Episodios

  • Ep 2780 What Does a 10-Day Identity Sprint Look Like?

    Ep 2780 What Does a 10-Day Identity Sprint Look Like?
    Nov 25 2025
    https://teachhoops.com/https://teachhoops.com/ In this episode, we map out a 10-day sprint that gives your team a clear identity fast. Each day targets one lever—shot selection language, first-six-seconds in transition, on-ball containment, glass rules, advantage finishing, ball-screen coverage, late-game organization, turnover fixes, role clarity, and communication. You’ll get the cue words to teach, the constraint game to run, and the single metric to track so the habit sticks under pressure. We also share a 90-minute practice template that keeps the teaching tight and the reps game-real: a short demo block, a small-sided game that forces the habit, a conversion game that layers the next read, and a scrimmage with constraints so the behavior shows up or the possession doesn’t count. You’ll learn how to assign purposeful bench jobs (shot-quality, glass contest, comms checker), give assistants a one-page plan, and make progress visible with a simple scoreboard review. By Day 10, you should see three signals: fewer worst-shot attempts, organized first-six-seconds on defense (rim and elbows protected), and calm end-of-quarter possessions. We close with a rinse-and-repeat plan—keep the same cues, swap the small-sided games, and add one layer of pressure—so the sprint scales with your season. If you’re ready to turn minutes into wins, this framework will get you moving today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    11 m
  • Ep 2779 How Did Bob Hurley Build a National Powerhouse ( Part 2)

    Ep 2779 How Did Bob Hurley Build a National Powerhouse ( Part 2)
    Nov 24 2025
    https://teachhoops.com/⁠ The legendary success of Bob Hurley’s program at St. Anthony High School was, first and foremost, a product of an unshakeable culture of discipline and accountability. Hurley, a Hall of Famer, ran what he called a "benevolent dictatorship" built on a non-negotiable contract that every player and parent had to sign, outlining expectations for everything from academics to practice effort. This created a program centered on selflessness, toughness, and a "team-first" mentality. For Hurley, character was not a byproduct of winning; it was the prerequisite, and this foundation allowed him to demand a level of commitment and execution that few other programs could match. Strategically, Hurley’s teams were famous for their defensive chaos and versatility. He built his teams on a "Multiple Defensive System," believing he could confuse opponents and dictate the game's tempo by constantly changing looks. While his base defense was a hard-nosed, fundamentally-sound man-to-man, he would fluidly switch into various presses, half-court traps, and "gimmick" defenses like a Box-and-1 or Triangle-and-2. He famously used these "surprise" defenses for a single possession or for an entire half, preventing opponents from ever finding a rhythm and forcing them to play in a constant state of discomfort. This complex system was only possible because of Hurley's relentless emphasis on fundamentals and his legendary, high-intensity practices. He believed the sport was "overcoached and under-taught," so he dedicated enormous time to mastering the basics of footwork, passing (famously using weighted balls), and ball-handling. His practices were meticulously planned and run at game-speed, with "WIN" stats charted to reward hustle plays like deflections and charges. By making his practices significantly harder than the games themselves, Hurley ensured his players were prepared, fundamentally sound, and mentally tough enough to execute his demanding system under pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 m
  • Ep 2778 How Did Bob Hurley Build a National Powerhouse ( Part 1)

    Ep 2778 How Did Bob Hurley Build a National Powerhouse ( Part 1)
    Nov 23 2025
    https://teachhoops.com/ The legendary success of Bob Hurley’s program at St. Anthony High School was, first and foremost, a product of an unshakeable culture of discipline and accountability. Hurley, a Hall of Famer, ran what he called a "benevolent dictatorship" built on a non-negotiable contract that every player and parent had to sign, outlining expectations for everything from academics to practice effort. This created a program centered on selflessness, toughness, and a "team-first" mentality. For Hurley, character was not a byproduct of winning; it was the prerequisite, and this foundation allowed him to demand a level of commitment and execution that few other programs could match. Strategically, Hurley’s teams were famous for their defensive chaos and versatility. He built his teams on a "Multiple Defensive System," believing he could confuse opponents and dictate the game's tempo by constantly changing looks. While his base defense was a hard-nosed, fundamentally-sound man-to-man, he would fluidly switch into various presses, half-court traps, and "gimmick" defenses like a Box-and-1 or Triangle-and-2. He famously used these "surprise" defenses for a single possession or for an entire half, preventing opponents from ever finding a rhythm and forcing them to play in a constant state of discomfort. This complex system was only possible because of Hurley's relentless emphasis on fundamentals and his legendary, high-intensity practices. He believed the sport was "overcoached and under-taught," so he dedicated enormous time to mastering the basics of footwork, passing (famously using weighted balls), and ball-handling. His practices were meticulously planned and run at game-speed, with "WIN" stats charted to reward hustle plays like deflections and charges. By making his practices significantly harder than the games themselves, Hurley ensured his players were prepared, fundamentally sound, and mentally tough enough to execute his demanding system under pressure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    27 m
  • Ep 2777 Are Your Bench Players Just Going Through the Motions?

    Ep 2777 Are Your Bench Players Just Going Through the Motions?
    Nov 22 2025
    https://teachhoops.com/ The unengaged player is often a symptom of a simple problem: they feel they have no value. This feeling is almost always tied to a perceived lack of playing time or a poorly defined role. When a player believes their only purpose is to be a practice dummy for the starters, their effort will wane, their body language will sour, and their focus will drift. The first step to re-engaging them is to stop ignoring the problem and actively show them that their contribution is vital, even if it doesn't show up in the box score on game night. Engagement is created by giving a player a specific, meaningful, and measurable purpose. A coach must redefine "value" beyond scoring. Create a clear, vital role for every player: one might be your "Scout Team Specialist" responsible for mastering the opponent's plays; another might be the "Energy Leader" on the bench, responsible for communication and support. Crucially, you must coach these players with the same intensity as your starters. Stop practice to praise them when they execute their role perfectly, chart their "effort stats" (like deflections, charges taken, or screen assists), and provide them with individual goals so they can see their own path to improvement. When you successfully engage the entire roster, the culture of your team transforms. The immediate benefit is that your practices become far more competitive, as the "scout team" is now trying to win every drill, forcing your starters to get better. The long-term payoff is that you build a program where every member feels respected and prepared. When injuries or foul trouble strike, you will have a player coming off the bench who is not cold and checked-out, but confident, motivated, and ready to execute their job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    15 m
  • Ep 2776 Could Simplifying Be the Secret to Winning? ( Part 2)

    Ep 2776 Could Simplifying Be the Secret to Winning? ( Part 2)
    Nov 21 2025
    https://teachhoops.com/⁠ In basketball, the "less is more" philosophy directly translates to efficiency and poise. On offense, this means valuing shot quality over shot quantity, using fewer dribbles to get to a spot, and making the simple pass to the open teammate. Players who over-dribble often kill the team's offensive rhythm, allowing the defense to load up, while a quick, decisive player who uses one or two moves to create space is far more dangerous. A simple, well-executed play—like a perfect screen that frees up a shooter—is always superior to a complex, sloppy one that results in a turnover or a forced shot. This concept extends to individual skill development and on-court decision-making. It's better for a player to master two or three go-to moves they can execute perfectly under pressure than to have a dozen flashy-but-ineffective moves. Similarly, the best playmakers don't always throw the highlight-reel assist; they make the correct pass on time and on target. This simplicity reduces cognitive load, allowing players to read the game and react faster. A player who is "playing simple" is often playing their best, most confident basketball, letting the game come to them instead of forcing the action. From a coaching perspective, "less is more" is a powerful team-building strategy. It means having a smaller, well-repped playbook where every player knows every option, rather than a thick book of plays the team only half-understands. It applies to practice planning, where a shorter, high-intensity, and hyper-focused practice can be more productive than a long, drawn-out, sloppy one. By simplifying communication, focusing on core defensive principles, and defining clear roles, a coach removes confusion and empowers players to be decisive, aggressive, and efficient in everything they do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 m
  • Ep 2775 Could Simplifying Be the Secret to Winning? ( Part 1)

