Hardwood Hustle

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.Send us a Message.

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. Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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. Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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. xSend us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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. Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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!Send us a Message.