The Next Next

Creating the Next Level in Hockey: A Deep Dive with Player Development Expert Tyler Dittmer In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs talks with Tyler Dittmer, a seasoned player development coach from Brandon, Manitoba, who has an extensive background in both playing and coaching hockey. Tyler delves into his philosophy surrounding effective player development, the balance between individual skills and team dynamics, and the importance of mental training and holistic approaches in athletics. He also discusses his current work at the Western Canada Hockey Academy, the collaboration between different coaches, and his role as a consultant for an NHL agency. Tyler provides insights into optimizing hockey IQ and the nuances of integrating unstructured play with structured training. In the latter part of the episode, Jason and Tyler brainstorm innovative ways to make advanced player development more accessible and effective for young athletes and their families. 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 00:33 Guest Introduction: Tyler Dittmer's Background 02:57 Tyler's Journey in Hockey 05:08 Transition to Player Development 10:30 Balancing Skills and Team Play 15:30 Parental Involvement in Player Development 18:14 Optimizing Training and Development 20:15 Video Analysis and Skill Application 36:46 Collaborative Coaching and Future Prospects 42:01 Peer Collaboration in Player Development 42:46 Resuming the Discussion with Tyler 43:45 The Importance of Collaboration and Peer Groups 46:24 Specific Examples of Collaboration in Action 47:30 Balancing On-Ice and Off-Ice Development 49:07 The Role of Academies in Player Development 52:35 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Participation 57:25 Personal Reflections and Career Aspirations 01:00:34 Leveraging Video and AI in Player Development 01:00:44 Hockey Canada Master's Coaching Program 01:02:07 Consulting and Agency Work with Matt Calvert 01:03:07 Challenges and Opportunities in Player Development 01:23:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Unpacking Youth Athlete Development with Nathan Bowen of Total Package Hockey In this engaging episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of youth athlete development with Nathan Bowen, co-founder of Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy. The discussion explores Bowen's founding journey, the expansion of TPH Academy, the balance between sports specialization and sampling, and the importance of holistic development. They also touch on the evolving role of technology in sports, the critical traits of successful athletes and coaches, and strategies for navigating the challenging landscape of youth sports. Bowen shares insights from his experience in building TPH Academy, stressing the significance of passion, compete level, and personalized coaching in unlocking a student's full potential. 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 00:56 Guest Introduction: Nathan Bowen 01:48 Nathan Bowen's Journey in Hockey 03:35 Founding Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy 06:20 Expanding TPH: Camps, Clinics, and Academies 09:41 Balancing Passion and Business in Sports 30:23 Academy Model vs. Traditional Schooling 35:16 Parental Guidance in Youth Sports 39:01 Parental Advice for Building Leaders 39:40 The Evolution of Sports Development Paths 41:18 Balancing Sports and Personal Interests 46:18 The Role of Technology in Sports 59:09 Characteristics of Special Players and Coaches 01:03:58 Balancing Professional and Personal Life 01:07:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Player Development Insights with Tabor Academy Assistant Coach Pete Gintoli In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs dives into the world of athlete development with guest Pete Gintoli, an assistant coach and teacher at Tabor Academy. The discussion covers Pete's unique background, his transition from player to coach, and his experiences in various coaching environments including junior hockey, college, and prep school. The conversation highlights key aspects of player development, the balance between academic and athletic pursuits, parental involvement, and the state of youth hockey in New England. Additionally, Peter shares insights on using video analysis as a coaching tool and offers advice to aspiring athletes and their families. 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 00:54 Introducing Today's Guest: Pete Gintoli 01:25 Peter's Background and Early Career 02:00 Peter's Coaching Philosophy and Experiences 02:23 How Peter Found Tabor Recruit Chase McCoy04:09 Peter's High School and Junior Hockey Path 08:46 Transition to College Hockey 10:11 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation 16:41 Peter's Professional and Coaching Transition 32:22 Insights on Academy and Online Schooling 39:01 Encouraging Kids to Keep Improving 39:56 Balancing Schoolwork and Sports 41:35 The Importance of Structure and Discipline 43:59 Navigating the Hockey Path 46:04 Recruiting and Player Development 48:58 Role of the Assistant Coach 50:17 Player Development Tools and Techniques 57:46 State of New England Hockey 01:02:33 Balancing Development and Competition 01:18:14 Final Thoughts and Advice

Navigating the Challenges of Youth Sports Development with Brian Collins In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricacies of youth sports development with guest Brian Collins, a former high school hockey star and collegiate player at Boston University. They explore various facets of modern-day youth sports, from the challenges faced by sports parents to the differences in athletic development paths between generations. Collins shares his unique perspective as a coach and a father, discussing the balance between fostering a love for the game and pushing for competitive success. They also touch upon the impact of privatization in sports and navigating overwhelming schedules for young athletes. This insightful conversation provides valuable takeaways for parents, coaches, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of youth sports. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:55 Meet Brian Collins: High School to Pro Hockey Journey 02:19 Brian's Coaching Philosophy and Youth Sports Today 02:48 Podcasting and Hockey Conversations 06:58 Brian's Early Hockey Days and Family Influence 12:57 Youth Sports Evolution and Free Play 16:41 Challenges and Changes in Youth Hockey 25:25 Balancing Sports and Development 28:50 The Rarity of Offensive Coaches 30:02 Balancing Free Play and Structured Training 30:56 The Struggle with Technology and Kids 32:57 The Importance of Enjoying the Game 35:20 Building a Development Platform 37:29 The Role of Video Analysis in Development 42:06 Fostering Passion and Work Ethic in Kids 44:41 Reflecting on Personal Experiences 50:21 Advice for Sports Parents and Players 53:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Unlocking the Secrets of Player Development with Brett Leonard In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the nuances of athlete development in youth sports with Brett Leonard from Leonard Hockey. Jason, a founder exploring the potential of a new player development company and a sports dad himself, discusses the intricacies of analyzing player data and development. Brett shares insights into his methods of video analysis, skill training, and game situational drills to help players improve their hockey IQ. The conversation explores the potential of integrating AI to scale the analysis process and make advanced coaching techniques more accessible. Tune in to learn about the future of player development and how it can transform youth sports. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:54 Meet Brett Leonard from Leonard Hockey 01:35 Diving into Player Development 03:18 The Importance of Video Analysis 05:49 Analyzing Player Data 09:50 Personalized Development Plans 18:09 Measuring Progress and Setting Objectives 28:47 Scouting and Player Development 33:26 Integrating Traditional Skills with Game Context 44:56 Balancing Coaching and Player Development 46:56 Studying Hockey: Techniques and Insights 51:32 Practical Advice for Young Players 55:34 Innovative Training Methods 01:01:09 Scaling Coaching with Technology 01:12:43 The Future of AI in Player Development 01:21:57 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves deep into the nuances of athlete development with guest Brett Leonard, a former UVM hockey captain turned elite player development coach. Leonard discusses his journey from building a local gym and coaching Vermont youth hockey to specializing in video-driven, data-centric training methods for D1 and pro athletes. The conversation explores the importance of game situational practice over traditional drill-based training, and Leonard shares insights on how leveraging data analytics can significantly improve player development. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sports training. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:51 Meet Brett Leonard: From UVM Captain to Elite Hockey Trainer 04:41 Brett's Early Hockey Journey and Family Influence 08:49 The Importance of Multi-Sport Play and Free Play 17:54 Transition from Player to Coach: Building Vermont Hockey Training Center 20:32 Specialized Training: From Mass Development to Elite Individual Focus 29:04 The Light Bulb Moment 29:28 Off-Puck Strategies 30:20 Analyzing Player Performance 32:17 Tracking and Customizing Player Data 35:53 Manual vs. Automated Data Tracking 38:16 Data-Driven Player Development 41:07 Challenges and Future of Player Development 51:53 Practical Training Techniques 57:47 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Mastering Mental Performance: Insights from a Veteran Coach In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the world of mental performance coaching with guest John Couture, a seasoned mental performance coach at IMG Academy and director at the Kinkaid School. With over 30 years of experience, including 11 years in the MLB, John shares his insights on how mental performance techniques can turn physically gifted athletes into well-rounded performers who excel under pressure. They discuss the nuances of mental performance coaching, the right time to engage with a coach, and the benefits of integrating mental skills training into an athlete’s routine. John also talks about the growing prominence of mental performance coaching, the certification process, and his experiences working with athletes at various levels. The episode includes practical advice for parents and athletes, and highlights the importance of communication and collaboration among coaches, parents, and mental performance professionals. Jason also explores the impact of commercialization in youth sports and the balance between pushing athletes and allowing them to find their own paths. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:35 Meet John Couture: Mental Performance Coach 01:32 The Role and Importance of Mental Performance Coaching 02:45 John's Journey into Mental Performance Coaching 05:43 Techniques and Universals in Mental Performance 10:49 Certification and Legitimacy in Mental Performance Coaching 14:30 Mental Performance Coaching in Practice 20:21 Daily Integration of Mental Performance 24:03 Group vs. Individual Coaching 26:30 The Importance of Communication in Coaching 27:38 Athlete's Perception vs. Objective Performance 28:39 Managing Parental Influence on Athletes 30:15 The Role of Mental Performance Coaches 31:56 Balancing Youth Sports and Family Life 34:11 The Business of Youth Sports 38:03 Digital Solutions for Mental Performance Coaching 43:01 Parental Perspectives vs. Athlete's Reality 44:54 The Importance of Autonomy in Youth Sports 48:35 The Future of Youth Sports 51:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Next Next, Jason Jacobs sits down with Matt Wheeler and Chris Meade, co-founders of SportsRecruits. The company connects millions of high school athletes with college coaches, helping them find the right fit for their athletic and academic future. Matt and Chris share their entrepreneurial journey, starting from their days at Wesleyan University where they played lacrosse, to identifying inefficiencies in the sports recruiting process, and eventually founding SportsRecruits. They discuss the initial challenges, including their early model of filming lacrosse events and transitioning to a scalable digital platform. They reveal the company's scaling through partnerships with clubs and events, leading to a significant growth in user base. Furthermore, they highlight the company's recent acquisition by IMG Academy, aiming to deliver more value in the increasingly complex recruiting landscape. Beyond business, the conversation also touches on personal experiences and philosophies concerning youth sports, player development, and parenting. 00:00 Introduction to SportsRecruits 00:40 Founders' Background and Early Challenges 01:23 Transition to Digital and Business Scaling 01:44 Recent Acquisition and Future Vision 02:03 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Journey 02:26 Welcome to the Show: Matt and Chris 03:26 Early Career Paths and Initial Business Idea 03:52 First Steps and Initial Struggles 07:14 Breakthrough Moment and Business Model Shift 17:59 Expansion into Other Sports 22:05 The Role of Clubs in Recruiting 28:21 Challenges and Successes in Scaling 34:42 The Importance of Technology in Recruiting 35:57 Defense vs. Offense in Club Marketing 36:53 The Role of SportsRecruits in Club Success 39:29 The Impact of AI and Future Prospects 40:39 Transitioning to Software and Funding Challenges 44:51 Acquisition by IMG Academy 55:57 Balancing Parenting and Youth Sports 01:06:01 Reflections on the Journey and Final Thoughts

Navigating Hockey Development with Advisor Brock Kautz In this episode of The Next Next, former University of Minnesota goalie and current hockey player advisor, Brock Kautz, shares his extensive journey from a junior hockey player to a college athlete and finally transitioning into coaching and player representation. Discussing his early beginnings in Minnesota hockey, Kautz highlights the importance of multi-sport participation, the evolving role of parents in youth hockey, and the significance of adapting to different roles within a team. He provides insights on player development, the impact of technology, and the essentials of being a good teammate. This episode offers valuable perspectives for young athletes, parents, and anyone involved in hockey. 00:00 Introduction to Brock Kautz 00:49 Brock's Early Hockey Journey 03:50 College and Coaching Career 11:10 Transition to Player Advisor 17:17 Parental Involvement in Youth Hockey 25:04 Hockey IQ and Skill Development 30:58 The Role of Coaches and Video Analysis 33:57 Embracing Roles and Identity in Hockey 36:08 The Rise of Agents and Advisors 41:48 Balancing Development and Exposure 43:56 Key Attributes Scouts Look For 47:16 Training, Burnout, and Multi-Sport Benefits 51:46 The Impact of Technology in Player Development 56:25 Changes in Junior and College Hockey 58:29 Life as a Hockey Advisor01:03:09 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason converses with Jesse Winchester, a former NHL player and player development coach for the Ottawa Senators. Jesse shares his unconventional journey to the NHL, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and passion. They discuss the evolution of the game, contrasting Jesse's development era with the present, and the increasing role of skill at the expense of hockey IQ. The conversation also delves into the challenges of raising young athletes today, balancing ambition, intrinsic motivation, and healthy development. The episode explores the potential for new platforms to better support youth athletes in their development, focusing on skill-building, competition, and balancing passion with structured growth. 00:00 Introduction to Jesse Winchester 00:43 Jesse's Journey to the NHL 01:10 Comparing Past and Present Hockey Landscapes 03:43 Early Influences and Work Ethic 15:32 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 24:27 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Development 29:30 Building a New Athlete Development Platform 31:04 Emphasizing Joy in Skill Development 32:11 Balancing Development and Joy 33:59 Intrinsic Motivation and Gameplay 35:03 Challenges of Home Training 37:28 The Role of Parents in Development 38:47 Hockey IQ and Skill Development 42:25 The Importance of Video Analysis 44:44 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development 50:04 The Role of Agents in Player Development 52:15 Balancing Competitive and Personal Goals 57:37 Reflections on Personal Development 01:00:52 Future Plans and Advice for Parents