In this episode of the Contacts Coaching podcast, host is joined by Paul Lankford, an accomplished basketball coach from Australia, to discuss his extensive journey through various levels of coaching. Paul shares his experiences from coaching local club teams to leading semi-pro teams and becoming a director of coaching. He also discusses his involvement with Australian Basketball Travelers, facilitating life-changing tours for young athletes. Additionally, Paul emphasizes the importance of having a positive experience in sports, effective player engagement, and valuable coaching insights gained from top-notch mentors. Tune in to learn more about Paul's contributions to basketball coaching and how international tours can create lifelong memories and opportunities for young athletes.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:29 Paul Langford's Coaching Journey
01:10 Challenges and Growth in Coaching
01:51 Transition to Professional Coaching
03:12 Involvement in Basketball Victoria
03:25 Coaching at Various Schools
04:12 Contributions to Junior Basketball
05:24 Basketball Tours and Their Impact
06:23 The Value of International Exposure
15:32 Coaching Philosophy and Player Engagement
20:59 Navigating Player and Parent Expectations
26:34 Season Kickoff and Preseason Challenges
27:10 Balancing Footy and Basketball Commitments
27:35 Attendance and Player Engagement Strategies
30:03 Learning from Other Sports and Coaches
31:14 Strength and Conditioning, Technology, and Sports Psychology
32:37 Coaching Techniques and Decision Making
37:20 Game Play and Practice Drills
43:47 Coach-Referee Relationships
48:51 Positive Coaching and Player Experience
51:12 Final Thoughts and Plugs
