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Tate Unruh from the Freedom Lab discusses the vital role of identity in athletic and personal performance. He shares practical insights on coaching from a place of authentic identity, helping teams develop a shared sense of purpose, and guiding individuals to discover their true selves to unlock peak performance.
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RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!
Host or Director interest form: https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8
RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
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🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about
—
GUEST INFO
Guest: Tate Unruh
Co-Founder of The Freedom Lab: Helping coaches and athletes perform their best through identity based work
Former Pro Basketball Player
Driven by his own journey of untangling self-worth from athletic performance; devoted husband and father of five.
Guest’s Website:
Guest’s Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tate-unruh-m-a-b12ab2a2/
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CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
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CHAPTERS
00:00 The impact of forcing versus flow in performance
01:20 Why performance is rooted in identity
02:08 Coaching from experience versus coaching from identity
03:22 The story of a coach preparing for interviews with authenticity
04:39 Helping athletes and coaches discover their true identity
10:14 The importance of receiving true identity from love or God
15:43 Using imagery and receiving to uncover identity
20:15 The significance of language in defining who you are
22:15 Creating team identity through shared fears and values
28:41 Transforming team culture with identity and shared purpose
34:40 Playing offense versus defense with identity and fear
38:44 Tools for coaches to develop and communicate identity
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Topics
- The role of identity in performance
- Coaching from a place of authenticity
- Creating a shared team identity
- Helping athletes discover their true selves
- The impact of fear and false beliefs on performance
- Tools for identifying and transforming limiting beliefs
- The flow state and authentic self
- Practical exercises for team and individual identity development
Darin Keizer and Luke Gromer explore how to set goals for coaches, restore joy in sports, design better practice environments, and align coaching practices with core values to foster growth and transformation.
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RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!
Host or Director interest form: https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8
RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY
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🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about
—
GUEST INFO
Guest Name: Darin Keizer
Athletic Director at Dordt University and former Athletic Director at Southwest Christian High School for 10 years.
Master’s in educational leadership and a doctorate in higher education leadership.
Director of Coaching for Transformation, aligning athletic and educational values in Christian schools.
Guest’s Website:
https://www.dordt.edu/in-all-things/the-lost-art-of-play-recovering-joy-creativity-and-purpose-in-sports
Guest’s Social Links:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darin-keizer-06701b44/
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CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
—
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode
02:02 The influence of coaching comparisons and standards
04:05 Balancing structure and creativity in youth sports
06:08 Designing fun and engaging practice sessions
09:07 The impact of positive environments on athlete motivation
11:21 Gamifying skill development to enhance learning
14:34 Aligning mission, vision, and values in athletic departments
17:12 The role of best practices and peer learning among coaches
19:48 Integrating faith and life lessons into sports practices
20:50 Sharing best practices and fostering collaboration among coaches
22:25 The Defender Way and the concept of transformation in coaching
23:41 Engaging resistant coaches and fostering buy-in
26:18 Leading with standards instead of rules in sports culture
28:45 The power of habits and standards in achieving excellence
31:08 Balancing product and byproduct in coaching outcomes
32:16 The importance of a broader vision beyond winning
33:41 Helping coaches and staff align with mission and values
36:20 The impact of intentional one-on-one meetings with athletes
37:46 The significance of relationships and personal connection
38:31 Closing remarks and contact information for Darin Keizer
Loren Anderson shares his journey from traditional coaching to a game-based, constraints-led approach that emphasizes autonomy, attention, and decision-making. Discover how shifting coaching paradigms can lead to more joyful, effective, and player-centered sports experiences.
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RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!
Host or Director interest form: https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8
RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY
Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!
📧 Free Newsletter: BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about
—
GUEST INFO
Guest Name: Loren Anderson
Veteran coach since 1993, currently serving as Head Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach at Century High School (Hillsboro, OR) and Director of Tualatin Valley Volleyball Club.
Utilizes ecological dynamics, the constraints-led approach, motivational interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) to foster player autonomy and adaptability.
Writes the Substack Beyond the Drill, where he challenges traditional, drill-heavy practices and encourages representative, highly engaging learning environments.
Connect with Guest:
Guest’s Website: https://nomoredrills.substack.com/
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CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
Coach Greg Berge shares his journey in coaching, discussing the evolution of his coaching style, the importance of communication and relationships, and how to engage parents effectively. He emphasizes the significance of conflict as a form of communication and the role of leadership in cultivating a positive team culture. He also discusses the difference between commitments and goals, stressing the value of dedication in achieving success.
