5 Ways I Learned as a PD Coach
Happy Friday, fam! I've been getting a lot of questions lately about the best way to improve as a Player Development Coach, so I wanted to share the 5 biggest things that helped me become the coach I am today. 1. Train players as much as possible Whether it's a 5-year-old beginner or an NBA All-Star, nothing beats reps and experience. I call this "sweat equity." I've realistically been a part of over 10,000 hours of basketball workouts. Those hours allowed me to experiment, make mistakes, discover what works, and develop a training system that consistently gets results. 2. Shadow other coaches Early in my career, I jumped at every opportunity to learn from coaches who were ahead of me. I'd rebound, defend, set screens, track stats...whatever was needed. 3. Watch film obsessively Film study took my basketball IQ to another level. It helped me understand the game at a deeper level, identify patterns, and recognize the tiny details that separate good players from great ones. Over time, film study helped me build a curriculum and framework for teaching players more effectively. 4. Attend conferences and invest in education I've never been afraid to invest in myself. Courses, conferences, certifications, mentorships, and networking events have all paid massive dividends throughout my career. Getting in rooms with other driven coaches not only improved my coaching, but also expanded the way I think about business, leadership, and life. 5. Continue being a player Playing college basketball gave me invaluable perspective. It allows me to relate to my athletes, understand what they're experiencing, and coach from a place of firsthand experience. The best coaches never stop learning, and they never get too far away from the game itself. To me, being a great Coach is about stacking years of experience, learning from others, studying the game, and constantly investing in your growth. Hope this helps! If you're a basketball trainer or coach looking to grow your business, get more clients, improve your coaching systems, create recurring revenue, and build a brand that stands out, check out the DCB Business Mentorship.