In Episode 12 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down two of the most important questions every player asks: What is the attack first mentality? and How can I become a better scorer?

Through personal stories, real-world examples, and actionable advice, Coach Kerry explains how adopting the attack first mindset transforms players from passive participants into true game changers. This episode covers how to stay in control on both ends of the floor, why confidence matters as much as skill, and how training habits and mindset ultimately determine success.

Later in the episode, Kerry also shares exciting news about a new GRIT Basketball app coming soon—designed to give players personalized feedback, coaching insight, and development tools to take their skills to the next level.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The definition of the attack first mentality and how it drives performance

• Why being the initiator changes your impact on every possession

• Applying the attack first mindset to all aspects of the game:

  • Rebounding

  • Shooting and finishing

  • Transition play

  • Screening and spacing

  • Defense and control

• The connection between control and confidence—dictating outcomes instead of reacting

• How daily habits and training intensity build the attack mindset

• Real examples from Coach Cory’s experience (including his 1,000 rebounds in high school)

• Tips for players dealing with coaches who limit freedom and creativity

• The truth about scoring—it’s not selfish, it’s essential for team success

• How to develop as a scorer through consistent training and small-sided games

• The link between elite scorers, aggressiveness, and accepting failure

• How growth mindset and development focus reduce pressure and elevate performance

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

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GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.

In Episode 11 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry tackles a question every parent and coach wrestles with: Why aren’t players improving as much as they should, even after years of games and practices? The answer lies in understanding the difference between the performance zone and the learning zone—and why most players spend too much time in the wrong one.

Drawing from the research of Eduardo Briceño and Carol Dweck’s groundbreaking work on growth mindset, Coach Kerry explains how deliberate practice and a focus on development are the true keys to long-term growth. From Serena and Venus Williams’ early development to Steph Curry’s time away from competition, this episode is packed with real-world examples and strategies for players, parents, and coaches to adopt a growth-minded approach that leads to lasting success both on and off the court.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why kids often fail to translate skills into games

• The difference between the Performance Zone (results-focused) and the Learning Zone (growth-focused)

• Eduardo Briceño’s TED Talk and Carol Dweck’s Mindset as key resources

• Why players need deliberate practice, not just endless games

• Famous examples of athletes who paused competition to focus on development:

  • Serena & Venus Williams (King Richard)

  • Karl-Anthony Towns

  • Steph Curry

• The role of parents and coaches in reinforcing growth over results

• How to reward effort, risk-taking, and process—not just outcomes

• Listener Q&A: helping a hesitant player build confidence by focusing less on results and more on development

Resources & Links:

• 📺 Eduardo Briceño TED Talk – How to Get Better at the Things You Care About

• 📚 Mindset by Carol Dweck

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

Subscribe & leave a rating and a review!

GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.

In Episode 10 of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry dives into one of the most overlooked aspects of basketball development—mental awareness—and how mastering it can completely change your game. Inspired by a conversation with Coach Wade and an elite chess player’s story, this episode introduces a unique framework: the Three Levels of Awareness every player must understand and grow through.

Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to truly "know the game", not just play it. Discover why many young athletes are stuck in levels one and two, and learn actionable strategies to help push yourself (or your player) toward level three, where prediction, manipulation, and elite decision-making live.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What a chess master’s loss can teach us about basketball IQ

• The 3 Levels of Awareness every player goes through:

  • Level 1: No awareness (just playing)

  • Level 2: Reactionary (responding to the moment)

  • Level 3: Predictive (manipulating outcomes)

• Why many kids are playing too early and not training enough

• How small-sided games (1v1, 2v2, 3v3) build real basketball IQ

• How “The GRIT Grid” tracks assertiveness and effort, not just stats

• The importance of effort-based metrics like attack rate and transition effort

• Free GRIT Grid consultation offer for players and coaches

• Examples of elite players like Steph Curry still investing in skill training

Join the Conversation:

Email us your questions and feedback: podcast@gritbasketball.com

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
• https://www.facebook.com/gritbasketball

Share your thoughts using #GRITHoopsPodcast

Subscribe & leave a rating and a review!

GRIT Basketball Academy is dedicated to developing high-level athletes through elite training, strategic coaching, and a relentless focus on skill development. Our mission is to build players who are not only fundamentally sound but also mentally tough, competitive, and prepared to excel at every level of the game.