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SDP Podcast

SDP Podcast

By TJ Jones

Skill Development Playbook is the only podcast that solely focuses on basketball skill development. If you are a coach, player, or parent that would like to get insights from some of the best basketball minds in basketball on skill development, then you have come to the right place. Coach TJ interviews the world's best trainers and coaches who share: what skill development means to them, how they prepare for a training session, advice for players who work out on their own, and much more.
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Season 7 Episode 5: What is True Skill Development?

SDP PodcastJan 14, 2022

00:00
44:28
Season 7 Episode 5: What is True Skill Development?

Season 7 Episode 5: What is True Skill Development?

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ shares some important information on what true skill development is. Coach TJ discusses some important factors that go into developing the individual player in a team setting and how it carry over into competition.

Jan 14, 202244:28
Season 7 Episode 4: Do former players make the best trainers?

Season 7 Episode 4: Do former players make the best trainers?

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses former players that have transitioned into trainers. He gives his thoughts on if players make the best trainers, what advantage do former players have, and what are some shortcomings of former players that now train.
Jan 05, 202244:31
Season 7 Episode 3: Teaching Skills vs Playing Skillfully

Season 7 Episode 3: Teaching Skills vs Playing Skillfully

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses trainers and coaches that teach players skills vs how to play skillfully. He discusses how players, especially at the youth level, are more skilled than ever, but struggle knowing how to play the game. Coach TJ also touches on who should be responsible for relating a player's skills to the game. Is it the responsibility of the trainers or team coaches? He also discusses the effect of copying NBA players' moves, social media, and not stopping and correcting can hurt a player playing skillfully. Click the play button to hear all that Coach TJ has to say.

Social Media:

Twitter - @nbnbball @sdp_podcast

Instagram - @nbnbball

Dec 24, 202139:44
Season 7 Episode 2: 3 Different Types of Skill Development Trainers

Season 7 Episode 2: 3 Different Types of Skill Development Trainers

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses the three different type of trainers there are. Click play to have a listen and join the conversation on Twitter/Instagram (@nbnbball).
Dec 15, 202136:55
Should Players Train with Multiple Trainers

Should Players Train with Multiple Trainers

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses whether players should train with multiple trainers. The discussion starts with why parents or player may want to train with multiple players, things to be aware of when training with multiple trainers, and is there a scenario when a player should train with multiple trainers. Let us hear your thoughts on this matter. Tweet and share your thoughts on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to tag us @nbnbball & @sdp_podcast.
Dec 08, 202134:51
Season 6 Episode 35: 5 Tips on How to Develop Youth Basketball Players

Season 6 Episode 35: 5 Tips on How to Develop Youth Basketball Players

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, I discuss tips on how to develop youth basketball players. I also have a very special guest to share their thoughts on how youth players should develop. 

Jul 10, 202146:53
Season 6 Episode 34: How to Use Travel/Summer Teams for Development

Season 6 Episode 34: How to Use Travel/Summer Teams for Development

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses how to use summer/travel/AAU teams for development. Coach TJ lays out information that explains the difference between AAU and travel/summer basketball teams as well as 4 tips to help parents and players select the right team to help them reach their goals and needs. 

May 28, 202136:51
Season 6 Episode 33: 5 Of the Biggest Mistakes in Youth Development

Season 6 Episode 33: 5 Of the Biggest Mistakes in Youth Development

What up team? Welcome to another episode of the SDP Podcast hosted by Coach TJ.  In this latest episode, I discuss 5 of the biggest mistakes in youth development. I talk about everything from trainers and coaches trying to get youth players to play like James Harden to punishing for mistakes and everything in between. This is a great episode to listen to for all parents, coaches, trainers, and players. 

Be sure to share this episode with your circle of influence on social media. Let people know they need to hear this podcast episode. Don't be afraid to tag me in any post you share on Twitter or Instagram. My handle is @nbnbball. 

Hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did recording it. 

Let me know if I can be of any assistance with any of your skill development needs. Send an email to info@tjonesfirm.com.

May 21, 202144:14
Season 6 Episode 32: Three Training Sessions You Should Know About

Season 6 Episode 32: Three Training Sessions You Should Know About

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses three different training sessions you should know about. A lot of players and coaches think when it comes to skill development every session is the same. Run the player through some drills and send them home. Coach TJ gives great detail on the different training sessions and how they can help every player reach their goal. This is a great episode to listen and learn from as you will have a better understanding of how players can get better and reach their goals by knowing how the three different training sessions can help them.
May 07, 202140:27
Season 6 Episode 31: Being A Black Man in America & Footwork Development

Season 6 Episode 31: Being A Black Man in America & Footwork Development

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses what it's like being a black man in America and how seeing graphic images of police officers killing individuals that look like him has a psychological effect on him. Coach TJ is very open on racism, white privilege, and he shares his thoughts on the recent murder of Deaunte Wright. Coach TJ also shares some tips on footwork development.

Apr 16, 202151:48
Season 6 Episode 30: Shooting Development Pt.2 Shooting Off the Dribble

Season 6 Episode 30: Shooting Development Pt.2 Shooting Off the Dribble

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses how to develop players ability to shoot off the dribble. Coach TJ shared his three shooting of the dribble foundations and his 5 steps to shooting off the dribble.
Apr 02, 202147:06
Season 6 Episode 29: Shooting Development

Season 6 Episode 29: Shooting Development

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses his teaching methods when developing shooters. You’ll learn about Coach TJ’s 7 shots every player need to develop, how he teach shooting, must haves in shooting development, his 3 non negotiables, and four additional teaching tips.
Mar 29, 202101:00:07
Season 6 Episode 28: Ball Handling Development Pt.2 (Passing & Catching)

Season 6 Episode 28: Ball Handling Development Pt.2 (Passing & Catching)

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ gives more insight on ball handling development with information on passing & catching. Coach TJ shared some practical tips for coaches to develop a player's ability to pass by discussing teaching points, 4 situations players need to be able to pass and catch, 5 passing windows, 3 keys to passing vs pressure, and how to drill catching. This is a great episode to learn how to develop one of the most under-taught skills in basketball.

Mar 19, 202133:56
Season 6 Episode 27: Ball Handling Development

Season 6 Episode 27: Ball Handling Development

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses ball handling development and some important factors that go into ball handling. You will learn the 3 forms of ball handling, 4 situations you must be able to handle the ball, and tips on improving a players dribbling.
Mar 12, 202139:56
Season 6 Episode 26: 3 Keys to Development

Season 6 Episode 26: 3 Keys to Development

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, I discuss 3 keys to development and what every coaches, players, and parent need to know. 

  1. Set a goal with an action plan
  2. There must be some progression
  3. Feedback
Mar 05, 202123:37
Season 6 Episode 25: James Clark, Full Court Solutions Skill Development

Season 6 Episode 25: James Clark, Full Court Solutions Skill Development

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, we had James Clark of Full Court Solutions out of Philadelphia. James shared his journey from being a Division II player to playing professional basketball. James then went on to become an intern for the Orlando Magic, a Division I coach, and now the founder of Full Court Solutions. During our interview, James shared his thoughts on skill development, how film can be used for coaches of all levels, the mental side of basketball, skill development tips for parents, and much more. 

Feb 26, 202101:05:13
Season 6 Episode 24: Penetration Tips Every Player Should Know

Season 6 Episode 24: Penetration Tips Every Player Should Know

In this episode of the SDP Podcast I discuss some penetration tips for every player. I give 5 practical tips and 2 bonus tips that will help players have a better understanding of how to become an efficient and effective penetrator that can lead to more playmaking for teammates and scoring opportunities in the paint. 

Feb 20, 202127:25
Season 6 Episode 23: Tips on How to Improve Decision Making

Season 6 Episode 23: Tips on How to Improve Decision Making

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast I share some great tips on how to improve a player's decision-making skills. I discuss decision-making off the dribble, with the pass, and the shot. This episode discusses some practical tips for all coaches to consider when trying to improve a player or your team's decision making. Feel free to share with me how you like to drill decision making with your players.

Feb 12, 202138:08
Season 6 Episode 22: Todd Cooper, Pinnacle Basketball Development

Season 6 Episode 22: Todd Cooper, Pinnacle Basketball Development

In this episode of the SDP Podcast episode, I interviewed Todd Cooper of Pinnacle Basketball out of New York. Coach Cooper shared with us his thoughts on skill development, how he evaluates players when working with them, his thoughts on foundational skills and why it's important for every team coach to need them, and he discussed how he drills and improves a player's decision-making skills. 

Feb 05, 202139:14
Season 6 Episode 21: Joerik Michiels, Super 6 Skill Development

Season 6 Episode 21: Joerik Michiels, Super 6 Skill Development

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ got the chance to speak with Joerik Michiels of Elite Athlete. Joerik gave some great insight on the blueprint he has used for the last 10 years with his academy in Belgium. During the interview Joerik shared his "super 6" when discussing the fundamentals of basketball, his philosophy and how he conducts skill development, block vs games approach in skill development, player-coach relationships, and much more. This is a great episode to take plenty of notes. 

