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. 14 MAR

    What a 15YO Coach Is Learning About Coaching

    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

  2. 28 FEB

    Let Them Play: Coaching Creativity And Effort

    In this episode we sit down with young coach Ryan Rowley to unpack the transition from player to coach and what it really means to see the game differently from the sideline. Ryan shares how his playing mindset shaped his coaching philosophy, why he focuses on creativity over control, and what he learned from high-level mentors about watching everything except the ball. From valuing one-percenters over points, to raising standards, coaching the positives, and making effort non-negotiable, this conversation is packed with practical insights for domestic and rep coaches alike. If you’re looking to grow as a coach and build better players, on and off the court, this one’s for you.

    19 min

  3. 14 FEB

    From Local Courts To The Pro Setup: Building A Coaching Career

    In this episode, we sit down with Seb Lees to talk about what happens when you put yourself in a high-performance environment. From coaching his sisters at 13, to rebounding at Boomers camps, to working inside Melbourne United’s professional setup – this is a conversation about exposure, growth, and earning your place. We explore: What elite coaching environments actually feel likeThe difference between junior development and professional performanceWhy standards matter more than speechesThe reality of NBA vs NBL cultureAnd how simply getting in the room can change your perspective as a coachThere aren’t five easy takeaways in this one – but there’s something more valuable: an honest look at how coaches grow when they chase experience.

    21 min

  4. 31 JAN

    Teaching The Game, Not Just The Drills

    In this episode, we sit down with NBL1 veteran Willie Weimer to dig into how high-level playing experience translates to junior coaching — and where it doesn’t. The conversation centres on basketball IQ: teaching kids how to think the game, read situations, move without the ball, and understand how their decisions connect to teammates. Willie shares why ball movement, spacing, screening, and decision-making matter more than running perfect sets — especially at junior level. We talk about the importance of pushing players outside their comfort zones, encouraging mistakes, and valuing “good turnovers” that come from trying to make the right play. There’s a strong focus on confidence, repetition, and letting kids explore the game rather than turning them into robots. The episode also dives into cohesion, trust, and team culture — why players who grow together learn faster, compete harder, and ultimately enjoy the game more. From watching the NBL to adapting concepts for juniors, Willie shares practical ways coaches can simplify elite ideas without losing their intent. A great listen for coaches who want their players to think better, play freer, and develop habits that last well beyond junior basketball.

    17 min

  5. 17 JAN

    It’s Okay If Junior Basketball Looks A Little Messy

    In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Hall to unpack some simple but powerful coaching principles for junior basketball. With a background in both domestic and representative coaching, Mark shares what he’s learned in a relatively short coaching journey — and why simplicity, patience, and repetition matter so much when working with young athletes. We dive into the idea of keeping it simple, focusing on spacing, clear structure, and using concepts like “first side, second side” to help players understand the game without overloading them. The conversation also explores why basketball doesn’t need to look perfect, and how being comfortable with a bit of mess allows players to learn, experiment, and grow. Key themes include: Why spacing is a foundational skill at all junior levelsLetting players play — even when it looks messyThe role of repetition in building confidence and understandingStaying committed to teaching concepts, even when progress is slowA practical, honest conversation for coaches who want to develop smarter players, build confidence, and create environments where kids can learn the game properly — and enjoy it along the way.

    15 min

  6. 3 JAN

    Simple Coaching Habits That Keep Kids Loving Basketball

    In this episode, we sit down with Bendigo coach Gary Dumaresq to talk about one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of junior basketball: keeping the game fun. With close to 20 years of coaching experience and current involvement with the Bendigo Braves and NBL1 programs, Gary shares why enjoyment, positivity, and relationships matter just as much as skills and results, particularly at the under-12 level. We explore what it really means to coach kids, not just players. From celebrating effort and good decisions (even when shots don’t fall), to managing sideline body language, to helping kids respond to mistakes, the conversation is full of simple, practical habits that build confidence and connection. The episode also touches on: Why not every junior needs to be on a high-performance pathwayHow small coaching behaviours shape long-term confidenceBalancing feedback so kids can learn without fearCreating environments where players actually want to keep coming backA grounded, honest conversation that’s a timely reminder: if kids enjoy the game, everything else becomes easier.

    19 min

  7. 20/12/2025

    Coaching Through a Ref’s Eyes

    In this episode, we sit down with a coach who’s seen the game from both sides of the whistle – as a junior coach and as a referee working through the accreditation ranks. We talk about why coaching junior basketball is all about development, excitement, and laying solid foundations, especially in the under 10s and under 12s. From first goals and first steals to building habits that older age-group coaches can work with later on, the focus stays firmly on growth over results. The conversation then shifts to refereeing and what coaches can learn from seeing the game through a ref’s eyes. We unpack the differences between new, experienced, and boundary-pushing coaches, how referees manage contested calls, and why communication, respect, and relationship-building matter – particularly in domestic basketball where you see the same people week after week. There’s also some practical advice for coaches on how to question calls the right way, what refs are actually looking at on the floor, and why selling a decision with confidence is part of the job. A great listen for junior coaches, parents, and anyone wanting a better understanding of how coaching and refereeing can work together to create a better game environment. Note: This episode was recorded in a stadium conference room, so you may hear some background basketballs and sirens throughout.

    17 min

  8. 06/12/2025

    Pathways, Potential & Player Development

    In this episode of Coach 2 Coach, we sit down with Scott Christiansen, Director of Coaching at Frankston Basketball and a coach with more than 40 years of experience developing athletes from under-8s all the way through to college-bound prospects. Scott shares how he identifies talent at the youngest levels, what traits actually matter in long-term development, and why attitude and competitiveness often outshine raw skill. We dive into pathways for junior players, what families should expect as kids move through age groups, and how coaches can balance development with performance in a results-driven environment. From spotting future six-foot-six guards in an under-8 boys comp to taking teams to the U.S. for AAU opportunities, Scott brings a practical, grounded perspective on what it really takes to grow great basketballers — and even greater humans. Whether you’re a junior coach, a parent navigating rep basketball, or someone curious about athlete pathways, this episode is packed with insights from one of the most experienced coaches in the game.

    30 min
See All (14)

Trailer

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
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jason Belcourt
  • Show Website
    Coach 2 Coach