Hardwood Hustle

This week, TJ and Sam compare different half court defenses. They cover off advantages and disadvantages to multiple styles and share helpful things to think about when enhancing your own defense or strategizing to attack an opponent’s.

One of the most under coached areas of the game is the mindset and mentality that is needed to perform at our highest level. This week we finish our series on developing mental skills with Part 2 as we discuss composure, toughness, and competitive greatness. x

This week we start a 2 part series on the mental side of the game. As coaches we know how important it is, but we don’t always know how to practically develop the much needed mental skills that will help our players reach their potential.. In this episode TJ and Sam focus on approach and confidence.

This week we’re joined by Coach Micah Mills, a long time PGC Family member who shares his journey in coaching as he steps into his first year as the head men's basketball coach at Wilmington College. In this conversation with TJ and Sam, they discuss creating separation in the interview process, developing champions for life, and teaching players how to be coachable.

This week TJ and Sam discuss players making demands. We’re currently seeing the affects of  player movement in the NBA and the transfer portal in college and how it’s trickling down to our high school and youth programs. This conversation will help coaches be more aware of the challenges and think through the best response. 

This week, TJ and Sam talk Xs and Os on the offensive side of the ball. Specifically how can coaches evaluate and choose the best offensive actions for their team this season. Behind the decision of your offensive strategy goes a lot of thought: Can you teach it, does it fit your system and players, do you have the time to invest, how will it change your player development, how many actions should you focus on, and more! This episode will help you think more critically about what you choose and how you can maximize your scoring opportunities.

This week we’re joined by Coach Corey Lowery who has over 22 years of coaching experience and has received coach of the year honors 9 times. Most recently he was the head coach at Lincoln University and now is an assistant coach at Seton Hall. In this episode Coach Lowery shares what he’s learned about building a great program, as well as some big picture takeaways on player development and system and strategies.

Each season brings a unique set of challenges and experiences. While we know there will be ups and downs, how are we preparing to be at our best this upcoming season? - This week TJ and Sam discuss the mindset and preparation needed to create and implement a plan of action to ensure you're consistently improving for your players and ready to coach your best season yet!

This week we discuss the role of assistant coaches. There are takeaways for both head and assistant coaches on how to lead and support the program by making your staff better with ideas on improving communication, narrowing your focus, and anticipating the needs of the program.

This week we welcome leadership expert, Devin Durrant to the show. An All-American at BYU, former NBA player, successful real estate investor, and inspirational  speaker. From the basketball court to conference rooms, Devin has found success in multiple ventures, but doesn't credit his basketball prowess or innate leadership knowledge with his accomplishments - instead, he owes it all to the inner moral compass that has guided him over the course of his life. His new book, The Values Delta  helps coaches and leaders discover their own compass. In this episode he shares practical advice on how coaches and leaders can create a meaningful difference by identifying priority values and simplify their message and approach.  https://thevaluesdelta.com/

This week Sam welcomes Head Coach John Baines to the show to talk Xs and Os. Coach Baines is entering his 10th as the head coach at Elmhurst University and fresh off a run to the Division III National Championship game. In this episode they talk playing fast, rebounding strategies, practice drills, and much more.

This week TJ welcomes back Paige Tonz to discuss some important topics around the mental side of the game. We all want more confident athletes, but as coaches we need to learn how to help players help themselves.  In this episode learn how to take the first steps in having your athletes practice their confidence before you get to the big game. Check out more here: https://www.paigetonz.com/

This week, J.P. Nerbun returns to the Hardwood Hustle. He's the Founder and President of Thrive on Challenge, Author of Calling Up, and Host of the Coaching Culture Podcast. He's coached at a variety of levels and around the world, and now he coaches the coaches. Today we talk about his latest book, The Culture System and discuss how coach's can avoid the pitfalls of culture building shortcuts and instead focus on building stronger cultures for their team next season. Check out his latest book at MyCultureSystem.com or find it on Amazon

This episode is part of a 2 part series with TJ and Sam as they continue to share what it looks like to execute better practices. In part 2 today, they'll cover off building habits, implementing a games approach, raising competitiveness, and how and when to pivot your practice plan.

The practice court is the coach's classroom. As we travel through our coaching careers how do we ensure we're getting better in this critical aspect which our season ultimately depends? This week, we start part 1 of Executing Better Practices and discuss developing players' focus, points of precision, communication, and growing intangibles.