Coach 2 Coach

Jason Belcourt
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Fortnightly

Coach 2 Coach is a podcast for anyone coaching youth basketball - whether you’re running your first under-8’s team, or you’ve been on the sidelines for years. Each episode, we sit down with a different coach to hear their stories, lessons, wins and mistakes — from grassroots through to high-performance pathways. No fluff, no lectures — just honest conversations about what works (and what doesn’t) when you’re trying to help young players grow their game and love the sport.

  1. 21 June

    The Question Every Player Hates Answering (w Riley Parkinson)

    For this episode, we visited Riley Parkinson at his training facility in South Morang to chat about player development, skills training, and how coaches can help young athletes take the next step in their basketball journey. Drawing on his experience working with players of all ages and skill levels, Riley shares practical insights into identifying player weaknesses, building effective training sessions, and developing the fundamental skills every player needs, including finishing, ball handling, passing, shooting, and handling contact. The conversation explores how coaches can create more purposeful practices by combining multiple skills within a single drill, helping players improve in several areas at once while keeping training engaging and game-like. Riley also highlights the importance of off-ball movement, spacing, and teaching players to understand their role even when they don’t have the ball in their hands. Beyond the technical side of the game, Riley discusses the importance of adapting coaching styles to individual players and reminds us that great coaching is ultimately about developing people, not just basketballers. Whether you’re coaching domestic juniors or aspiring representative players, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help your athletes improve while creating a positive and supportive environment for growth. Connect with Riley: Instagram – parkoballNext Level Hoops

    25 min

  2. 7 June

    The Long Game of Player Development (w Zoe Zwerling)

    In this episode, we’re joined by coach and basketball educator Zoe Zwerling for a wide-ranging conversation on coaching, mindset, and teaching the game in a way that builds long-term players. Zoe shares her coaching journey, which began in high school and evolved into running her own programs and working across multiple teams and development environments. She reflects on how different coaches across her playing career shaped her approach today, taking lessons from both positive and challenging experiences. A key theme of the episode is mindset and mental toughness. Zoe speaks about the importance of competitive drive, emotional control, and learning how to reframe mistakes — including viewing missed shots as part of the game rather than failure. She highlights how elite players focus on growth, process, and consistency rather than short-term emotion. The discussion also explores how she structures coaching sessions to build self-sufficient players. From encouraging decision-making in chaotic situations to using simple frameworks like shot selection “traffic lights,” Zoe emphasises teaching concepts that transfer beyond a single team or season. At its core, this episode is about developing players who can think, adapt, and continually grow — both on and off the court. Connect w Zoe via the Instagram @zzzwerlz

    25 min

  3. 24 May

    A Lifetime Of Basketball: 40+ Years Of Building Players And Programs (w Mark Watkins)

    In this episode, we sit down with one of Victorian basketball’s most respected coaching figures, Mark Watkins, for a conversation that spans more than four decades in the game. From grassroots domestic basketball through to the AIS, Vic Metro, SEABL/NBL pathways and senior representative programs, Mark reflects on the experiences, mentors and opportunities that shaped his coaching journey. Mark shares stories from growing up around basketball culture at the old Albert Park Stadium, coaching alongside legendary figures like Barry Barnes and Gordie McLeod, and helping develop players who would go on to represent Australia and build long professional careers. The conversation explores coaching philosophy, the importance of consistent club-wide development, the evolution of pathways in Australian basketball, and why teaching fundamentals and building culture still matter just as much today as they did 30 years ago. There’s also insight into the realities of high-level coaching, stepping away from senior roles, mentoring younger coaches, and the importance of timing, relationships and hard work when opportunities appear. Packed with basketball history, practical coaching wisdom and stories from one of the game’s genuine lifers, this is a fascinating listen for coaches, players and anyone passionate about Australian basketball development.

