Episodios

  • Ep 2806 What Can Basketball Coaches Learn from Starbucks' Culture-Building Success?
    Jan 10 2026
    Visit https://teachhoops.com/ for innovative culture-building frameworks, team development resources, and cross-industry leadership insights that help you create championship programs by applying proven principles from successful organizations beyond basketball. In this episode, we explore an unexpected but powerful analogy: what can high school basketball coaches learn from how Starbucks built one of the world's most recognizable brands through intentional culture development, employee experience, and consistency of standards across thousands of locations? This isn't about coffee—it's about understanding how organizations create cultures where people feel valued, standards are maintained without constant oversight, and individual contributors take ownership of collective success because they believe in something bigger than themselves. We break down specific Starbucks principles that translate directly to basketball programs: their obsessive focus on the customer (player) experience rather than just the product (wins), investment in training and development that empowers employees (players) to make decisions within established frameworks, creation of a "third place" culture where people want to spend time beyond functional necessity, standardized systems that ensure consistency while allowing individual expression, and leadership approaches that balance high expectations with genuine care for people's wellbeing and growth. You'll learn how these corporate concepts apply to coaching: creating practice environments where players genuinely want to be rather than just showing up out of obligation, developing leadership systems where captains and role players take ownership without constant coach intervention, establishing program standards (your "recipes") that remain consistent regardless of roster changes, and building a culture where being part of your program means something beyond just playing basketball. This episode provides actionable strategies for applying Starbucks-inspired principles to your basketball program: defining your program's core values as clearly as Starbucks defines their mission statement, creating rituals and traditions that build identity and belonging (like Starbucks' partner beverage policy or green apron), investing in player development beyond basketball skills to show you care about the whole person, establishing quality standards with accountability systems that don't require you to micromanage every detail, and building an alumni culture where former players stay connected and pass down traditions to new generations. We discuss why culture can't be faked or manufactured through slogans—it requires genuine investment, consistent modeling from leadership, and alignment between what you say you value and what you actually reward. Whether you're building a program from scratch, trying to elevate an established team to championship level, or simply looking for fresh perspectives on culture development beyond typical coaching clichés, you'll gain insights from one of the world's most successful culture-driven organizations that translate surprisingly well to the basketball gym. basketball program culture, Starbucks leadership lessons, culture building basketball, basketball team culture development, organizational culture basketball, basketball program standards, culture-driven basketball, team culture strategies, basketball leadership lessons, program identity basketball, basketball culture framework, team belonging basketball, basketball standards consistency, culture building strategies, basketball program traditions, player experience basketball, basketball culture investment, leadership culture basketball, basketball team identity, cross-industry coaching lessons, basketball culture principles, program culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    10 m
  • Ep 2805 What Happens During a TeachHoops.com Member Call and How Can It Transform Your Coaching?
    Jan 9 2026
    Visit https://teachhoops.com/ to become a member and schedule your personalized coaching consultation where you'll receive direct, customized guidance on the specific challenges, questions, and opportunities you're facing in your basketball program right now. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what actually happens during a TeachHoops member call and how these one-on-one sessions provide value that generic coaching content simply cannot match—because your situation is unique, your players are different from everyone else's, and cookie-cutter advice rarely addresses the nuanced reality of what you're dealing with on a daily basis in your gym, with your administration, and within your community. We break down the wide range of topics members bring to these calls: tactical questions about installing offensive or defensive systems tailored to specific personnel, practice planning strategies that maximize limited gym time and address your team's biggest weaknesses, player development roadmaps for individual athletes who need targeted improvement plans, program-building advice for coaches establishing culture in new positions or rebuilding struggling programs, career guidance for navigating job opportunities or dealing with difficult administrators, parent management strategies for toxic situations threatening team chemistry, and AI implementation workflows that can save you 5-10 hours per week on administrative tasks like practice planning, film breakdown, and communication. These calls aren't scripted presentations—they're collaborative problem-solving sessions where we listen carefully to your context, ask clarifying questions to understand what's really happening beneath surface-level issues, and co-create actionable solutions you can implement immediately. This episode explains how to maximize value from your member call: come prepared with specific questions or challenges rather than vague requests for general advice, bring relevant context about