Hardwood Hustle

Knowing that the use of the shot clock isn't universal in basketball, TJ and Sam share why it’s beneficial and how coaches can think about their tactics in this area. They touch on defaulting to a late ball screen, changing defenses, and how to use the clock to their advantage. Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.

Today we're joined by Lee Taft who shares with us what he's learned in his 30 years of developing athletes.  He's spent much of this time teaching his multi-directional speed methods to elite athletes and top performance coaches all over the world. As basketball coaches, when it comes to defensive stance, lateral movements, speed, and agility, how do we know if what we're teach...

Today we're joined by one of PGC's own and current high school coach, George Ellis. George shares what he learned from coaching with a Living Legend, Coach Larry McKenzie at Minneapolis North High School, winning a state championship in 2016 and how he's able to apply the best learnings to his own coaching. We cover a coach's growth mindset, setting player standards, and gettin...

This week we mix an Xs and Os discussion of what coaches choose to run offensively with how we can maximize player buy-in and enroll them in what we're doing. Of course there's not a one size fits all approach, but there are some key considerations and questions coaches should be asking themselves all season long. Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact inf...

There are times in coaching where you feel like you've done everything you can, and you just can't get a win. If you haven't been there yet, you probably just haven't coached long enough. In this episode, TJ, Sam and former hardwood Hustle Host, Adam Bradley from Lead'em Up, talk about how coaches can approach this challenge and breathe life into their programs. Send us a...

It's a little cliché, but it's also a real challenge for coaches to keep perspective during the season and to not only trust the process, but to also enjoy it. Dive into this episode to hear how you can stay the course and reap the benefits of that commitment. Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.

This week the team discusses Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator for the Atlanta Falcon's sound bite about paying your dues in coaching. It's a reminder that we're in the people business and we might not all climb the ladder the same way. Hear in this episode how you can double check yourself along your coaching career and ensure you're climbing the right ladder for you. Send us a...

It's typically easier for us as coaches to identify the big ticket items we want our teams to improve in, but we also know it's the little things invested in over time that will become the ultimate difference makers. With experience, coaches can improve their diagnosing and prescribing skills and take big steps forward in their coaching. This week TJ and Sam discuss how you can can best...

What do you do when your team is facing an uphill battle? Whether it's in a single game or the rest of the season, not only do we have to strategize and problem solve, we also need to get our players to buy-in to any adjustments and changes we're making. This week's conversation will gives you ideas and tips on how to approach these situations so your team can reach its potential. S...

At some point every coach wrestles with how to manage, challenge, and continue to develop their bench players throughout the season. As much as possible, we want every player engaged and excited about the team and the opportunity to compete. In this episode TJ, Sam and Lisa dive into how we as coaches can manage practice reps, playing time, development, and team chemistry. Send us a Message. If yo...

When you reach the mid-season checkpoint, it's important to evaluate where your team is at and where you're headed. In this episode TJ and Sam walk coaches through some important questions related to on court strategies they should be asking to finish the season strong. Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.

 400 wins is more about being willing to learn hard lessons, overcome obstacles, and  stay the course than it is about the satisfaction of winning. Recently, our host, TJ Rosene won his 400th game as a head coach and in this episode, Sam  interviews him to find out what he's learned at different stages of his career, what you can take back and apply to your coaching, and how we can all contin...

In this episode, Sam is joined by Dr. Matthew Raidbard, former college basketball coach and now leadership consultant and author of Lead Like a Pro, Effective Leadership Styles for Athletic Coaches. They discuss how we as coaches can be more intentional with our leadership style and grow in our communication in order to be the best leader possible for our teams. Send us a Message. If you'd lik...

What makes the best offense for your team? Today's episode is all about your philosophy behind choosing your offensive system and strategy. TJ and Sam discuss the questions you need to ask yourself heading into a new season. We all know there are many ways to run good offense, but to be confident in what you're running, it needs to fit you, your goals, and your players.  Send us a Messag...

We're joined by special guest, Dre Baldwin who shares his story about how he went from getting cut from his high school team 3 times to playing professionally overseas for 9 years. It's an incredible story that's sure to inspire coaches and players alike as Dre shares strategies for how we can embrace challenges and reach our potential. Free book, The Third Day: http://ThirdDayBook....

We've all had goals fall flat in our basketball seasons. Today's conversation is a debate on whether or not goal setting is a healthy practice for your team and your players. In the midst of that, where do standards fit in and how can they drive performance? Listen today to open your mind to new best practices when it comes to goal setting conversations and help your team achieve its pot...

One thing we know for sure, making baskets is a must. How you develop your shooters and give them feedback will be critical to your success. Today, we're joined by John Carter CEO of Noah Basketball. He's been studying what makes for a great shooter across all ages and stages for well over a decade. He shares how you can give shooters better feedback, know what to focus on, and use the f...

With the upcoming season around the corner, this week, TJ and Sam highlight the vital role coaches play in the lives of young people. We know it's not getting any easier and hope today's episode will be an encouragement as you seek to refine your craft and make a positive impact beyond basketball. No doubt, there's a lot more at stake than just wins and losses, and to be at your bes...

This week TJ and Sam discuss the situation with NBA Player, Ben Simmons and the 76ers. From the outside looking in they discuss what coaches can learn in terms of helping your players and teams attack tough situations and conversations head on. We want you to be better equipped to handle whatever comes your way this season. Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact inf...

This week TJ and Sam share with coaches how to navigate team conflict. When teammates don't like each other or don't  get a long it can put your team chemistry and even your season at jeopardy. Listen for practical examples and tips to take back to your players and teams this season. Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.

TJ and Sam cover the 1-3-1 Defense on both sides of the ball. How to implement it, different ways of running it, where its strengths and weaknesses lie and how you can best prepare your team when facing it this coming season. Send us a Message. If you'd like us to reply, include your contact info.

This week TJ and Sam interview Ryan Dyer, Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at North Pauling High School. They discuss how to build relationships, best practices in leadership, and potential blind spots you may be missing with parents and admins. As a former coach, Ryan shares some best practices on both sides that can ensure you start this season off on the right track. Send us a Message....

TJ and Sam discuss how to strategize when it comes to your team's special situations. They dive into both the offensive and defensive side of inbounds plays and tactics as well as making considerations practicing and planning for end of games. Coaches should pay particular attention to how much time they spend in this area and in this episode, Sam and TJ share why it's the most important...

This week TJ and Sam have an in-depth discussion with Kevin Sutton from Florida Gulf Coast. Coach Sutton has 36 years experience of coaching at the high school and collegiate level both as a a head and assistant coach. I this episode he shares his wisdom about how to learn from the best, holistically develop players, and grow in your leadership as a coach. Send us a Message. If you'd like us t...

This week TJ, Sam and Lisa discuss the hot topic of games approached coaching and dive into the benefits and hurdles of this teaching method. What makes it work and how it can increase your efficiency in practice, as well as how it's misused and may even hurt your players' development. Join in the conversation and better apply a games approach in your upcoming practices this season. Send...