https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ai-basketball-coach/

https://coachingyouthhoops.com/

Ever found yourself suddenly “roped into coaching” and wondered, “What on earth do I do now?”

Many folks think you have to be a basketball expert to coach youth hoops, but that’s far from reality. This week, veteran coaches Steve Collins and Bill Flitter—your go-to sources for all things youth basketball—share how anyone can step up and thrive, even if it wasn’t part of your plan.

Could your coaching journey use a confidence boost?

Tune in to discover:

How to survive (and enjoy) being unexpectedly recruited

Finding the right support so you’re never coaching alone

Simple steps to organize your season—without losing sleep

More practical tools are waiting inside!

Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

Coaching youth basketball, practice plans, basketball drills, coaching resources, youth basketball season prep, assistant coach, mentor coaching, youth basketball parents, youth families, AI basketball coach, coaching tools, basketball stat sheet, video analysis, youth sports insights, youth basketball administration, basketball team management, youth sports volunteers, structuring basketball season, basketball coaching goals, teaching basketball fundamentals, basketball drills for kids, coaching advice, time management for coaches, organization for coaches, balancing coaching and family, coaching rewards, youth sports relationships, coaching at YMCA, AAU basketball program, CYO basketball program

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In this powerful episode of the Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast, Coach Collins and Coach Flitter get real about something every youth coach eventually faces: burnout. From managing practices and game prep to handling parent pressure and life outside the gym, coaching can take its toll—even for the most passionate leaders.

You’ll hear candid stories, hard-earned lessons, and effective strategies to:

Recognize the early signs of burnout

Set boundaries without sacrificing your team

Rekindle your coaching passion

Build support systems that last the whole season

Whether you’re a first-year coach feeling overwhelmed or a seasoned vet who’s running on empty, this episode will remind you why you started coaching—and how to keep going strong.

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In this episode of the Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast, Coach Collins and Coach Flitter break down one of the most important—and often overlooked—skills in youth basketball: sharing the ball. From “ball hog” habits to kids learning when and why to pass, the conversation dives into real strategies to help young players embrace team-first basketball.

You’ll learn:

Why kids struggle to share the ball—and how to shift their mindset

Drills that reinforce unselfish play and good court vision

How to use praise, stats, and video to celebrate assists

The role of coaches and parents in reinforcing team values

Whether you're trying to turn a rec team into a cohesive unit or just want your players to enjoy the we over me, this episode offers actionable coaching insight that works at every level of youth development.

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In this episode of the Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast, we tackle a growing concern for coaches and parents alike: how screen time is impacting youth basketball development. Coach Collins and Coach Flitter dive into the real-world effects that excessive time on phones, tablets, and gaming systems are having on today’s young athletes—both mentally and physically.

You’ll hear firsthand coaching experiences, eye-opening stats, and practical strategies for encouraging players to trade screen time for skill time. This isn’t about blaming tech—it’s about creating balance. Learn how coaches can build buy-in from players and parents to reduce digital distractions, increase gym time, and foster a love for the game that lasts beyond the buzzer.

Whether you're a parent wondering how to manage screen time or a coach seeking motivation techniques that resonate with Gen Z athletes, this episode is for you.

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As a reminder, to celebrate their 250th podcast episode, Coaching Youth Hoops is offering a 25% discount on all practice plans for the month of June 2025. Visit ⁠coachingyouthhoops.com⁠, click on the "Get Started" button, and use the promo code PODCAST250 at checkout to claim your savings.

Coaching Youth Hoops dives into why proper footwork is a fundamental and often overlooked skill in basketball, from shooting to defense.

In this episode of the Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast, hosts Bill Flitter and Steve Collins discuss the crucial yet often neglected skill of footwork in youth basketball. Collins, based in the Palo Alto area, and Flitter, from Wisconsin, first share a lighthearted exchange about weather differences before diving into the core topic. They highlight that footwork is foundational to nearly every basketball skill, from shooting—where "you shoot with your feet"—to rebounding and ball handling. Collins notes that he constantly emphasizes footwork in practice, stressing its importance by observing how poor footwork can hinder a player's overall performance.

The hosts underscore the simplicity and effectiveness of focusing on basic footwork drills for young players. Flitter suggests starting with fundamental concepts like pivoting (off both feet) and proper foot placement when catching the ball to shoot. Collins adds that on defense, teaching "happy feet"—constantly moving and staying light on the balls of the feet—is essential. They connect this to the popular children's movie Happy Feet as a relatable analogy for younger players, though Collins humorously admits it's becoming less effective with newer generations. Both coaches agree that integrating footwork into every drill and constantly checking players' foot placement can lead to significant improvements in their explosiveness, shooting accuracy, and defensive prowess.

As a reminder, to celebrate their 250th podcast episode, Coaching Youth Hoops is offering a 25% discount on all practice plans for the month of June 2025. Visit coachingyouthhoops.com, click on the "Get Started" button, and use the promo code PODCAST250 at checkout to claim your savings.

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Don't forget, to celebrate their 250th podcast episode, Coaching Youth Hoops is offering a 25% discount on all practice plans for the month of June 2025. Head over to ⁠coachingyouthhoops.com⁠, click the green "Get Started" button, and use the promo code PODCAST250 at checkout.

Coaching Youth Hoops offers strategies for maintaining player involvement during the off-season, from camps to at-home challenges.