your team's strengths, weaknesses, and competitive level so recommendations match your reality, be honest about what's actually happening rather than presenting idealized versions that don't help solve real problems, and be ready to implement strategies immediately rather than just collecting information. We share success stories from coaches who've used these calls to turn around losing programs, navigate difficult coaching transitions, fix persistent defensive breakdowns, improve offensive efficiency by 15+ points per game, successfully implement AI tools that transformed their preparation process, and gain the confidence needed to make tough decisions they'd been avoiding. Whether you need tactical coaching expertise, strategic program guidance, career mentorship, or simply a trusted advisor who understands high school basketball coaching, these member calls provide the personalized support that can make the difference between surviving and thriving in this demanding profession. TeachHoops member call, basketball coaching consultation, personalized coaching help, one-on-one basketball coaching, coaching mentorship basketball, basketball coaching advice, program building consultation, coaching strategy session, basketball expert consultation, coaching problem solving, personalized basketball guidance, coaching career guidance, basketball coaching support, individual coaching help, basketball coaching mentor, coaching accountability partner, basketball system consultation, practice planning help, AI coaching implementation, coaching challenge solutions, basketball program consultation, expert coaching advice, coaching decision support, basketball coaching resources, personalized coaching strategy, coaching development call, basketball coaching expertise, Wisconsin basketball consulting, high school coaching help, coaching transformation support SEO Keywords: What Happens During a TeachHoops.com Member Call and How Can It Transform Your Coaching? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    38 m
  • Ep 2804 How Do You Fix Over-Dribbling and Reduce Careless Turnovers That Kill Possessions?
    Jan 8 2026
    Visit https://teachhoops.com/ for ball-handling progression drills, decision-making frameworks, and offensive systems designed to emphasize smart possessions, efficient ball movement, and the discipline required to value every possession like it matters. In this episode, we tackle two interconnected problems that plague countless high school basketball teams and directly sabotage offensive efficiency: players who over-dribble instead of passing to open teammates, and careless turnovers that waste possessions through poor decisions, loose handles, or lack of awareness under pressure. These aren't just minor annoyances—they're fundamental flaws that prevent talented teams from reaching their potential and turn close games into frustrating losses where you dominated statistically but still lost because you gave the ball away 20+ times. We explore the root causes behind over-dribbling: players conditioned by AAU basketball and highlight culture to hunt individual scoring, lack of trust in teammates' ability to finish plays, poor court vision that prevents seeing open players, fundamental ball-handling weaknesses that force players into trouble, and offensive systems that lack structure or spacing so dribbling becomes the default action. You'll learn diagnostic strategies for identifying whether over-dribbling stems from selfish tendencies, skill deficiencies, or system problems—each requires different solutions. We discuss the mental shift required to value assists as much as buckets, teaching players to recognize when the pass creates better opportunities than continued dribbling, and installing offensive principles (swing-swing-attack, two-dribble maximum rules, drive-and-kick concepts) that systematically reduce unnecessary dribbling. This episode provides detailed frameworks for reducing turnovers across different categories: live-ball turnovers from over-dribbling and poor handle (addressed through ball-handling skill work and decision-making drills with pressure), passing turnovers from telegraphing or poor timing (fixed through passing progression drills and reading help defenders), and mental turnovers from low basketball IQ (improved through film study, situation work, and accountability systems). We share specific drills that create consequences for turnovers—possession-based scrimmages where turnovers result in immediate substitutions, offensive efficiency scoring systems that penalize possessions ending in turnovers, and competitive scenarios where protecting the ball matters more than scoring volume. Whether you're coaching talented players with bad habits, young athletes who lack fundamental skills, or experienced teams that simply need better discipline and decision-making, you'll gain comprehensive strategies to transform your team from turnover-prone to possession-efficient, unlocking offensive potential that's been sabotaged by preventable mistakes. over-dribbling basketball, reducing turnovers basketball, basketball ball security, careless turnovers basketball, basketball possession efficiency, over-dribbling solutions, turnover reduction basketball, basketball decision making, ball handling drills, basketball passing emphasis, reducing ball turnovers, basketball offensive discipline, turnover prevention basketball, basketball ball control, smart possession basketball, basketball assist culture, over-dribbling coaching, basketball turnover drills, possession value basketball, basketball court vision, turnover accountability basketball, ball movement basketball, basketball dribble discipline, offensive efficiency turnovers, basketball passing culture, protecting basketball possession, basketball IQ turnovers, decision-making drills basketball, Wisconsin basketball turnovers, high school turnover problems SEO Keywords: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    13 m
  • Ep 2803 Does Building the Right Culture Actually Help You Win More Basketball Games?
