Basketball Coaching Pods

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Channel • 9 Shows

Basketball

Basketball

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Sports

Sports

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Basketball

Basketball

Updated Biweekly
Basketball

Basketball

Updated Daily
Basketball

Basketball

Updated Weekly
Basketball

Basketball

Updated Weekly
Basketball

Basketball

Updated Weekly

1D AGO

Are You Building Confidence… or Coaching from Fear Right Now?

https://teachhoops.com/ As the playoffs approach, pressure rises — and so does the temptation to add more. More sets. More adjustments. More “just in case” preparation. In this episode, Coach Collins challenges coaches to examine whether they’re sharpening their identity or quietly coaching from fear. Late-season success isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about trusting what you already do well. When practices shift from reinforcing strengths to preventing every possible mistake, confidence can erode and hesitation creeps in. This episode explores how to protect clarity, reinforce identity, and lead with courage during the most important stretch of the season. If you’re a few weeks away from postseason play and feeling urgency build, this conversation will help you simplify, refocus, and double down on what truly travels. The strongest teams in March aren’t overloaded — they’re clear. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1d ago

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8 min
3D AGO

How Can You Master Space Create an Unstoppable Offense?

https://teachhoops.com/ Coaching offense is not about teaching plays; it is about teaching spacing and decision-making. The "geometry of the court" is the most powerful weapon a coach possesses. When your spacing is elite, you create "gravity" that pulls defenders away from the basket, opening up driving lanes and creating high-percentage looks. The fundamental rule of spacing is that players must remain "two passes away" from the ball, typically 15 to 18 feet apart. In the mid-season January stretch, offenses often become "cluttered" as players hunt for the ball. To fix this, you must reinforce the concept of "occupying the spots"—ensuring the corners and wings are filled to flatten the defense and force them to make difficult choices between helping on a drive or staying with a shooter. To truly "coach" offense, you must shift your focus from the ball-handler to the four players without the ball. These athletes are the ones who actually "set the table" for success. Utilize "Constraint-Based" drills in practice, such as the 5-on-5 No-Dribble game, to force your team to recognize how movement distortions the defense. If a defender "helps" on a drive, the offensive player in the corner must "drift" or "lift" to stay in the ball-handler's line of sight. This "spatial awareness" is the hallmark of a high-IQ offense. By using TeachHoops member calls to audit your offensive "flow," you can identify if your players are "ball-watching" or if they are actively working to maintain the structural integrity of your spacing. Finally, a championship-caliber offense is defined by its "Second and Third Actions." Most defenses can guard the initial set, but very few can guard the "flow" that follows a kick-out pass. This is where "Pillars of Spacing" like the "Short Corner" and the "High Post" become vital. When the ball moves, the spacing must "reset" instantly. Use film study to show your team the difference between a "cluttered" paint and a "clean" one. When players understand that their spacing is what creates the "easy" shots, they develop a sense of accountability to their spots. By prioritizing the "Where" of the offense just as much as the "Who," you ensure that your team is always in a position to exploit the defense's weaknesses and peak during the postseason. Basketball offense, offensive spacing, basketball coaching, motion offense, basketball IQ, court geometry, youth basketball, high school basketball, spacing principles, drive and kick, basketball tactics, coach development, team culture, offensive flow, basketball drills, five-out offense, four-out one-in, player movement, basketball strategy, shooting lanes, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, athletic leadership, basketball training, offensive efficiency. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

3d ago

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17 min
4D AGO

Are You Truly Ready for Tournament Time… or Just Hoping You Are?

www.teachhoops.com Tournament week is here, and the biggest mistake coaches make is trying to add more instead of trying to sharpen what already works. In this episode, we walk through how to simplify your world, tighten your rotation, and get crystal clear on the handful of actions and coverages you can trust when the pressure hits. Because in win-or-go-home basketball, your team doesn’t need a bigger playbook — they need a clearer one. We also dig into the “margin stuff” that decides most tournament games: rebounding, transition defense, ball security, free throws, and communication. You’ll hear practical ways to structure late-week practices so they feel like tournament intensity without running your team into the ground. Quick situational reps. Pressure free throws. End-of-game decision-making. And a simple scouting approach that keeps kids confident instead of overloaded. Finally, we talk about the coach side of tournament prep — your timeout language, halftime adjustments, emotional control, and Plan B thinking when things get weird (because they always do). Your players borrow your calm, so this episode helps you bring the steady, clear leadership that travels in March. Simplify. Sharpen. Compete. Let’s get ready. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4d ago

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10 min
2D AGO

How Can You Navigate the High-Stakes Stress of a Basketball Season?

https://teachhoops.com/ Coaching stress is an inherent part of the profession, often peaking during the high-stakes games of February as the postseason looms. The pressure doesn't just come from the scoreboard; it stems from the weight of managing player egos, parent expectations, and the constant "mental gymnastics" of tactical adjustments. To survive and thrive, a coach must develop an "Emotional Anchor"—a set of non-negotiable personal rituals that exist outside of the win-loss column. Whether it’s a morning workout, a dedicated ten minutes of mindfulness, or simply stepping away from the film room to spend time with family, these boundaries prevent the "coaching bubble" from becoming a vacuum that consumes your mental well-being. One of the most effective tactical ways to reduce stress is through radical preparation and "systemic trust." Stress often thrives in ambiguity. When you have a clearly documented "Late-Game Menu," a set "Practice Roadmap," and a firm "Communication Protocol" for parents, you remove the fear of the unknown. You aren't "reacting" to chaos; you are "executing" a pre-determined plan. In the heat of a conference rivalry, your stress levels will be significantly lower if you know exactly which "special situation" play you’re calling before the timeout even starts. By "over-preparing" your systems, you allow yourself to remain a "calm captain" for your players when the storm of the game is at its peak. Finally, the most powerful antidote to coaching stress is connection and community. As we’ve discussed, being "alone in the coaching crowd" is a primary driver of burnout. Utilizing TeachHoops member calls or reaching out to a coaching mentor provides the perspective needed to realize that your "crises" are often shared experiences. Sharing the burden of a difficult decision—like handling a selfish player or navigating a losing streak—with someone who has "been there" provides immediate psychological relief. When you realize that your value as a leader is not solely tied to a trophy, you gain the freedom to coach with joy and authenticity, which ironically often leads to the very success you were stressed about achieving. Coaching stress, basketball leadership, mental health for coaches, coach burnout, coaching philosophy, team culture, sports psychology, high school basketball, youth basketball, stress management, athletic leadership, coaching resilience, mid-season grind, basketball strategy, coach development, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, leadership wellness, mindfulness for coaches, game-day pressure, parent management, coaching mentorship, basketball program building, emotional intelligence in sports. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2d ago

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14 min
5D AGO

How Can You Keep Your Practice Environment Fresh and Engaging?

https://teachhoops.com/ Varying basketball practices is the primary defense against the "January Lull"—that mid-season stretch where physical fatigue and mental monotony can lead to a plateau in performance. To keep the energy high, you must intentionally disrupt the "rhythm of the routine." This doesn't mean changing your core values or terminology, but rather changing the delivery method of your drills. If you typically start with a 15-minute fundamental block, try starting with a "High-Intensity Scrimmage" or a competitive "Special Situation" instead. By shifting the sequence of your practice plan, you force the athletes' brains to re-engage and stay "on their toes," ensuring that the gym remains a place of growth rather than a place of habit. A powerful way to vary your sessions is through the use of "Themed Practices" and "Constraint-Based" learning. Instead of a generic practice, dedicate an entire Tuesday to "Defensive Dominance" or a Thursday to "Transition Chaos." During these sessions, apply specific constraints to your 5-on-5 play—such as "no dribbling" or "every possession must touch the post." These variations force players to solve problems in new ways, building a more robust "Basketball IQ." Additionally, use "Competitive Drills" where the score carries over from one segment to the next. When there is a "Winner of the Day" on the line, the natural competitive fire of the athletes will prevent the stagnation that comes from repetitive, non-competitive reps. Finally, variety should be driven by data and player feedback. Use the mid-season to perform a "Practice Audit"—look at your film and see which drills are producing the most "Game-Like" repetitions and which are resulting in players standing in lines. If you notice the energy dipping, be willing to "call an audible" and throw in a "Fun Finisher" or a shooting competition to lift the mood. By utilizing member calls or mentorship to explore new drill libraries, you ensure that you always have a "fresh deck of cards" to play. Remember, a varied practice is a productive practice; when players are excited to see "what’s next" on the plan, they are more likely to give the 100% effort required to build a championship culture. Basketball practice, varying practices, coaching efficiency, player development, basketball drills, team culture, high-intensity training, basketball IQ, games-based learning, small-sided games, basketball coaching tips, mid-season grind, basketball strategy, practice organization, youth basketball, high school basketball, defensive intensity, offensive efficiency, coach development, team chemistry, mental toughness, sports performance, basketball skills, practice evaluation, athletic leadership, coach unplugged, teach hoops. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5d ago

