The GRIT Hoops Podcast

In this episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry explores one of the most underrated tools in athlete development: journaling. While most players focus on skills, workouts, and game results, the best athletes understand that growth begins with self-awareness, reflection, and intentional action. Journaling creates a framework that helps players understand where they are, where they want to go...

In this episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, the conversation dives into one of the most debated topics in youth basketball: AAU and team basketball development. But instead of blaming a specific system, the focus shifts to a more important question—when does playing on teams actually help a player grow, and when does it slow development down? This episode breaks down the dangers of chasing exposure...

In this episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, the focus is on one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in player development: film study and game tracking. Too many players simply play the game without ever taking the time to reflect, analyze, and truly understand what's happening on the court. This episode challenges that approach and introduces a more intentional path to growth. Listeners will...

In this episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down what it really takes to pursue mastery—not just in basketball, but in any craft. Too many players chase results without understanding the process behind elite performance. This episode flips that mindset and focuses on what actually drives long-term development. Coach Kerry introduces the three essential elements of mastery: repeti...

In this episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of player development: your environment. Talent and hard work matter, but where you play, who you play for, and the culture around you can make or break your growth as a basketball player. This episode breaks down how to evaluate your current situation, what to look for in a team or program, and how to take...

In Episode 15 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry tackles one of the most important and misunderstood decisions in a player's journey: choosing the right team environment for long-term development and growth. This episode challenges the idea that winning programs, stacked rosters, or championships automatically equal the best situation for a player. Coach Kerry breaks down four critical factors...

In Episode 14 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down exactly what it takes for a player to stand out, get recognized, and earn real playing time . Whether you're trying to make a team, move up the depth chart, or catch the eye of college coaches, this episode lays out the six essential traits that separate impact players from everyone else: skill, effort, leadership/IQ/communication, m...

In Episode 13 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry dives deep into one of the most important and misunderstood topics in basketball — what truly makes a great coach. Drawing from over 15 years of experience across high school, college, and professional training levels, Kerry breaks coaching excellence into five core pillars that define lasting impact far beyond the scoreboard. This episode chall...

In Episode 12 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down two of the most important questions every player asks: What is the attack first mentality? and How can I become a better scorer? Through personal stories, real-world examples, and actionable advice, Coach Kerry explains how adopting the attack first mindset transforms players from passive participants into true game changers. This ep...

In Episode 11 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry tackles a question every parent and coach wrestles with: Why aren't players improving as much as they should, even after years of games and practices? The answer lies in understanding the difference between the performance zone and the learning zone —and why most players spend too much time in the wrong one. Drawing from the research of Eduardo...

In Episode 10 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry dives into one of the most overlooked aspects of basketball development— mental awareness —and how mastering it can completely change your game. Inspired by a conversation with Coach Wade and an elite chess player's story, this episode introduces a unique framework: the Three Levels of Awareness every player must understand and grow through. Whe...

In this compelling episode of the Grit Hoops podcast, Coach Kerry dives deep into the essence of hard work, drawing from his extensive experience with youth athletes. Joined by producer Chris Nesi, they explore the transformative impact of dedication and passion on players' journeys. Featuring stories about standout athletes like Diamond Miller, Jaylen Blakes, Tucker Richardson, Belle Pellecchia,...

In Episode 8 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, we challenge a long-standing myth in youth basketball development: the idea that young players shouldn't study the NBA. Coach Kerry breaks down why watching professional basketball—especially the NBA—is not only beneficial, but essential for maximizing a player's potential. From learning high-level habits and skills to understanding elite mentality and work...

In Episode 7 of the Grit Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry from Grit Basketball breaks down how players, parents, and coaches can effectively self-assess performance using the Grit Grid . Forget the scoreboard and the stat sheet—learn how to evaluate your assertiveness, aggressiveness, and impact on the game, with or without the ball. Discover the value of tracking your touches, transitions, defensive pr...

In this episode, Coach Kerry tackles a hot-button issue in the basketball world: is the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era hurting the game—or helping it evolve? Coach Kerry breaks it all down with a nuanced take on how these changes are reshaping high school, college, and youth basketball. Key Topics Covered: Why NIL and the Transfer Portal aren't "ruining" basketball—but are...

In this game-changing episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast , Coach Kerry talks about what it really takes to become a great shooter. Forget what you thought you knew — he's breaking down common shooting myths, examining the mechanics used by the world's top shooters, and laying out the GRIT method for developing confident, consistent scorers. Coach Kerry shares his personal journey from questioning t...

In this episode of the Grit Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down why attacking is always the answer —both on and off the court. From celebrating standout players like Belle Pellecchia and Michaela Blakes to dissecting the "Attack First" mindset, we explore how this approach can elevate teams, simplify decisions, and supercharge player development. Coach also answers a great question from Coach L...

In this episode of the  Grit Hoops Podcast , Coach Wade and Coach Kerry explain why traditional basketball positions can hinder a player's long-term success. They discuss how limiting players to specific roles prevents skill development, adaptability, basketball IQ, and overall growth. Learn why positionless basketball is the key to unlocking a player's full potential and how coaches, parents, and...

Episode Summary In this episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, we take a hard look at the state of youth basketball development in America. Is AAU the problem? Are we too focused on games and results instead of real skill-building? We break down why the system is failing young athletes and, more importantly, how players, parents, and coaches can take control of the development process. Key Topics Cove...

March Madness is here, and we're celebrating the incredible GRIT Basketball players competing at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels in the 2025 tournament! In this special bonus episode, we give a well-deserved shoutout to the athletes who have put in the work and earned their spot on the biggest stage in college basketball. Plus, we highlight GRIT alumni making waves in professional basketba...

In the debut episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast , Coach Kerry discusses what it truly means to play the game the "right" way. Is your coaching approach helping or hindering your players' growth? Are you prioritizing development over rigid systems and results? Let's challenge the myths of "equal opportunity" in basketball and break down why the best teams and players don't play that way. Topics Cove...

Welcome to The GRIT Hoops Podcast ! In this trailer episode, Coach Kerry, co-founder of GRIT Basketball Training Academy, introduces The GRIT Hoops Podcast —the go-to show for players, coaches, and parents who are serious about skill development, mindset, and unlocking true potential. We're cutting through the myths, breaking down elite training strategies, and sharing real, unfiltered basketball...