In this episode, we discuss the importance of building a strong culture in a basketball program. I share my personal experience of taking over as head coach and establishing a culture at Heritage High School and turning around a team the year before that went 4-20 to 14-12 and making the playoffs again. There is a clear need to define and communicate the desired culture and I am working more and more on the role of actions built on core values that play a large part in shaping culture. I will recommend several books on building a culture and shares specific strategies I implemented, such as high fives, picking up teammates, intentional communication, and effort-based goals. I go over my strategy for preseason, in-season, and offseason activities that focus on building a cohesive and successful team. I will also reflect on some mistakes I made in the past and the lessons I learned from them and what I am looking to adjust for this upcoming season.
Previous Episode - Becoming A Head Coach
Coaching Basketball Podcast
Key takeaways:
Building a strong culture is essential for a successful basketball program.
Defining and communicating the desired culture is crucial.
Actions and behaviors shape the culture more than words or preaching.
Implementing specific strategies like high fives, picking up teammates, intentional communication, and effort-based goals can reinforce the desired culture.
Continuous learning and improvement are important for both coaches and players. Establishing and reinforcing team culture is crucial for success in basketball.
Preseason activities should focus on reestablishing the team culture and setting expectations.
In-season activities should include regular check-ins with players, culture days, and culture moments in film sessions.
Offseason activities should involve consistent check-ins, attending games, and setting goals for individual skill development.
Mistakes to avoid include neglecting culture-building activities, not preparing bench players for their roles, and keeping players who do not fit the team culture.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:54 Defining and Establishing the Desired Culture
05:40 Strategies for Reinforcing the Desired Culture
09:55 Continuous Learning and Improvement in Building a Culture
31:05 Building a Strong Team Culture
33:56 In-Season: Regular Check-Ins and Culture Days
52:37 Mistakes and Lessons Learned
Books & Resources
Jocko Willink Bundle - Best Leadership Books
Note - all books above are Amazon affiliate links.
The Husky Way
Culture Folder
Pre-Season
-Establish Culture Standards
-Introduce The Husky Way
-Conditioning Tests
-Sniper Tests
Beginning Of Season
-Captains Council (Culture System)
-Ask players 3-4 things they like & respect/expect out of a team captain
-Vote blindly on 3 players who exemplify these characteristics
-3 captains in charge of the council (4 if you think someone needs to be on there)
-Meet With Players Weekly
Throughout Season
-Meet With Players Weekly
-Alternate Coaches Meeting With Players
-Culture Days
-Culture Moments (Film)
-Culture Drills
End of Season
-Culture Recap
-End of season exit meetings
-What was bad or negative experiences
-What was good or positive experiences
-What was your favorite part of practice
-What was your least favorite part of practice
Offseason
-Consistent Check Ins
-Attending AAU games
-Give space & time off (July/August)
-Iron Husky & Snipers
📝 Playbooks:
2023-24 Boston Celtics NBA Champions Playbook | 2024 Uconn National Champions Playbook | 2024 NCAA Tournament Playbook | NCAA Tournament Bundle (2018-2023)
🏀 Resources:
Basketball Playbooks | Coaching Clinics | Coaching Membership | Newsletter
👉🏻 Follow:
Enjoy!
Coach Pyper
Building A Culture