In this episode, I connect with Icelandic coach Mikael Hrafnsson to explore what basketball really looks like in one of the most unique countries in Europe. We talk about how the game is growing in Iceland, how young players train, and what the coaching culture looks like in such a small but ambitious basketball community.

Topics we dive into:

• how basketball developed in Iceland

• the mentality and work ethic of Icelandic players

• youth development, clubs, and daily training structure

• challenges of coaching in a small country with limited competition

• opportunities for players and coaches

• the future of Icelandic basketball

Mikael inst: @mikaelmani21

My inst: @arnold.chernogorov

In this episode of Beyond the Court, we explore one of the most exciting and underestimated basketball ecosystems in the world - Nigeria.

My guest is Murtala Abdullahi, coach who works daily with young Nigerian players dreaming of professional and international careers. This is a deep look at how basketball actually works on the ground in Nigeria:

You’ll hear about:

 • Why basketball is growing fast in a football-dominated country

 • Where Nigerian kids really learn the game - academies, schools, or street courts

 • What Nigerian players are naturally good at and where they struggle

 • How much “athleticism” is real, and how much is myth

 • How coaches try to build basketball IQ, discipline, and decision-making

 • Whether there are enough games and competition to truly develop players

 • The real pathways Nigerian players use to reach Europe or the USA

 • What needs to change for Nigerian basketball to reach the next level

We also close with powerful advice for young Nigerian players who dream of going international, what actually matters, and what most people get wrong.

In this episode, we break down what actually makes a player coachable.

Why attitude matters more than talent, how coaches spot coachability immediately, and the habits that separate fast-growing players from everyone else.

We talk about:

— how coachable players listen and adjust

— why taking feedback well is a superpower

— why some talented athletes struggle with it

— what players and parents can do to build this mindset

 Subscribe me on IG @arnold.chernogorov

A practical, honest conversation for players, parents, and coaches who want to understand what really drives development and long-term success.

In this episode of Beyond the Court with Coach Arnold, Arnold Chernogorov shares practical tips on how to build structure, maintain discipline, and run efficient basketball practices — even when you’ve got a gym full of kids.

🎯 What you’ll learn:

How to set the tone and build discipline early

Why short, clear instructions matter

How to keep everyone active (no lines, no waiting)

Smart ways to organize stations and games

The power of coach’s energy and presence

💡 Perfect for: youth coaches, parents, and anyone working with kids in sports.

In this episode, we dive into the key principles of how to truly master your dribbling skills.

💡 Core takeaways:

Work at maximum speed — if the ball slips out of your hands, that’s fine. It means you’re leaving your comfort zone!

Challenge yourself with different methods: two basketballs, tennis balls, wrapping the ball in a bag, blindfold drills, and using heavy balls. All of these build versatility.

Don’t stay in static drills. Real improvement comes from dribbling on the move, in game-like situations.

Train daily, for hours. Dribbling is the one skill that anyone can develop with enough effort and consistency.

🎧 This episode is your step-by-step guide to stop just “bouncing the ball” and start truly controlling it like a pro.

In this episode, we explore the mental qualities that make a player truly strong and set them apart from the average. Persistence, discipline, adaptability, mental toughness, leadership, and ambition — these are the traits that turn raw talent into lasting success.

You’ll hear practical strategies for both players and coaches to develop the right mindset and take the game to the next level.

Most people watch basketball to relax, cheer for their team, and enjoy the highlights. But if you’re a player, a coach, or simply want to improve your basketball IQ, every game can be a lesson.

In this episode, I’ll share:

how to watch basketball with a “coach’s eye”;

what to look for beyond the ball;

how pros and role players make decisions on the court;

the details that help you grow faster than just “playing the game.”

📌 If you want to turn every game into a classroom and sharpen your basketball mind, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked topics in youth sports — the role of parents in a young athlete’s success. Why do some talented kids burn out in a year, while others with average abilities rise to become team leaders and achieve great results? How can parents avoid the kind of pressure that kills motivation and instead create an environment where their child can grow both as an athlete and as a person?

We break down the 5 key roles parents play — from organizational and emotional support to maintaining a healthy balance between sports and personal life. This episode is a must-listen for moms, dads, coaches, and anyone who wants sports to be a source of joy, not stress.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel: @coach_arnold and IG: @arnold.chernogorov

🎙 Why Basketball is One of the Best Things You Can Give Your Kid

In this episode, we explore how basketball shapes more than just athletes. It teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and builds lifelong confidence. I share  real reasons why basketball might be one of the greatest gifts you can offer your child.

Whether you're a parent wondering where to start, or a coach looking for perspective, this episode dives into the heart of what makes the game so powerful for young people.

🟠 Let’s talk values, habits, and the bigger picture beyond the court.

🎧 Listen, share, and subscribe if this episode resonates with you.

📲 Subscribe my YouTube channel → https://www.youtube.com/@coach_arnold

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Court, Coach Arnold sits down with the one and only Coach Justin Tatum — a faith-driven mentor, passionate coach, and devoted community leader.

Coach Tatum shares how his faith shapes his approach to coaching, building relationships, and developing not just players, but people. We talk about the challenges and blessings of coaching in today’s world, the importance of heart-first leadership, and why love, accountability, and purpose are the cornerstones of his basketball philosophy.

Whether you’re a coach, a parent, or a young athlete, this episode will speak to your soul.