Better Coaching with Luke Gromer

Kevin DeShazo, a leadership practitioner who adapted pro leadership for sports. Seth Kindig, a coach-turned-educator who builds leadership programs. They discuss writing Lead Yourself First, why self-awareness and honest reflection matter, the X idea of influence multiplying, five leadership dials, and small daily rhythms that compound into stronger team culture.

Brett Ledbetter, co-founder of What Drives Winning and a thinking partner for high performers, shares practical frameworks for building unselfish, team-first cultures. He discusses define-manage-model steps, using questions to inspire ownership, separating process from results, and maintaining coach well-being across four dimensions. Short, actionable strategies for leadership and resilience.

In this episode, Luke Gromer interviews Alan Keane, a seasoned basketball coach, about what players want from their coaches, the essential skills for effective coaching, and how to build strong connections and confidence within teams. They explore practical strategies like affirmations, reflective practice, and intentional connection-building to enhance coaching effectiveness.—RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS: Become a Camp DirectorThe Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.- Director interest form:⁠⁠ ⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFXxRUOb9-pdYbDkRktNiCTD1PDwm4zisPexHCLH0341YlRg/viewform?usp=dialog⁠- RYG Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠ ⁠https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe⁠🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching⁠📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe⁠—Guest: Alan KeaneGreat Britain Basketball U20 National Team Head CoachCo-Founder of MVMT SportsGuest’s Website: http://mvmtsports.com Guest’s Social Links: https://x.com/CoachKeane14  | https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-keane-00b40221/?originalSubdomain=uk —CONTACT USYou can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—Chapters00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Alan Keane's Journey00:25 Insights from Youth Players on Coaching Expectations04:59 Defining Good Coaching: Key Characteristics07:01 Building Players' Confidence: Strategies and Importance18:59 Fostering Connections: The Role of Relationships in Coaching20:18 Building Connections Through Conversation23:19 Intentional Practices for Team Bonding25:39 Reflective Practices in Coaching29:10 Understanding Player Motivations32:54 The Importance of Communication and Feedback37:04 Self-Awareness in Coaching39:04 The Power of Noticing and Listening Keywordscoaching, basketball, player development, confidence, connection, reflection, leadership, sports psychology

Javier Miller-Estrada, co-founder of Ignite Performance and host of The Adaptable Athlete Podcast, shares modern, athlete-centered approaches to skill acquisition. He discusses prioritizing adaptability over rote repetition. Short segments cover using constraints, designing representative practice, shaping feedback, and creating game-like tasks that preserve creativity while improving problem-solving.

Ryan Schachtner, co-founder of Success Beyond Game Day and former college baseball player turned financial advisor, explores athletes' identity shifts after injury and career transitions. He discusses a values-based assessment for behavior metrics. He talks about coaching supports, simulating adversity in practice, and aligning program values with NIL realities.

In this episode, Stephen Maxwell discusses the importance of self-care for coaches, the factors contributing to coach burnout, and strategies for emotional regulation. He emphasizes the need for coaches to reconnect with their purpose, manage their time effectively, and create supportive environments for both themselves and their athletes. The conversation also covers the significance of reflective practices, accountability, and navigating tough seasons in coaching.—RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPSThe Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.- Director interest form:⁠⁠ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFXxRUOb9-pdYbDkRktNiCTD1PDwm4zisPexHCLH0341YlRg/viewform?usp=dialog- RYG Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠ https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe—GUEST INFO: Stephen Maxwell- Over 22 years of coach development experience across multiple sports (soccer, Gaelic games, Rugby Union, Cricket).- Currently serves as the Coach and Match Official Education Manager for Cricket Ireland.- Runs a consultancy firm, "No Other Game Around."Guest’s Website: https://www.nogaspc.com —CONTACT USYou can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Coaching Journey00:08 Creating Supportive Coaching Environments01:01 Finding Purpose in Coaching03:29 Understanding Coach Burnout07:12 Triggers and Self-Awareness in Coaching11:25 The Importance of Self-Care13:12 Reflective Practices for Coaches17:25 Building Sustainable Habits19:43 The Importance of Accountability in Coaching21:38 Emotional Regulation Techniques for Coaches24:10 Strategies for Maintaining Focus During Games28:45 Holding Athletes Accountable to Standards32:00 The Role of Coaches in Team Dynamics35:47 Navigating Tough Seasons as a CoachTakeaways- Coaches often burn out due to a loss of purpose.- Self-awareness is crucial for managing stress and burnout.- Time management can help coaches prioritize self-care.- Triggers can lead to emotional outbursts if not managed.- Reflective practices can help coaches decompress after games.- Creating accountability among athletes fosters a positive environment.- Coaches should define success beyond just winning.- Coaching is about relationships, both with athletes and oneself.- Simple processes can help manage stress during games.- Coaches need to be intentional about their self-care routines.Keywordscoaching, self-care, burnout, emotional regulation, coach education, accountability, performance, well-being, coaching philosophy, reflective practice