    Ep 2775 Could Simplifying Be the Secret to Winning? ( Part 1)
    Nov 20 2025
    https://teachhoops.com/ In basketball, the "less is more" philosophy directly translates to efficiency and poise. On offense, this means valuing shot quality over shot quantity, using fewer dribbles to get to a spot, and making the simple pass to the open teammate. Players who over-dribble often kill the team's offensive rhythm, allowing the defense to load up, while a quick, decisive player who uses one or two moves to create space is far more dangerous. A simple, well-executed play—like a perfect screen that frees up a shooter—is always superior to a complex, sloppy one that results in a turnover or a forced shot. This concept extends to individual skill development and on-court decision-making. It's better for a player to master two or three go-to moves they can execute perfectly under pressure than to have a dozen flashy-but-ineffective moves. Similarly, the best playmakers don't always throw the highlight-reel assist; they make the correct pass on time and on target. This simplicity reduces cognitive load, allowing players to read the game and react faster. A player who is "playing simple" is often playing their best, most confident basketball, letting the game come to them instead of forcing the action. From a coaching perspective, "less is more" is a powerful team-building strategy. It means having a smaller, well-repped playbook where every player knows every option, rather than a thick book of plays the team only half-understands. It applies to practice planning, where a shorter, high-intensity, and hyper-focused practice can be more productive than a long, drawn-out, sloppy one. By simplifying communication, focusing on core defensive principles, and defining clear roles, a coach removes confusion and empowers players to be decisive, aggressive, and efficient in everything they do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    37 m
  • Ep 2774 Is Off-Court Conflict Ruining Your On-Court Performance?

    Ep 2774 Is Off-Court Conflict Ruining Your On-Court Performance?
    Nov 19 2025
    https://teachhoops.com/ Dealing with team drama is one of the most challenging aspects of coaching, as unresolved conflict can destroy chemistry faster than any opponent. The most effective strategy is proactive: from the very first day of the season, a coach must establish and enforce a culture of respect, open communication, and selflessness. This involves setting clear, non-negotiable standards for how teammates talk to and about each other, defining roles so players understand their value beyond points scored, and creating an environment where athletes feel safe to voice concerns to the coaching staff before they fester into locker-room gossip or public arguments. When drama inevitably surfaces—whether it's jealousy over playing time, off-court disagreements, or social media spats—it cannot be ignored. A coach's first step is to gather information by speaking with the players involved individually and privately. This allows you to understand each perspective without the pressure of an audience. The key is to listen more than you talk, seek to understand the root of the problem rather than just the symptoms, and avoid taking sides. Once you have the facts, you can mediate a conversation, focusing the discussion on the team's common goals and how this conflict is actively sabotaging them. Ultimately, resolving drama requires re-centering the entire group on their shared purpose. It's crucial to remind players that while they don't have to be best friends, they must be great teammates. This means holding everyone accountable to the same team standards and empowering your player-leaders to step in and self-correct the team's culture. By addressing issues directly, fairly, and with a "team-first"-mentality, you can often turn a moment of disruptive drama into a valuable lesson on accountability and commitment that strengthens the team for the rest of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    13 m
  • Ep 2773 Is Your Practice Plan Just a List of Drills?

    Ep 2773 Is Your Practice Plan Just a List of Drills?
    Nov 18 2025
    https://teachhoops.com/ A great practice plan is built on a consistent, time-based structural framework. While the drills may change daily, the flow and time allotted to each segment should remain familiar. Most successful practices are broken into key "blocks": a dynamic warm-up (often incorporating ball handling and finishing), individual/positional skill development (e.g., guard shooting drills, post-move work), team concepts (installing or reviewing offense, defense, or special plays), and a competitive segment (like 3-on-3, 4-on-4, or 5-on-5 full-court). By dedicating specific minutes to each block, you guarantee that you are developing the complete player and team, balancing fundamental skills with team strategy every single day. The sequence of these blocks is crucial for maximizing learning and managing energy. Many coaches structure their plan to flow logically from simple to complex, or "part-to-whole." For instance, you might start with a 1-on-0 shooting drill (part), progress to a 2-on-2 drill using that same action (part), and finally integrate it into a 5-on-5 half-court offense (whole). It's also highly effective to have a "theme of the day" (like "communication" or "transition defense") that you emphasize in every single segment, from the first warm-up drill to the final competitive game, creating a clear, focused objective for the entire practice. Finally, a well-structured plan is a guide, not a rigid script. You must "coach the practice, not the plan," meaning you must have the flexibility to spend more time on a drill if your team is struggling, or cut a segment short if they've clearly mastered it. A good plan also alternates high-intensity conditioning or competitive drills with lower-intensity teaching or shooting periods to keep players physically and mentally fresh. Always conclude on time with a brief team huddle to review the day's goals, praise a specific success, and set the expectations for the next day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    17 m