Better Coaching with Luke Gromer

Luke Gromer | RYG Athletics
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The Better Coaching Podcast connects coaches with ideas and strategies they can implement to grow as a coach and a leader so they can develop better teams, better players, and better people. Host Luke Gromer sits down with some of the world's best coaches, leaders, and experts to uncover the strategies coaches need to go from good to great. Topics include leadership, practice design, mental performance, culture, teaching, communication, and more! Whether you're coaching youth sports or leading a pro team, you’ll leave every episode with actionable tools to coach and lead better.

  1. 129. Kids These Days: Effective Strategies for Coaching Gen Z and Beyond with Betsy Butterick

    FEB 2

    129. Kids These Days: Effective Strategies for Coaching Gen Z and Beyond with Betsy Butterick

    In this episode of the Better Coaching podcast, Luke Gromer speaks with Betsy Butterick about her new book, 'Kids These Days,' which explores effective strategies for coaching Gen Z athletes. They discuss the unique challenges that Gen Z presents to coaches, the importance of leading with 'why,' and how to navigate technology in coaching. Betsy emphasizes the need for co-creation in team environments, the difference between praise and affirmation, and the significance of modeling vulnerability and accountability as a coach. The conversation also touches on how to teach accountability among peers and the importance of creating tech-free spaces for genuine connection. — RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below. Director interest form:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RYG Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community! 📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — GUEST INFO Betsy Butterick Communication specialist and coaches coach Former basketball coach and player Guest’s Website: https://betsybutterick.com/  — CONTACT US You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Communication 01:21 Understanding Gen Z in Coaching 02:02 Understanding Gen Z: The Motivation Behind the Book 05:06 Navigating the 'Why' Barrier in Coaching 08:04 Technology's Role in Coaching and Communication 10:54 Creating Tech-Free Spaces for Connection 13:48 Co-Creation: Empowering Athletes in Decision Making 16:59 Building Team Culture Through Co-Creation 27:48 Empowering Gen Z Through Responsibility 29:11 The Importance of Affirmation Over Praise 35:17 The Lasting Impact of Coaches' Words 42:43 Modeling Vulnerability and Accountability 50:18 Teaching Accountability Among Peers Takeaways Understanding Gen Z's unique challenges is crucial for effective coaching.Leading with 'why' enhances engagement and understanding among athletes.Technology is a part of athletes' lives; coaches must adapt to it.Creating tech-free spaces fosters genuine connections among team members.Co-creation empowers athletes and enhances team culture.Affirmation is more impactful than generic praise in building confidence.Modeling vulnerability as a coach encourages accountability among athletes.Teaching accountability requires practice in low-stakes environments.Conversations about mental health and technology are essential for today's athletes.The power of words can significantly impact an athlete's self-perception and confidence.Keywords coaching, Gen Z, leadership, communication, technology, accountability, affirmation, youth sports, coaching strategies, athlete development

    57 min
  2. 128. Tiger Style: Eight Steps to Create a Winning Culture with Brian Smith, University of Missouri Wrestling Head Coach

    JAN 26

    128. Tiger Style: Eight Steps to Create a Winning Culture with Brian Smith, University of Missouri Wrestling Head Coach

    In this episode, Luke Gromer sits down with legendary University of Missouri Head Wrestling Coach Brian Smith to dissect the philosophy behind his nearly three decades of sustained success: "Tiger Style." Smith details the evolution of his program's four core pillars—Believe, Compete, One More, and Expect to Win—and shares how he transformed a written vision into a living culture that empowers athletes to take ownership of their development. The conversation dives into actionable strategies for coaches, including the implementation of "Mental Mondays" and "Grateful Fridays" to foster emotional intelligence, the rationale behind high-intensity 90-minute practice sessions over marathon training, and the critical role of personal morning routines in self-leadership. This discussion offers a masterclass in building a process-driven environment where athletes embrace vulnerability through "tough talks" and develop character that outlasts their athletic careers. — RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below. Director interest form:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RYG Website:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community! 📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ — GUEST INFO Brian Smith Head Coach, University of Missouri Men's Wrestling28 years leading the same program12 consecutive conference championships and top-10 NCAA finishes in nine of the last eleven seasonsCoached six wrestlers to a combined 10 National Titles, produced 69 All-Americans, and developed two OlympiansGuest’s Website: https://coachbriansmithspeaker.com/  Guest’s book: Amazon Guest’s Social Links: LinkedIn — CONTACT US You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Keywords building culture, coaching philosophy, team rules, live Tiger style, simplicity in coaching, commitment to class Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coach Brian Smith 03:32 The Foundation of Tiger Style 06:23 The Eight Steps to Success 09:35 Vision and Planning for Success 12:37 Establishing and Reinforcing Culture 15:35 Leadership and Team Dynamics 18:34 Recognizing and Celebrating Success 21:32 The Importance of Mental Toughness 24:22 Building Relationships and Community 27:45 Continuous Growth and Learning 32:15 Mindset and Mental Growth in Sports 36:54 The Importance of Competing 40:10 Practice Philosophy: Shorter and More Intense 45:02 Creating a Culture of Commitment 47:59 The Power of Morning Routines 57:43 Podcast IntroOutro Video.mp4