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18 min
6D AGO

How Can You Ensure a Seamless and Meaningful Senior / Parent Night for Families?

https://teachhoops.com/ Senior Night is a high-stakes emotional event that requires the same level of strategic preparation as a conference championship game. For parents, this night represents the culmination of years of early-morning carpools, travel tournaments, and emotional investment in their child's athletic journey. As a coach, your goal is to manage the logistics so flawlessly that the families can focus entirely on the celebration. Start by distributing a clear timeline and "Day-of" protocol at least two weeks in advance. This should include exactly where parents need to meet, the order of the ceremony, and instructions for photos. By removing the guesswork, you reduce "event anxiety" and ensure the focus remains on honoring the seniors' dedication to the program. Effective Senior Night management also involves balancing the emotional ceremony with the competitive demands of the game. It is a common "Senior Night Trap" for the team to come out flat or overly emotional after a long pre-game presentation. To combat this, keep the on-court ceremony concise and impactful. Use "Senior Profiles"—short, pre-written bios read over the PA system—that highlight the player’s favorite memories and future plans. This provides a personal touch without dragging out the timeline. Coaches should also have a clear plan for the starting lineup; while it is traditional to start all seniors, communicate this with your underclassmen early in the week to maintain team chemistry and ensure everyone is locked into the game plan once the ball is tipped. Finally, Senior Night is the ultimate opportunity to strengthen your long-term relationship with the parents and the community. A small, thoughtful gesture—like a handwritten note to the parents thanking them for their support or a framed photo of the player—goes further than any expensive gift. This is the moment to reinforce your program’s "Culture of Gratitude." After the game, regardless of the outcome, take a moment to personally thank the senior families for their "tenure" in your program. By treating Senior Night as a professional, heart-centered production, you turn a simple game into a lifelong memory, proving that your program values the people just as much as the points on the scoreboard. Basketball senior night, parent relations in sports, coaching leadership, team culture, basketball program management, senior night ideas, high school basketball, youth basketball, athletic director tips, coaching philosophy, senior night ceremony, basketball traditions, player recognition, parent communication, sports psychology, game-day logistics, basketball success, coaching mentorship, senior night gifts, team chemistry, coach unplugged, teach hoops, athletic leadership, community engagement, basketball memories, pre-game protocols. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6d ago

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12 min
6D AGO

How Can You Proactively Manage Parent Relationships to Protect Your Program’s Culture?

