Podcast
Basketball Coach Unplugged (A Basketball Coaching Podcast)
Hosted by Teachhoops.com · EN
This Podcast will discuss basketball coaching with Coach Steve Collins. Coach Collins will do this with interviews and on topic discussions. (Discussion will revolve around basketball topics such as: Offense, Defense, Motivation, Team Building, Youth Basketball, High School Basketball, college basketball and much more...) We will publish weekly shows at 6:00 am..... Please check out our site if you like our podcast. www.teachhoops.com.
51episodes
Episodes
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Ep 1925 Are Your Players Shooting More… or Becoming Better Shooters?
6d ago00:09:01Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ Episode Title: Are Your Players Shooting More… or Becoming Better Shooters? Every coach says it in May: “Get in the gym and shoot.” But when November hits, many players did shoot… they just didn’t improve at the shots that win games. This episode breaks down how to turn summer shooting from “empty calories” into real, transferable improvement. Most summer shooting fails because it isn’t real enough. Games don’t give perfect reps. Games give tired legs, closeouts, decisions, a clock, and pressure. So your workouts have to include those same conditions. 1) Track MAKES, not attempts “I got up 500 shots” doesn’t matter. The better question: “How many did you MAKE?” Set standards like: 100 game-speed makes, not “shoot for an hour.” 2) Shoot in game buckets Build a shot menu that matches real basketball: Catch and shoot One-dribble pull-up Finish at the rim Free throws (especially under fatigue) 3) Add decisions to every rep Shooters aren’t just shooters—they’re decision-makers. Simple read system: Short closeout: shoot Hard closeout: one-dribble pull-up Help steps up: make the pass Even solo workouts can include reads (sprint-to-ball, shot fake, relocate, etc.). 4) Finish with fatigue + pressure If workouts end when players feel good, it won’t hold up in games. Finish with a rule: Make 10 free throws in a row Make 3 in a row from the corner before leaving Make 2 in a row after a hard sprint No passer = no game speed (rebounding and strolling back isn’t real) No footwork standard (every rep looks different) No randomness (same spot, same rhythm, same comfort) Fix with partner talk-throughs or timed shooting + mandatory relocation. Form shooting: make 10 in a row Catch and shoot: 5 spots, make 5 each One-dribble pull-ups: elbows, make 5 each direction Finishing: make 8 with a rule (two-foot, outside hand, contact) Free throws: make 10, miss = must make 2 in a row to finish Use it to create competition and clarity (not shame): 4 shot buckets weekly makes goals Friday “pressure close” (FT ladder, streak drill, 1-minute challenge) Confidence isn’t jacking bad shots. Confidence is taking the right shot on purpose: feet set balance in your spot off a pass, not off a dance If you get this right in May, your players won’t say, “I’ve been shooting.” They’ll say, “Coach… I’ve been making.” Offseason plans, shooting workouts, competitive shooting games, and open gym templates:https://teachhoops.com/ Show NotesEpisode SummaryBig IdeaThe 4 Upgrades That Make Shooting TranslateCommon Summer Shooting Mistakes (and Fixes)A Simple 15-Minute Shooting RoutineProgram Builder: Team Shooting ChartGreen Light Rules (Confidence with Purpose)Coach TakeawayLinks / Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1924 Reflections from the Sideline: An Exclusive Interview with Coach Collins
1w ago00:30:57Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ As a fixture in the Madison, Wisconsin, basketball community for nearly three decades, Coach Stephen Collins has seen the game evolve from leather balls and short shorts to the era of advanced analytics and digital coaching clinics. After a 27-year tenure at Madison Memorial, Coach Collins is shifting his focus toward digital mentorship and building the next generation of leaders. We sat down with the veteran instructor and coach to discuss the "muck and grind" of a long career, the overlap between the classroom and the court, and what’s next on his whiteboard. Interviewer: Coach, 27 years at one program is a rarity in today’s coaching climate. When you look back at that first season in Madison compared to your final whistle last spring, what is the most profound change you’ve noticed? Coach Collins: The speed—not just of the players, but of the information. When I started, we were trading physical VHS tapes and drawing plays on napkins. Now, players have access to every NBA highlight and breakdown on their phones before they even hit the locker