Jan 29, 202138:20
Season 6 Episode 20: Rohan Johnson, Inside Look at Lion Heart Basketball Training

Season 6 Episode 20: Rohan Johnson, Inside Look at Lion Heart Basketball Training

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ got the opportunity to interview Rohan Johnson of Lion Heart Basketball. During this episode, Rohan shared his thoughts on skill development, his philosophy, how he uses player development to teach life lessons, different mentors he has to continue to challenge himself, and much more. 

Jan 22, 202142:11
Season 6 Episode 19: Becoming As Valuable As You Can

Season 6 Episode 19: Becoming As Valuable As You Can

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ interviewed Ethan Khoza of Vision Driven Basketball. Ethan is a skills trainer and high school basketball coach. During this episode Ethan shared his thoughts on skill development, his philosophy and how he likes to progress his players through their development, how he uses film to increase his knowledge in skill development, and three important skills perimeter players should master. 

Jan 15, 202147:23
Season 6 Episode 18: Terry Drake, Having Tools for Your Toolbox

Season 6 Episode 18: Terry Drake, Having Tools for Your Toolbox

In this episode of the SDP Podcast I had the pleasure of interviewing skills trainer Terry Drake. In this episode Terry shared a lot of information on his philosophy, how he uses film, and how important relationships are in skill development. There are plenty of jewels being handed out in this episode.
Jan 08, 202148:43
Season 6 Episode 17: Tips for Players to Keep their Skills Sharp During the Season

Season 6 Episode 17: Tips for Players to Keep their Skills Sharp During the Season

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses 3 ways players can keep their skills sharp during the season. These are some practical and easy tips to follow that don't require a lot of time or effort. Click the play button to get better.

Jan 01, 202123:19
Season 6 Episode 16: How I use Film for Individual Development

Season 6 Episode 16: How I use Film for Individual Development

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, I discuss how I use film for individual development. Film is a great resource when developing players. I share tips on what to look for when using film to develop the individual player. I discuss how I look for ways to improve a player's technique, effort, or basketball IQ. The episode also covered the ideal numbers of clips to share with players, how to help players be successful in the team's system, how to increase the player's IQ, how to look for specifics that can lead to development, keeping film sessions short, and how to use film during skill development sessions. 

Dec 18, 202030:20
Season 6 Episode 15: In Season Skill Development

Season 6 Episode 15: In Season Skill Development

In this episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ did a solo show. This episode was packed full of nuggets for coaches that struggle with in-season skill development. You will learn the purpose behind in-season skill development, how to conduct in-season skill development, and how using film can be beneficial to in-season skill development. 

Dec 11, 202036:55
Season 6 Episode 14: Brianna Finch, Decision Making Approach to Skill Development

Season 6 Episode 14: Brianna Finch, Decision Making Approach to Skill Development

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ gets the pleasure of talking with Brianna Finch of the Davidson College women basketball team. Brianna serves as the Director of Player Development. During this interview, Brianna shares her thoughts on skill development. She discusses player-coach relationships, how caring for your players can help with development, how she layers small-sided games, skill development tips for youth coaches, film for development, and much more. 

Dec 04, 202048:14
Season 6 Episode 13: Brandon Paquin, Mastering the Basics

Season 6 Episode 13: Brandon Paquin, Mastering the Basics

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ interviews Brandon Paquin of Worldwide Hoops. Brandon shares his thoughts and insight on his skill development philosophy, what skill development is to him, how he cares for all the players he trains, and his reason for explaining "why" to his players, and much more.

Nov 27, 202043:52
Season 6 Episode 12: Dusty Holbrook Interview

Season 6 Episode 12: Dusty Holbrook Interview

In this episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ got the opportunity to interview skill development trainer Dusty Holbrook. Coach shared his thoughts on skill development, his experience dealing with parents, shooting tips, and the importance of player-coach relationships. 

Nov 13, 202053:04
Season 6 Episode 11: Jimmie Oakman, Skill Development Details

Season 6 Episode 11: Jimmie Oakman, Skill Development Details

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ interviews Head Video Coordinator and Player Development Coach of the Long Island Nets Jimmie Oakman. During this episode, Jimmie gives some valuable insight into the mindset of professional players and how they approach skill development. Jimmie also shares his thoughts on what skill development is, important skills all players need to work on, and the importance of player-coach relationships. 

