In this game-changing episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry talks about what it really takes to become a great shooter. Forget what you thought you knew — he's breaking down common shooting myths, examining the mechanics used by the world’s top shooters, and laying out the GRIT method for developing confident, consistent scorers.

Coach Kerry shares his personal journey from questioning traditional shooting teachings to spending part of his career as the East Coast Director for Pro Shot Shooting System, and now teaching players all over how to truly shoot the basketball.

Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this episode is your blueprint for turning any athlete into a dangerous shooter.

• Why most traditional shooting advice is outdated

• The essential components of elite shooting mechanics

• The difference between one-motion and two-motion shots—and when to teach each

• Why "square up" and "follow your shot" are myths to leave behind

• The science behind dipping, turning, and finger release

• Footwork fundamentals: hop vs. one-two and when to use them

• Why drills like one-handed shooting might be doing more harm than good

• Game-like shooting drills that actually translate to performance

• How Steph Curry, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant, Caitlin Clark, and others shoot—and what we can learn from them

• Real success stories from players like Michaela Blakes, Tucker Richardson, Olivia Miles, and Diamond Miller

• Why being a shooter is not something you're born with—it's something you build

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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 this episode of the Grit Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry breaks down why attacking is always the answer—both on and off the court. From celebrating standout players like Belle Pellecchia and Michaela Blakes to dissecting the "Attack First" mindset, we explore how this approach can elevate teams, simplify decisions, and supercharge player development. Coach also answers a great question from Coach Lamont Robinson on building long-term success through skill-based practices. Let’s get after it—attack first!

The heart of the episode centers on what “Attack First” means in basketball terms. It’s not just about putting up shots—it’s about rebounding like Dennis Rodman, defending like Patrick Beverley, and recognizing scoring or assist opportunities without overthinking. It’s about mindset over mechanics, trusting your training, and playing with intention.

A key takeaway for coaches is the 80/20 rule: 80% of practice time should be spent on skill development—shooting, finishing, ball handling—and only 20% on system work. This is where long-term growth happens. Coach Kerry emphasizes the value of teaching reads, not just plays. When players know how to attack based on what the defense gives them, the need for scripted sets fades.

Finally, Coach answers a listener question from Coach Lamont Robinson about building long-term success through skill-based practices. The answer is clear: teach skills, emphasize mindset, and create decision-makers on the court.

This episode is a blueprint for anyone looking to build a culture of growth, resilience, and performance. As always, Coach Kerry leaves us with a simple message: greatness isn’t given, it’s earned. So keep putting in the work—and remember, attack first.

Join the Conversation:

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

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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 this episode of the Grit Hoops Podcast, Coach Wade and Coach Kerry explain why traditional basketball positions can hinder a player’s long-term success. They discuss how limiting players to specific roles prevents skill development, adaptability, basketball IQ, and overall growth. Learn why positionless basketball is the key to unlocking a player’s full potential and how coaches, parents, and players can foster a more well-rounded game.

The Problem with Positional Training

Basketball is not like football—players are not locked into rigid roles with fixed responsibilities. However, many coaches and programs still emphasize positions at an early age, unintentionally stunting a player's development. Here’s why this is a problem:

1. Players Become One-Trick Ponies

   • Specializing in one skill (e.g., only shooting or only playing in the post) makes a player easier to defend.

   • Even elite shooters, like Steph Curry, have a diverse skill set that extends beyond shooting.

   • Being labeled as a "center" or "shooter" prevents a player from expanding their game.

2. Lack of Adaptability

   • Players need to be ready to adjust to different roles as they move through different levels of competition.

   • A center in middle school might not be tall enough to be a center in high school or college.

   • Jalen Brunson, an elite point guard, uses post footwork—showing that every player benefits from diverse skills.

3. Limited Court Awareness and Basketball IQ

   • Players locked into one position don’t learn how to read the game from different perspectives.

   • Understanding multiple roles enhances decision-making, ball movement, and overall game strategy.

   • Positionless players can anticipate plays better and react more effectively on both offense and defense.

4. Hindered Long-Term Growth

   • Youth players are still growing physically and mentally. A 12-year-old post player might be a shooting guard by age 16.

   • Developing all-around skills ensures that a player can adjust to their future role, whatever it may be.

