Episodes

  • Ep 2849 Which Three Practice Drills Will Maximize Your Team's Growth Today?

    Ep 2849 Which Three Practice Drills Will Maximize Your Team's Growth Today?
    Feb 22 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ When building a high-impact practice plan, you need a "balanced diet" of drills that address ball movement, defensive urgency, and transition decision-making. Rather than overwhelming your players with a long list of exercises, focusing on three "Master Drills" allows for deeper skill acquisition and higher intensity. These drills should be "Games-Based," meaning they have clear win/loss conditions and force players to make real-time reads. In the heart of the February grind, these three staples will help your team stay sharp, connected, and physically conditioned for the postseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • EP 2848 How Can You Inject Fun into a Competitive Practice Environment?

    EP 2848 How Can You Inject Fun into a Competitive Practice Environment?
    Feb 21 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ The secret to maintaining high engagement during the long mid-season stretch is to realize that "Fun" and "Competitive" are not mutually exclusive. For a basketball player, "fun" isn't necessarily a lack of structure; it is the thrill of a challenge, the clarity of a scoreboard, and the opportunity to "win" something. To foster this, every drill in your practice should have a defined winner and loser. Whether it’s a shooting segment or a defensive shell drill, adding a scoring component instantly raises the heart rate and focus of your athletes. By turning the "grind" of fundamentals into a series of "mini-games," you ensure that the gym remains a high-energy environment where development happens through play. A powerful way to vary the competitive landscape is through the use of "Small-Sided Games" (SSGs). Instead of traditional 5-on-5, utilize 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 drills with specific "bonus points" for the behaviors you want to emphasize. For example, in a "3-on-3 No Dribble" game, a successful back-door cut might be worth three points instead of two. This "Constraint-Based" approach makes the drill feel like a puzzle for the players to solve. When athletes are competing in small groups, they get more touches on the ball and more opportunities for decision-making, which naturally increases the "fun factor" while accelerating their Basketball IQ. Finally, utilize "Gamified Conditioners" to end your sessions on a high note. Rather than running traditional "liners" or "sprints," implement competitive team drills like "Celtic Shooting" or a "Full-Court Pressure Gauntlet" where the winning team gets to "sit" while the losing team performs a brief athletic task. This shifts the focus from the physical pain of conditioning to the strategic goal of winning. Use your TeachHoops member calls to explore new "Fun Finisher" ideas that keep your team laughing and competing until the very last buzzer. When players leave the gym sweating but smiling, they are more likely to return the next day with the "Buy-In" needed to sustain a championship culture. Competitive basketball practices, fun basketball drills, small-sided games, basketball coaching, team culture, player engagement, basketball IQ, youth basketball, high school basketball, coaching philosophy, competitive drills, basketball conditioning, gamified practice, team chemistry, coach development, athletic leadership, basketball motivation, practice planning, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, mental toughness, player buy-in, basketball training. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • Ep 2847 How Can You Protect Your Athletes with Proactive Injury Prevention and Management?

