Iowa State assistant coach Nate Schmidt joins the show to dig into modern player development: finishing at the rim, live-read decision making, building better shooters, and tightening the handle—anchored by his “We will” mindset. We also trace his climb from GA/video & player development roles to D1 assistant, G League/UNLV stops, and the Cyclones’ recent Big 12 and NCAA success.

Extended Show Notes

• Nate’s path & résumé: two stints at Iowa State, promoted to assistant in 2022; prior stops include Indian Hills CC, Wisconsin Herd (G League) video, and UNLV (Dir. of Player Development). 

• Program results: During Schmidt’s recent years on staff, ISU posted a 95–45 record with four straight NCAA Tournament trips; 2024 Big 12 Tournament Champions and a Sweet 16 run.

• Philosophy shift: moving from block drills to random/constraint-led training so players make reads at game speed. 

• Finishing at the rim: footwork progressions, finishing families (inside/outside, same-foot same-hand, veer/Euro), and using guided defense to create contact-balance solutions.

• Live reads: small-sided games to train advantage creation → advantage keeping → advantage finishing; 0.5-second decisions vs. scripted actions.

• Shooting: build a repeatable base, shot-prep and catch rhythm, variability (different passes/angles), and shot-quality rules inside actions (drift, shake, lift).

• Handle/pressure: constraints for weak-hand development, pickup points, and dribble economy tied to spacing rules.

• Mindset: Schmidt’s “We will” framing—language that reinforces capability and standards instead of focusing on what players “won’t” or “don’t” do.

• Practice design: layering film → on-air reps → contested reps → SSG with clear scoring constraints and touch limits to keep pace high.

• Staff collaboration: how player-dev slots into scouting, analytics, and culture under T.J. Otzelberger.

Nate Schmidt is an Assistant Coach at Iowa State, where he has contributed to four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, the 2024 Big 12 Tournament title, and a Sweet 16. He previously served as UNLV’s Director of Player Development, Wisconsin Herd (NBA G League) Video Coordinator, Indian Hills CC assistant, and began his career at Iowa State as a GA/Coordinator of Player Development. His work emphasizes decision-making, skill transfer, and constraint-led training.

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Bryan Claude hosts The Shooters Touch, spotlighting the people and ideas shaping Iowa basketball. A former head girls’ coach at Madrid—finishing with a program-best win total—he’s spent years running camps and skill sessions across the state at every level. Raised on the game in Algona and at Wartburg College, he carries that love into every episode. On the mic, Bryan brings a coach-to-coach lens to what actually transfers: finishing at the rim, live-read decision-making, shooting rhythm, and a tighter handle. With a coach’s eye and a teacher’s voice, he turns high-level concepts into simple, game-ready ideas players and coaches can use the next day.

In this compelling Summer Series episode of Shooters Touch, we welcome Marty Richter, head coach of USC Upstate men’s basketball and native of Waterloo, Iowa, to dive deep into forging a winning, trust-based culture. Coach Richter’s journey—from his days at Simpson College in Iowa to transformative roles at Florida Gulf Coast (“Dunk City”), Drake, and now USC Upstate—serves as a masterclass in leadership, mentorship, and team building.

Together, we explore how he builds relationships off the court to enhance performance on it; sets crystal-clear expectations; and gets guys to buy in and play as one unified unit. We'll also talk about how he mentors not just players, but fellow coaches—sharing lessons that any leader can apply.

This isn’t just basketball—it’s building character, trust, and coaches for life. Tune in to hear:

• How growing up in Iowa shaped his leadership style

• Turning around programs through culture and connections at every stop—Simpson, FGCU, Florida SouthWestern State, Drake, and now USC Upstate

• The importance of relationship-first coaching—getting players to trust you before they fully commit

• Mentoring emerging coaches and being guided in return

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fan of building winning cultures, this episode brings real talk, real strategies, and real heart.

Keywords: Marty Richter, USC Upstate basketball, Iowa coach roots, team culture, trust in coaching, building winning culture, mentorship in sports, Shoot the Touch podcast, Summer Series coaching, leadership in basketball

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Brett Putz Returns – Join us on Shooters Touch: Summer Series with Coach Brett Putz, former DMACC Head Coach (2020–22), NJCAA Division II National Champion, and current Recruiting Coordinator at Saint Louis University.

What We Cover:

• Creative after-timeout (ATO) plays and late-game strategies when you absolutely need a bucket

• Smart practice planning for efficient player development and team growth

• The great coaching debate: in-bounds vs. out-of-bounds play calls

• Our signature 5 Senses Recap to kick things off—always a fun energy boost

• Coach Putz jumps to the whiteboard to diagram high-impact plays designed to win tight games

Whether you're a high school coach, youth program leader, or a basketball strategist passionate about development, game planning, and coaching growth, this episode is packed with actionable X’s and O’s, mindset tips, and high-level basketball IQ.

Tune in for intense strategy sessions, leadership lessons, and a front-row view into what fosters real growth—both on the court and on the sideline.

• Basketball coaching, late-game plays, timeout strategy

• Practice planning, coaching growth, player development

• Whiteboard plays, winning strategies, high school basketball

• College recruiting, team leadership, DMACC, Saint Louis University

  
  

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Join us in our Summer Series with Tim Sandquist, head coach at Kirkwood Community College, as he breaks down the X’s and O’s behind one of the most efficient defenses in the nation. Just weeks after leading the Eagles to a program-record 33 wins and their 4th NJCAA Division II National Championship, Tim was named NABC Two-Year Coach of the Year—a season defined by defensive discipline and cohesiveness.

In this episode, Coach Sandquist dives into:

• What makes Kirkwood's ball-screen defense consistently elite in national rankings

• How language, concepts, and repetitions create a defensive culture that sidelines even high-powered offenses

• The tools and mindset he installs to keep leading the league year after year in defensive efficiency

• Building identity and buy-in from every member of a deep, unselfish roster

Whether you’re a coach, player, or hoops nerd, this episode offers clear, actionable insights on teaching, executing, and mastering ball-screen defense in team settings.

Basketball coaching, ball screen defense, defensive efficiency, Coach Tim Sandquist, Kirkwood Eagles, NJCAA national champions, NABC Coach of the Year, team culture, defensive language, youth coaching, basketball X’s & O’s

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We’re taking a quick dive into the Winterset Team Camp action from the weekend—plenty of teams, a few intriguing matchups, and some coaching changes that could shake things up this summer. Short, sweet, and full of hoops talk. #hoopsIowa #shooterstouch #shootersIowa #summerhoops

Waukee NW Head Coach Brett Watson is back to help us kick off our summer coaching series! In this episode, we dive into the art of offensive spacing—how to create gaps through smart positioning and movement. We also explore what it means to play with “JAZZ”—free, instinctive basketball with rhythm and flow. Whether you coach high school, AAU, or youth, this one’s for you. Stick around to the end where Coach Watson drops his 3 essential keys for youth coaches looking to build a strong foundation.

💥 If you’re a basketball coach, trainer, or hoops junkie, this series is for you.
🏀 Powered by a deep love for the game—and supported by Bryan Claude Real Estate, your go-to for residential or commercial needs in Iowa.

📢 Like the pod? Share it, follow us, and support the team behind the mic.
🎧 As always, #ShootersShoot

Shooters Touch – March Madness & Iowa Hoops Update! 🎙🏀

Kirkwood wins a national championship! 🏆 Dordt plays for the NAIA title tonight, and Iowa vs. Oklahoma in the Sweet 16 showdown. Plus, it’s official—Ben McCollum is Iowa’s next head coach. What does that mean for the Hawkeyes and Drake’s future? Iowa State’s tough loss, Colorado State’s great season (featuring Bowen Born 👀), and we say goodbye to some high-character, talented seniors at Drake, UNI, and Iowa State.

Tap in now! 🎧🔥 #ShootersTouch #IowaHoops #MarchMadness

The Boys State Basketball breakdown you’ve been waiting for! 🏀🔥

We dive into all the action from the floor to the sidelines—coaching decisions, officiating, wild crowds, and everything in between. Four new champions, incredible storylines, and an overall electric tournament! What went right? What went wrong? We cover it all. Tap in and relive the madness with us! 🎧🏆 #HoopTroop #ShootersTouch #IowaHoops

Hoop Troop Podcast 🎙️ – We’re breaking down all things Girls State with Blake from Bound—what went well, key takeaways, and the electric atmosphere! Then, we dive headfirst into Boys State with Tony Roe and the rest of the Troopers. 🏀🔥

We’re talking predictions, top matchups, local movie talk, favorite eats at the Well, and what makes the state tournament so special. Full house, plenty of banter, and a whole lot of fun! Don't miss this one! #IowaHoops #StateTournament #HoopTroop #shooterstouch #hoopsiowa #jeansandjumpers

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We sit down with Chris Cuellar from the Iowa High School Athletic Association to break down what to expect next week at The Well—including a few key changes coming. We also dive into what to expect this week at Girls State as the best teams in Iowa battle for a title. Then, we analyze 3A and 4A substate action. Yes, we make predictions… what went right, what went wrong? Doug’s 3A pick takes a turn?! Plus, Story Time with Uncle Larson and, of course, a classic shoutout from Betz! Don’t miss it! 🎙🏀 #IowaHoops #StateBound #hooptroop

Connect with us! @ShootersTouchIA