https://teachhoops.com/ Coaching first-time basketball players is less about winning and almost entirely about creating a foundation of fun and confidence. The primary goal is to ensure every player has a positive experience, making them want to return for the next practice. This is achieved by celebrating effort above all else, praising hustle plays and the courage to try new skills, regardless of the outcome. Simplicity is crucial; coaches should focus on one or two simple concepts per session, using clear, encouraging language to build a safe environment where players aren't afraid to make mistakes. The focus of every practice should be on the absolute fundamentals, as these are the building blocks for all future development. Ball handling should emphasize dribbling with the head up, using game-based drills like "Dribble Tag" instead of static cone weaves. Passing and catching must be taught patiently, focusing on making a good "target" with the hands and stepping toward the pass. When teaching shooting, prioritize basic form—balance, elbow alignment, and follow-through—over the shot actually going in, using close-range, one-handed drills to build muscle memory. A successful practice for beginners keeps them moving and engaged, avoiding long lines and complex explanations. Structure sessions by rotating quickly through skills, dedicating short blocks of time to dribbling, passing, shooting, and basic defensive stances. Integrate these skills into fun, competitive games rather than traditional, repetitive drills. For example, "Red Light, Green Light" teaches dribbling control, and "Monkey in the Middle" teaches passing and faking. Always end the session with a controlled scrimmage or a fun game like "Knockout" to reinforce the skills in a playful, low-pressure context. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

💲Unlock More Revenue. Reward the Stands.https://sidelinesavings.com/ Are youth basketball tournaments really worth all the stress—and gate fees? Many coaches think tournament hassles are just “part of the game,” but Coach Steve Collins and Bill Flitter have run more tournaments than most and know there’s a better way. Is your team’s tournament experience draining your energy—and your parents’ wallets? Listen in for: Smart tips for saving on gate fees. How to avoid tournament chaos with better planning. Fresh ways to keep parents and players happy. More game-changing ideas ahead! Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 💲Unlock More Revenue. Reward the Stands.https://sidelinesavings.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ In basketball, an offense is a team's overarching philosophy and system for how they intend to score. It's the general framework that dictates spacing, player movement, and decision-making. Examples include the "motion offense," which relies on players reading the defense and reacting with cuts and screens, or "continuity offenses" like the Flex, which run a repeating pattern. The offense is the default set of rules and principles a team operates under during a possession. A play, on the other hand, is a specific, pre-designed sequence of actions intended to create a high-percentage shot in a particular situation. Often called "set plays," they involve scripted passes, screens, and cuts to get a specific player a shot in a specific spot. Plays have a definite start and end, and they are often used after timeouts, for inbounds situations, or at the end of a game when a basket is crucial. If the initial options on a play are defended, the team will typically flow back into its base offense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ Think every kid in your program is destined for a D1 scholarship if they just “want it enough”? It’s a myth that hustle alone guarantees success. Coach Bill Flitter brings on Cameron Korab—youth sports change-maker and Made Hoops exec—to set the record straight on raising healthy athletes in today’s high-pressure world. How realistic are your expectations—for players and parents? In this episode, discover: How (and why) to set honest, healthy expectations with kids and parents The role of passion and joy in keeping young players engaged Key habits that separate tomorrow’s leaders from those burning out todayMuch more gold packed inside! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are your players really developing or just playing more games? Many believe nonstop tournaments mean nonstop progress, but that’s a costly myth. In this episode, Coach Bill Flitter welcomes Tim Livingston, a veteran in youth sports and player development, to break down why true growth means more than endless games. Is your coaching building well-rounded athletes? Discover: The real cost of no “off-season” Why technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills all matter Simple ways to keep youth athletes healthy, happy, and improving There’s even more game-changing advice ahead. Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. Looking for a complete management platform for your team, check out https://Acesnation.org 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Ever ask yourself if youth basketball really needs all those fancy stats and endless film break-downs? Most coaches think more data means smarter coaching—but is that always true? In this episode, Steve Collins and Bill Flitter bust this myth, sharing decades of wisdom, and reveal how focusing only on essentials can transform your coaching. How much is your team’s success being buried under too much info? Here’s what you’ll learn: Prioritizing film and stat review (without losing your weekend!) The only three stats youth coaches need (goodbye overwhelm!) How quick lessons lead to big wins, even with little time Plus, there’s more game-changing advice ahead! