The Basketball Podcast Scott Harmatuk on Applying Basketball Immersion Concepts at the High School Level (EP362)
Mar 5, 2025
Scott Harmatuk, head coach at Klein Collins High School, reveals how he transformed his coaching by shifting from traditional drills to a game-based, constraint-led approach. He shares the secrets to increasing player enjoyment and developing their basketball IQ. Scott discusses overcoming cultural challenges, engaging all players, and the importance of teaching within the context of the game. He emphasizes that fun environments lead to better player-led practices and growth, ultimately linking improved decision-making to his team's successes, including multiple district titles.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Play-Based Practice Boosts Learning
- Scott Harmatuk switched from drill-heavy practices to game-based play to connect skills and decisions.
- He says practicing basketball by playing increases engagement and self-directed improvement.
Use Buildup Games Instead Of Isolated Drills
- Do build practices from 1v1 into 5v5 using progressive small-sided games as 'buildups.'
- Keep cues short, reuse terminology, and transfer the same actions into full-team play.
Cut Fluff; Prioritize Purposeful Time
- Avoid long, repetitive stationary drills and excessive coach talk that waste time and burn players out.
- Get in, play purposeful basketball, and get out to maintain freshness through the season.