In this episode of the Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast, Bill Flitter and Steve Collins discuss the unique challenges of keeping young basketball players engaged during the summer months. Collins opens by reflecting on the reduced stress and improved sleep he experiences after the basketball season, humorously connecting it to the constant mental load of coaching and teaching. This segues into a brief, lighthearted discussion about the potential future impact of AI on grading in education. The main topic then shifts to the difficulties of retaining player engagement in youth basketball, particularly for coaches running AAU or grade school programs where teams might change frequently.

The hosts acknowledge the numerous distractions summer presents, from family vacations and other sports to the simple lack of agency many young players have in their schedules (e.g., parental decisions overriding practice). Collins notes that high school players often have more personal drive and freedom to commit to basketball workouts, whereas younger athletes might be pulled in many directions. Flitter suggests practical strategies for coaches, including running summer camps and implementing individual challenges like a "3,000-shot club" or "5,000-shot club" that rely on the honor system with parent accountability. He even shares an anecdote about his players deflating basketballs to take on vacation. Both emphasize the importance of making these activities fun and competitive, offering prizes for participation and achievement, and understanding that consistency in engagement, while difficult, ultimately shows up on the court.

Don't forget, to celebrate their 250th podcast episode, Coaching Youth Hoops is offering a 25% discount on all practice plans for the month of June 2025. Head over to coachingyouthhoops.com, click the green "Get Started" button, and use the promo code PODCAST250 at checkout.

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The podcast celebrates its 250th episode by offering a 25% discount on all practice plans for the month of June 2025. Listeners can access this offer by visiting ⁠coachingyouthhoops.com⁠ and using the promo code PODCAST250 at checkout

Coaching Youth Hoops discusses the importance of communication among young basketball players and how coaches can foster positive interactions.

In this episode of the Coaching Youth Hoops Podcast, hosts Bill Flitter and Steve Collins emphasize the critical role of effective communication among youth basketball players. They share anecdotes and strategies for teaching young athletes how to interact constructively on the court. Collins recounts a situation with a talented but overly aggressive player who needed guidance on holding teammates accountable without alienating them. This led to a team meeting focused on fostering a supportive environment where players understand they are all working towards the same goals of improvement and success.

Flitter introduces the concept of pre-emptive correction, advising coaches to teach players to communicate reminders before mistakes happen, rather than yelling or criticizing after the fact. He uses the analogy of setting a curfew and reminding someone beforehand, as opposed to chastising them for missing it later. Both hosts highlight the diminishing communication skills among youth due to increased screen time and less face-to-face interaction. They suggest practical exercises, like role-playing scenarios with note cards, to help players practice giving and receiving feedback. The goal is to cultivate a "loud gym", which they equate to a "winning gym," by encouraging constant, positive communication, even if it means guiding players to refine their approach rather than discouraging them from speaking up entirely.

The podcast celebrates its 250th episode by offering a 25% discount on all practice plans for the month of June 2025. Listeners can access this offer by visiting coachingyouthhoops.com and using the promo code PODCAST250 at checkout

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podcast250.

Later in the episode, the hosts celebrate their 250th episode, thanking their listeners for their continued support. They reflect on the journey of the podcast since its inception in April 2022 and mention some of their most popular episodes, including those on the "blitz offense" and discipline. As a thank you to their audience, they announce a special 25% discount on their practice plans available at coachingyouthhoops.com through June 2025 using the promo code "podcast250." They also tease upcoming developments and new offerings for their coaching resources.

In this episode of the Coaching Youth Hoops podcast, hosts Steve Collins and Bill Flitter tackle the common challenge of coaching multi-sport athletes in youth basketball. They emphasize the significant benefits of playing multiple sports for young athletes, including reduced injury rates (especially for female athletes) and improved mental well-being, advocating that coaches encourage this participation. The hosts discuss the practical implications for coaches, such as players missing practices due to conflicting schedules with other sports or non-athletic activities. They advise restructuring practice plans to focus on repetition of core concepts rather than rapid progression, ensuring that players who miss a session don't fall too far behind. Communication with parents about managing conflicts and setting realistic expectations regarding playing time for those who miss practice is also highlighted. The conversation touches on player burnout and the importance of breaks.

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Are you convinced that specializing early is the only path to youth basketball greatness?

Think again. 

Many believe kids must focus on just one sport to succeed, but Coach Steve Collins and Bill Flitter—seasoned experts in youth hoops—break that myth wide open. They share why multi-sport athletes are healthier, happier, and ultimately better players.

Do you support your players' all-around development?

This episode reveals:

How multi-sport play reduces injuries and burnout

Structuring practice when kids miss for other activities

Setting fair, clear expectations with parents

There’s even more game-changing wisdom inside.

Let's change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/

✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/

🎙️Our latest podcast: Youthsportsinder.com - Hear directly from forward thinkers and innovators turning sideline hours into real growth opportunities and lasting impact.

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Feeling burnt out on the sidelines and wondering if it’s just you?

Most coaches think powering through is simply part of the job, but is it? In this episode, seasoned experts Coach Steve Collins and Bill Flitter—who’ve spent decades in the coaching trenches—smash this belief and show that burnout can actually be avoided.

How well are you really managing stress and renewal?

Listen in to discover:

Why stepping away can make you a stronger coach. 

How side hobbies spark inspiration on the court.

Tips to set healthy boundaries and say “no” (without guilt). 

Tune in for more game-changing wisdom coming soon.

Let’s change the game together! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review.

👷🏼Build a season-long practice plan in 60 seconds: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/basketball-practice-plan/

✅Download FREE Season Planning Checklist: https://coachingyouthhoops.com/season-checklist/

🎙️Our latest podcast: Youthsportsinder.com - Hear directly from forward thinkers and innovators turning sideline hours into real growth opportunities and lasting impact.

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