room. But while the technology changed, the "Human Element" remained exactly the same. You still have to look a kid in the eye and make them believe they are capable of more than they thought. The 27 years taught me that players don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Interviewer: You’ve spent a significant portion of your career teaching Advanced Placement Statistics. How does a deep understanding of probability and data affect your late-game decision-making? Coach Collins: It’s a double-edged sword. In the classroom, we talk about the Law of Large Numbers—the idea that as a sample size grows, the observed mean will get closer to the expected value. On the court, I know that a high-volume shooter is "due" for a make, or that our Effective Field Goal Percentage ($eFG\%$) is higher when we touch the paint. But coaching is where the "Statistically Significant" meets the "Humanly Unpredictable." You can have a $95\%$ confidence interval that a certain play will work, but if a teenager is having a bad day or loses focus for a split second, that $5\%$ "error" happens. My background in stats helps me stay calm; it reminds me to focus on the Process rather than the outcome of a single possession. Interviewer: You’ve transitioned into a major role with platforms like TeachHoops.com, essentially coaching the coaches. What prompted the shift into the digital space? Coach Collins: It was about scale. At Memorial, I could impact 12 to 15 players a year. Through digital communities and podcasts, I can help a coach in Ireland or a youth director in San Francisco solve a problem in real-time. Coaching can be a very lonely profession—that "Alone in the Crowd" feeling is real. I wanted to build a "Digital Truth Room" where coaches could find the resources, sets like the Princeton or Shuffle Offense, and the community support they need to avoid burnout. Interviewer: We hear you’re a man of many interests outside the gym—from high-end sports trading cards to planning trips to the Orlando theme parks. How do you "unplug" after a long season? Coach Collins: You have to find your "Magic" somewhere. For me, the focus required to analyze a Topps or Bowman release or the logistics of navigating a family trip to Disney provides a different kind of mental challenge. It’s about balance. After 27 years of being "Coach Collins" 24/7, I’ve learned that being a good husband and father is the only "stat" that truly lasts. Part I: The 27-Year LegacyPart II: The Probability of SuccessPart III: From the Hardwood to the Digital WorldPart IV: The Personal Scorecard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1923 Can You Survive AAU Season Without Losing Your Team?
1w ago00:08:42Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ Summer basketball can be a gift… or it can quietly wreck your program. In May, coaches start feeling it: players scatter to AAU, schedules get messy, your best kid is traveling, role guys disappear, and by August you’ve got talent — but no connection. In this episode, Coach shares a simple framework to survive AAU season without losing your culture. The goal isn’t to fight AAU. The goal is to stop the drift. Why programs lose the summer (and it’s not because kids are “busy”) How to prevent summer from turning into a tryout and “me ball” The 3 Agreements every coach should set with players before summer explodes Why you should demand habits, not presence (and what habits actually matter) The weekly communication loop that keeps your team connected all summer A quick “AAU Translation” meeting that turns AAU reps into your program development How to run a “Return Day” every two weeks to keep identity alive Why summer roles should be growth roles, not starting roles Agreement 1: We don’t compete against each other. We compete for each other. Summer can turn into a tryout. This agreement protects chemistry and reinforces team-first habits. Agreement 2: You owe the program your habits, not your presence. Instead of guilt and drama, you set clear standards players can control (skill work, strength, compete reps, leadership habits). Agreement 3: We stay connected with a weekly loop. One simple weekly rhythm keeps communication strong and prevents the “summer fade.” AAU Translation Meeting (15 minutes) Ask players: What are you being asked to do on your summer team? What are you doing well? What’s one thing you’re struggling with? Then give each player: One strength to sharpen One weakness to attack Return Day (every 2 weeks) A short, structured team touchpoint to protect culture: quick warmup small-sided competition pressure finish Growth Roles Instead of debating starters in June, assign responsibilities: voice guy, energy guy, connector, work guy organize workouts, bring a freshman, lead warmups, text the group AAU isn’t the enemy — drift is Standards beat guilt Habits keep your program alive when schedules are chaotic A short weekly loop creates long-term buy-in Summer identity is protected through structure, not speeches Before the end of May, do these 3 things: Set the 3 Agreements with your team Create a simple habit scoreboard (skill, strength, compete, leadership) Schedule your first Return Day For offseason planning tools, templates, and systems that make this easy to run, visit:https://teachhoops.com/ Show NotesWhat You’ll LearnThe 3 Agreements FrameworkPractical Tools MentionedKey TakeawaysCoach ChallengeMentioned Resource Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1922 Is the Next Whistle the Right One? Finding the Perfect Coaching Fit
1w ago00:24:26Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ Finding the "correct" coaching job is rarely about the prestige of the name on the jersey; it’s about the alignment between the program’s DNA and your personal "Why." Too many coaches chase the "biggest" job only to find themselves in a culture that suffocates their philosophy. To find the right fit, you have to treat the job search like a scouting report—looking past the surface-level wins and losses to see the structural reality of the organization. Before looking at job boards, you must define your non-negotiables. A "correct" job exists at the intersection of three specific pillars: Tactical Philosophy: Does the school or club value the style of play you specialize in? If you are a "Dribble Drive" coach but the administration is obsessed with a slow-paced, traditional post-up system, you are setting yourself up for friction. Lifestyle Logistics: Every job has a "cost of entry." This includes commute times, off-season expectations, and administrative duties. A job that looks great on paper but destroys your work-life balance will eventually lead to burnout. Organizational Support: Does the Athletic Director or General Manager have your back? You need to know if the "Standard" you set in the locker room will be supported when you have to make a difficult decision regarding a player or a parent. Every opening tells a story. You need to identify which chapter of that story you are entering: The interview process isn't just about them liking you; it’s about you "vetting" them. Ask the questions that reveal the true culture: "How does the administration handle parent complaints regarding playing time?" "What is the budget for player development and assistant coaches?" "What does 'success' look like to you three years from now, regardless of the scoreboard?" In the modern landscape, the "correct" coaching job might not be at a traditional school. Consulting & Digital Coaching: If you have spent decades mastering a system, the "correct" move might be coaching other coaches. Platforms that offer "Scalable Mentorship" allow you to impact thousands of players without the 80-hour work week. Club/AAU Director: Transitioning from the sidelines to a "Director of Coaching" role allows you to shape the fundamentals of an entire region rather than just one roster. To objectively measure a potential job, use this simple calculation for each offer: Where: $A$ (Alignment): How well their vision matches your philosophy (1–10). $L$ (Logistics): How the job fits your daily life and family (1–10). $S$ (Support): The quality of the administration and resources (1–10). A score above 8.5 is a "Must Take." A score below 6.0 is a "Hard Pass," no matter how big the school is. Coaching jobs, finding the right coaching fit, basketball coaching career, athletic leadership, head coach interview questions, program building, coaching philosophy, career transition for coaches, high school coaching, college coaching, digital coaching, teach hoops, coach unplugged, championship culture, job search for educators. 1. The "Alignment Triangle"2. The "Program DNA" AuditProgram TypeThe OpportunityThe ChallengeThe RebuilderTotal control to "install" your culture from scratch.High initial loss count; requires extreme patience.The MaintainerHigh-level talent and established community support.Living in the "shadow" of the previous coach; high pressure.The Hidden GemLow expectations but a strong youth/feeder system.Requires a "long-game" vision and community organizing.3. The "Two-Way" Interview4. The "Wildcard": Beyond the Traditional BenchThe "Fit Score" Formula$$Fit = \frac{(A \times 3) + (L \times 2) + S}{6}$$SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1921 Is Your "Chip" a Source of Power or a Point of Failure?
