Coaching Youth Hoops (Youth Basketball Coach)

Teachhoops.com

Check us out at www.coachingingyouthhoops.com Are you a new or experienced youth basketball coach looking to cut through the noise and have someone just tell you what works? It’s easy to waste time and money learning how to coach Kindergarten through 8th-grade basketball on your own. Join seasoned youth basketball coaches Bill and Steve as they give you the blueprint you need to succeed on and off the court. In each episode, you'll discover easy-to-implement tips and techniques that you can apply to your next practice. Will Launch Weekly on Tuesday Mornings

  1. 1D AGO

    Should You Run Set Plays or Motion Concepts at the Youth Level?

    https://teachhoops.com/ The decision to run set plays at the youth level is one of the most debated topics in coaching. Many coaches fall into the "Command and Control" trap, scripting every movement to ensure the ball gets to the best player. However, heavy reliance on set plays often leads to "Robotic Play." When young athletes are focused solely on "getting to a spot," they stop reading the defense, watching the ball, or understanding the geometry of the court. At the youth level, your primary goal is to build Basketball IQ and Decision-Making. While one or two simple sets can provide a "safety net" for a nervous team, the bulk of your offensive "menu" should be built on conceptual motion that teaches players how to play, not where to stand. The most effective way to transition away from rigid plays is through "Conceptual Frameworks" like the "3-Out, 2-In" or "5-Out" Motion. Instead of a 15-step play, give your players simple "If-Then" rules: "If I pass, then I must cut or screen away." or "If my teammate drives, then I must find an open window." This "Constraint-Based" teaching allows players to develop their own "feel" for the game. In practice, use "Small-Sided Games" (2-on-2 or 3-on-3) to drill these concepts. When a player successfully reads a back-door cut because their defender overplayed the pass, they are learning a skill that will last their entire career—unlike a set play that might only work for one season. Finally, if you do choose to run set plays, ensure they are "Universal Sets"—plays that teach multiple skills simultaneously. For example, a simple "Box" or "Stack" out-of-bounds play can teach timing, screening angles, and triple-threat positioning. As the season progresses into the "mid-season grind," evaluate your offensive efficiency: Are you scoring because the play worked, or because your players made a great read? Use your TeachHoops member calls to audit your "Playbook vs. Concept" balance. By prioritizing autonomy and skill acquisition over scoreboard results in the short term, you develop resilient, high-IQ athletes who are prepared for the complexities of high school and collegiate basketball. Youth basketball plays, basketball coaching, offensive strategy, basketball IQ, motion offense vs set plays, player development, youth basketball drills, coaching philosophy, decision-making in sports, small-sided games, basketball spacing, youth basketball offense, basketball tactics, coach development, team culture, 5-out motion, pass and cut, basketball skill acquisition, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, athletic leadership, game-based learning, basketball mentorship, offensive concepts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    13 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Ep 311 Do punishments actually motivate better performance? ( Part 2)

    https://teachhoops.com/⁠ What really defines a team leader under pressure—is it just being the loudest or hardest worker? It’s a common myth that leading by example is enough, but real leadership digs much deeper. In this episode, Bill Flitter and special guest Steve Breitenstein—an expert in player development—expose what leadership truly means on and off the court. How clear is your definition of leadership? Discover how to: Make decisions under pressure. Ditch the “confidence” cliché and embrace courage. Create an environment where mistakes fuel growth. Even more game-changing ideas await.Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Find Steve Breitenstein at https://www.winningleader.com/ 💲Unlock More Revenue at your Tournament. Reward the Stands.⁠https://sidelinesavings.com/⁠ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/⁠ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/⁠ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai⁠ leadership, youth coaching, decision making, game pressure, feedback techniques, lead by example, confidence, courage, player development, performance coaching, positive reinforcement, accountability, team culture, winning mindset, practice habits, communication, mistakes and learning, coach-athlete relationship, motivation, emotional intelligence, team goals, role of captains, clarity in leadership, letting players fail, managing vs leading, positive sandwich feedback, building resilient athletes, parent involvement, effective coaching strategies, developing captains, adversity in sports Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    24 min

  3. FEB 17

    Do punishments actually motivate better performance? ( Part 1)

    https://teachhoops.com/ What really defines a team leader under pressure—is it just being the loudest or hardest worker? It’s a common myth that leading by example is enough, but real leadership digs much deeper. In this episode, Bill Flitter and special guest Steve Breitenstein—an expert in player development—expose what leadership truly means on and off the court. How clear is your definition of leadership? Discover how to: Make decisions under pressure. Ditch the “confidence” cliché and embrace courage. Create an environment where mistakes fuel growth. Even more game-changing ideas await.Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Find Steve Breitenstein at https://www.winningleader.com/ 💲Unlock More Revenue at your Tournament. Reward the Stands.https://sidelinesavings.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai leadership, youth coaching, decision making, game pressure, feedback techniques, lead by example, confidence, courage, player development, performance coaching, positive reinforcement, accountability, team culture, winning mindset, practice habits, communication, mistakes and learning, coach-athlete relationship, motivation, emotional intelligence, team goals, role of captains, clarity in leadership, letting players fail, managing vs leading, positive sandwich feedback, building resilient athletes, parent involvement, effective coaching strategies, developing captains, adversity in sports Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    31 min

  4. FEB 12

    Ep 309 Does Ranking Middle Schoolers Help or Hinder Their Long-Term Potential?

    https://teachhoops.com/ The debate over youth player rankings in the AAU circuit is one of the most polarizing topics in modern basketball development. On one hand, proponents argue that rankings provide exposure and a competitive benchmark, helping talented athletes get on the radar of college recruiters earlier than ever before. For a player in a rural area or a non-traditional basketball market, a high ranking from a reputable scouting service can be the "digital resume" that opens doors to elite camps and scholarship opportunities. However, the "Helpful" side of the ledger often ignores the reality that early physical maturity is frequently mistaken for long-term elite potential, leading to a "false positive" ranking for a player who has simply hit their growth spurt sooner than their peers. The "Harmful" perspective focuses on the psychological and developmental "Rot" that occurs when 12- and 13-year-olds are labeled as "elite" before they’ve even entered high school. Rankings often incentivize "stat-padding" and individualistic play over the development of "Basketball IQ" and fundamental team concepts. When a young player is more concerned with their "National Top 100" status than winning a game or making the "extra pass," the foundational "Culture of the Game" begins to erode. Furthermore, being ranked early can lead to a "fixed mindset"—a belief that they have already "made it"—which often results in a plateau in work ethic during the critical developmental years of 14 to 17. Ultimately, the impact of rankings depends heavily on the parental and coaching ecosystem surrounding the athlete. If a ranking is treated as a "Starting Line" rather than a "Finish Line," it can be a tool for motivation. However, in the high-pressure environment of "shoe-circuit" AAU tournaments, rankings often serve as a distraction from true skill acquisition. Use your TeachHoops member calls to discuss how to navigate these "Ranking Waters" with your players and parents. By shifting the focus back to "Process over Praise," you can ensure that your athletes stay grounded, hungry, and focused on the only ranking that truly matters: their progress compared to the player they were yesterday. AAU basketball, youth player rankings, basketball recruiting, player development, high school basketball, youth basketball, basketball scouting, basketball IQ, coaching philosophy, team culture, athletic exposure, sports psychology, youth sports development, college basketball recruiting, shoe circuit, basketball camps, elite athletes, fixed mindset vs growth mindset, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, athletic leadership, basketball mentorship, middle school basketball, basketball talent identification. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    14 min

  5. FEB 10

    How are highlight reels changing the youth basketball experience?

    https://teachhoops.com/ How are highlight reels changing the youth basketball experience? Summary Should youth players be creating highlight reels? Are we trying to professionalize youth sports?  Many coaches think that pro-style highlights only “professionalize” youth sports, but Bill Flitter, with guests Irv Garduno and Jeff Snyder, are here to flip that script. These creative minds have cracked the code on turning highlights into powerful coaching tools and timeless memories. Listen in to discover: How to capture game-changing moments without missing out on the action yourself. The ways modern tech saves time for players, parents, and coaches alike. Smarter strategies for film study, team promotion, and recruiting. Even more game-changing tips are waiting inside! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Learn more about KlutchShots.ai. 💲Unlock More Revenue at your Tournament. Reward the Stands.https://sidelinesavings.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Keywords youth sports, coaching, basketball highlights, sports content creation, highlight reels, social media, AI-powered video, memory capture, parental engagement, athlete development, recruiting, video editing, coaching tools, scouting, cloud storage, multi-angle video, professionalizing youth sports, mobile app, 4K video, time-saving technology, instant highlights, sports photography, club programs, brand sponsorships, tournaments, sports ecosystem, organization revenue, sports statistics, sports facilities, sports technology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    38 min

  6. FEB 5

    Is Overcoaching Stifling Your Players' Growth?

    https://teachhoops.com/ https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ Sideline Savings Overcoaching in youth basketball is often born out of a coach’s desire to help, but it frequently results in "paralysis by analysis" for the athletes. When a coach provides a constant play-by-play commentary from the sideline, they effectively move the "brain" of the game from the player to themselves. This prevents young athletes from developing their own instinctive feel and decision-making skills. In youth sports, the game is the best teacher; every time a coach "fixes" a mistake mid-play, they rob the player of the opportunity to recognize the error, adjust, and learn through experience. A quiet sideline often indicates a coach who has prepared their team so well in practice that they trust them to execute during the game. A key sign of overcoaching is the overuse of complex, rigid set plays that don't allow for player autonomy. At the youth and high school levels, the focus should be on teaching concepts rather than patterns. If a player is only focused on "getting to spot X" because the coach shouted it, they aren't reading the defense or looking for the open gap. To combat this, coaches should utilize "Small-Sided Games" (SSGs) in practice that force players to make reads under specific constraints. This shifts the coach's role from a "director" to a "facilitator," allowing the athletes to develop the "Basketball IQ" necessary to solve problems on their own when the game is on the line. Finally, overcoaching often manifests as an obsession with mechanics at the expense of flow and fun. While fundamentals are crucial, stopping a drill every thirty seconds to correct a player's elbow position can kill the energy of a session and make athletes afraid to take risks. Instead, use "Twitter-length" coaching points—concise, three-to-five-word instructions—and let the players play. The mid-season grind is the perfect time to audit your own vocal presence: are you providing a solution, or are you asking a question that helps the player find it themselves? By stepping back and letting the game belong to the players, you foster a sense of ownership and joy that leads to better long-term development and a more resilient team culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    14 min

