viral videos changing the way players play the game? Adam and TJ […]
The grey area is a place coaches and players should want to stay far away from if their goal is to maximize their potential. In this episode we define the grey area, share why it can be such a detriment to a program, and provide ideas for coaches and players to avoid this at all […]
Players, are there things in your program you wish your coach would address that they seem to be avoiding? It may be time for you to step up and help address them yourself. Whether that includes having a tough conversation with a coach or talking with your team directly, we hope this episode gives you […]
In the final episode of our 4-part ‘Coaching Traps’ series Adam and TJ examine how coaches that continually rescue their players may end up creating a team full of helpless players. This episode dives into how problematic this can be for a program, as well as shares ways to ‘rescue’ your players the right way […]
We continue with part 3 of 4 in our ‘Coaching Traps’ series as we discuss how avoiding coaches create disengaged players. Coaches and leaders need to be able to have tough conversations, and avoiding these situations can become problematic for your team. Adam and TJ share ways you can meet tough situations head on in […]
In part 2 of this 4-part ‘Coaching Traps’ series we discuss how critical coaches create insecure players and ways for players to deal with these situations. Make sure to share this episode with another coach or teammate!
In part 2 of this 4-part ‘Coaching Traps’ series we discuss how critical coaches create insecure players and ways to avoid this trap. Make sure to share this episode with another coach or player!
We begin our 4-part ‘Coaching Traps’ series by breaking down the traits of controlling coaches. Players need both freedom to create and standards to be upheld to become their best, but this balance is easier said than done. Be sure to send us a tweet @Hardwood_Hustle and let us know how you handle this balance!
We begin our ‘Coaching Traps’ series with a discussion for players about how to deal with controlling coaches. Some coaches can be harder to play for than others, and we hope this episode gives players insight into how to handle themselves in these situations.
With the concerns about player safety in the NFL and continued increase in popularity with the NBA, we discuss whether or not basketball has the chance to some day overtake the NFL as the most popular sport in America.
Inspired by a recent PGC Basketball blog we go in-depth on a discussion about rules for basketball parents to make the game more enjoyable for everyone involved. Consider these rules as a coach/parent and implement them where you can!
We continue our player pitfalls series with a discussion on an issue coaches see with their players, with that being pouting. Adam and TJ dive into why this is not only an issue for the player but also for the team as a whole.
In a world where the relationship gap between coaches and ‘trainers’ seems to grow constantly, we discuss how coaches and trainers can start getting on the same page to better serve the players they work with. As a former coach and current owner of the Blue Collar Basketball (GA) basketball development company, PGC’s Sam Allen […]
It’s easy to go through the motions in the gym, but for players looking to be their best they have to be intentional about their intensity of their work. In this continuation of our player pitfalls series we challenge players to raise their level of effort.
What goes in must come out… Today we bring you a conversation between Adam and TJ stressing the importance for coaches and players to be intentional about their in-season consumption of all things because of the effect things we take in have on our daily lives. From the food and exercise you get to the […]
Today we discuss whether or not coaches should make leadership and teaching life lessons a priority in their program. With occasional comments from parents or administration about how coaches should ‘just stick to basketball’, this is a conversation that needs to be had!
In our recent survey asking coaches what they think players could improve upon, one of the common replies dealt with a common response coaches receive from players after any kind of coaching or instruction. Players often naturally respond to this coaching or instruction saying “I know, I know, I know” which can be a frustration […]
Today’s shoot-a-round episode features a first half discussion on the noteworthy ejection numbers during the early stages of this NBA season. We finish the second half with our thoughts on the recent headlines made by the Ball family.
Have you recently assessed your ability to concentrate and be mentally tough? If not, use today’s episode to help you reflect on your ability in these areas as it may be a much needed practice to get you back to your highest level of performance. Make sure to share today’s episode with a coach or […]
Continuing our series of player pitfalls, today we discuss one of the most common areas coaches told us they believe players can improve upon, with that being how players handle trips to road games. Coaches and players need to be on the same page in their demeanor when traveling to road games, and we believe […]
One of the most important aspects of coaching is to know when to push certain buttons with your team, whether that be asking even more of them or pulling back the intensity for a short time. Today Adam and TJ share how you can decipher these situations to get the most from your team.
