Coaching Resources from Coach Matt

I've always been told that good coaches "beg, borrow, and steal" from each other!

Below is an accounting of some of my loot :)

 

Shooting with Mike Dunn

Website: https://seemikedunn.com/

IG and YouTube: @seemikedunn

Summary:

Mike really helped me understand the relationship between the hand and the ball, how to generate power, and to eliminate any “noise” from my shot. Even though I coached him in college, he changed my shot this past year by following his lessons.

 Who is it for:

Honestly...any one who wants to become a better shooter. But, despite how advanced and global Mike is becoming, he is still an excellent resource for beginners too. I would suggest 5th grade and above.

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Strength with Ben Patrick (Knees Over Toes guy)

Website: https://www.atgonlinecoaching.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheKneesovertoesguy?app=desktop

IG: @kneesovertoesguy

Summary:

His main trademark is helping bulletproof your knees and other joints to allow you to play longer. I have a crazy goal to dunk before I turn 40. And I am almost there!

Who is it for:

Honestly...anyone who wants to become stronger. From 12 years old to 82 years old. But, he started reflecting on what he wishes his 12 yr old self knew...

ATG Young Athlete Roadmap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfeRK9bIPjQ

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2 Books

1) Macro look at sports: Range by David Epstein

 

Summary:

I asked Chat GPT for a summary. It’s better than I could have put it 🙂

"Range" is a book that argues for the benefits of having a diverse range of experiences and skills, rather than specializing too early in a particular sport or activity. The book explores how generalists are better equipped to solve complex problems and adapt to new situations than specialists.

For parents of youth athletes, this means encouraging their children to try a variety of sports and activities, rather than pushing them to specialize in one too early. Epstein points out that early specialization can lead to burnout, injuries, and limited opportunities later in life. Instead, parents should focus on helping their children develop a broad range of physical and mental skills that will serve them well both on and off the playing field.

Epstein also highlights the importance of play, creativity, and exploration in the development of young athletes. Rather than constantly striving for perfection and winning, parents should encourage their children to experiment, take risks, and enjoy the process of learning and growing.

Overall, "Range" offers a compelling argument for the value of generalists over specialists and provides useful insights for parents of youth athletes looking to support their children's development and success.

 

2) Micro look at basketball: SABA by Brian McCormick

 

Summary: Click on that book link above and read the description on Amazon. It says it best. 

My two cents: This has been the most impactful basketball book I’ve ever read. Full stop. And it’s like 50 pages. SABA is my preferred way to coach. I’ve used it as a guide for 4th grade through Varsity HS. It also informs a lot of the drills I create when working with players as young as Kindergarten. 

After writing curriculum for my entire teaching career I became used to relying on research to back up my decisions. Brian, a PhD grad, is my main source of research for basketball. His ideas behind 3v3, developing players, running leagues, designing offenses among other basketball choices are very influential to me.

I do not always love his tone on twitter or the way he delivers some of his material. But his ideas are by far the best and most thoughtful I've come across in 20+ years.