   • College and pro teams look for well-rounded players who can fit into various systems.

The Solution: Training for Positionless Basketball

To maximize a player’s potential, coaches and parents should:

1. Encourage ball-handling, shooting, and defensive versatility for all players.
2. Avoid locking kids into specific roles at a young age.
3. Develop footwork, finishing, and off-ball movement regardless of size or skill set.
4. Teach basketball concepts that apply across all positions (e.g., spacing, decision-making, and passing).

By focusing on skill development rather than fixed roles, players will be better prepared to compete at higher levels and contribute more effectively to their teams.

Join the Conversation:

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

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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 this episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, we take a hard look at the state of youth basketball development in America. Is AAU the problem? Are we too focused on games and results instead of real skill-building? We break down why the system is failing young athletes and, more importantly, how players, parents, and coaches can take control of the development process.

• The Real Reason Young Players Struggle – It’s not confidence, it’s lack of skill development.
• Why Youth Basketball is Broken – The overemphasis on gameplay and winning over actual skill-building.
• Is AAU Really the Problem? – Why AAU isn’t the issue and how it can actually help players get recruited.
• How to Fix Youth Development – The importance of structured training, small-sided games, and focusing on fundamentals.
• Advice for Parents & Coaches – How to guide young athletes toward real improvement.

Fundamentals First: Players need a strong foundation before they start focusing on competition.
Game Play vs. Training: Why structured development should be prioritized over just playing more games.
Skill Over Positioning: Players should develop all-around skills rather than being boxed into positions too early.
The Role of Parents: How to find the right training opportunities and avoid falling into the “game result” trap.

Rich (email) - How should coaches handle parent pressure for equal playing time?
James (email) - Balancing player freedom with executing a game plan – how much is too much?

Join the Conversation:

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

Follow us on social media:

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

March Madness is here, and we’re celebrating the incredible GRIT Basketball players competing at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels in the 2025 tournament! In this special bonus episode, we give a well-deserved shoutout to the athletes who have put in the work and earned their spot on the biggest stage in college basketball.

Plus, we highlight GRIT alumni making waves in professional basketball, including WNBA Finals standout Diamond Miller and former Colgate star Tucker Richardson, now playing in Belgium.

Featured Players – 2025 NCAA Tournament

• Layla Castro – Stevens University
• Belle Pellecchia – NYU (#1 in the country)
• Brianna Montajes – Montclair University
• Amanda Rapel – Gettysburg University
• Hampton Sanders – NYU (#8 in the country)

• Isaiah Honis – Dominican College
• Jayden Honis – Dominican College

• Olivia Miles – Notre Dame (Top 5 in the country)
• Mikayla Blakes – Vanderbilt (Top team in the country)
• Jaylen Blakes – Stanford University
• Zio Kim – Princeton University
• Brynn Farrel – Providence (Senior)

• Diamond Miller – Currently playing overseas and a 2023 WNBA Finals competitor with the Minnesota Lynx
• Tucker Richardson – Playing professionally in Brussels, Belgium (former Colgate standout)

Join the Conversation:

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

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/gritbasketball/
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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 the debut episode of the GRIT Hoops Podcast, Coach Kerry discusses what it truly means to play the game the “right” way. Is your coaching approach helping or hindering your players' growth? Are you prioritizing development over rigid systems and results? Let's challenge the myths of “equal opportunity” in basketball and break down why the best teams and players don’t play that way.

Topics Covered:
Over-Coaching vs. No Coaching – Why micromanaging players can be just as harmful as not coaching at all. Learn how to create an environment that fosters smart decision-making and aggressive play.

Development vs. System-Driven Coaching – Are you more focused on running plays or developing players? We discuss the balance between structure and allowing players to make instinctive, in-game decisions.

The Myth of “Equal” Everything – Equal playing time, equal scoring, and equal ball movement sound great in theory, but they don’t produce high-performing teams. Find out why forcing equality can lower performance levels and create unrealistic expectations.

How the Best Players and Teams Operate – The top teams and athletes attack with their strengths. They have go-to scorers and playmakers who take control when it matters most. We analyze how winning teams maximize their best players rather than focusing on spreading the ball to everyone equally.

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.