With questions coming from our hustlers around the subject of how to handle large leads in games by demonstrating proper coaching etiquette, we bring you a conversation with thoughts that will help you decipher how to act in these situations. When to pull your starters, pull back on a full court press, and tweaking your […]
We’re back with part 2 of our player pitfalls series where we discuss areas players can improve based on direct feedback from coaches. Today we focus on something that isn’t talked about very much but can be a major distraction for players, with that being looking into the stands during games. Whether players are concerned […]
Stemming from a powerful concept in a book Adam recently read, today we share a 3 step practice that will help take your communication to a new level.
Coaches can be quick to micro-manage their players, which at times may interrupt the learning and development capabilities of the players. Today we share a discussion about when to step in and instruct and when to step back and allow your players to learn through their mistakes.
In a recent poll we ran on twitter we asked coaches about the pitfalls they see in players today. One of the most common responses we received was about eye contact from players, and in today’s player episode Adam and TJ share the importance of great eye contact as well as how players can improve […]
As coaches it’s important to respond and adjust to current situations, but equally important to prepare for things that are to come. How do you become a coach who can anticipate things well? Adam and TJ break down this coaching skill in today’s episode.
Players who have to constantly try to ‘turn on the switch’ may need to re-evaluate their mindset. In this player episode Adam and TJ challenge players to assess their approach the game and avoid having to rely on flipping the switch.
Merry Christmas! In this festive episode Adam and TJ discuss hoops and the holidays. We hope our Hustlers enjoy this time with their families and are able to re-charge for the new year.
Getting a ‘spark’ off the bench can sometimes change the outcome of a game, and today we share how you can be more effective in coming off of the bench in whatever your role is on the team. Make sure to share this episode with another player today!
Today our Hustlers get an inside look into the minds of co-hosts Adam and TJ as they take turns asking each other ‘hot seat’ questions in a back and forth format. From NBA coach rankings to intense coaching stories, we cover many topics in this fun Q&A episode.
In today’s episode Adam and TJ share a great story about Larry Fitzgerald and his approach to the game that is sure to inspire you and provide ideas about how you can make the most of your athletic career.
In this player episode we challenge players to evaluate how well they stick to their word. Those that can be faithful with the little things will be presented bigger things, and that starts with doing all the things you say you are going to do. Make sure to share this episode with a player today!
Inspired by a recent podcast Adam heard about keeping proper perspective at all times, today’s episode is a great reminder for coaches to see the positivity in every situation during the highs and lows of a season. We hope it encourages you to see the ‘good’ at all times.
How do you dominate the 24 hour period before your upcoming game? Adam and TJ share their conversation to help motivate and inspire coaches to be the best in this area.
Players experience many highs and lows throughout a season, and the importance of keeping the right perspective to be able to stay the course can’t be understated. Adam and TJ share ways for players to live ‘somewhere in the middle’ in order to avoid getting too high or low during the season.
In today’s episode Adam and TJ discuss the trait of competitiveness. Some would argue that you’re either born a true competitor or you’re not, while others could say that growth in this area over time is like growth in other areas. Make sure to share your thoughts with us on Twitter by tweeting @Hardwood_Hustle!
“On BAD teams, no one leads. On AVERAGE teams, coaches lead. On GREAT teams, players lead.” This quote epitomizes the topic of today’s episode where Adam and TJ continue their talk about how you can shift your team from a coach-led team to player-led to truly maximize the potential of your team.
In today’s player episode we are joined by professional skills coach Jordan Lawley who shares insightful tips for players to take their game to the next level. Make sure to join Jordan’s huge following on instagram for daily tips and skills breakdowns: @JLAWBBALL
“On BAD teams, no one leads. On AVERAGE teams, coaches lead. On GREAT teams, players lead.” This quote epitomizes the topic of today’s episode where Adam and TJ talk about how you can shift your team from a coach-led team to player-led to truly maximize the potential of your team.
More and more often we hear coaches like Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich sharing their thoughts on current political topics. In this episode Adam and TJ discuss how this can impact the game going forward.
Players hear coaches stress the importance of focusing on a specific task to accomplish a goal. However, sometimes it may be necessary to have more than one priority at a time, and in today’s episode we discuss how players can develop a plan B while they pursue plan A.
Most coaches are role models or even parent figures for their players, and the importance of coaches sticking to their word can not be overstated. Adam and TJ share their thoughts on how coaches can be better at setting an example for the players they lead.
We’re back with another shoot-a-round episode covering some of the early NBA season headlines. We jump into the first half discussing some of the best performers through the first month of the season, and finish the second half discussing some of the parity that’s being seen across the NBA.
We often refer to the quote ‘How you do anything is how you do everything’ and in this player episode we discuss the importance of players being more focused on how they do things rather than what they are doing.