    Jan 7 2026
    Visit https://teachhoops.com/ for culture-building resources, team standards templates, and program development frameworks that help you create the foundation for sustained success beyond just X's and O's. In this episode, we examine the relationship between team culture and winning—a topic that generates plenty of coaching clichés but deserves serious analysis: does investing time and energy into building culture (accountability, work ethic, trust, selflessness, mental toughness) actually translate to more wins, or is it just feel-good terminology that distracts from the real work of skill development and strategy? The answer is nuanced and requires understanding what culture really means beyond motivational posters and team mottos that sound impressive but change nothing. We define what meaningful basketball culture actually looks like in practice: players who hold each other accountable without coach intervention, teams that compete relentlessly in practice because mediocrity isn't acceptable to the group, rosters where role players embrace their contributions without jealousy or drama, programs where seniors mentor younger players and pass down standards, and locker rooms where trust allows honest communication and vulnerability. You'll learn why these cultural elements directly impact winning—they reduce destructive drama that poisons team chemistry, create practice intensity that accelerates improvement, build resilience that helps teams execute under pressure, and establish continuity that makes programs consistently competitive rather than experiencing wild year-to-year swings based on talent alone. This episode provides concrete strategies for building culture that produces wins: establishing non-negotiable standards and enforcing them consistently regardless of player status, creating meaningful consequences for cultural violations that demonstrate what you truly value, developing leadership structures that distribute ownership beyond just the coach, celebrating behaviors you want repeated (effort plays, defensive stops, assists) as much as scoring, and making cultural development intentional rather than hoping it happens organically. We also address the tension between culture and winning in the short term—sometimes benching your best player for cultural violations costs you a game but builds the foundation for sustained success, and we discuss how to navigate those difficult decisions. Whether you're inheriting a program with toxic culture, trying to take a good team to championship level, or simply questioning if culture work is worth the investment, you'll gain clarity on how intentional culture building becomes the invisible foundation that separates programs that win consistently from those that rely solely on talent and hope. basketball team culture, winning culture basketball, building basketball culture, team culture wins, basketball program culture, culture and winning, basketball team standards, accountability culture basketball, basketball program building, team chemistry basketball, culture-driven success basketball, basketball locker room culture, sustainable winning basketball, basketball team values, culture implementation basketball, basketball program development, team accountability basketball, basketball culture strategies, winning program culture, basketball team dynamics, culture building coaching, basketball program foundation, team standards basketball, basketball championship culture, culture enforcement basketball, basketball team leadership, program culture development, basketball culture impact, Wisconsin basketball culture, high school program culture SEO Keywords: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    10 m
  • Ep 2802 Do We Still Need the 5-Man Weave in Basketball, or Is It Time to Move On?
    Jan 6 2026
    Visit https://teachhoops.com/ for modern warm-up alternatives, evidence-based practice routines, and updated drill libraries that prioritize game-realistic skill development over tradition-based activities that may not serve your program's needs anymore. In this episode, we revisit the controversial 5-man weave debate with fresh perspective: examining whether this classic basketball drill that's been passed down through generations of coaches still deserves a place in contemporary practice planning, or if it's finally time to retire it in favor of more purposeful alternatives. This isn't about disrespecting coaching tradition—it's about being honest regarding whether the weave actually develops skills that transfer to games or if we're simply running it because "that's how we've always done it." We critically evaluate what the 5-man weave supposedly teaches: passing on the move, communication, timing, conditioning, and team rhythm at the start of practice. Then we examine what it actually reinforces: passing and cutting behind the ball (which you never want players doing in games), running in predetermined patterns without reading defenses or making decisions, equal spacing that doesn't reflect real offensive positioning, and movements that have zero transfer to any offensive system coaches actually run. You'll hear defenders of the drill argue it builds camaraderie and serves as a reliable warm-up routine, while critics counter that those same objectives can be achieved through drills with significantly more skill development value and game applicability. This episode provides compelling alternatives if you decide the traditional 5-man weave doesn't justify the practice time it consumes: 3-man weave variations that incorporate finishing decisions and proper spacing, pass-and-follow drills with cuts to the basket rather than behind teammates, continuous transition sequences that develop fast-break execution, competitive passing circuits under time pressure with realistic movements, and dynamic warm-ups that prepare bodies for basketball while teaching actual offensive concepts. We discuss how to evaluate every drill through the critical lens of game transfer—does this activity develop skills, movements, or decision-making that players will use in competition, or are we just filling time with familiar routines? Whether you're a traditionalist who's never questioned the weave or a progressive coach who eliminated it years ago, you'll gain clarity on making intentional choices about practice activities that maximize player development rather than simply maintaining comfortable traditions that may have outlived their usefulness. 5-man weave basketball, basketball weave drill debate, outdated basketball drills, do we need weave drill, traditional basketball drills, modern basketball warm-ups, basketball practice alternatives, game transfer drills, basketball drill evaluation, weave drill value, effective basketball warm-ups, basketball practice efficiency, purposeful basketball drills, drill modernization basketball, basketball tradition vs innovation, practice time optimization, basketball warm-up routines, game-realistic drills basketball, basketball drill transfer, questioning traditional drills, basketball practice evolution, weave drill alternatives, modern coaching methods basketball, basketball drill purpose, effective practice design, basketball training efficiency, drill selection basketball, Wisconsin basketball drills, high school practice planning, basketball coaching innovation SEO Keywords: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    14 m
  • Ep 2801 Should You Run Set Plays or Build an Offensive System in High School Basketball?