    Ep 2847 How Can You Protect Your Athletes with Proactive Injury Prevention and Management?
    Feb 20 2026
    Teachhoops.com⁠ https://teachhoops.com/ Injury prevention is the "invisible" component of a championship season. While most coaches focus on tactical execution, the most successful programs are those that can keep their best players on the floor. Prevention starts with the RAMP Protocol (Raise, Activate, Mobilize, Potentiate) during every warm-up. Instead of static stretching—which can actually decrease power output—you should utilize dynamic movements that mimic the lateral slides, jumping, and sprinting required in a game. By preparing the nervous system and the joints for the specific stresses of basketball, you significantly reduce the risk of non-contact injuries like ankle sprains and ACL tears. Effective management also requires a sophisticated approach to Load Management. Modern sports science emphasizes the Acute:Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR) to identify when a player is in the "danger zone" for overuse injuries. If you suddenly spike a player's minutes or intensity after a layoff, their risk of injury increases exponentially. Ideally, your acute workload (this week) should remain within a specific range of your chronic workload (the average of the last four weeks): Staying within this "sweet spot" ensures that athletes are building resilience without reaching a point of structural failure. Monitoring "Internal Load" through subjective measures like RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) can provide a low-tech way to track this in any gym setting. When an injury does occur, the focus must shift to immediate and evidence-based management. While the "RICE" method was the standard for decades, modern practitioners often favor the PEACE & LOVE protocol, which emphasizes long-term tissue healing over short-term inflammation suppression. Finally, a coach’s role in injury management is largely about Return-to-Play Communication. There is often a disconnect between a player’s desire to "play through the pain" and their actual physical readiness. Establishing a clear, objective criteria for return—such as "100% pain-free during lateral cutting"—removes the emotion from the decision. By working closely with athletic trainers and parents, you protect the athlete’s long-term health and your program's integrity, ensuring that when they return to the court, they are fully prepared to compete at their highest level. Basketball injury prevention, RAMP warm-up, load management basketball, ACWR, sports medicine for coaches, basketball recovery, PEACE and LOVE protocol, ankle sprain management, ACL prevention, youth sports safety, coach development, athletic training, basketball conditioning, player wellness, sports psychology recovery, return to play, high school basketball, team culture, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, athletic $$0.8 \le \frac{\text{Acute Workload}}{\text{Chronic Workload}} \le 1.3$$StageActionDescriptionPProtectAvoid activities that increase pain in the first 1-3 days.EElevateKeep the limb higher than the heart to promote fluid drainage.AAvoidAvoid anti-inflammatory meds (NSAIDs) which can slow long-term healing.CCompressUse tape or bandages to limit swelling.EEducateTeach the athlete about the recovery timeline and expectations.&------LLoadLet pain guide a gradual return to activity.OOptimismFoster a positive mindset to improve recovery outcomes.VVascularizationChoose pain-free aerobic activity to increase blood flow.EExerciseUse strength and balance drills to restore full function.SEO Keywords ⁠Win the Season Masterclass⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • Ep 2846 How Can the Byron Scott Blueprint Drive Your Coaching Success?

    Ep 2846 How Can the Byron Scott Blueprint Drive Your Coaching Success?
    Feb 19 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ Achieving coaching success often requires looking at the "Blueprints" of those who have won at the highest levels both as players and as leaders. Byron Scott, a three-time NBA champion and NBA Coach of the Year, exemplifies a philosophy built on uncompromising discipline and physical conditioning. Scott’s "success signature" is rooted in the belief that a team’s mental toughness is a direct reflection of their physical preparation. To replicate this success, you must establish a "High-Standard Environment" where punctuality, effort, and execution are non-negotiable. In Scott’s programs, the "small things"—like the way a player tucks in their jersey or closes out on a shooter—are treated with the same weight as the final shot of the game, creating a culture of excellence that becomes self-sustaining. A core pillar of the Byron Scott model is the "Showtime" Transition Offense, adapted for the modern era. Drawing from his days with the Lakers, Scott advocates for an aggressive, "pressure-cooker" style of play that forces the opponent into uncomfortable decisions. To coach this effectively, you must master the "Geometry of the Break"—ensuring your wings are sprinting to the corners and your "rim-runner" is creating vertical gravity. Success in this system isn't just about speed; it's about decision-making at pace. By utilizing "Numbered Break" drills in practice, you can teach your players to recognize "Advantage/Disadvantage" situations in real-time, allowing your offense to flow seamlessly from a defensive stop into a high-percentage layup or a rhythm three. Finally, Byron Scott’s coaching success is defined by "Relational Accountability." Despite his reputation for being a "hard-nosed" old-school coach, his most successful seasons (like the 2008 run with the New Orleans Hornets) were characterized by a deep trust between the coaching staff and the primary ball-handlers. He emphasizes that you must "coach the person before you coach the player." This means being transparent about roles, providing objective feedback through film study, and being the first person to celebrate a teammate’s "zero-talent" play. By balancing high-demand standards with high-level personal investment, you create a "Trust Equity" that allows you to push your athletes to their absolute ceiling, ensuring that your program isn't just winning games, but developing resilient leaders. Byron Scott coaching, basketball success, NBA coaching philosophy, coaching discipline, transition offense, basketball conditioning, team culture, high school basketball, youth basketball, basketball IQ, coach development, athletic leadership, Showtime Lakers offense, basketball strategy, defensive rotations, player accountability, coaching mentorship, basketball practice plans, mental toughness, program building, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball excellence. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • Ep 2845 How Can a TeachHoops.com Member Call Accelerate Your Coaching Growth? ( Part 2)