1w ago00:09:24Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ In the world of high-level competition, we often talk about players who "play with a chip on their shoulder." It’s that invisible weight that drives a player to outwork the "top-tier" recruit, to dive for the loose ball in a 20-point blowout, and to treat every practice like a Game 7. But as coaches, we have to understand that a "chip" is a double-edged sword. When harnessed correctly, it is the ultimate fuel for Resilience and Effort. When left unchecked, it can turn into "Hero Ball," resentment toward teammates, or a lack of emotional control that leads to technical fouls. To build a championship culture, you must teach your players how to use that perceived disrespect as a "Strategic Advantage" rather than an emotional burden. The "chip" usually stems from a specific moment of rejection: being cut from a team, being ranked low in a scouting report, or being told they are "too small" or "too slow." This creates a "Prove Them Wrong" mentality. As we discuss in our TeachHoops member calls, this is the most powerful internal motivator in sports. Unlike "external" rewards (trophies, sneakers, social media clout), the chip is internal and renewable. It’s what allowed players like Steph Curry or Draymond Green to transform from "undersized prospects" into Hall of Fame legends. Not every player arrives at your gym with a natural chip on their shoulder. Sometimes, as a coach, you have to be the one to "Manufacture the Disrespect." This doesn't mean being a "jerk"; it means highlighting the reality of the landscape. Show them the preseason rankings where they are picked to finish 5th. Point out the "All-Conference" lists they were left off of. By acting as the "Chief Filter Officer," you help your players notice the "Red Cars" of external doubt, turning that collective energy into a "We Against the World" program identity. The biggest mistake a young player makes is confusing "playing with a chip" with "playing angry." Anger is chaotic; it leads to reaching on defense, forced shots, and losing focus on the scouting report. A "Chip" is calculated. It’s the player who is so insulted by an opponent's lack of effort that they decide to physically dominate them within the rules of the system. We want "Quiet Intensity"—the player who doesn't say a word to the trash-talking opponent because they are too busy "out-executing" them. Basketball motivation, playing with a chip, underdog mentality, team culture, high school basketball, youth basketball, basketball IQ, coach development, athletic leadership, "The Villanova Way," mental toughness, player development, championship habits, "Prove Them Wrong" mindset, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, leadership standards, program building. Show Notes1. The Psychology of the "Underdog"2. Manufacturing the "Chip" (The Chief Filter Officer)3. Playing "With" a Chip vs. Playing "Angry"The "Chip" Audit: Fuel vs. FrictionTraitThe "Fuel" (Championship Level)The "Friction" (Program Killer)Response to Error"Next Play" speed; works harder next rep.Sulking, blaming teammates or refs.Defensive EffortTakes it personally when a man scores.Chases blocks/steals to "look good."LeadershipDemands the standard from everyone.Berates teammates for not being "as tough."Game SpeedSprints the floor to prove a point.Jogs until they get the ball in their hands.SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1920 From Confrontation to Collaboration: Engineering the Parent Partnership
2w ago00:18:29Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ In the high-stakes world of youth and high school sports, parents are often viewed by coaches as a "hurdle" to be cleared or a "challenge" to be managed. But this "Us vs. Them" mentality is a structural flaw that undermines the very culture you are trying to build. To turn parent challenges into collaboration, you have to shift from a Transactional model (where parents are "customers" paying for playing time) to a Transformational model (where parents are "stakeholders" invested in the program’s values). When you bridge the communication gap, you turn potential "fire-starters" into your most powerful "culture-multipliers." Most parent conflict stems from a lack of clarity. In the absence of information, people invent their own narratives—usually centered around perceived unfairness. To prevent this, you must be the Chief Transparency Officer. The "Why" Behind the "What": Don't just tell parents your rotations; explain your philosophy on rotations. If you value defensive intensity over scoring, say so early and often. Pre-Season "Standard Setting": Use your pre-season meeting to define exactly