Hardwood Hustle

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.

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.Send us a Message.

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/Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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/Send us a Message.

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 AmazonSend us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

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.Send us a Message.

When it comes to parents, most coaches are frustrated dealing with difficult parents, or handling stressful parent situations, but today the team shares solutions and tools you can use to lead parents better and have a more fulfilling coaching experience.Send us a Message.

To run or not to run? This week, TJ and Sam discuss the pros and cons of being a fast paced transition team. They also share the things you should be considering as a coach when deciding on your approach to transition offense.Send us a Message.

As coaches, our teams need us to be at our best, but we get pulled in a lot of different direction, lack the support, and too often fall short. This week, we're joined by Cody Royle, a professional Aussie Rules Football Coach who is passionate about challenging the status quo in coaching and helping great coaches stay in the game. He's the author of Where Others Won't, and The Tough Stuff, and joins us today to give coaches tips on how to lead well, avoid burnout, and stay focused on your mission.Website: https://www.codyroyle.com/Twitter: @codyroyleSend us a Message.

We all know being a great communicator is essential to being a great leader and coach. Our players are always depending on us to give them the what, how, and why, in a clear and efficient manner. It's true, most also coaches assume they're good communicators. In this episode, Sam and TJ will help you take the guessing out of it and gauge where you're at with 5 tips to help you become a better communicator.Send us a Message.