    58 min
  3. 127. How Coaches Can Develop Mental Mastery in Athletes with Phil Philipou

    JAN 19

    127. How Coaches Can Develop Mental Mastery in Athletes with Phil Philipou

    In this episode, Luke Gromer interviews Phil Philipou, a mindset coach and youth soccer coach, discussing his journey back to coaching after a hiatus, the importance of behavior management, and strategies for developing young athletes both mentally and physically. Phil shares insights on creating a positive coaching environment, the significance of setting clear expectations with parents, and the need for a defined success statement in coaching. The conversation emphasizes the balance between challenge and support in youth sports, and the role of mindset in athlete development. — RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below. Director interest form:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RYG Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community! 📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠⁠⁠ 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠ — GUEST INFO Phil Philipou Mindset coachYouth soccer coach Author of Inspiring Young Minds: Mental Mastery for Youth FootballersGuest’s Website: www.mindsightsport.com Guest’s Email: coach@mindsightsport.com Guest’s Social Links: X | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | LinkedIn Personal | YouTube — CONTACT US You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠ Takeaways Coaching is about developing the person as well as the player.Behavior management is crucial for effective coaching.Using a behavior hierarchy can help maintain control in chaotic environments.Praising effort over talent fosters a growth mindset in athletes.Setting clear expectations with parents is essential for a successful coaching experience.Mistakes are a natural part of learning and should be normalized.The language we use can significantly impact athletes' mindsets.Creating a defined success statement helps guide coaching decisions.Investing time in teaching routines can lead to more effective practices.Mindset coaching can rejuvenate a coach's passion for the sport. Keywords coaching, mindset, youth sports, behavior management, character development, success, parent communication, mental toughness, youth football, coaching strategies

    49 min
  4. 126. Becoming a Head Coach, Building Culture, & Team Rituals with Napoleon Sykes

    JAN 12

    126. Becoming a Head Coach, Building Culture, & Team Rituals with Napoleon Sykes

    In this conversation, Napoleon Sykes joins Luke Gromer to share his extensive coaching journey, discussing the challenges and triumphs of becoming a head coach after 15 years of experience. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong program culture, effective communication with stakeholders, and the value of vulnerability in fostering connections among players. Sykes also highlights the significance of defining success beyond just winning games, focusing on the impact coaches can have on their players' lives. — RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below. Director interest form:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RYG Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community! 📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠⁠ 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 Free Newsletter:⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠ — GUEST INFO Napoleon Sykes just finished up his fifth season at the Lawrenceville School in NJ, capping his 20th season in the coaching profession. He has coached at the youth, high school, collegiate and professional levels, and has built a reputation as a strong recruiter, x's and o's coach, and a culture builder. Connect with Guest: Guest Links: ⁠X | LinkedIn — CONTACT US You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Better Coaching Podcast 00:27 Coach Napoleon Sykes: A Journey Through Coaching 00:55 Key Themes in Coaching: Culture, Staff, and Leadership 01:12 Coaching Journey and Background 05:57 Becoming a Head Coach 13:37 Building a Coaching Staff and Culture 20:14 Establishing Values and Communication 26:16 Reinforcing Culture Through Rituals and Awards 27:45 The Importance of Number Upgrades 30:34 Creating a Supportive Environment for Growth 33:09 Fostering Vulnerability in Young Men 40:34 The Power of Sharing Personal Stories 42:10 Defining Success Beyond Wins 47:52 Building Lasting Relationships with Players Takeaways Coaching is about building relationships and impacting lives.Patience is essential in the journey to becoming a head coach.Creating a clear vision and purpose is crucial for program success.Vulnerability fosters deeper connections among team members.Establishing simple rules can guide behavior and culture.Rituals and awards reinforce the values of the program.Communication with stakeholders is key to program alignment.Success should be defined by the impact on players' lives, not just wins.Coaches must be intentional about creating safe spaces for vulnerability.Building a strong coaching staff is vital for program development.

