Épisodes

  • Ep 1297 Coach Collins Basketball Thoughts (Part 1): Are You Winning the Decision Game?
    Jan 30 2026
    Teachhoops.com⁠ ⁠WintheSeason.com⁠ ⁠CoachingYouthHoops.com⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/kQ8zyxgfqwUA3ChU7⁠ ⁠Coach Collins Coaching Store⁠ Check out. [Teachhoops.com](⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠) 14 day Free Trial Youth Basketball Coaches Podcast Apple link: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaching-youth-hoops/id1619185302⁠ Spotify link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0g8yYhAfztndxT1FZ4OI3A⁠ ⁠Funnel Down Defense Podcast⁠ ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/funnel-down-defense/id1593734011⁠ Want More ⁠Funnel Down Defense⁠ ⁠https://coachcollins.podia.com/funnel-down-defense⁠ [Facebook Group . Basketball Coaches](⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/basketballcoaches/)⁠ [Facebook Group . Basketball Drills](⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/321590381624013/)⁠ Want to Get a Question Answered? [ Leave a Question here](⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/Teachhoops⁠) Check out our other podcast [High School Hoops ](⁠https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/high-school-hoops-coaching-high-school-basketball/id1441192866⁠) Check out our Sponsors [HERE](https://drdishbasketball.com/) Mention Coach Unplugged and get 350 dollars off your next purchase basketball resources free basketball resources Coach Unplugged Basketball drills, basketball coach, basketball workouts, basketball dribbling drills, ball handling drills, passing drills, shooting drills, basketball training equipment, basketball conditioning, fun basketball games, basketball jerseys, basketball shooting machine, basketball shot, basketball ball, basketball training, basketball camps, youth basketball, youth basketball leagues, basketball recruiting, basketball coaching jobs, basketball tryouts, basketball coach, youth basketball drills, The Basketball Podcast, How to Coach Basketball, Funnel Down Defense FDD In Part 1 of Coach Collins’ Basketball Thoughts, we start with the foundation: basketball is a DECISION game before it’s a skill game. Most teams don’t lose because they don’t know plays — they lose because they make bad choices under pressure: rushed shots, late passes, and forcing the first look instead of the best look. Coach Collins breaks down the exact “decision moments” that show up every night: shot selection, spacing discipline, playing off two feet, and valuing the ball like it’s gold. You’ll hear how to teach players to slow their mind down without slowing their feet — so your team can execute when the game gets tight. This episode also gives you simple ways to train better decisions in practice: constraints, small-sided games, quick grading systems, and language that keeps players confident while still being accountable. If you want your offense to stop relying on hero plays and start relying on smart basketball — Part 1 is your starting point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    8 min
  • Ep 1296 Do Your Players Trust Your Offense… or Just Run It?
    Jan 29 2026
    Teachhoops.com⁠ A lot of teams “know” the offense… but they don’t trust it. And when the game gets tight, trust is everything. In this episode, we talk about why players abandon the plan late—hero shots, rushed possessions, quick triggers—and how that’s usually a trust problem, not a talent problem. You’ll learn the difference between running plays and believing in the system. We break down what builds trust: clarity of roles, reps under pressure, simple reads, and players understanding the “why” behind actions like spacing, screening, and patience. If your guys freeze, force, or freelance in big moments, this gives you a roadmap. We also share practical ways to build offensive trust fast: daily “proof reps,” end-of-practice game situations, a simple language system for decision-making, and how to coach mistakes without killing confidence. The goal is simple—when it’s loud, when it’s late, when it’s hard… your team stays connected and the offense shows up. ⁠WintheSeason.com⁠ ⁠CoachingYouthHoops.com⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/kQ8zyxgfqwUA3ChU7⁠ ⁠Coach Collins Coaching Store⁠ Check out. [Teachhoops.com](⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠) 14 day Free Trial Youth Basketball Coaches Podcast Apple link: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaching-youth-hoops/id1619185302⁠ Spotify link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0g8yYhAfztndxT1FZ4OI3A⁠ ⁠Funnel Down Defense Podcast⁠ ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/funnel-down-defense/id1593734011⁠ Want More ⁠Funnel Down Defense⁠ ⁠https://coachcollins.podia.com/funnel-down-defense⁠ [Facebook Group . Basketball Coaches](⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/basketballcoaches/)⁠ [Facebook Group . Basketball Drills](⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/321590381624013/)⁠ Want to Get a Question Answered? [ Leave a Question here](⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/Teachhoops⁠) Check out our other podcast [High School Hoops ](⁠https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/high-school-hoops-coaching-high-school-basketball/id1441192866⁠) Check out our Sponsors [HERE](https://drdishbasketball.com/) Mention Coach Unplugged and get 350 dollars off your next purchase basketball resources free basketball resources Coach Unplugged Basketball drills, basketball coach, basketball workouts, basketball dribbling drills, ball handling drills, passing drills, shooting drills, basketball training equipment, basketball conditioning, fun basketball games, basketball jerseys, basketball shooting machine, basketball shot, basketball ball, basketball training, basketball camps, youth basketball, youth basketball leagues, basketball recruiting, basketball coaching jobs, basketball tryouts, basketball coach, youth basketball drills, The Basketball Podcast, How to Coach Basketball, Funnel Down Defense FDD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    7 min
  • Ep 1295 Are You an Energy Giver… or an Energy Taker in Your Program?