Nov 06, 202054:22
Season 6 Episode 10: Ben Sanders, Skill Development Tips to Help You Succeed

Season 6 Episode 10: Ben Sanders, Skill Development Tips to Help You Succeed

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ interviewed Ben Sanders of the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G-League. Coach Sanders gave some insight on skill development at the G-League level. Coach shared his thoughts on skill development and how important it is to the game of basketball. Coach Sanders also discussed skill acquisition vs skill development, how to implement skill development segments into your practices, how to use film for development, player-coach relationships, and much more.

Oct 30, 202001:10:15
Season 6 Episode 9: Jim Huber, Practical Skill Development Tips for Every Coach

Season 6 Episode 9: Jim Huber, Practical Skill Development Tips for Every Coach

In this episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ interviewed Jim Huber. Coach Huber shared some valuable insight on coach-player relationships, his thoughts on skill development and what it means to the game, building trust with your players, fundamental skills he feels are important, and much more. 

Oct 23, 202056:48
Season 6 Episode 8: Charlie Miller, Attacking Your Skill Development

Season 6 Episode 8: Charlie Miller, Attacking Your Skill Development

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ interviews skill development coach and founder of Attack Basketball Charlie Miller. Coach Miller shared his thoughts on what skill development is, the importance of establishing coach-player relationships, how to build trust with your players, putting players in the right practice environment for true skill development, and much more.

Oct 16, 202001:19:24
Season 6 Episode 7: From the Mud to China. Skill Development Tips for Every Coach on All Levels

Season 6 Episode 7: From the Mud to China. Skill Development Tips for Every Coach on All Levels

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, our special guest Coach Korey Harris drops a lot of knowledge on skill development. Korey talks about some mistakes he made early in his career and how he had to be himself as a coach. We also discussed his mentorship with Ganon Baker, how he uses film with professional players and how youth coaches can take advantage of film with their players. Korey also spent some time speaking on how working with youth players improved him communication and teaching ability. We discussed a lot in this episode and you will surely find a lot of gems in this one.

Oct 09, 202049:20
Season 6 Episode 6: Program Essentials for Your Skill Development Program

Season 6 Episode 6: Program Essentials for Your Skill Development Program

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses 4 program essentials you need for your skill development program. Coach TJ goes into detail discussing commitment, know your why, teach/develop, and build trust. Click play and have a listen. 

Sep 04, 202022:00
Season 6 Episode 5: Episode 3 & 4 Recap

Season 6 Episode 5: Episode 3 & 4 Recap

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ recaps his interviews with Jerel Seamon (episode 3) and Shaun Ali (episode 4). Coach TJ gives his thoughts on Jerel's thoughts on the importance of skill development and on using cones. Coach TJ also discusses Shaun Ali's 3 layers of development and using film to develop a plan. This episode has some great insight. If you haven't heard the previous episodes be sure to go back and listen.

Aug 28, 202024:29
Season 6 Episode 4: Shaun Ali, Skill for the Individual Player that Connect to the Team Concepts

Season 6 Episode 4: Shaun Ali, Skill for the Individual Player that Connect to the Team Concepts

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ interviews Shaun Ali of Hoop Consultant. Shaun is a former basketball player and coach turned skill development consultant for players and coaches.  Shaun shares his thoughts on what skill development is, his 3 layers of skill development, how he uses film to help individual players get better while adding value to their team, and much more. This is a great episode to listen to. Grab a pen and a pad to take some great notes. 

Aug 14, 202049:37
Season 6 Episode 3: Jerel Seamon, A Ball & A Hoop Skills Training for Today's Player

Season 6 Episode 3: Jerel Seamon, A Ball & A Hoop Skills Training for Today's Player

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ interviews Jerel Seamon. Jerel shares his coaching background and journey while also giving some knowledge on his philosophy, how he uses film, specific fundamental skills that players need, and when players need to use cones, how to transition from block drills to decision making drills with a defender and much more. Be sure to listen to this episode and get better. 

Aug 07, 202034:11
Season 6 Episode 2: Matthew Kingsley Recap

Season 6 Episode 2: Matthew Kingsley Recap

In this episode Coach TJ recaps his interview with Yale Men's Associate Head Coach Matthew Kingsley. Coach TJ discusses 5 things he learned and he found of value from their discussion. Click play and grab a pen and pad to take your knowledge to another level.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Make skill development a priority
Build up in increments
In-season skill development thoughts
Skill development is getting really good at one thing
Film is HUGE in development of players and team
Aug 03, 202037:09
Season 6 Episode 1: Matthew Kingsley, Getting Really Good at One Thing

Season 6 Episode 1: Matthew Kingsley, Getting Really Good at One Thing

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ interviews Matthew Kingsley, Associate Head Coach of the Yale Men's Basketball team. Coach Kingsley discusses how their basketball program put an emphasis on skill development and it helped turn their program around. Coach Kingsley also discussed how building coach player relationships, how to keep it simple when learning new skills, how they incorporate film into their skill development, skill stacking, and so much more. 

