Episode 15: Season 6 Episode 14- Robert "Handy" Handerhan- Tech is Great But When Can It Obscure the Coaching Eye

In this episode, Jay DeMayo sits down with Robert “Handy” Handerhan, a deeply experienced strength coach whose journey spans over 27 years of coaching at the highest levels of college basketball. Handy reveals the core mindset that transformed his coaching—from leveraging deep networks of mentors and peers to distilling training down to three fundamental ways to get stronger: move heavier, move faster, move more.

You’ll discover:

The importance of coaching in its purest form—knowing the athlete, technique, and the right dose
How legendary influences like Louis Simmons and Buddy Morris shaped a practical, results-driven philosophy
The real value behind traditional KPIs: availability, body composition, and capacity for work—and why they outperform high-tech solutions
How to adapt training and rehab for different environments, from suburban gyms to city arenas
Why simplicity and coaching intelligence are still king in an era obsessed with data and gadgets

This conversation isn’t just about training routines—it’s about the timeless art of effective coaching, understanding human biomechanics, and building a network that elevates everyone. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or performance enthusiast, you’ll come away with actionable insights to elevate your approach and stay ahead in an ever-changing game. Perfect for those hungry to deepen their understanding of athlete development and the core principles that last decades.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Handy and His Journey
02:48 The Evolution of Strength Coaching
05:46 Influences and Inspirations in Strength Training
08:41 Adapting Training Methods for Different Athletes
11:52 Key Performance Indicators in Strength Training
14:43 The Role of Technology in Coaching
17:47 The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship
20:44 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations