5 Takeaways From 2 Days With the Best Basketball Trainers in the World

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a prestigious basketball training conference in Las Vegas, where industry experts and professionals shared their insights and knowledge.

The experience was invaluable, and I'm excited to share with you the top five takeaways that I believe players and coaches can benefit from. From building genuine relationships to embracing diverse training styles, these key lessons will help you enhance your skills, mindset, and approach to the game.

Takeaway #1: Building Genuine Relationships is Everything 
Beyond the Xs and Os, coaches who invest time and effort in building genuine relationships gain a powerful tool to influence their players positively.

By listening and understanding their aspirations, motivations, and challenges, coaches can effectively guide players toward reaching their full potential. The foundation of trust and respect fosters an environment where players feel supported and inspired to become their best selves.

Takeaway #2: Embrace Diverse Training Styles
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to training. Different players have unique strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences. Embracing diverse training methods opens up a world of possibilities to help players improve.

By exposing yourself to a variety of training styles and methodologies, you can tailor your approach to suit you or your athlete's individual needs. As a trainer, you can take what you like from multiple methodologies to form your own.

Be open-minded and willing to explore various training techniques to maximize player development.

Takeaway #3: Understanding Context in Basketball Skills
Basketball skills are not set in stone; their effectiveness depends on the context of the game. The space, time, proximity to other players, and countless other factors influence the outcome of certain skills.

Coaches and players must recognize that there are fewer black and white rules when it comes to skill execution. Adapting skills to fit the specific game situation is crucial.

And remember, what works for one player may not work for another. As world-class trainer Ashley Corral says, you need to "meet players where they're at."

Focus on developing a deep understanding of how skills translate to different contexts to make informed decisions on the court.

Takeaway #4: Stepping out of the Comfort Zone for Growth
Leaving your comfort zone and embracing a learning environment accelerates your personal and professional growth. Attending conferences, workshops, and engaging in continuous education are vital steps to staying ahead of the game.

Embrace opportunities to learn from experts, network with fellow coaches and players, and expand your knowledge base. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you challenge yourself to be in uncomfortable situations, gain fresh perspectives, and propel your confidence and expertise in basketball.

Takeaway #5: The Power of Intention
The best of the best in the basketball world share a common trait: intentionality. They approach every aspect of the game with a purpose-driven mindset.

Whether it's practice, conditioning, or game preparation, they understand the significance of intentional actions. As players and coaches, it's crucial to be deliberate in your approach to training, strategy development, and skill refinement.

And also to use reflection to improve. Every time as coaches that we step out on to the court, it's an opportunity for us to hone our craft. The failure to reflect on how we did in practice is just as bad as a team neglecting to do this after their games.

Attending a pro basketball training conference was an incredible opportunity that provided me invaluable insights. This is my fourth time attending a conference like this, my 3rd time learning from some of the speakers, and each time is just as insightful.

The five takeaways from above; building genuine relationships, embracing diverse training styles, understanding the context of skills, stepping out of your comfort zone, and being intentional will undoubtedly elevate your performance on and off the court.

Align every decision and action with your overarching goals to maximize your results in anything you do. I know I don't always do this, but when I do I feel really good about where I'm headed in my life and career.

Embrace these observations and lessons, integrate them into your basketball journey, and watch as you feel yourself making noticeable progress.