In this episode of the Better Coaching podcast, Luke Gromer speaks with mental performance coach James Leath. They discuss how coaches can embed mental performance development into their coaching and practices. It also dives into the significance of organized practice in sports, emphasizing the distinction between practicing for skill development and preparing for competition. James highlights the necessity of creating a structured environment where athletes can learn decision-making under pressure, ultimately enhancing their performance in actual games.—RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPSThe Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.Director interest form:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITYClick the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—GUEST INFOJames LeathGuest’s Website: jamesleath.comGuest’s Email: coach@jamesleath.comGuest’s Social Media Links: X | Instagram | Facebook | Linked-In—CONTACT USYou can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TakeawaysOrganized practice is crucial for effective skill development.Athletes often do not pay attention during unstructured practice.There is a difference between practicing drills and preparing for competition.Structured practices help athletes learn to make decisions.Experiencing pressure in practice prepares athletes for games.Coaches need to focus on both skill development and competition readiness.Practices should simulate game-like conditions.Athletes benefit from learning in a competitive environment.Effective coaching requires organization and planning.Understanding the purpose of practice can enhance athlete performance.Keywordsorganized practice, competition, skill development, coaching, youth sports, decision making, pressure, game readiness

In this episode of the Better Coaching podcast, Luke Gromer speaks with Betsy Butterick about her new book, 'Kids These Days,' which explores effective strategies for coaching Gen Z athletes. They discuss the unique challenges that Gen Z presents to coaches, the importance of leading with 'why,' and how to navigate technology in coaching. Betsy emphasizes the need for co-creation in team environments, the difference between praise and affirmation, and the significance of modeling vulnerability and accountability as a coach. The conversation also touches on how to teach accountability among peers and the importance of creating tech-free spaces for genuine connection.—RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPSThe Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.Director interest form:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITYClick the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—GUEST INFOBetsy ButterickCommunication specialist and coaches coachFormer basketball coach and playerGuest’s Website: https://betsybutterick.com/ —CONTACT USYou can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Communication01:21 Understanding Gen Z in Coaching02:02 Understanding Gen Z: The Motivation Behind the Book05:06 Navigating the 'Why' Barrier in Coaching08:04 Technology's Role in Coaching and Communication10:54 Creating Tech-Free Spaces for Connection13:48 Co-Creation: Empowering Athletes in Decision Making16:59 Building Team Culture Through Co-Creation27:48 Empowering Gen Z Through Responsibility29:11 The Importance of Affirmation Over Praise35:17 The Lasting Impact of Coaches' Words42:43 Modeling Vulnerability and Accountability50:18 Teaching Accountability Among PeersTakeawaysUnderstanding Gen Z's unique challenges is crucial for effective coaching.Leading with 'why' enhances engagement and understanding among athletes.Technology is a part of athletes' lives; coaches must adapt to it.Creating tech-free spaces fosters genuine connections among team members.Co-creation empowers athletes and enhances team culture.Affirmation is more impactful than generic praise in building confidence.Modeling vulnerability as a coach encourages accountability among athletes.Teaching accountability requires practice in low-stakes environments.Conversations about mental health and technology are essential for today's athletes.The power of words can significantly impact an athlete's self-perception and confidence.Keywordscoaching, Gen Z, leadership, communication, technology, accountability, affirmation, youth sports, coaching strategies, athlete development