    Jan 5 2026
    Visit https://teachhoops.com/ for comprehensive offensive system breakdowns, play diagrams, practice implementation guides, and resources that help you decide whether your team needs more structure, more freedom, or the right balance between plays and systematic offense. In this episode, we tackle one of the most fundamental debates in basketball coaching: the difference between running set plays out of timeouts versus building a flowing offensive system that creates scoring opportunities through principles, reads, and player decision-making. Understanding this distinction is critical because many coaches confuse the two, either over-relying on set plays that players execute robotically without understanding, or running pure motion offense without enough structure to generate quality shots against organized defenses. We break down what each approach actually means and when each is most effective. Set plays are designed sequences with specific movements, screens, and options intended to create a particular shot for a particular player—perfect for after-timeout situations, special sets to exploit mismatches, or end-of-game scenarios where you need a specific outcome. Offensive systems, on the other hand, are frameworks built on principles like spacing, ball movement, cutting, screening, and reading defenses that allow players to create offense organically based on what the defense gives them. You'll learn the pros and cons of each: plays provide clarity and can generate easy baskets but become predictable and limit player development, while systems develop basketball IQ and are harder to scout but require higher skill levels and more teaching time to execute effectively. This episode provides practical guidance for finding the right balance for your program: how many set plays you should have in your playbook, when to call them versus letting your system work, how to teach players to recognize when a play breaks down and transition into your offense, and how to progressively build offensive freedom as your team's IQ develops throughout the season. We discuss common mistakes coaches make—like having 30 plays that players can't execute under pressure, or running motion with players who don't understand spacing and cutting principles. Whether you're coaching experienced players who can handle complex reads or younger athletes who need more structure, you'll gain clarity on designing an offensive approach that maximizes your team's scoring potential while developing players who understand the game beyond memorized actions. plays vs system basketball, set plays basketball, offensive system coaching, motion offense basketball, basketball play calling, structured offense basketball, offensive principles basketball, basketball plays coaching, system basketball offense, play design basketball, offensive philosophy coaching, basketball IQ development, reading defenses basketball, timeout plays basketball, offensive framework basketball, teaching basketball offense, basketball offensive structure, player decision making, offensive reads basketball, set plays vs motion, basketball offensive strategy, play execution basketball, systematic offense coaching, offensive teaching progression, basketball plays system, offensive balance coaching, basketball offensive approach, play calling strategy, Wisconsin basketball offense, high school offensive systems SEO Keywords: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    17 m
  • Ep 2800 What Can You Accomplish in a One-on-One Coaching Call with TeachHoops?