how and when communication happens. Establish the "24-Hour Rule" (no talking about games until 24 hours have passed) and stick to it with absolute consistency. When a parent approaches you with a concern, your natural instinct is to defend your "basketball IQ." To move toward collaboration, you must first lead with Empathy. Most "angry" parents are simply "anxious" parents who want their child to succeed. The "Active Listening" Pivot: Instead of listing stats, ask: "What is your biggest goal for your child this season?" * Alignment: Once you find the common ground—usually that everyone wants the player to grow and the team to succeed—the conversation shifts from "My kid's minutes" to "How can we help them reach that goal?" Collaboration requires participation. If parents only interact with the program as spectators, they will only evaluate it as critics. Give them "Micro-Ownership" of the program's logistics. The "Culture" Crew: Assign parents to handle team meals, community service projects, or "senior night" traditions. The "Energy" Section: Explicitly teach parents how to be "Energy Givers" in the stands. Reward the crowd for cheering for the "extra pass" or a "floor dive." When parents feel they have a tactical role in the team’s energy, they become part of the win. You can think of your relationship with parents as a "Trust Bank Account." Every positive, transparent interaction is a deposit. Every conflict or lack of clarity is a withdrawal. If your Ego is too high, the trust level drops, regardless of how much you communicate. By keeping the focus on the Program Standards rather than your "authority," you make it safe for parents to collaborate with you. Parent-coach relationships, sports parent collaboration, team culture, athletic leadership, high school basketball, youth basketball, program building, basketball IQ, coach development, "The Villanova Way," character development, championship habits, parent meetings in sports, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, mental toughness, leadership standards. Show Notes1. The "Information Vacuum" Rule2. Radical Empathy vs. Defensive Posturing3. Creating "High-Value" Parent RolesThe Partnership Shift: Challenge vs. CollaborationThe Common ChallengeThe "Conflict" ReactionThe "Collaborative" ShiftPlaying Time Concerns"I'm the coach, I decide.""Let's look at the 'Standard' together and see where the growth gap is."Tactical Disagreement"You don't know my system.""I appreciate your passion; here is how this set benefits the whole group."Sideline Coaching"Be quiet in the stands.""We need one voice on the floor; help us by being the 'Chief Encourager'."Social Media NoiseIgnore it or get angry.Proactively share "Vision-Aligned" highlights to set the narrative.The "Trust Equity" Formula$$Trust = \frac{Transparency \times Consistency}{Ego}$$SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1919 The Championship Coach
2w ago00:07:23Tap to summarizeApply Here https://www.thechampionshipcoach.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1918 What Should Every Coach Lock In During May to Win the Summer?
2w ago00:09:17Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ May is the month that decides your summer. If you win May, your summer becomes organized and purposeful. If you lose May, the offseason turns into random open gyms and wishful thinking. In this episode, Coach breaks down the vital priorities for May so you can build momentum, clarity, and real player improvement heading into summer. What You’ll Learn Why May is the “setup month” for everything that happens in June and July The 7 most important coaching priorities to lock in right now How to turn summer from “busy” into “better” Simple systems to create consistency even when attendance is inconsistent The 7 Vital May Priorities Calendar First Communication Player Plans Strength and Durability Culture Reps Leadership and Identity Eligibility and Real Life Practical Week-by-Week May Plan Week 1: Calendar + player/parent communication Week 2: Player plans + strength schedule Week 3: Identity + constraints + leadership meeting Week 4: Pressure night (FT ladder + end-game reps) Key Takeaways Don’t wait for “full attendance”—build a system that works with real life Track what matters (skill work, lifts, compete days, leadership habits) Keep it simple, measurable, and consistent Coach Challenge Before June 1st, complete this checklist: Set the calendar Send the player message Send the parent message Create two-skill plans Set lift days Choose one identity Build one constraint around it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1917 Is the Reward of a Varsity Jersey Worth the Risk of a Stagnant Bench?
