Hardwood Hustle

Most of us know from experience, what we see out on the floor on game day is the product of what we do or don’t do in practice. As coaches, we can identify the habits we want to instill that will make the biggest difference. In this episode, TJ and Sam discuss building habits in offense, defense, communication, intangibles, and preparation. 

This week, TJ and Sam dive into how we can better ourselves as a coach. To be the leader most of us want to be, we should aim to be someone people want to be around, and in this episode you’ll get 5 ways to transform or level up your coaching in the new year: Bring joy, be present, be interested, lift others, invest in others.

This week, We’re joined by Coach C White from Bentley University, a Division II program that’s has a history of success including a National Championship in 2014. She’s been part of the program as a player and coach for over 20 years and has recently taken over won their conference tournament championship last season. In this episode we talk about leading all aspects of a program including creating adversity, developing point guards, and sustaining and building a championship culture.

This week, Sam and TJ discuss what we love about coaching, why we get into it, why we stay in it. And then on the flip side,  what’s challenging about coaching, what keeps us up at night, and why at times we may question what we’re doing. To be in a healthy space for coaching we want to be coaching from a place of significance where we're performing at high level and making an impact. Comparison, jealousy, and worrying about things we can't control always threaten to steal our joy. We must protect it. This episode is a conversation starter for you to evaluate where you’re at, but also to be reminded our purpose is bigger than our problems.

This week, Sam and TJ discuss three different situations in the NBA with Trae Young missing a game day walkthrough, Russel Westbrook in a 6th man role, and Kyrie Irving's statements in the media. The NBA environment is not the same as amateur sports, but they'll unpack the leadership lessons coaches and players at all levels can  take back to their programs. 

This week, TJ and Sam discuss what it takes for coaches to be their authentic selves. If we want to be the best leader we can be, we have to build trust and strong connections with our players. In this conversation you’ll hear ways you can make sure you’re on the right track.

In this episode, Sam and Lisa discuss the difference between developing skills, reads, and decision-making. It's important for coaches to decide how they'll approach develop their players in each area and know what it looks like for their team in their system. The importance of habits, narrowing their focus, creating role clarity, and setting expectations are all part of the formula for growing in this area.

This week we’re joined by Lee Whitwell, an accomplished tennis player turned Major League Pickleball MVP. In this episode TJ, Sam, and Lee discuss how becoming the learner again, or the role of  student or player, can help you become a better coach and teacher as well as what pickleball has to offer basketball coaches all around.

This week TJ and Sam discuss basic philosophies around transition offense. Transition is one of the parts of the game that happens the most, and being great in transition comes from having great clarity and commitment and asking yourself the right questions as a coach. In this episode, TJ and Sam talk about using a numbered break, running on both makes and misses, the difference between a great transition team and a team that runs, and how to train it in practice.

With the season gearing up, this week TJ and I discuss what we’re going through in our respective preseasons. Your strategy and philosophy are often tested early and we look at the decisions coaching are making when it comes to defensive reads, player development, and getting the right data to evaluate where you’re at in the beginning stages of your season. 

This week we’re talking about leadership in coaching with Marke Freeman. You may know her as a PGC Director, but she’s also author of the Champions Creed, CEO of a non-profit, a renowned speaker, and a sports analyst. In this episode she shares how coaches can build confidence in their athletes and define their own scoreboard.

This week’s conversation is about maximizing your offense by playing out of the post in a variety of personnel situations. Whether you have a dominant post player, no post players, or even someone in between, TJ and Sam cover off all three scenarios.

Another season is just around the corner and our job as coaches and leaders is to be the expert. We don’t have to have all the answers, but it does mean we have to constantly be learning and filtering information on and off the court so we can lead our teams in the right direction. In this episode we talk about what that looks like and how it will help your team.

Is a fresh set of eyes what you need to be the best version of yourself? It's time to find out and evaluate the way you're thinking and how you're doing. This episode is meant to be a welcome challenge to make sure your tank is full and you're going into another year or season feeling inspired and passionate about chasing your goals.

The truth is, most of us want to win more games, but do we fully understand what’s losing us game? This week, TJ and Sam discuss 5 critical aspects of the game  you should consider when it comes to your team’s strategies and performance this season.