TEAM TENETS with Jonathan Newman-Gonchar

1:26 - Diving into Jon’s idea of WIPs (weekly improvement plans) that were introduced in Episode 1.

Are they always 1-on-1 or are they group meetings?

6:08 - Whiteboard where Jon’s players write their two mechanical or technical skills as well as their mental skill.

8:23 - Example of an effective practice focus suggested by players compared to one that is less coachable.

10:24 - Particular stats that Jon prioritizes in meetings.

12:56 - Spending time with starters vs. spending time with non-starters.

15:26 - Diving into Jon’s three tenets - particularly his belief in striving to be “1% better”.

Always working hard towards bettering yourself

What kind of qualities are needed to be a part of the program?

18:07 - Explaining Jon’s second tenet: “be a scientist”.

What does it mean for an athlete to be a scientist?

19:24 - Example of how an athlete can be a scientist

20:28 - Coaching like a scientist.

21:34 - How does Jon want his players to approach his third tenet: “challenge the status quo”.

23:25 - What do Jon and his players do differently from other programs that are outside of the status quo?

25:20 - What does Jon’s staff do that challenges the status quo?

26:35 - What Jon has done to create an environment where his staff feels comfortable to challenge him.

27:51 - What Jon has done to be a more “open” coach.

Keeping authority while also maintaining a certain level of humility

Being straightforward with athletes

29:12 - Explaining the “illegal moves”.

33:48 - A little bit about Billy’s book (the link to buy it is below!)

Listener Questions

34:31 - How Jon took everything he has learned from his mentors and created his own style of coaching

37:44 - What has been the biggest change in Jon’s relationship with his players since becoming the head coach of the program?

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