  7. FEB 3

    How do you balance competition and child development? ( part 2)

    https://teachhoops.com/ Does every youth sport really need to break the bank to provide a winning experience? Many believe only big-city organizations with big budgets can develop top talent. This episode proves otherwise. Bill Flitter welcomes baseball and basketball multi-sport coach Derick Wagner, who shares how small-town programs can keep costs low and culture high. How are you investing in your players’ enjoyment and growth? Hear how to: Build a family-first culture that keeps kids coming back. Use resourceful sponsorships to create opportunities for all. Define “winning” beyond the scoreboard. There’s plenty more coaching wisdom on the way. Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 💲Unlock More Revenue at your Tournament. Reward the Stands.https://sidelinesavings.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Keywordsyouth sports coaching, travel baseball, sponsorships, small town athletics, keeping costs low, scholarship fund, parent involvement, team culture, team organization, youth basketball, coaching philosophy, fundamentals, player development, coaching clinics, sportsmanship, volunteer coaches, player tryouts, selecting players, handling mistakes, building confidence, game strategy, fun in sports, coaching challenges, communication with parents, team bonding, positive environment, competitive balance, drills and practice, role of parents, managing expectations https://teachhoops.com/⁠ Does every youth sport really need to break the bank to provide a winning experience? Many believe only big-city organizations with big budgets can develop top talent. This episode proves otherwise. Bill Flitter welcomes baseball and basketball multi-sport coach Derick Wagner, who shares how small-town programs can keep costs low and culture high. How are you investing in your players’ enjoyment and growth? Hear how to: Build a family-first culture that keeps kids coming back. Use resourceful sponsorships to create opportunities for all. Define “winning” beyond the scoreboard. There’s plenty more coaching wisdom on the way. Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 💲Unlock More Revenue at your Tournament. Reward the Stands.⁠https://sidelinesavings.com/⁠ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/⁠ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/⁠ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai⁠ Keywordsyouth sports coaching, travel baseball, sponsorships, small town athletics, keeping costs low, scholarship fund, parent involvement, team culture, team organization, youth basketball, coaching philosophy, fundamentals, player development, coaching clinics, sportsmanship, volunteer coaches, player tryouts, selecting players, handling mistakes, building confidence, game strategy, fun in sports, coaching challenges, communication with parents, team bonding, positive environment, competitive balance, drills and practice, role of parents, managing expectations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    32 min

  8. JAN 29

    How do you balance competition and child development?

    https://teachhoops.com/ Does every youth sport really need to break the bank to provide a winning experience? Many believe only big-city organizations with big budgets can develop top talent. This episode proves otherwise. Bill Flitter welcomes baseball and basketball multi-sport coach Derick Wagner, who shares how small-town programs can keep costs low and culture high. How are you investing in your players’ enjoyment and growth? Hear how to: Build a family-first culture that keeps kids coming back. Use resourceful sponsorships to create opportunities for all. Define “winning” beyond the scoreboard. There’s plenty more coaching wisdom on the way. Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 💲Unlock More Revenue at your Tournament. Reward the Stands.https://sidelinesavings.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Keywordsyouth sports coaching, travel baseball, sponsorships, small town athletics, keeping costs low, scholarship fund, parent involvement, team culture, team organization, youth basketball, coaching philosophy, fundamentals, player development, coaching clinics, sportsmanship, volunteer coaches, player tryouts, selecting players, handling mistakes, building confidence, game strategy, fun in sports, coaching challenges, communication with parents, team bonding, positive environment, competitive balance, drills and practice, role of parents, managing expectations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    33 min
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About

Check us out at www.coachingingyouthhoops.com Are you a new or experienced youth basketball coach looking to cut through the noise and have someone just tell you what works? It’s easy to waste time and money learning how to coach Kindergarten through 8th-grade basketball on your own. Join seasoned youth basketball coaches Bill and Steve as they give you the blueprint you need to succeed on and off the court. In each episode, you'll discover easy-to-implement tips and techniques that you can apply to your next practice. Will Launch Weekly on Tuesday Mornings

Information

  • Creator
    Teachhoops.com
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    325
  • Rating
    Clean

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