Hardwood Hustle

TJ & Sam discuss Xs and Os from this year’s NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four matchups. There’s always a lot to learn from watching the systems and strategies of teams who are winning at the highest level. This episode will help you start thinking about what’s going to help you win next season and […]

In Part 2, TJ and Sam share how parents and players can navigate youth basketball, player development, and finding teachable moments and learning opportunities. It’s a discussion about stepping back and seeing the big picture within the game and ensuring we all contribute to a positive sport experience in whatever role we’re in.

This week we’re starting a two-part series about how to run better programs and grow the game of basketball. Referees, coaches, players, and parents all factor into our basketball experience. Our next two episodes will help you understand these four roles better especially when it comes to creating the right competitive environment for your program. […]

Players today have more choices than ever and it’s becoming all too common for players to transfer to another team for a variety of reasons. In order to equip ourselves as coaches to better serve our players and programs, TJ and Sam discuss how we can do both. Listen to this episode to hear where […]

How do we help our players build their confidence? Too often it feels like trial and error as balancing the right amount of encouragement and challenge for each player can be difficult. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss the best approaches coaches can take to help players earn and develop their confidence.

This week special guest, Joni Taylor, Head Coach for Georgia Women’s Basketball join us on the podcast. With almost 20 years of coaching experience Joni is racking up the honors as a head coach. Just this season she was named Coach of the Year in the SEC Conference and took Georgia to the SEC Tournament […]

In the spirit of March Madness we dive into how and why championship habits make for special teams and special achievements this time of year. Every coach wants to win and be successful and one thing that can separate us from our competition, are the little things we invest in every day. In this episode, […]

This week we take on four quick topics in our “4 Quarters” episode. TJ, Sam, and Lisa discuss how coaches may approach each topic and what could shift late in the season. – Is there ever a good reason to quit? How do the best teams get late season wins? Can transition offense win you […]

In honor of Black History Month, we invited special guest, Ken Friedman on the podcast to share the untold story of how Willie Cooper broke the color line at the University of North Carolina in 1964. Ken worked behind the scenes under legendary coaches Frank McGuire and Dean Smith, and in this episode he sets […]

Choosing your defensive system and strategy is critical to your success. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss the importance of understanding why you would choose a man or zone defense as your primary system and the factors that guide a coach’s decision. In part one, they cover player development implications and appropriate age and […]

Identifying and clarifying player roles is critical. In this episode, TJ and Sam are joined by Tyler Coston, Director of Player Development and PGC+ for PGC Basketball to discuss where coaches may be missing opportunities in this area. Hear ideas and strategies for creating an objective system so you can bring more clarity and inspiration […]

TJ and Sam dive into the critical topic of player leadership. They provide tips for mentoring your players into leadership roles that are best for them and the team. Equip yourself and your players with the right expectations so you can answer the question, does your best player have to be your best leader?

ESPN Analyst, Debbie Antonelli joins us on the Hardwood Hustle to talk about the coaching “IT” factor, keys to being great at situational basketball, and what loses games. Debbie shares her basketball insights from over 33 years of experience giving coaches a checklist of ideas and strategies to take back to their teams. Debbie was […]

Leading and navigating through a season of unknown is challenging. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss practice tips and approaches for coaches to make the most of this season. With so much out of our control, we need our leadership to have a positive impact on our players and program. Tune in to this […]

Best-selling author, Doug Lemov has recently released his book for coaches, The Coach’s Guide to Teaching. In this episode TJ, Sam and Lisa interview Doug and dive into some of his best tips on how to give feedback, use terminology, and teach decision-making. If you’re interested in becoming a master teacher or want to know […]