https://teachhoops.com/ Navigating parent decisions requires a shift from being reactive to being proactively transparent. Most parental conflict arises from a "vacuum of information"—when parents don't understand the why behind playing time or tactical choices, they fill that void with their own assumptions. To prevent this, establish a clear "Communication Protocol" before the first whistle of the season. This should include the "24-Hour Rule" (no discussions for 24 hours after a game) and a clear boundary that playing time will not be discussed during parent meetings. By setting these expectations in writing during the pre-season, you create a professional buffer that allows you to focus on coaching while ensuring parents feel heard through the proper, scheduled channels. A second pillar of managing parent dynamics is the "Player-First" feedback loop. When a parent approaches you with a concern about their child’s role, your first question should always be: "Has [Player Name] talked to me about this yet?" Empowering the athlete to advocate for themselves is a vital part of their development and often de-escalates parental intensity. In your mid-season January check-ins, provide players with clear, objective "Performance Audits"—specific metrics like defensive deflections, rebounding percentages, or turnover ratios. When a parent sees that their child’s role is based on documented, measurable data rather than a coach’s "opinion," the conversation shifts from an emotional debate to a constructive plan for the player's improvement. Finally, remember that parents are the "Culture Carriers" in the stands. If the parents are unified and supportive, the team’s chemistry often follows suit; if they are fractured and critical, the locker room will eventually reflect that toxicity. Use parent meetings or newsletters to educate them on the "Bigger Picture"—show them how the "extra pass" or "bench energy" contributes to the program's success. By treating parents as stakeholders in the mission rather than obstacles to it, you can turn a potential source of stress into a powerful support system. When parents understand that you are invested in their child’s growth as a person as much as a player, they are far more likely to trust your decisions during the high-pressure moments of the season. Basketball parent relations, coaching leadership, team culture, basketball program management, parent-coach communication, playing time discussions, high school basketball, youth basketball, athletic director tips, coaching philosophy, 24-hour rule, sports parent advice, player advocacy, coach development, team chemistry, basketball success, athletic leadership, community engagement, managing expectations, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball mentorship, sports psychology, parent meetings, program standards. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6d ago

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21 min
FEB 4

What Standards Define Your Practice Culture?

https://teachhoops.com/ Practice expectations are the "unwritten rules" that dictate the ceiling of your program's success. As a coach, you must realize that you are not just teaching basketball; you are teaching a standard of excellence. This begins the moment a player walks into the gym. Whether it’s the "shoes on, phones away" rule ten minutes before the whistle or the requirement that every player sprints to the center circle for a huddle, these rituals establish that practice time is sacred. In the mid-season grind of January, it’s easy for these standards to slip. However, elite programs understand that "how you do anything is how you do everything." If you allow a player to cut a corner on a sideline sprint, you are inadvertently teaching them to cut a corner on a defensive rotation in a one-point game. The second pillar of practice expectations is vocal engagement and communication. A quiet gym is a losing gym. You must set the expectation that players are "talking to the ball" and calling out screens on every single repetition. This isn't just about noise; it’s about "Basketball IQ" and shared accountability. When your veterans are the loudest players on the floor, it creates a culture where the younger athletes have no choice but to follow suit. Use "The Three-Second Rule"—if a coach has to wait more than three seconds for a player to respond or get to their spot, the energy is too low. By keeping the pace high and the communication constant, you create a "flow state" where the focus shifts from individual fatigue to collective execution. Finally, expectations must be rooted in measurable effort. Instead of simply asking your players to "play hard," define what "hard" looks like: every loose ball is a dive, every shot is boxed out, and every transition is a full-field sprint. Use a "Culture Scorecard" during practice to reward these "zero-talent" traits. When players know that their effort is being tracked as closely as their shooting percentage, their focus naturally sharpens. By the time you reach the postseason, these expectations should be so deeply ingrained that the players are holding each other accountable. This transition from "coach-led" to "player-led" standards is the hallmark of a championship-caliber team that is ready to win when the pressure is at its highest. Basketball practice, practice expectations, coaching standards, team culture, basketball leadership, player accountability, basketball drills, high school basketball, youth basketball, coaching philosophy, basketball IQ, defensive communication, effort traits, basketball conditioning, coach development, mid-season grind, basketball strategy, basketball success, athletic leadership, team discipline, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball mentorship, game preparation, championship culture, player development. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 4

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21 min
FEB 9

How Can You Engineer a Winning Culture That Outlasts Your Current Roster?