Jul 31, 202041:43
Season 5 Episode 28: 5 Keys to Successful Skill Development Session

Season 5 Episode 28: 5 Keys to Successful Skill Development Session

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ gives you 5 keys to a successful skill development session. Click play to learn these tips that will help your skill development training become more effective and efficient. 

Jun 25, 202026:24
Season 5 Episode 27: How Basketball Coaches Can Help Tackle Racism

Season 5 Episode 27: How Basketball Coaches Can Help Tackle Racism

In this episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ gave 3 tips for coaches, trainers, and others in the basketball community to fight against racism. We as coaches can't be afraid to speak up, speak out, and hold individuals accountable for racism. Click play to hear some insightful tips on how to be there for your athletes and how to get the conversation started.

Jun 03, 202023:47
Season 5 Episode 26: Block Drills vs Random Drills: How to Use Them Effectively in 1 on 1 Training

Season 5 Episode 26: Block Drills vs Random Drills: How to Use Them Effectively in 1 on 1 Training

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ talks extensively on block and random drills. There has been a lot of talk lately about how coaches should remove the use of block drills, but Coach TJ discusses how they should be used effectively in 1 on 1 training. This is a great discussion. 

May 27, 202050:12
Season 5 Episode 25: My Thoughts on Game Like Drills

Season 5 Episode 25: My Thoughts on Game Like Drills

In today's SDP Podcast episode Coach TJ discusses his thoughts on game-like drills. After reading a post on Facebook from a coach who posted a drill asking coaches for feedback, Coach TJ felt it was important to get coaches to understand that not every drill will be game-like, but need to be game related. 

May 20, 202023:03
Season 5 Episode 24: The Importance of Player Relationships to Skill Development

Season 5 Episode 24: The Importance of Player Relationships to Skill Development

In the latest episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ discusses the importance of having a relationship with your players for skill development. Coach TJ gives his 5 must-haves when it comes to building strong relationships which will create buy-in from the players. 

May 06, 202031:20
Season 5 Episode 23: 4 Areas of Focus for Skill Development

Season 5 Episode 23: 4 Areas of Focus for Skill Development

In this episode, Coach TJ gives you 4 areas of focus every skill development training session should have and how he drills them. Be sure to listen to the end of the show for information on how to connect and contact Coach TJ with any questions on skill development and how to purchase his book.

Apr 29, 202047:12
Season 5 Episode 22: How To Translate Your Skill Development Shooting To The Game

Season 5 Episode 22: How To Translate Your Skill Development Shooting To The Game

In this episode Coach TJ discusses 5 different drills coaches and players should know when conducting skill development. Coach TJ also goes into detail and gives 6 tips for translating your skill development shooting to game shooting. 

Apr 22, 202040:03
Season 5 Episode 21: Penetration Reads

Season 5 Episode 21: Penetration Reads

In this episode of the SDP Podcast Coach TJ discusses 4 penetration reads that every player need to be able to make. Coach TJ also gives 4 ways to get separation to penetration and how to drill those skills.
Apr 13, 202034:18
Season 5 Episode 20: How To Create A Skill Development Plan

Season 5 Episode 20: How To Create A Skill Development Plan

In this episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ discusses how to create a skill development plan.  He gives 7 tips that keep you organized and on track.  This episode covers everything from creating your core values and philosophy to selecting drills. Grab a pen and a notepad to take notes and enjoy this episode.

Mar 31, 202043:06
Season 5 Episode 19: Lason Perkins, Virtual Coaches Clinic & 5 Questions You Should Ask Before Selecting A Drill

Season 5 Episode 19: Lason Perkins, Virtual Coaches Clinic & 5 Questions You Should Ask Before Selecting A Drill

In this special episode of the SDP Podcast, Coach TJ interviewed Lason Perkins of Cary Academy in Cary, North Carolina. During this interview Coach Perkins shares his thoughts on what skill development is and how important skill development is to the game of basketball. Coach Perkins then went on to share some exciting news about the Virtual Coaches Clinic that is taking place until April 4th. 

After the interview Coach TJ comes on and shares 5 questions you should ask before selecting a drill. This is important in developing players. You want to make sure players have relevant drills that help them reach their goals or meet their objectives. 

Mar 20, 202043:48