In this episode, Luke Gromer sits down with legendary University of Missouri Head Wrestling Coach Brian Smith to dissect the philosophy behind his nearly three decades of sustained success: "Tiger Style." Smith details the evolution of his program's four core pillars—Believe, Compete, One More, and Expect to Win—and shares how he transformed a written vision into a living culture that empowers athletes to take ownership of their development. The conversation dives into actionable strategies for coaches, including the implementation of "Mental Mondays" and "Grateful Fridays" to foster emotional intelligence, the rationale behind high-intensity 90-minute practice sessions over marathon training, and the critical role of personal morning routines in self-leadership. This discussion offers a masterclass in building a process-driven environment where athletes embrace vulnerability through "tough talks" and develop character that outlasts their athletic careers.—RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPSThe Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.Director interest form:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITYClick the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠⁠⁠⁠🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠—GUEST INFOBrian SmithHead Coach, University of Missouri Men's Wrestling28 years leading the same program12 consecutive conference championships and top-10 NCAA finishes in nine of the last eleven seasonsCoached six wrestlers to a combined 10 National Titles, produced 69 All-Americans, and developed two OlympiansGuest’s Website: https://coachbriansmithspeaker.com/ Guest’s book: AmazonGuest’s Social Links: LinkedIn—CONTACT USYou can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Keywordsbuilding culture, coaching philosophy, team rules, live Tiger style, simplicity in coaching, commitment to classChapters00:00 Introduction to Coach Brian Smith03:32 The Foundation of Tiger Style06:23 The Eight Steps to Success09:35 Vision and Planning for Success12:37 Establishing and Reinforcing Culture15:35 Leadership and Team Dynamics18:34 Recognizing and Celebrating Success21:32 The Importance of Mental Toughness24:22 Building Relationships and Community27:45 Continuous Growth and Learning32:15 Mindset and Mental Growth in Sports36:54 The Importance of Competing40:10 Practice Philosophy: Shorter and More Intense45:02 Creating a Culture of Commitment47:59 The Power of Morning Routines57:43 Podcast IntroOutro Video.mp4

In this episode, Luke Gromer interviews Phil Philipou, a mindset coach and youth soccer coach, discussing his journey back to coaching after a hiatus, the importance of behavior management, and strategies for developing young athletes both mentally and physically. Phil shares insights on creating a positive coaching environment, the significance of setting clear expectations with parents, and the need for a defined success statement in coaching. The conversation emphasizes the balance between challenge and support in youth sports, and the role of mindset in athlete development.—RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPSThe Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.Director interest form:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RYG Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠—FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITYClick the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching/classroom/bb03d4a3?md=d68c2f18a9da40dca1c5ce1178764baa⁠⁠⁠🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠—GUEST INFOPhil PhilipouMindset coachYouth soccer coach Author of Inspiring Young Minds: Mental Mastery for Youth FootballersGuest’s Website: www.mindsightsport.comGuest’s Email: coach@mindsightsport.comGuest’s Social Links: X | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | LinkedIn Personal | YouTube—CONTACT USYou can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠TakeawaysCoaching is about developing the person as well as the player.Behavior management is crucial for effective coaching.Using a behavior hierarchy can help maintain control in chaotic environments.Praising effort over talent fosters a growth mindset in athletes.Setting clear expectations with parents is essential for a successful coaching experience.Mistakes are a natural part of learning and should be normalized.The language we use can significantly impact athletes' mindsets.Creating a defined success statement helps guide coaching decisions.Investing time in teaching routines can lead to more effective practices.Mindset coaching can rejuvenate a coach's passion for the sport.Keywordscoaching, mindset, youth sports, behavior management, character development, success, parent communication, mental toughness, youth football, coaching strategies