    Jan 28 2026
    Teachhoops.com⁠ ⁠WintheSeason.com⁠ Every team has talent. Every team has a plan. But the hidden difference-maker is ENERGY. And it starts with the adults. In this episode, we break down a simple question that can change your season fast: When you walk into the gym, do you raise the energy… or drain it? You’ll learn the clear signs of an energy giver (language, body posture, tone, standards, responses to mistakes) and the sneaky habits of an energy taker (sarcasm, constant criticism, “here we go again” vibes, and coaching from frustration). The best part? This isn’t about being “rah-rah.” It’s about being steady, clear, and intentional—especially when your team is struggling. We also talk about how to build an “energy system” in your program: quick pre-practice resets, a next-play response, and how to set the expectation that every player is responsible for the emotional temperature of the gym. If you want your team to play freer, tougher, and more connected—this is the episode. ⁠CoachingYouthHoops.com⁠ ⁠https://forms.gle/kQ8zyxgfqwUA3ChU7⁠ ⁠Coach Collins Coaching Store⁠ Check out. [Teachhoops.com](⁠https://teachhoops.com/⁠) 14 day Free Trial Youth Basketball Coaches Podcast Apple link: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaching-youth-hoops/id1619185302⁠ Spotify link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0g8yYhAfztndxT1FZ4OI3A⁠ ⁠Funnel Down Defense Podcast⁠ ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/funnel-down-defense/id1593734011⁠ Want More ⁠Funnel Down Defense⁠ ⁠https://coachcollins.podia.com/funnel-down-defense⁠ [Facebook Group . Basketball Coaches](⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/basketballcoaches/)⁠ [Facebook Group . Basketball Drills](⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/321590381624013/)⁠ Want to Get a Question Answered? [ Leave a Question here](⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/Teachhoops⁠) Check out our other podcast [High School Hoops ](⁠https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/high-school-hoops-coaching-high-school-basketball/id1441192866⁠) Check out our Sponsors [HERE](https://drdishbasketball.com/) Mention Coach Unplugged and get 350 dollars off your next purchase basketball resources free basketball resources Coach Unplugged Basketball drills, basketball coach, basketball workouts, basketball dribbling drills, ball handling drills, passing drills, shooting drills, basketball training equipment, basketball conditioning, fun basketball games, basketball jerseys, basketball shooting machine, basketball shot, basketball ball, basketball training, basketball camps, youth basketball, youth basketball leagues, basketball recruiting, basketball coaching jobs, basketball tryouts, basketball coach, youth basketball drills, The Basketball Podcast, How to Coach Basketball, Funnel Down Defense FDD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    7 min
  • Ep 1294 What Can You Control When the Ball Isn't Going in the Hoop?
    Jan 27 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ In every locker room, there is a distinct difference between "skill" and "will." While a player cannot control their height or their natural explosive vertical, they have 100% control over the attributes that often determine who stays on the floor during the final four minutes of a game. These "zero-talent" traits—effort, attitude, and preparation—are the ultimate equalizers in high school and youth basketball. When a player commits to being the first one on the floor for a loose ball or the loudest communicator on defense, they aren't just "playing hard"; they are providing a strategic value that often outweighs raw scoring ability. Coaches look for these "culture carriers" because they are the glue that holds a tactical system together when the shots aren't falling. The hallmark of a "high-motor" contributor is their mastery of positional discipline and "the little things." This includes sprinting the floor in transition, setting "head-hunter" screens to free up shooters, and mastering the art of the box-out. These actions don't require a 40-inch vertical or elite ball-handling skills; they require mental toughness and a "team-first" mindset. In the mid-season grind, teams often become "soft" or "lazy" with their fundamentals. A player who consistently executes these non-glamorous tasks becomes indispensable. By being "great at what takes no talent," an athlete can effectively "short-circuit" a more talented opponent by outworking them in the margins of the game. Finally, staying focused and being coachable are two of the most powerful tools a player can possess regardless of their athletic ceiling. Being a "sponge" for information—understanding the scouting report, knowing every teammate's role, and executing the game plan without error—allows a player to play "faster" than their physical speed suggests. This is Basketball IQ in action. When a player is a positive presence on the bench and a tireless worker in practice, they raise the "competitive floor" of the entire program. By focusing on these intangibles, a player ensures they are always "useful" to the coach, proving that while talent might get you in the gym, it is the "zero-talent" traits that keep you on the court and lead to a championship culture. Basketball intangibles, hustle plays, basketball effort, coaching philosophy, team culture, basketball IQ, player development, high school basketball, youth basketball, defensive communication, basketball work ethic, non-skill traits, coachable players, basketball grit, bench energy, basketball fundamentals, rebounding technique, screen setting, basketball mental toughness, coaching tips, basketball success, athletic leadership, player roles, team-first mindset, basketball discipline, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball mentorship, game-day impact, basketball heart. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    6 min
  • Ep 1293 Culture - Purpose and Goals
    Jan 26 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ A program’s purpose is its "North Star"—the fundamental reason why the team exists beyond the pursuit of a win-loss record. While winning is a result, purpose is the fuel that drives daily effort, especially during the grueling mid-season stretch. When a coach clearly defines the purpose—such as "developing leaders" or "building resilient young men"—it provides a framework for every decision made in the gym. This clarity allows players to see themselves as part of something larger than their individual stats, fostering a deep sense of commitment that sustains the group through adversity and creates a lasting legacy within the community. While purpose is the "Why," goals are the strategic milestones that mark your progress toward that vision. Effective goal-setting must distinguish between "Outcome Goals" (winning a conference title) and "Process Goals" (averaging 15 assists per game or winning 70% of 50/50 balls). In the locker room, these goals should be visible, measurable, and collaborative. By involving your players in the goal-setting process, you increase their autonomy and buy-in. When the team hits a process goal, it provides a psychological "win" that builds momentum, proving that the daily grind of practice is directly contributing to their long-term aspirations. Finally, the alignment of purpose and goals is what prevents a program from drifting during the "January lull." In this phase of the season, it is essential to revisit your core objectives to ensure the team hasn't lost sight of the big picture. Use film sessions and individual check-ins to reinforce how specific behaviors—like defensive communication or bench energy—align with the program's ultimate purpose. By utilizing member calls and coaching mentors to audit your standards, you can ensure that your goals remain challenging yet achievable. When a team is unified by a clear purpose and driven by attainable goals, they develop a competitive edge that makes them nearly impossible to break in the fourth quarter. Basketball culture, program purpose, goal setting for athletes, basketball leadership, team standards, coaching philosophy, process goals, basketball IQ, high school basketball, youth basketball, basketball coaching tips, team motivation, mid-season grind, basketball strategy, player buy-in, basketball success, athletic leadership, character development, coaching excellence, locker room culture, basketball goals, championship mindset, coach development, teach hoops, basketball community, program building, team identity, sports psychology, coaching accountability, athletic director. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    6 min
  • Ep 1292 How Can You Transform Your Practice Structure for Maximum Game-Day Success?
    Jan 23 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ Making practice better starts with the elimination of "dead time" and a transition toward a high-engagement, high-intensity workflow. In many traditional settings, players spend far too much time standing in lines or listening to lengthy lectures, which leads to mental fatigue and a drop in physical conditioning. To revolutionize your sessions, every minute must be accounted for on a detailed practice plan that prioritizes "multi-skill" drills—exercises that combine conditioning, ball handling, and decision-making simultaneously. By keeping the energy high from the initial whistle and utilizing a "staccato" rhythm where segments change every 8 to 12 minutes, you create an environment that mirrors the fast-paced nature of a live game, keeping players focused and invested. A second pillar of improving practice quality is the intentional shift toward Games-Based Learning and situational play. While block practice has its place for teaching raw mechanics, the most significant jumps in "Basketball IQ" occur when players are forced to solve problems in real-time. Instead of running 5-on-0 weaves, implement "small-sided games" like 3-on-3 with specific constraints, such as "no dribbling" or "must touch the post before a shot." This forces athletes to read the defense, communicate through screens, and understand spacing in a way that isolated drills cannot replicate. When you keep score for every segment and turn every drill into a mini-competition, you naturally raise the accountability of the group, ensuring that "game speed" becomes the standard. Finally, making practice better requires a commitment to consistent evaluation and post-practice reflection. Use the mid-season months of January and February to film segments of your practice, allowing you to see which drills are producing results and which are causing confusion. Shared film sessions with players can turn a "practice mistake" into a valuable teaching moment, bridging the gap between a coach’s instructions and a player’s execution. Additionally, listen to your "culture carriers" and be willing to adapt your intensity based on the team's physical and mental state. By balancing rigorous discipline with a willingness to keep things fresh through new challenges and AI-driven insights, you ensure that your gym remains a place where players are excited to compete and improve every single day. Basketball practice, practice planning, coaching efficiency, player development, basketball drills, team culture, high-intensity training, basketball IQ, games-based learning, small-sided games, basketball coaching, coaching philosophy, basketball conditioning, practice organization, youth basketball, high school basketball, defensive intensity, offensive efficiency, basketball mentorship, coach development, basketball tactics, team chemistry, mental toughness, sports performance, basketball skills, coaching tips, basketball strategy, practice evaluation, athletic leadership, basketball program building. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    9 min
  • Ep 1291 How Can Consistent Coaching Rituals Anchor Your Team’s Performance and Culture?
