Maximizing Player Development
Episode 106: Skills training advice from Reid Ouse of Catalyst Training
Balancing X’s and O’s with player development.
Bridging gaps between skill and team coaching.
Last week was packed: two road games, teaching, and an interview with Reid Ouse from Catalyst Training.
Over Thanksgiving break, I watched Ouse’s presentation from this fall’s OHSBCA Coaching Clinic and found it insightful. Early in the season, most high school coaches focus on installing X’s and O’s. However, as the season progresses, there’s often an opportunity to dedicate more practice time to player development. (If you’re like me, you’ve had seasons where player development quickly takes precedence over schemes.)
There can be a disconnect between skill development coaches and team coaches. Ideally, these roles would be seamlessly integrated, but the reality is that high school players interact with multiple coaches. Bridging that gap is critical, and Ouse’s background as a college assistant coach makes him a valuable resource.
In our conversation, we explored ways to create environments where players maximize their development — or as one Catalyst Training testimonial puts it, strike the right balance between skill-building and game enhancement.
EPISODE BREAKDOWN
2:00 - Definition of success in player development
5:00 - The mindset of top players
7:00 - The role of the coach in player development
9:30 - A mix between skill development & game enhancement
12:50 - Manufacturing the right chaotic environment
16:00 - Determining a workout plan for players
18:10 - Best practices for communication
20:10 - Incorporating multiple activities within a drill
22:25 - Approach to shooting development
27:00 - What’s available at Catalyst Training
Newsletter Exclusive
The Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast Newsletter continues to grow, and I’m grateful for your support. As a thank you, I’ve included a bonus segment from my interview with Ouse that’s not in the podcast.
In this clip, Ouse explains how he structures a development session and evaluates its effectiveness.