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 💲Unlock More Revenue. Reward the Stands.https://sidelinesavings.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ Do you think coaching is just about teaching X’s and O’s? Think again! Many believe running the perfect playbook is the key, but legendary Bay Area coach Margaret Gartner says the real job runs so much deeper. Coach Bill Flitter sits down with Gartner, a 600+ game winner, to break down what matters most when building great youth teams. How would your players describe your impact? Tune in to gain: The “Oreo” method for feedback that boosts confidence Why flexibility trumps rigid plans at practice How strong coach-player relationships create lasting success Plus, discover more game-changing insights inside! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ Are parents really the biggest challenge in youth basketball—or is it something deeper? It’s easy to think that silent sidelines equal happy families, but that’s a myth most coaches fall for. In this episode, Coach Bill Flitter and Coach Steve Collins—armed with decades of experience—unpack the tricky world of parental and external pressures. How well do you set expectations and communicate with your team’s families? You’ll discover: Why over-communication is your coaching superpower. The art of balancing playing time and program pressure. Setting clear roles for both parents and players. Get ready for more winning strategies inside! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

www.basketballcoachesclinic.com www.coachingyouthhoopsmasterclass.com https://teachhoops.com/ basketballplaycreator.com Basketball Coaches Clinic Check out.  [Teachhoops.com](https://teachhoops.com/) 14 day Free Trial Cultivating Resilience: Strategies for Building a Strong Team Culture Youth Basketball Coaches Podcast Apple link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coaching-youth-hoops/id1619185302 peak performance coach, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, cognitive reframing, basketball practice, resilience, mental game, anxiety, communication, confidence, conflict resolution, youth players, performance anxiety, postgame conversation, expectations, 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 Coaching youth Hoops Coaching youth basketball Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/⁠ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/⁠ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai⁠ Do you think blaming refs, teammates, or parents helps your team win? It’s easy to believe negativity is “just part of the game,” but that mindset quietly destroys team spirit. This episode, hosts Coach Bill Flitter and Coach Steve Collins—youth basketball veterans—break down how toxic blame erodes teams and show you how to foster a positive culture instead. Is your team growing together, or tearing apart under pressure? Listen to discover: How to spot and stop subtle negativity on your team. Why modeling positivity changes everything. Practical ways to turn mistakes into team-building moments. And there’s even more wisdom in the episode’s next lesson. Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ Is your practice plan working for you—or against you? Most coaches think structure kills creativity, but is chaos really the answer? In this episode, Coach Steve Collins and Coach Bill Flitter—two seasoned pros—reimagine practice planning to keep kids learning, improving, and begging to come back. Are you actually maximizing your gym time? Listen now to discover: How to tailor practice structure by age, time, and skill. Easy routines that boost skills (without boring your players). Simple tweaks for instant engagement and game-day results. More game-changing tips ahead! Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/⁠ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/⁠ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai⁠ Is making practice fun the same as making it competitive? Many coaches think fun means chaos and competition means stress, but that balance is much trickier—and more rewarding—than you think. This week, Coach Steve Collins and Coach Bill Flitter, the minds behind Coaching Youth Hoops, break down how to blend fun and competition for lasting impact. Are your players really looking forward to practice—or just waiting for it to end? This episode unlocks: How to finish practice so kids leave smiling (and learning) Ways to sneak essential skills into “fun” drills The secret to letting kids own part of practice Don’t miss future wisdom—there’s more game-changing content coming. Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/⁠ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai⁠ Ever worry you don't have what it takes to confidently coach a youth basketball team? It's easy to think experience alone builds confidence, but guess what? Even the pros had to start somewhere! In this episode, Coaches Bill Flitter and Steve Collins—veterans with wisdom and wit—share how even rookie coaches can rapidly level up. Do you truly know what your players need from you? Listen in to discover: Why finding a coaching mentor accelerates your growth How to use practical, free resources for real-time improvement Ways to structure practices that turn anxiety into action Ready for more game-changing guidance? Even more gold is packed inside! Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/⁠ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/⁠ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: ⁠https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai⁠ Is player discipline just about punishing mistakes—or is there much more beneath the surface? Most coaches think strict rules and quick consequences will “fix” behavior, but is that actually building character and sportsmanship? In this episode, Coach Steve Collins and Coach Bill Flitter—seasoned with over 50 combined years—shine a light on why modeling calm, setting clear expectations, and knowing when not to discipline are coaching superpowers. How are you teaching discipline on and off the court? You’ll discover: When to set a consequence…and when to coach through it. The power of modeling great sportsmanship (even after a bad call). How the best coaches turn discipline into life lessons, not just benchings. There’s even more wisdom waiting inside the episode! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Do your players speak a different language on the court—literally and figuratively? Most coaches assume shouting instructions louder makes kids listen, but that’s just not how this generation rolls. In this episode, Coach Bill Flitter and Coach Steve Collins—boasting over 65 combined years in youth basketball—break down how real connection starts with the right communication. Are you truly speaking your team’s language? Dive in and discover: Keeping instructions simple and age-appropriate. Building trust through genuine interest beyond basketball. Creating shared vocabulary for on-court clarity. And there’s a game-changing guide waiting for you too. Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Ever questioned whether your team is truly aggressive—or just fouling too much? Most coaches think teaching physical play equals encouraging reckless contact. Not so fast! In this episode, Bill Flitter and Steve Collins, boasting 30+ years of coaching wisdom, share how to foster toughness the right way. Be honest: Are you tracking the right signs of hustle? You'll discover: How to measure real aggression (hint: it’s not all about fouls). The power of off-ball intensity. Simple stats to help your players shine tougher, smarter. Big coaching gold awaits—don’t miss out! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever felt like losing streaks mean you’ve failed as a coach? Most believe that great coaches never struggle, but Bill Flitter and Steve Collins—youth hoops veterans—challenge that myth with real stories of slumps, streaks, and bouncing back stronger. Are you learning from losses, or just taking them? This episode will help you: Reframe losing streaks as growth opportunities. Use mini-games to boost confidence and skills. Keep team morale high, even when wins are scarce. Plenty more sage advice awaits! Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

www.theaisportscoach.com New to AI and coaching youth hoops? This episode breaks it down in plain English—no jargon, no fancy tools. I share how AI helps with the blank page (practice outlines, parent notes, simple checklists), what it’s great at (speed, clarity, consistency), and where it falls short (it doesn’t know your kids, you must review for safety and fit). We’ll talk mindset too: start small, one job at a time, stack tiny wins, and build a simple library you can reuse all season. Bottom line: AI won’t replace coaches—it replaces scrambling. You’re still the decision-maker, teacher, and culture-builder. Your first step this week: pick ONE lane (practice outline, parent message, or gear checklist), describe your situation in two sentences, ask for a short bulleted draft, tweak it in two lines, save it. Want examples and a crew learning alongside you? Join the free community at theaisportscoach.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ Is shouting “Run the layup drill!” met with blank stares from your players? Most coaches assume calling out a drill’s name is enough—but kids often forget what it means under pressure. In this episode, Coach Steve Collins and Coach Bill Flitter, boasting nearly 50 years of combined coaching expertise, show you how clever naming and mnemonics can transform learning and recall for youth athletes. How clearly do your players really understand your commands? Listen for: Creating trigger words your team instantly responds to. Building a common vocabulary—all on the same page, fast. Making drills memorable and practice run smoother. More game-changing tips await inside! Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://teachhoops.com/ Ever found yourself with just a handful of players at practice and wondered, “Is it even worth it?” Many think you need a full squad to make real progress, but that's not the whole story. Hosts Coach Steve Collins and Bill Flitter, boasting 35+ years of coaching energy, reveal how to turn low numbers into big opportunities for player development. What do you do when less than half your team shows up? Discover how to: Transform small groups into dynamic skill sessions. Stay prepared with flexible practice plans. Keep every player engaged—no matter the headcount. Even more creative solutions await you. Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review. 👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/ ✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/ 📈 AI Game Analytics for Youth Teams: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices