At TrueHoops we engage and empower each athlete. Using deconstructive learning theory, athlete-guided coaching, practice complexity, team building and film breakdowns, we guide every athlete to reach their basketball and life potential.

Coach Mike and Coach Fe are pioneering deconstructive Learning in basketball. Having studied learning theories and teaching techniques, Coach Mike combined the strongest elements in each to change the structure of basketball practices. Almost every TrueHoops practice starts with a scrimmage and slowly breaks down to a more individual based level. Not only is this a fun concept for players, but it also mimics a game-like environment in that you’re expected to jump right into a game and preform at a high level. After which the practice moves onto small-sided games and specific drills. By starting with a scrimmage, instead of saving it till the end, coaches can better gauge the athlete’s retention of last practice’s focus and therefore the effectiveness of the practice. This structure also emphasis a team first environment.

Don’t miss understand this approach as simply allowing players to play games. The coach has a very important role in constructing the constraints and complexities. Scrimmages and small-sided games usually have a “ball-in-chain” with them. For example a scrimmage where no player can hold the ball longer than 3 seconds, or everyone has to score for your team to win, perhaps a minimum passing number or a different means to score points. Instead of setting up a specific drill with no defense, the coach creates a complex practice environment where the players are guided towards a solution. They have to use their problem solving skills and creativity to discover a skill or method to best approach the practice constraints.

The best learning is done by doing. With athletes discovering the skills and techniques they need to succeed, they show better retention, understanding and decision-making. This also culminates a collective environment of player-to-player collaboration. Allowing them to form meaningful relationships with teammates, step-up into leadership roles and develop mental toughness when the constraints are difficult.

After scrimmages, small-sided games and drills, the coaches ask questions to guide player’s further understanding of the focus. ‘Great teachers show students where to look, not what to see.’ This approach leads to long-term understand of basketball which is instilled in the players, not dependent on the coach. At TrueHoops we understand athletes will play for other coaches as they progress to higher levels, so they must become independent in their basketball understandings for long-term success.

Lastly, Coach Mike breaks down game film to help players see specific aspects that need improvement while also highlighting positive moments. This provides players with a visual learning environment were they can build on past performances. Below is a link for a breakdown video Coach Mike Jagacki did before the high school basketball team went 6-1 in their next 7 games:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4TlrKp1iQPkU19xQ3R2c25XTXc/view

Coach Mike’s YouTube Channel is also a great resource for breakdown videos.

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Combining all these elements has created a model of practice that improves player’s leadership, team chemistry, confidence, mental toughness and fosters a growing passion for the game.