    29 min

  4. 9 May

    The 1%ers That Build Coaching Opportunities (w Austin Hoffman)

    In this episode, we sit down with young coach Austin Hoffman for a conversation about the “1%ers” that help build coaching opportunities — both on and off the court. Recorded inside a busy basketball stadium, there’s a bit of background noise throughout, but the passion for coaching and basketball culture shines through loud and clear. Austin shares his journey from coaching beginner domestic teams to working within the Knox Raiders program, reflecting on how effort, attitude and relationships have helped open doors along the way. The conversation explores the importance of being seen putting in the work, creating strong team culture, embracing small roles before bigger opportunities arrive, and why “you never know who’s watching” has become such an important mindset in coaching. There’s also plenty of basketball talk along the way — including appreciation for role players, Melbourne United, and why Austin believes players like Kyle Bowen embody the value of doing the little things that help teams succeed. A practical and honest chat for young coaches, developing leaders, and anyone trying to grow within the game.

    19 min

  5. 26 Apr

    Defence, Roles, and Buy-In: Building a Season That Works (w Jerome Rama)

    Jerome Rama walks through the full journey of building a competitive junior team—from selections right through to a Nationals campaign—and what actually makes it work. He shares why he prioritises roles and defensive mindset over simply picking the most talented players, and how that clarity creates stronger buy-in from both athletes and parents. Practice games are treated as testing grounds, not scoreboards, with a focus on exposing weaknesses early and preparing for real game scenarios. A big part of his approach is putting players in decision-making situations—late-game scenarios, scoreboard pressure, and tactical adjustments—so they learn how to respond without relying on the coach. Off the court, he’s equally intentional with parents, setting expectations early, communicating roles clearly, and keeping everyone aligned to avoid mixed messages. It all builds toward a simple idea: when players understand their role, parents are on board, and the team knows how it wants to play, winning becomes a byproduct—not the focus.

    30 min

  6. 12 Apr

    The Wins Beyond the Scoreboard (w Talia Rees)

    In this episode, we explore what it really means when coaches say “sometimes losing is winning” — and how that plays out in a real junior program. Talia shares her approach to being a process-driven coach, focusing less on the scoreboard and more on how her teams play. From ball movement and shot selection to decision-making under pressure, the emphasis is on recognising progress, even in games that don’t result in a win. We also dive into the practical ways she brings this to life, including narrowing the focus to one or two key objectives per game and using reflective journaling to help players evaluate their own performance. That process is starting to pay off, with players identifying their own improvements and taking more ownership of their development. At the heart of it all is creating an environment where players feel safe to try, make mistakes, and learn — building confidence, awareness, and a genuine understanding of the game over time. It’s a great insight into how shifting the focus away from results can actually lead to better long-term outcomes for both players and teams.

    20 min

  7. 29 Mar

    You’re Probably Not Coaching the Next Steph Curry – And That’s the Point (w Grant Exxon)

    In this episode, we explore a different perspective on coaching — one that goes well beyond drills, plays, and game-day results. Grant shares why he sees coaching as an extension of his role as an educator, with a strong focus on relationships, character, and influence. He challenges the idea that youth coaching is about developing elite players, instead reframing it as an opportunity to guide young people through important life lessons. We unpack how team culture is built through simple, consistent behaviours — encouraging teammates, sharing the ball, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. Grant also highlights the role coaches play in setting standards, not just for players, but for parents and the wider team environment. It’s a thoughtful reminder that while basketball is the vehicle, the real impact of coaching is in shaping people — and that responsibility is both significant and a genuine privilege.

    25 min

  8. 14 Mar

    What a 15YO Coach Is Learning About Coaching (w Hayden Rowell)

    In this episode we hear from young coach Hayden Rowell, who shares what he’s learned in his first year and a half of coaching. Hayden reflects on the early challenges of stepping into a leadership role, including building confidence, communicating clearly with players, and learning how different kids absorb information. He explains why visual teaching works better than whiteboard diagrams for younger teams, and how short games and varied activities help keep players engaged during training. We also explore the importance of preparation — from planning structured training sessions to reviewing game footage to identify areas for improvement. It’s an honest look at the learning curve of a new coach, and a reminder that coaching doesn’t just develop players — it also helps young coaches see and understand the game in a whole new way.

    14 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Coach 2 Coach is a podcast for anyone coaching youth basketball - whether you’re running your first under-8’s team, or you’ve been on the sidelines for years. Each episode, we sit down with a different coach to hear their stories, lessons, wins and mistakes — from grassroots through to high-performance pathways. No fluff, no lectures — just honest conversations about what works (and what doesn’t) when you’re trying to help young players grow their game and love the sport.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Belcourt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jason Belcourt
  • Show Website
    Coach 2 Coach

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