Coach Greg Berge shares his journey in coaching, discussing the evolution of his coaching style, the importance of communication and relationships, and how to engage parents effectively. He emphasizes the significance of conflict as a form of communication and the role of leadership in cultivating a positive team culture. He also discusses the difference between commitments and goals, stressing the value of dedication in achieving success.

—

RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS

The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!

• Host or Director interest form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY

Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!

• 📧 Free Newsletter: ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠

• 📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe

• 🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about

—

GUEST INFO

Guest Name: Greg Berge

• 30-year veteran in education and athletics, currently serving as a High School Principal and Varsity Boys' Basketball Coach in Lake City, MN.

• Holds over 370 wins, 11 conference titles, and 3 section titles across 20 years as a head basketball coach.

• Founder of GB1 Leadership LLC, author of four books, and speaker reaching over 50,000 followers with actionable frameworks on culture and team building.

Connect with Guest:

• Socials:

  • X - https://x.com/GregBerge/status/1922435285264060517

  • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-berge-42889148/

• Website: http://www.gb1leadership.com

—

CONTACT US

You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠

Rolf Götz shares his innovative approach to coaching flag football, emphasizing game-based learning, the importance of fun, and how to design practices that transfer to real game situations. Discover how to make coaching more effective, enjoyable, and human-centered.

—

RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS

The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!

• Host or Director interest form:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• RYG Website:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY

Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!

• 📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠ ⁠⁠https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠

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• 📧 Free Newsletter:⁠ ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠⁠

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GUEST INFO

Guest Name: Rolf Götz

• Veteran flag football coach: Coaching in Germany since 1987 across youth and national levels.

• Blends ecological dynamics and motivational psychology to design better learning environments.

• Coaching writer who focuses on purposeful change, athlete ownership, trust, and real decision-making.

Connect with Guest:

• Guest’s Website: http://tesseractjunction.substack.com

  Guest’s Email: info@flag-academy.com

  Guest’s Social Links: LinkedIn

—

CONTACT US

You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠

—

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rolf Goetz and his coaching philosophy

02:03 The importance of fun and competition in youth sports

03:51 Rolf's journey from player to coach and coach developer

08:12 The science behind skill acquisition and learning environments

12:11 Designing practice to reflect real game chaos

16:10 Overcoming resistance to game-based coaching methods

20:07 Practical examples of game-based activities in flag football

24:10 The role of uncertainty and messiness in learning

28:00 How to end practices with meaningful reflection and team building

32:12 The importance of seeing and experiencing game-based practices

36:02 Research evidence supporting game-based skill transfer

40:03 Designing activities that teach decision-making and positioning

44:06 Using constraints to create realistic and chaotic scenarios

50:00 The value of practice variability and adding defenders

54:00 Building team culture through environment and reflection

Nick Smallridge, girls soccer coach at Bentonville High School, joins Luke Gromer to discuss real game transfer, building autonomous players, and designing representative practice.

—

RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS

The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!

• Host or Director interest form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• RYG Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY

Click the link below to download the show notes, subscribe to our newsletter, or join the community!

• 📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe

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• 📧 Free Newsletter: ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠

—

GUEST INFO

Guest Name: Nick Smallridge

Nick Smallridge is a girls soccer coach at Bentonville High School in Bentonville, Arkansas. He has over 20 years of experience across various levels of soccer.

Connect with Guest:

• Guest’s Website: https://nicksmallridge.substack.com/

• Guest’s Email: nsmallridge@bentonvillek12.org

• Guest’s Social Links: X | Instagram| LinkedIn | YouTube

—

CONTACT US

You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠

—

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to coaching philosophy and player focus

01:12 Nick's background and coaching journey

02:24 The importance of joy and fun in sport

03:39 Principles of practice design and representative learning

05:55 Identifying player problems and designing solutions

08:03 Using constraints to recreate game problems

11:34 Progression and complexity in practice scenarios

14:50 Building social connection through problem solving

18:35 The role of language and questions in coaching

21:20 Creative constraints and their impact on behavior

27:13 Player ownership and decision-making

34:46 Using language intentionally to enhance learning

39:02 Reflections on coaching success and growth

Zach Lutz shares his journey from professional baseball to coaching youth, emphasizing the importance of connection, simplicity, and long-term development in sports. This episode explores how coaches can foster growth, trust, and love for the game in young athletes.

—

RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS

The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors or hosting a camp at your school, club, or facility, fill out the form below!

• Host or Director interest form: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/Bo4otGjRjDkju1xp8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• RYG Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY

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• 📝 Free Podcast Notes: https://BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe

• 🤝 Better Coaching Community: https://www.skool.com/better-coaching-community-4793/about

• 📧 Free Newsletter: ⁠BetterCoachingHub.com/subscribe⁠

—

GUEST INFO

Zach Lutz

• 9-year pro baseball player

• Youth baseball coach

• Youth sports advocate

• Guest’s Website: https://lutzgo.org/

• Guest’s Social Links: LinkedIn

—

CONTACT US

You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠

About the Episode

David Durand shares his journey to becoming a mental performance consultant and outlines practical strategies for coaching Gen Z athletes.

David introduces a nervous system framework to help coaches understand dysregulation, manage athlete anxiety, and improve co-regulation.

The discussion emphasizes how fostering connection, emotional regulation, and healthy boundaries with social media helps modern athletes thrive.

—

RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS

Become a Camp Director or Host a Camp!

The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.

- Host/Director interest form:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFXxRUOb9-pdYbDkRktNiCTD1PDwm4zisPexHCLH0341YlRg/viewform?usp=dialog⁠⁠

- RYG Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY

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🤝 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠

📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe⁠⁠

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Guest Info: David Durand

• Mental performance consultant trained in clinical and sport psychology who helps performers manage pressure.
• Works with youth to professional athletes to build confidence and manage stress.

• Author of B.E.T. On It: A Psychological Approach to Coaching Gen Z and Beyond and Better Than Before: A Psychological Guide for Injured Athletes

• Guest’s Website: https://realdevelopment.org/

• Guest's Substack: https://daviddurand.substack.com/

—

CONTACT US

You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

Chapters

00:00 David Durand's Journey in Sports and Psychology

03:10 Understanding Mental Blocks in Athletes

05:50 The Impact of Social Dynamics on Performance

09:04 Exploring the Modes of Athlete Regulation

11:51 Coaching Strategies for Different Athlete States

28:20 Navigating Tunnel Vision in Athletes

32:31 Understanding Shutdown Mode in Athletes

41:21 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes

47:46 Reflections on Coaching and Athlete Development

Takeaways

• Understanding mental blocks can help coaches support athletes better.
• Connection mode is crucial for optimal performance.
• Social pain can affect athletes just like physical pain.
• Shutdown mode is often misinterpreted as laziness.
• Coaches can use co-regulation to help athletes.
• Breath, eyes, and touch are effective tools for regulation.
• Social media can detract from athlete performance.
• Building relationships is key to successful coaching.
• Athletes should be encouraged to engage with their emotions.

EPISODE NOTE: We apologize for the quality of the guest video in this episode, it was quite laggy.

Jon Torine shares his journey from the youngest NFL strength coach to a leader in youth sports development. He discusses leadership, culture, coaching fundamentals, and the importance of connection and authenticity in coaching.

—

RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS

Become a Camp Director or Host a Camp!

The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.

- Host/Director interest form:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFXxRUOb9-pdYbDkRktNiCTD1PDwm4zisPexHCLH0341YlRg/viewform?usp=dialog⁠⁠

- RYG Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY

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🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠

📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe⁠⁠

—

Guest: Jon Torine

• Coach trainer with Coach Across America

• Former NFL Strength and Conditioning Coach

• Former i9 Sports Franchisee

• Guest’s Website: coachacrossamerica.org

• Guest’s Social Links: LinkedIn

—

CONTACT US

You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

Chapters

00:00 The Journey Begins: Youngest Strength Coach in the NFL

09:02 Building Trust and Culture in a Team

13:52 Leadership Lessons from Tony Dungy

20:02 The Work Ethic of Peyton Manning

27:01 Strength and Conditioning for Young Athletes

30:54 The Joy of Movement for Kids

36:21 Understanding Strength Training and Youth Development

40:51 Coaching in Underserved Communities

46:52 The Impact of Coaches on Youth

56:20 Rapid Fire Coaching Insights

Key Topics

• Leadership and culture in sports
• Building trust with athletes of different ages
• Fundamental movement skills for youth
• Creating positive coaching environments
• The role of authenticity and consistency in coaching

Luke Gromer hosts Seth Kindig and Kevin DeShazo from Better, discussing their journey from coaching and education to leadership development in sports. Together, they highlight the importance of self-awareness and intentional leadership in coaching, culminating in their recent book, "Lead Yourself First," which aims to provide actionable insights for coaches to enhance their leadership skills and team performance.

—

RYG x NIKE SPORTS CAMPS: Become a Camp Director

The Better Coaching Podcast is powered by RYG Athletics, a proud provider of NIKE Sports Camps.

If you’re interested in becoming one of our NIKE Sports Camp directors, fill out the form below.

- Director interest form:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFXxRUOb9-pdYbDkRktNiCTD1PDwm4zisPexHCLH0341YlRg/viewform?usp=dialog⁠⁠

- RYG Website:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

FREE PODCAST NOTES, NEWSLETTER, & COACHES COMMUNITY

📝 Free Podcast Notes:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe⁠⁠

🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Better Coaching Community:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/bettercoaching⁠⁠

📧 Free Newsletter:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://bettercoachinghub.com/subscribe⁠⁠

—

Guests: Kevin DeShazo & Seth Kindig

- Co-Founders of Better

- Work with coaches from across sports and levels

Guest’s Website: https://www.bebetterleaders.com/

Guest’s Social Links:

- https://x.com/bebetterleaders

- https://www.instagram.com/bebetterleaders

—

CONTACT US

You can reach out directly to Luke via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠luke@rygathletics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—

Chapters

02:39 Seth's Journey in Leadership and Coaching

07:06 Kevin's Path to Leadership in Sports

07:40 The Importance of Leadership in Coaching

12:52 Introducing 'Lead Yourself First'

19:24 Self-Awareness and Honest Reflection in Leadership

26:39 Practical Strategies for Leadership Improvement

27:20 The Importance of Purpose and Focus

28:32 Understanding Goals and Their Impact

30:31 The Role of Perspective in Coaching

31:30 Brutal Honesty and Future Vision

37:51 Building Performance Rhythms for Consistency

Takeaways

- Coaches are often the most influential figures in young people's lives.

- Effective leadership requires self-awareness and honest reflection.

- Building a leadership culture starts with the leader's own health and perspective.

- Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in team dynamics.

- The importance of having clear goals to guide daily actions.