—
RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!
Host or Director interest form: https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8
RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY
Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!
📧 Free Newsletter: BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about
—
GUEST INFO
Guest Name: Greg Berge
30-year veteran in education and athletics, currently serving as a High School Principal and Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach in Lake City, MN.
Holds over 370 wins, 11 conference titles, and 3 section titles across 20 years as a head basketball coach.
Founder of GB1 Leadership LLC, author of four books, and speaker reaching over 50,000 followers with actionable frameworks on culture and team building.
Connect with Guest:
Socials:
X - https://x.com/GregBerge/status/1922435285264060517
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-berge-42889148/
Website: http://www.gb1leadership.com
—
CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
Rolf Götz shares his innovative approach to coaching flag football, emphasizing game-based learning, the importance of fun, and how to design practices that transfer to real game situations. Discover how to make coaching more effective, enjoyable, and human-centered.
—
RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!
Host or Director interest form: https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8
RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY
Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!
📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about
📧 Free Newsletter: BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
—
GUEST INFO
Guest Name: Rolf Götz
Veteran flag football coach: Coaching in Germany since 1987 across youth and national levels.
Blends ecological dynamics and motivational psychology to design better learning environments.
Coaching writer who focuses on purposeful change, athlete ownership, trust, and real decision-making.
Connect with Guest:
Guest’s Website: http://tesseractjunction.substack.com
Guest’s Email: [email protected]
Guest’s Social Links: LinkedIn
—
CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
—
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rolf Goetz and his coaching philosophy
02:03 The importance of fun and competition in youth sports
03:51 Rolf's journey from player to coach and coach developer
08:12 The science behind skill acquisition and learning environments
12:11 Designing practice to reflect real game chaos
16:10 Overcoming resistance to game-based coaching methods
20:07 Practical examples of game-based activities in flag football
24:10 The role of uncertainty and messiness in learning
28:00 How to end practices with meaningful reflection and team building
32:12 The importance of seeing and experiencing game-based practices
36:02 Research evidence supporting game-based skill transfer
40:03 Designing activities that teach decision-making and positioning
44:06 Using constraints to create realistic and chaotic scenarios
50:00 The value of practice variability and adding defenders
54:00 Building team culture through environment and reflection
Nick Smallridge, girls soccer coach at Bentonville High School, joins Luke Gromer to discuss real game transfer, building autonomous players, and designing representative practice.
—
RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!
Host or Director interest form: https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8
RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY
Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!
📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about
📧 Free Newsletter: BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
—
GUEST INFO
Guest Name: Nick Smallridge
Nick Smallridge is a girls soccer coach at Bentonville High School in Bentonville, Arkansas. He has over 20 years of experience across various levels of soccer.
Connect with Guest:
Guest’s Website: https://nicksmallridge.substack.com/
Guest’s Email: [email protected]
Guest’s Social Links: X | Instagram| LinkedIn | YouTube
—
CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
—
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to coaching philosophy and player focus
01:12 Nick's background and coaching journey
02:24 The importance of joy and fun in sport
03:39 Principles of practice design and representative learning
05:55 Identifying player problems and designing solutions
08:03 Using constraints to recreate game problems
11:34 Progression and complexity in practice scenarios
14:50 Building social connection through problem solving
18:35 The role of language and questions in coaching
21:20 Creative constraints and their impact on behavior
27:13 Player ownership and decision-making
34:46 Using language intentionally to enhance learning
39:02 Reflections on coaching success and growth
Zach Lutz shares his journey from professional baseball to coaching youth, emphasizing the importance of connection, simplicity, and long-term development in sports. This episode explores how coaches can foster growth, trust, and love for the game in young athletes.
—
RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!
Host or Director interest form: https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8
RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY
Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!
📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about
📧 Free Newsletter: BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
—
GUEST INFO
Zach Lutz
9-year pro baseball player
Youth baseball coach
Youth sports advocate
Guest’s Website: https://lutzgo.org/
Guest’s Social Links: LinkedIn
—
CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
Coach David Emeott shares his insights on transformational coaching, emphasizing the importance of character education, vulnerability, and the shift from transactional to transformational coaching.
He discusses his personal journey, the challenges of coaching diverse teams, and the significance of effective communication with parents.
Emeott also highlights the need to redefine victory in coaching, focusing on the growth and development of athletes rather than just winning trophies.
—
RYG x NIKE Sports Camps
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!
Host or Director interest form: https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8
RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE Resources
Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!
📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
🫱🏻🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about
📧 Free Newsletter: BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe
—
Guest Info
David Emeott
A 33-year track and field coach with eight state titles and a national championship
Author of Beyond the Finish Line which details helping coaches prioritize character education, accountability, and the personal growth of athletes over transactional wins
Connect with Guest:
Guest’s Website: https://www.davidemeott.com/
Guest’s Email: [email protected]
Guest’s Social Links: LinkedIn
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Contact Us
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
—
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Coach David Emeott and his coaching journey
02:57 Early life struggles and the role of sport as an escape
06:05 Building trust through transparency and accountability
08:56 The journey from transactional to transformational coaching
12:01 The role of leadership councils and team ownership
14:59 Engaging with challenging parents and communication strategies
18:03 The concept of redefining victory and success
21:13 The power of stories and relationships with athletes
24:01 The value of honesty and transparency in leadership
27:04 The role of intentionality in team building
29:54 Dealing with challenging parents and communication
33:02 The impact of parental involvement on coaching
34:53 The significance of clear expectations and honesty
36:06 The role of transparency in building trust
37:08 Communicating expectations and handling conflicts
38:03 Redefining victory and measuring true success
38:56 Focusing on character development and life skills
39:54 The long-term impact of transformational coaching
40:58 Final thoughts and where to find the book
42:08 Closing remarks and encouragement for coaches
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Topics
About the Episode
David Durand shares his journey to becoming a mental performance consultant and outlines practical strategies for coaching Gen Z athletes.
David introduces a nervous system framework to help coaches understand dysregulation, manage athlete anxiety, and improve co-regulation.
The discussion emphasizes how fostering connection, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries with social media helps modern athletes thrive.
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RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
Become a Camp Director or Host a Camp!
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.
- Host/Director interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFXxRUOb9-pdYbDkRktNiCTD1PDwm4zisPexHCLH0341YlRg/viewform?usp=dialog
- RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY
📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe
🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching
📧 Free Newsletter: https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe
—
Guest Info: David Durand
Guest’s Website: https://realdevelopment.org/
Guest's Substack: https://daviddurand.substack.com/
—
CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
—
Chapters
00:00 David Durand's Journey in Sports and Psychology
03:10 Understanding Mental Blocks in Athletes
05:50 The Impact of Social Dynamics on Performance
09:04 Exploring the Modes of Athlete Regulation
11:51 Coaching Strategies for Different Athlete States
28:20 Navigating Tunnel Vision in Athletes
32:31 Understanding Shutdown Mode in Athletes
41:21 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes
47:46 Reflections on Coaching and Athlete Development
Takeaways
EPISODE NOTE: We apologize for the quality of the guest video in this episode, it was quite laggy.
Jon Torine shares his journey from the youngest NFL strength coach to a leader in youth sports development. He discusses leadership, culture, coaching fundamentals, and the importance of connection and authenticity in coaching.
—
RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS
Become a Camp Director or Host a Camp!
The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.
If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.
- Host/Director interest form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFXxRUOb9-pdYbDkRktNiCTD1PDwm4zisPexHCLH0341YlRg/viewform?usp=dialog
- RYG Website: https://rygathletics.com
—
FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY
📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe
🫱🏻🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching
📧 Free Newsletter: https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe
—
Guest: Jon Torine
Coach trainer with Coach Across America
Former NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach
Former i9 Sports Franchisee
Guest’s Website: coachacrossamerica.org
Guest’s Social Links: LinkedIn
—
CONTACT US
You can reach out directly to Luke via email at [email protected]
—
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Youngest Strength Coach in the NFL
09:02 Building Trust and Culture in a Team
13:52 Leadership Lessons from Tony Dungy
20:02 The Work Ethic of Peyton Manning
27:01 Strength and Conditioning for Young Athletes
30:54 The Joy of Movement for Kids
36:21 Understanding Strength Training and Youth Development
40:51 Coaching in Underserved Communities
46:52 The Impact of Coaches on Youth
56:20 Rapid Fire Coaching Insights
Key Topics
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