    53 min
  5. 125. The 4 C's of Coaching and the 4 Pillars of Sustainable Winning with Zach Brandon of Threshold Performance Coaching

    JAN 5

    125. The 4 C's of Coaching and the 4 Pillars of Sustainable Winning with Zach Brandon of Threshold Performance Coaching

    Zach Brandon of Threshold Performance Coaching joins Luke Gromer on The Better Coaching Podcast to discuss sideways vs backwards comparison, the 4 C's for high achieving leaders and coaches, and the four factors needed to foster a winning and sustainable environment for the people you coach and lead. — RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below. Director interest form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ RYG Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community! 📝 Free Podcast Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠ 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 Free Newsletter: ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠ — GUEST INFO Zach Brandon is the founder of Threshold Performance Coaching, where he partners with coaches, teams, and executives to strengthen mindset, leadership, and performance from the inside out. His work focuses on helping coaches build systems and leadership skills that sustain both professional excellence and personal well-being. For seven years, Zach served as Head of Mental Performance and Coach Development for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He continues to serve the organization as a Leadership Performance Consultant, supporting staff development and leadership growth initiatives. Before his time in Major League Baseball, Zach was a Mental Conditioning Coach at IMG Academy (FL), consulting with athletes in baseball, basketball, tennis, and track & field—including Olympic competitors. He is also listed on the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s (USOPC) Mental Performance Registry. A former college athlete, Zach holds dual master’s degrees in Kinesiology (Cal State Fullerton) and Organizational Leadership (Arizona State), along with certification as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Connect with Guest: Guest Links: X | LinkedIn | Newsletter | Podcast — CONTACT US You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Mental Performance 02:48 The Importance of Winning and Living Well 06:06 Navigating Comparison in Coaching 08:58 Understanding the Sideways vs. Backwards Comparison 11:58 The Challenges Coaches Face Today 15:07 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach Support 18:05 The Role of Sherpas in Coaching 20:48 Defining Personal Scoreboards for Coaches 23:54 The Four Cs of Coaching: Clarity, Capacity, Consistency, Courage 35:08 The Four C's of Leadership 37:52 Courage in Coaching 39:45 The Importance of Being a Learner 43:45 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 46:59 Creating a Winning Environment 52:05 Simplifying Systems for Success 56:03 Intentionality in Coaching 58:51 Rapid Fire Insights

    1h 9m
  6. Welcome to The Better Coaching Podcast

    TRAILER

    Welcome to The Better Coaching Podcast

    RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below. Director interest form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE RESOURCES & COMMUNITY 📧 Newsletter: BetterCoachingHub.com📝 Podcast Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CONACT US You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠

    4 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    124. How to Build a Better Learning Environment with Trevor Ragan of The Learner Lab

    Trevor Regan of the Learner Lab joins Luke Gromer to discuss how coaches and leader can build better learning environments. They dive into learning as a skill, the surprising findings of Project Aristotle, what psychological safety is and how to build it, and the connection between action and safety. — RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS The Cutting Edge Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below. Director interest form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community! 📝 Free Podcast Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📧 Free Newsletter: BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe— GUEST INFO Trevor is the founder of The Learner Lab – an educational website designed to unpack and share the science of learning and development. He spends his time with thought leaders and researchers from the worlds of psychology and developmental science, consumes their research, connects the dots, and shares it with anyone that will listen. He’s worked with professional, college, and olympic sports teams, Fortune 50 companies, prisons, and in hundreds of schools across the country. These workshops are designed to help people understand and apply important principles of development, in order to become better, more resilient learners. Connect with Trevor Ragan: Website: https://thelearnerlab.com/trevor-ragan/— CONTACT US You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠

    1 hr

  8. 12/22/2025

    123. Healthy Coaching, Handling Emotion, and Teaching Teamwork with Head Coach Mike Schall of UNC Volleyball (replay)

    Mike Schall, Head Women's Volleyball Coach at the University of North Carolina, joins Luke Gromer to discuss how coaches can coach and lead well while maintaining their own well-being and personal boundaries. — RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS The Cutting Edge Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps. If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below. Director interest form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠— FREE PODCAST NOTES & COACHES COMMUNITY Click the link below to download the show notes from every episode of the podcast! 📝 Podcast Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CuttingEdgeCoach.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join our free community of more than 450 coaches! 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ — GUEST INFO Mike Schall is the Head Coach for the University of North Carolina's Women's Volleyball Team. He's been coaching volleyball for over 30 years from the youth through collegiate levels. Connect with Coach Schall: Guest’s Social Links: ⁠X — CONACT US You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠

    1h 11m
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About

The Better Coaching Podcast connects coaches with ideas and strategies they can implement to grow as a coach and a leader so they can develop better teams, better players, and better people. Host Luke Gromer sits down with some of the world's best coaches, leaders, and experts to uncover the strategies coaches need to go from good to great. Topics include leadership, practice design, mental performance, culture, teaching, communication, and more! Whether you're coaching youth sports or leading a pro team, you’ll leave every episode with actionable tools to coach and lead better.

Information

  • Creator
    Luke Gromer | RYG Athletics
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Luke Gromer | RYG Athletics
  • Show Website
    Better Coaching with Luke Gromer

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