    Ep 2845 How Can a TeachHoops.com Member Call Accelerate Your Coaching Growth? ( Part 2)
    Feb 18 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ A TeachHoops member call is more than just a conversation; it is a strategic surgical strike on the specific challenges facing your program. Whether you are struggling with a complex 1-3-1 zone defense, navigating difficult parent dynamics, or trying to rebuild a culture of accountability, these calls provide a direct line to veteran perspectives. Instead of spending hours scouring the internet for generic advice, you get a personalized roadmap tailored to your roster's unique strengths and weaknesses. In the heart of the mid-season grind, having an objective "eye in the sky" can help you identify the tactical leaks you might be too close to see, allowing you to make winning adjustments before your next big game. Beyond the "X's and O's," these calls serve as a powerful tool for combating the isolation of leadership. As a head coach, you often feel "alone in the crowd," bearing the weight of every loss and every difficult personnel decision. Member calls provide a safe, confidential space to discuss the "soft skills" of coaching—leadership psychology, staff management, and personal well-being. By connecting with a mentor who has "been there and done that," you gain the emotional resilience needed to lead with poise. This mentorship bridges the gap between being a good tactician and becoming a transformative leader who builds a lasting legacy in their community. Finally, a member call acts as a force multiplier for your preparation. We can use the time to perform a "Practice Audit," review game film together, or script out your "Late-Game Menu" for the postseason. This level of professional development ensures that your teaching remains modern, efficient, and impactful. By leveraging the collective wisdom of the TeachHoops community, you aren't just guessing—you are executing a battle-tested blueprint for success. Whether you are a first-year coach or a thirty-year veteran, these calls provide the clarity and confidence required to push your program to its absolute ceiling. Basketball coaching, TeachHoops member call, coaching mentorship, basketball leadership, program building, basketball strategy, coach development, high school basketball, youth basketball, coaching philosophy, team culture, basketball IQ, defensive rotations, offensive sets, practice planning, game management, coach unplugged, basketball success, athletic leadership, coaching accountability, basketball mentorship, coaching support, basketball community, program audit, championship culture, basketball training tips. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Ep 2844 How Can a TeachHoops.com Member Call Accelerate Your Coaching Growth? ( Part 1)

    Ep 2844 How Can a TeachHoops.com Member Call Accelerate Your Coaching Growth? ( Part 1)
    Feb 17 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ A TeachHoops member call is more than just a conversation; it is a strategic surgical strike on the specific challenges facing your program. Whether you are struggling with a complex 1-3-1 zone defense, navigating difficult parent dynamics, or trying to rebuild a culture of accountability, these calls provide a direct line to veteran perspectives. Instead of spending hours scouring the internet for generic advice, you get a personalized roadmap tailored to your roster's unique strengths and weaknesses. In the heart of the mid-season grind, having an objective "eye in the sky" can help you identify the tactical leaks you might be too close to see, allowing you to make winning adjustments before your next big game. Beyond the "X's and O's," these calls serve as a powerful tool for combating the isolation of leadership. As a head coach, you often feel "alone in the crowd," bearing the weight of every loss and every difficult personnel decision. Member calls provide a safe, confidential space to discuss the "soft skills" of coaching—leadership psychology, staff management, and personal well-being. By connecting with a mentor who has "been there and done that," you gain the emotional resilience needed to lead with poise. This mentorship bridges the gap between being a good tactician and becoming a transformative leader who builds a lasting legacy in their community. Finally, a member call acts as a force multiplier for your preparation. We can use the time to perform a "Practice Audit," review game film together, or script out your "Late-Game Menu" for the postseason. This level of professional development ensures that your teaching remains modern, efficient, and impactful. By leveraging the collective wisdom of the TeachHoops community, you aren't just guessing—you are executing a battle-tested blueprint for success. Whether you are a first-year coach or a thirty-year veteran, these calls provide the clarity and confidence required to push your program to its absolute ceiling. Basketball coaching, TeachHoops member call, coaching mentorship, basketball leadership, program building, basketball strategy, coach development, high school basketball, youth basketball, coaching philosophy, team culture, basketball IQ, defensive rotations, offensive sets, practice planning, game management, coach unplugged, basketball success, athletic leadership, coaching accountability, basketball mentorship, coaching support, basketball community, program audit, championship culture, basketball training tips. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Ep 2843 Are You Building Confidence… or Coaching from Fear Right Now?

    Ep 2843 Are You Building Confidence… or Coaching from Fear Right Now?
    Feb 16 2026
    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
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    8 mins
  • Ep 2842 How Can You Navigate the High-Stakes Stress of a Basketball Season?

    Ep 2842 How Can You Navigate the High-Stakes Stress of a Basketball Season?
    Feb 15 2026
    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
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    14 mins