    Jan 4 2026
    Visit https://teachhoops.com/ to schedule your personalized one-on-one member call where you can get direct coaching advice, strategic guidance, and customized solutions for the specific challenges you're facing in your basketball program right now. In this episode, we break down what happens during these exclusive TeachHoops member calls and how they provide value that goes far beyond generic coaching content or one-size-fits-all advice. These aren't scripted sessions or sales pitches—they're genuine problem-solving conversations where we dive deep into your unique situation, whether that's installing a new offensive system, fixing a defensive breakdown, managing a difficult team dynamic, navigating a career decision, or leveraging AI tools to save hours of administrative time each week. We discuss the range of topics members bring to these calls: offensive and defensive system questions tailored to their specific personnel, practice planning strategies that maximize limited gym time, player development plans for individual athletes, program-building advice for first-year head coaches, parent communication strategies for toxic situations, career guidance for coaches considering moves or promotions, and AI workflow implementation that transforms how they scout opponents, plan practices, and communicate with players. You'll hear about the collaborative approach these calls take—not lecturing, but listening to your context, asking clarifying questions, and co-creating solutions that actually work for your specific circumstances, constraints, and coaching philosophy. This episode explains how to maximize the value of your member call: coming prepared with specific questions or challenges, bringing relevant context about your team's strengths and weaknesses, being open about what's really going on beyond surface-level issues, and being ready to implement actionable strategies immediately. We also share success stories from coaches who've used these calls to turn around struggling programs, break through plateau seasons, navigate career transitions, or simply gain confidence that they're on the right track. Whether you're stuck on a technical coaching problem, overwhelmed by the demands of the job, or looking for a trusted advisor who understands the realities of high school basketball coaching, these one-on-one calls provide the personalized support and expert guidance that can make all the difference in your season and career. coaching consultation basketball, one on one coaching call, personalized basketball coaching, TeachHoops membership, basketball coaching advice, coaching mentorship call, program building consultation, offensive system consultation, basketball coaching support, personalized coaching help, coaching strategy session, basketball expert advice, coaching problem solving, AI coaching tools, practice planning help, coaching career guidance, basketball coaching mentor, individual coaching consultation, customized coaching solutions, basketball program consultation, coaching challenges help, personalized practice plans, basketball system installation, coaching decision support, expert basketball guidance, coaching accountability partner, basketball coaching resources, Wisconsin basketball consulting, high school coaching help, coaching career development SEO Keywords: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    17 m
  • Ep 2799 How Do You Respond to Parent Criticism Without Losing Your Mind or Your Job?
    Jan 3 2026
    Visit https://teachhoops.com/ for practical coaching resources, conflict management strategies, and support systems that help you handle criticism constructively while protecting your mental health and coaching career. In this episode, we address the harsh reality that comes with every coaching position: you will face criticism from parents, and how you respond to it will significantly impact your effectiveness, longevity, and personal wellbeing. The criticism comes in many forms—direct confrontations after games, passive-aggressive comments in the stands, complaints to administrators, negative posts on social media, and whisper campaigns that poison team culture—and navigating this minefield requires thick skin, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking. We explore how to differentiate between legitimate feedback that deserves consideration and unreasonable attacks rooted in bias, entitlement, or misunderstanding. You'll learn mental frameworks for processing criticism without taking it personally, techniques for responding professionally when you're being attacked unfairly, and when to address concerns head-on versus when to let them pass without validation. We discuss the importance of having a support system—fellow coaches, mentors, trusted administrators—who can provide perspective when you're questioning yourself, and how to develop the emotional resilience required to coach with conviction despite knowing some parents will always be unhappy with your decisions. This episode provides actionable strategies for specific criticism scenarios: responding to the parent who cc's the superintendent on complaint emails, handling confrontations in parking lots or gym lobbies, addressing false accusations about favoritism or incompetence, and managing the psychological toll of constant second-guessing. We also cover how to document interactions properly to protect yourself, when to involve human resources or legal counsel, and how to recognize when criticism reflects legitimate program issues versus individual agenda. Whether you're losing sleep over a vocal parent's attacks or questioning if coaching is worth the emotional drain, you'll gain tools to maintain perspective, respond with professionalism, and build the mental toughness required to lead despite inevitable criticism. dealing with criticism coaching, parent criticism basketball, coaching mental health, handling attacks coaching, basketball coach criticism, professional response criticism, coaching emotional resilience, parent complaints coaching, false accusations coaching, coaching support systems, mental toughness coaching, coaching under pressure, criticism management basketball, protecting coaching career, documentation parent conflicts, basketball coaching stress, handling confrontation coaching, coaching professionalism criticism, toxic parent behavior, coaching job security, criticism perspective coaching, coaching mental framework, parent attacks coaching, basketball coaching challenges, emotional intelligence coaching, coaching self-care, administrator support coaching, legal protection coaching, Wisconsin basketball coaching, high school coaching criticism SEO Keywords: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    10 m
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