https://teachhoops.com/ A winning culture is not a destination; it is the collective byproduct of your daily standards. While many programs focus on "rules" (the things you can't do), elite cultures are built on "standards" (the things we always do). This distinction is vital because rules require a "police officer" coach, whereas standards are self-policing. In a winning culture, the "minimum acceptable effort" is defined by the players themselves. Whether it’s the way players sprint to the bench during a timeout or the way they communicate on a defensive rotation, these small, consistent behaviors create a "social gravity" that pulls every member of the program toward excellence. When the standards are clear, the culture becomes the "immune system" of the team, naturally identifying and correcting behaviors that don't align with the championship mission. The second pillar of culture building is the intentional creation of rituals and traditions that reinforce your identity. These are the "cultural anchors" that keep the team steady during the inevitable mid-season "January lull." This could be as simple as a "Post-Practice Shoutout" where players recognize a teammate’s "zero-talent" contribution, or a specific pre-game routine that centers the group’s focus. Rituals transform a group of individuals into a unified "tribe." By celebrating the "little things"—like a bench player’s energy or a veteran’s mentorship of a freshman—you prove to the roster that every role is essential. This builds a deep sense of "belonging," which is the psychological fuel that allows athletes to sacrifice personal stats for the good of the unit. Finally, a truly winning culture is defined by its transition from coach-led to player-led accountability. As a coach, your job is to "cast the vision," but the players must be the ones to "carry the torch." When a senior corrects a teammate’s footwork before you have to say a word, you know your culture has taken root. To reach this stage, you must empower your leaders by giving them a voice in the decision-making process—whether it’s picking the "defensive focus" for a practice segment or leading a film session. By treating your players as partners in the process, you foster a sense of ownership that makes them nearly impossible to break under pressure. A championship culture doesn't just win games; it builds leaders who carry these values into every area of their lives. Basketball culture, winning culture, team standards, coaching leadership, basketball program building, high school basketball, youth basketball, coaching philosophy, player accountability, team rituals, basketball IQ, coach-player relationships, team chemistry, championship mindset, coach development, athletic leadership, character development, locker room dynamics, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, mental toughness, leadership empowerment, basketball mentorship, cultural anchors, sports psychology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 9

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16 min
FEB 10

How Do You Decide What to Teach and Where to Focus Your Energy?

Teachhoops.com⁠ ⁠CoachingYouthHoops.com⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/kQ8zyxgfqwUA3ChU7⁠ ⁠Coach Collins Coaching Store⁠ Check out. [Teachhoops.com](⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠) 14 day Free Trial Youth Basketball Coaches Podcast Apple link: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaching-youth-hoops/id1619185302⁠ Spotify link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0g8yYhAfztndxT1FZ4OI3A⁠ ⁠Funnel Down Defense Podcast⁠ ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/funnel-down-defense/id1593734011⁠ Want More ⁠Funnel Down Defense⁠ ⁠https://coachcollins.podia.com/funnel-down-defense⁠ [Facebook Group . Basketball Coaches](⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/basketballcoaches/)⁠ [Facebook Group . Basketball Drills](⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/321590381624013/)⁠ Want to Get a Question Answered? [ Leave a Question here](⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/Teachhoops⁠) Check out our other podcast [High School Hoops ](⁠https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/high-school-hoops-coaching-high-school-basketball/id1441192866⁠) Check out our Sponsors [HERE](https://drdishbasketball.com/) Mention Coach Unplugged and get 350 dollars off your next purchase basketball resources free basketball resources Coach Unplugged Basketball drills, basketball coach, basketball workouts, basketball dribbling drills, ball handling drills, passing drills, shooting drills, basketball training equipment, basketball conditioning, fun basketball games, basketball jerseys, basketball shooting machine, basketball shot, basketball ball, basketball training, basketball camps, youth basketball, youth basketball leagues, basketball recruiting, basketball coaching jobs, basketball tryouts, basketball coach, youth basketball drills, The Basketball Podcast, How to Coach Basketball, Funnel Down Defense FDD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 10

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16 min

Everything you need to Be a Better Basketball Coach