    Jan 22 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ Basketball coaching rituals are the rhythmic anchors that provide stability for your program during the chaotic fluctuations of a long season. These rituals—ranging from a specific way you start every practice to the unique "player-led" huddles before the opening tip—serve as psychological triggers that signal to your athletes it is time to transition into "competitor mode." In the heart of the January grind, when fatigue sets in and the initial excitement of the season has faded, these consistent habits become a safety net. They provide a sense of predictability and comfort that allows players to focus on execution rather than anxiety, ensuring that your team's preparation remains elite regardless of the opponent or the stakes. Effective rituals also serve as the primary delivery system for your program’s core values. When you implement a ritual like "The Handshake" at the start of every session or a "Gratitude Circle" after a tough game, you are physically manifesting the relationships and culture you want to see. These aren't just empty gestures; they are intentional acts of connection that build "social capital" within your roster. By consistently honoring these traditions, you create a sense of belonging that makes it much harder for a player to check out when things get difficult. A well-placed ritual can transform a standard locker room into a sacred space where the collective mission is more important than individual stats. Finally, your personal rituals as a head coach are what allow you to maintain your "steady hand" and lead with clarity. Whether it is your pre-game film study routine, a specific "reset" breath you take before a timeout, or a post-game reflection process, these habits prevent you from being a "reactionary" leader. They allow you to process the game objectively and communicate with your players with poise and authority. By utilizing TeachHoops member calls to share and refine these rituals with other veteran coaches, you can identify which habits are driving your team forward and which might need to be evolved. Ultimately, rituals are the "silent language" of a championship culture, proving that excellence is not an act, but a habit. Basketball coaching, coaching rituals, team culture, pre-game routines, basketball leadership, program building, coaching philosophy, player motivation, mental toughness, basketball practice, youth basketball, high school basketball, coach development, team chemistry, sports psychology, coaching habits, coach unplugged, teach hoops, game preparation, locker room traditions, basketball success, athletic leadership, coach-player relationships, player-led huddles, coaching tips, basketball mindfulness, championship culture, team identity, basketball mentor, coaching discipline. SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    5 min
  • Ep 1290 How Do Culture, Belonging, and Relationships Form the Foundation of a Winning Basketball Program?
    Jan 21 2026
    https://teachhoops.com/ Culture is not a slogan on a locker room wall; it is the invisible thread that dictates how a team behaves when the coach isn't watching. In a high-performing basketball program, culture is built on a shared set of non-negotiable standards that prioritize the collective over the individual. It begins with the coach clearly defining what the program stands for—whether that is "grit," "selflessness," or "relentless pursuit"—and then modeling those values every single day. When every player, from the star starter to the last person on the bench, understands that their value is tied to their contribution to the culture rather than just their stat line, you create a resilient environment that can withstand the inevitable pressures of a long season. Belonging is the psychological "unlock" that allows athletes to perform at their highest level without the fear of failure. For a player to truly commit to a team's goals, they must first feel that they are a valued and accepted member of the community. This sense of belonging is cultivated by creating "safe spaces" within the program where players are encouraged to find their voices and support one another through adversity. When a player feels they truly belong, they are more likely to dive for a loose ball, take a charge, or make the extra pass because they are playing for something larger than themselves. A culture of belonging turns a group of talented individuals into a cohesive unit that is greater than the sum of its parts. Ultimately, the strength of a program is measured by the depth of the relationships between the coaches and the players. These relationships are the currency of coaching; without trust and mutual respect, even the most brilliant tactical game plan will fail to gain traction. Building these connections requires a coach to invest time in getting to know their athletes as people—understanding their motivations, their fears, and their lives outside the gym. When a player knows that their coach genuinely cares about their well-being, they become more "coachable" and willing to accept the hard truths necessary for growth. These bonds are what sustain a program through the mid-season grind and serve as the emotional engine that drives a team toward a championship finish. SEO Keywords Basketball culture, team belonging, coach-player relationships, basketball leadership, program building, team chemistry, sports psychology, coaching philosophy, player engagement, high school basketball, youth basketball, basketball mentorship, mental toughness, locker room culture, basketball motivation, coaching ethics, building trust, athlete wellness, team unity, coaching tips, basketball success, leadership in sports, character development, coach development, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball community, emotional intelligence, team standards, athletic leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    10 min