Talking Split

Thanks to one of our listeners Coach Funz, we were made aware of a report commissioned by Luka Doncic on the state of the junior game around the world. It’s a fascinating look at what the landscape is in the sport, and the impact that we as coaches can have with our own development, but also player enjoyment. We unpack the 8 Core Principles of the Total Hoops Approach and how it applies to our landscape as coaches. If you’re interested, you can download the report here: https://lukadoncicfoundation.org/iyb-report/

With the back half of many seasons fast approaching we are anticipating some tight games, so we discuss what the late game tactics are that coaches might need to consider when the pressure comes on! Strap in as as Besty takes us through his recent Japan and US travels, some of the basketball experiences he’s had, and the different styles of basketball from around the globe.

For a lot of coaches, they’re approaching the mid-point of the season and what better time than now to get a check in with your players? It’s a great time to sit down with players and review goals from the start of the season, see if you can set new goals, find out more about your team culture, and give both coaches and players the opportunity to deliver and receive feedback to make it as positive an experience for everyone involved.

We have talked a lot about development on the podcast over the years, so we look to unpack it a little more this week. How does it feel, how does it happen and what can we do as coaches to help assist in the development of the players, when we all live in a world where winning is prioritised by so many? Any coach shoutouts you’ve got, send them through and be sure to check out the Talking Split pages on Instagram and X!

Back for another block of podcasts, and we are discussing some of the things that might go unnoticed from players or parents, about the coaches. There is a whole dynamic that some may not be aware of and can be explored to create a more harmonious environment for all involved. Along with building resiliency in athletes, and the U18 Nationals, there is something for everyone this week!

It’s taken us a while, but we’ve finally got Besty back on the podcast this week and the carrot we had to throw out there was talking about one of his favourites – Shell Drill. It’s a staple of most team training sessions, with onball defence, offball defence and all kinds of cutting and screening options being worked on, so we discuss the different areas of focus, why it’s important and some of the different ways you can run it at your training session.

Joined on the pod this week by one of the other people that make Nick has to answer to, Luke Brennan (Trig) the South East Melbourne Phoenix Assistant Coach. Hailing from WA, we talk about his pathway in coaching, the things he believes in as a coach, NBA Summer League, his Boomers experience and advice for those younger in their coaching with aspirations to progress. Lots of takeaways for coaches of all levels regardless of where they are on their journey!

One of the things coaches discuss the most, is how to get the ball inbounded against pressure defence. So we’ve got you, just over an hour of inbound talk for this week! Actually, with the multiple tangents we go on, it’s probably a fair bit under an hour, but either way, lots of discussion points to hopefully help with one of the bigger pain points we deal with as coaches. If you’ve got a Coach Shoutout, let us know and we will start building up a bit of a list to get through again.

We asked, and you delivered! We are back for a second round of parent questions, and how they apply to the coaches out there. Team Selection, Structures for development, and even how to choose the correct shoes feature in this week! Coops fills us in on his Japan trip, we have a Coach Shout in there (keep sending those in), and we have our Social Split Talk back for another week too.

Fortunate to be joined this week by Michelle de Highden to discuss her coaching journey, and in particular the work that she has done with Fixing the Leaky Pipeline project. Something in this one for coaches of all levels, ages and genders as we unpack the experience for everyone in coaching, and where it can go in the future to create the best environment possible. For more information on “The Leaky Pipeline”, head here: https://www.ais.gov.au/coach-development/wihpc For women interested in applying for the Accelerated Women’s Coaching Program, head here: https://hubs.la/Q039mv7_0