Under the Microscope: Dissecting the Art of Basketball

In this episode, Tyler Leclerc of TJL Training joined us to talk about how we can manipulate the training environment to optimize our results. The language we use, visuals we give, and much more are absolutely instrumental for how we coach players, so this was a fantastic conversation. Follow Tyler on IG: @tjltraining.

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketball

As a trainer, coach or role model figure, it's imperative that you recognize the responsibility you possess in crafting the character of the players that you work with. In this episode we dive deep into how to build these relationships and why they're so important. We give personal anecdotes and our 2 cents on how to go about being a positive impact on the players that entrust you with their time.

Yosef - @ValueBasketball

Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball 

The difference is night and day. For us, within the first five minutes of meeting a player, we can tell if they're on track to be a professional hooper. Once you get to that level, it's literally a job. So you have to carry yourself accordingly if you want to reach that level. 

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketball

Music can have such a profound effect on so many things in life, and that includes our training as basketball players. If you're looking for a "yes" or "no" answer here, you won't get one. But you'll get a very deep understanding of how music can alter our training for better or worse, when we may want to use it, when we may not want to use it, and more. 

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketball

Studies:

Biagini, et al. -- https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2012&issue=07000&article=00026&type=Fulltext&casa_token=JVvYfC1VnxUAAAAA:lIrP1RS3DczNAQYi7DWaKRqiAbBu6r2mtiYaVzvzfPSEI_Ny5c05CVhe3UU-UvicVpgw2pAHf8M0pIsBZM4MhTzK

https://thesportjournal.org/article/music-sport-and-exercise-update-research-and-application/

Massage study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20186971/

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you tried to develop a certain skill or reach a certain goal, you just couldn't make it happen? We've all been there before! Plateaus are one of the most challenging areas of the game that we all inevitably will face. Listen to our thoughts on how to overcome them and rise above them!

Yosef - @ValueBasketball

Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball

We all want to have that competitive edge over our competition so we're always looking for ways to challenge ourselves in our training. When we do that, we look towards some 'external tools' to assist us; such as tennis balls, cones, heavy balls, etc. Listen to our thoughts about some of the most common ones that we've heard of and seen being used. We also go into the science of the application of these tools so tune in to make sure you're using these tools correctly!

**Please excuse the audio quality, there were some technical difficulties!

Yosef - @ValueBasketball

Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153799/

Ball control is one skill in itself, but we believe it can be broken down deeper into 8 sub-skills. We broke down each component, how you can target each in your training, and why it is important! 

Ball control program: www.byanymeansbball.com/ball-control-program

Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball

Yosef: @valuebasketball

Controlling your emotions on the court is not always the easiest thing to do, especially when you're so passionate about it. When you play well, you celebrate, and when you struggle, you sulk. We've all been there! What's most important is that you're keeping a level head and that you're able to learn from your mistakes when you struggle. Too many times, players use their past struggles as evidence of how "bad" they are instead of opportunities where they can improve. Try not to be too hard on yourself and ENJOY the game! Sure it's good to hold yourself to a high standard, but if your self criticism is heading in a direction that doesn't necessarily lead to your growth as a basketball player, then it's a waste of time and needs to be cut out!

If you're a player that struggles with the mental side of basketball, this episode is a must listen for you!

Yosef - @ValueBasketball

Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Whether it's Lebron James throwing chalk up into the air, Dwyane Wade doing 3 pull ups on the rim or Russell Westbrook dancing, most players have their own quirky unique pre-game ritual they do before EVERY game. There's a reason these exist. Tune in to listen to the science behind why these pre-game rituals are beneficial and some ways you can apply them! We've also included some anecdotes from the players that we work with on a consistent basis from pros to high schoolers. Tap in!

Yosef - @ValueBasketball

Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball

"Foot speed" is not really a thing, if we take it literally. And even if it was an existing quality, it wouldn't be important to us hoopers! So, Coleman gives you a run down of WHY people tend to look at this the wrong way, what implications it has in our training, and how we can use this to train in a more effective manner!

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketball

We all know conditioning is a very important part of basketball so why is it that sooo many players do it incorrectly? In this episode, we talk about when conditioning should be an emphasis in your offseason, the three energy systems that pretty much make up conditioning and different ways to incorporate conditioning into your skills workouts! For all the hoopers gearing back up for their seasons, this is a must-listen episode!

Yosef: @ValueBasketball

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Today's episode is a bit different from the rest. We took a break from all of the science and education today to just take some time and talk about the NBA. Tune in to hear some of our selections for this season's awards and how we think the playoffs are going to go in the bubble! Hit us up with any of your thoughts! We'd love to have a respectful debate

Yosef -- @ValueBasketball

Coleman -- @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Adding a new move to your "bag" should consist of way more than simply rolling a ball out and trying the move! We walk you step by step through the process of optimizing how these moves enter your style of play.

Monkey Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006191/

Basketball Study: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23809092_Action_anticipation_and_motor_resonance_in_elite_basketball_players

Archer Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25539036/

University of Georgia Graduate Assistant Peter Fusilero joined us to rap about a ton of different topics, including his diverse road through the basketball world so far, how D1 player prepare, incorporating failure into workouts, and much more.

Pete: @litfuse_

Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball

Yosef: @valuebasketball

Basketball's culture is in a very unique state right now, and it's important for us (as coaches, at least) to continuously assess it and what we can do better, if anything. We talked about everything from if the "mixtape culture" is helping or hurting the game, to having no excuse not to be training at a high level, to why training like professional hoopers may not be the best idea. Check it out!

Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball

Yosef: @valuebasketball

When it comes to your game, you never want to be dependent on anyone else. The better you can get at analyzing your own game, the better you can get at developing your own weaknesses and strengthening your strengths. Too many times, players use the excuse that they never had a coach or trainer teach them how to play. Even though that may be a disadvantage, it should never be an excuse if you truly love the game! Listen to this episode and apply what you learn to your next workout!

Dutch National Basketball Team Strength & Conditioning coach Yoeri Pegel joined us to discuss how to program your weight room work in-season, how to stay fresh throughout the strenuous (and long) season, and how to sneak in gains while also maintaining your in-game performance.

Yoeri: @yoeripegel

Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball

Yosef: @valuebasketball

Akii Dean joins us to cover everything from how he got started, to how to keep players grounded, to what he wants to see from players when they come into his gym (and much more). This one's not only great for players, but coaches and trainers of every level.

Akii: @akiidean

Yosef: @valuebasketball

Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball 

In this episode, we list off our most asked questions, answer them in short form, and then let you know how you can ask better questions related to that topic! We want to help you guys as much as possible, so asking targeted questions is the best way to do so. Hit us up with all of your questions at:

Xavier: @thesportzgeek

Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball

Yosef: @valuebasketballskillstraining

Tune in to hear us answer a lot of the questions that we've been asked pretty often. We go very in depth about plenty of topics such as getting past tough defenders, how we've gained all of our knowledge on basketball and performance, our thoughts on the direction of the NBA, and we even give our thoughts on "how to increase your vert." 

Tune in and check it out!

We're not convincing you to not work as hard. Promise. We just want you to do it in the smartest way possible. The most elite players have really maximized their ability to work efficiently, and it's part of what makes them successful. 

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

To finally break our silence on the climate of the world today, we were able to bring together 3 highly articulate and well informed individuals to come and speak on the racial issues we face in our country. Take the time out of your day to at least educate yourself on the matter so you can be more well informed and understand how you can play a role in crippling and reversing this disease that African Americans face on a daily basis!

• Akii Dean, Skills Trainer & Pastor: @akiidean
• Michael Deegan-McCree, Partnerships Coordinator at Bail Project: @mdmccreeca
• Frankie Hedgepeth, Yale Law Student: @frankiehedge

Resources:

• ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/voting-rights/
• Information on Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives
• Information on Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact
• Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/

This episode may ruffle some feathers, but we have no problem with it. We've both been asked this question far too many times (it's not a bad question, though, at all!) so we figured that it was time for us to answer it in-depth. Enjoy.

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130236/

In this episode, we are joined by UMass Lowell guard Christian Lutete. Christian has plenty of accolades and accomplishments under his belt, including scoring 51 points (a school record) in one game, and he credits all of them to his faith in God, but most importantly, his faith in himself! For hoopers out there that are struggling to see the fruits of their labor, tune in and listen to how keeping your head down and working your ass off will eventually pay off tenfold and make you an UNDENIABLE player!

Christian: @Chris_theIVth

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

In Episode 13, we talk about the importance of betting on yourself, not only in basketball but every walk of life. 

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

For those outside of the DC/Maryland/Virginia area who don't know who Jao is, you may want to get familiar! Jao is one of the hardest workers and dedicated hoopers that we've witnessed, and joined us to talk about everything from taking his own path at a less prestigious basketball school, to how he attacks workouts. If you're a hooper looking for some insight into making it to the next level, this is a great listen for you.

Jao: @Jao_Ituka25

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Coleman and Yosef talk about what makes dancing so similar to the game of basketball and how we can use it to our advantage.

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef:@ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

This may be the most-asked question for both of us. And while there are infinite ways to structure a basketball workout, there is a pretty general structure that we will follow in our sessions. We discuss our different types of sessions, what the first step to any program is, why a ballhandling warmup can double as a dynamic warmup, and much more.

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketball

We got University of Maryland PG Anthony Cowan Jr. on the podcast to talk about his journey to becoming one of the top point guards in the nation despite his lack of size. 

Ant's IG: @anthonycowanjr

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

We're in the midst of something that our generation--or any generation, for that matter--has never seen before. It's implications will stretch far and wide, so much so that the implications in the basketball world will feel minor compared to the lives lost and altered. Either way, the repercussions in the basketball community will be felt everywhere. It's up to YOU to navigate it and make the most of it.

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

Sand workouts are a great tool. No one can argue that. However, as with any training modality, we can't blindly use them without knowing the purpose. Coleman explains why sand workouts may not be fitting for you (or why they may be perfect) and all the cool science you'd ever need to know behind it. 

Study used: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22843041

Our Instagrams:

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

This is a long-standing conversations (and sometimes argument) among coaches, so we had to give our takes on it. We believe that before you can even begin to elevate your game, it's vital to understand where your opportunities are as a hooper. And knowing the skill that coaches value the most is HUGE. Also learn why specialists make so much money, why Kyle Korver doesn't have to do sh*t but shoot, and more!

Our Instagrams:

Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball

Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining

On this introductory episode, we give some insight into our backgrounds, as well as talk about the benefits, techniques, stories, and more regarding visualization and imagery, which is likely one of most underused techniques among hoopers to elevate your game.