With over 15 million players, parents, and coaches using the TeamSnap sports communication app, creating and managing growth is certainly a specialty of the TeamSnap brand. We believe coaches will take away key leadership principles shared in this episode by Ken McDonald, Vice President of TeamSnap.
At a recent PGC Glazier clinic in Los Angeles Adam and TJ were joined by a state championship winning coaching staff comprised of assistant coach Darryl and head coach Tanisha, who also happen to be father and daughter to each other. They share great perspective on what it’s like to coach with family, which few […]
In today’s game almost every team uses the pick and roll as an integral part of their offense, and in this player episode we are joined by Atlanta Hawks Josh Magette who has used his skill in the pick and roll to get to the professional level. Josh shares his mindset behind reading and using […]
In today’s world, more and more communication occurs from a distance. With team members all over the world, TeamSnap’s Vice President Ken McDonald brings great insight into how you can excel in your communication no matter where your team happens to be.
Former NBA player Michael Doleac joins us for a great interview in this episode. We discuss his current coaching role, growth mindsets, and much more!
As we begin a new basketball season, coaches must prepare for the highs and lows that their team’s will experience throughout the year. In today’s episode Adam and TJ discuss how coaches can better navigate these situations by staying ‘somewhere in the middle’ and managing to the exciting highs and devastating lows.
In today’s episode we break down some of the dynamics facing the Oklahoma City Thunder throughout the 2017-18 season.
In part 2 of this 2 part series on the recent NCAA scandal, our roundtable including Adam, TJ, Sam Allen and Graham Maxwell share their thoughts on what can be done going forward in major college basketball to reduce the occurrence of these issues.
In today’s episode we bring you part one of a round table discussion featuring Adam, TJ, Sam Allen and Graham Maxwell with thoughts on the news of the recent NCAA bribery scandal.
Players, are you waiting to express your leadership ability for when you get older and it finally becomes ‘your turn’? In today’s episode Adam and TJ share how you can lead in whatever role you have on the team TODAY, as well as why you should lead with this mindset.
You know TeamSnap for their weekly communication tips, and today we’re joined by Chief Growth Officer Ken McDonald to talk about creating culture. Recently voted as one of the best places to work in America, you’ll love the insight from the TeamSnap organization in today’s episode.
In this NBA episode we begin with two quarters discussing pro athletes and their interactions on social media. The second half begins with our thoughts on cities deserving NBA teams, and finish the 4th quarter with our thoughts on the new Nike uniforms.
Players, are you putting in as much work as you possibly can and still not seeing the results you want? We share tips to help you keep perspective and stay motivated no matter what situation you are in.
In Episode 143 we discuss how coaches can improve team culture and buy-in by taking the focus off of their ‘story’ and enhancing their player’s stories. We hope this challenges and encourages you today, and don’t forget to send us as tweet @Hardwood_Hustle to let us know what you thought!
Players, ever had to deal with a coach who just wouldn’t let up on you? We share our thoughts on how you can handle yourself in these situations and make the best of the relationship with your coach.
In the first half of today’s shoot-a-round we share our thoughts on the Kyrie Irving / Isaiah Thomas trade, and finish with a 2nd half discussion on the retirement of both of Kobe Bryant’s jerseys in LA.
We are joined for an incredible interview with West Point graduate, former Duke coach and current ESPN analyst Chris Spatola. He brings an amazing perspective to today’s episode and shares his journey, leadership experiences, and much more.
If you play a team sport, at some point you will have to deal with teammates who bring negative energy. Whether you’ve been that negative teammate or have several on your team, we share ways for you to bring positive energy in these negative situations.
In today’s episode we challenge coaches to change their thinking when it comes to leadership development. When we want players to improve their skills on the court, what do we do? Create drills, games, and challenges to reinforce those skills. Leadership is not different, and for players to truly improve their leadership skills they need […]
In today’s episode we’re excited to share the basketball journey of Josh Magette who is currently on a two-way contract for the Atlanta Hawks. Josh’s story is sure to inspire you as a basketball player, coach, or fan of the game. Enjoy this edition of the Hardwood Hustle!
In today’s player episode we share ways for players to stay competitive throughout an entire practice. Competition increases the level of energy and enthusiasm, and practices only become better as the competitive spirit increases. Share with another player today!
At a recent Spalding IQ basketball camp, Adam had a chance to sit down and talk with Chauncey Billups and talk leadership and mentoring. In today’s episode Adam and TJ discuss what Chauncey had to say about leadership and mentoring. You won’t want to miss this episode!