2w ago00:09:15Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ The decision to move a player from Junior Varsity (JV) to Varsity is one of the most consequential choices a head coach makes during the mid-season grind. It’s not just about rewarding talent; it’s about Strategic Utility. Too often, coaches "call up" a young standout only to have them sit behind a senior for 30 minutes a night. In this episode, we tackle the "Billion Dollar Question" of player promotion: Is it better for a sophomore to dominate 32 minutes at the JV level or play 4 minutes of high-intensity "garbage time" on Varsity? To build a sustainable program, you must prioritize Developmental Minutes over the prestige of the Varsity roster. 1. The Positional Difference A "Promotion Strategy" shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. Post players often benefit from an early move because their development is tied to physicality; battling a 220-lb senior in practice every day will accelerate their growth more than dominating a smaller JV opponent. Guards, however, need the ball in their hands. If moving a young point guard to Varsity means they become a "floor spacer" who never initiates the offense, you might be stunted their "Decision IQ." 2. The WIAA "Three-Halves" Reality For our Wisconsin coaches navigating the 18-minute half era, remember the technical "Safety Valve." Under WIAA rules, a player can participate in up to three halves of basketball on the same day. This allows you to "Slow-Cook" your prospects. Let them play a full JV game (2 halves) and dress for Varsity to get their feet wet in the final minutes (1 half). This maximizes their "Rep Density" while acclimating them to the speed of the Varsity game. 3. The Cultural Impact on the "Vets" Promoting a young player is a "Relational Disruptor." Before the move is public, you must have two conversations: The "Promotion" Talk: Set the expectation that they are there to earn time, not just occupy a seat. The "Survivor" Talk: Speak to the Varsity seniors whose minutes might be impacted. Use Jay Wright’s "Value Your Role" philosophy—explain how this move strengthens the "collective" and pushes the intensity of practice. If the veterans don't "buy in," the young player will be isolated on an island. The "Minutes vs. Level" Matrix: Knowing when the competition outweighs the playing time. WIAA Technicals: Navigating the three-halves rule to maximize development. Parent Management: Ensuring the move is seen as a "challenge" rather than a "guarantee." Role Integrity: How to keep your Varsity bench engaged when a young player jumps the line. 💲 Unlock More Revenue: Reward the stands at your next tournament at Sidelines.pro. 👷🏼 Instant Practice Planning: Build a season-long plan in 60 seconds at Coaching Youth Hoops. ✅ Free Season Checklist: Download your planning guide at Coaching Youth Hoops Checklist. 📈 AI Analytics: Get professional-grade data for your youth team at Coaching Youth Hoops AI. Basketball coaching, JV to Varsity transition, player development, WIAA basketball rules, three-halves rule, high school basketball, youth basketball, basketball IQ, coach development, "The Villanova Way," team culture, athletic leadership, basketball strategy, roster management, championship habits, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, mental toughness, program building. Coaching Corner: What to Consider When Bringing Up Freshman Players to Varsity This video explores the nuances of moving young players into a Varsity environment, focusing on the mental toughness and physical readiness required to survive the jump. Show NotesThe Three Pillars of the "Call Up"Discover:Tools to Level Up Your ProgramSEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Ep 1916 Are You Undervaluing Your Program… and What Happens When You Do?
2w ago00:08:24Tap to summarizehttps://teachhoops.com/ In this episode, Coach Collins dives into a topic most coaches avoid — price and value. Not just what you charge, but what your program, your systems, and your growth are truly worth. After holding TeachHoops at the same price for five years, a change is coming. This episode breaks down why the shift from $39 to $49/month isn’t about money — it’s about alignment. When your program improves, your standards rise, and your impact grows… everything has to reflect that. Coach Collins also introduces the next evolution: the Coach Collins Fellowship. A smaller, deeper, application-based experience for coaches ready to go beyond information and into real transformation. This is about building better programs, stronger culture, and long-term success — together. If you’ve ever struggled with valuing your work, setting standards, or knowing when it’s time to level up… this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Growth requires alignment — you can’t improve without adjusting expectations Undervaluing your program leads to lower commitment and weaker results Not every coach needs the same level — and that’s where the Fellowship comes in The best coaches don’t stay the same… they evolve Lock in the current TeachHoops rate before May 4th and take the next step in your coaching journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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