The Hours

SAVI Basketball Membership 7-day free trial: https://www.skool.com/savi-coach Late in the season, most coaches try to fix too many things at once. In this episode, Mark and Tyler break down a simpler, higher-leverage approach: identify your best action, identify the coverage hurting you most, and decide — do you prevent it or punish it? You'll also learn why coaches revert to the same tools under pressure, how to build offensive vocabulary that actually transfers to games, and how the Hedgehog vs. Fox framework can sharpen your late-season game planning. Whether you're a high school, youth, or college coach, these are ideas you can take into practice this week.

SAVI Basketball Membership 7-day free trial: https://www.skool.com/savi-coachWhoever has the highest standards in your program should be leading it. If that's not you, that's a problem—and your biggest opportunity for growth.In this episode, Mark and Tyler break down why standards matter more than schemes at the end of the season, how to identify who's really holding the line on your team, and why you should focus on the middle 80% instead of the bottom 10%. Plus: the Water Test, a story that will change how you think about commitment.This isn't about being tougher. It's about being clearer.

Stop overcomplicating your practices. In this episode, we break down a "Four Quarter" basketball practice plan designed to eliminate distractions and build game-ready toughness, pressure defense, and high-volume shooting.Ready to simplify your coaching? Get instant access to our SAVI Basketball Membership with a 7-day free trial. Unlock our full classroom of courses, weekly live coaching calls, and exclusive community support here: https://www.skool.com/savi-coachMost coaches try to fix too many things at once and leave the gym wondering if they actually got better. We discuss how to use "the process of elimination" to prioritize what your team needs right now, whether it's disruptive full-court pressure or hitting a 200-shot daily goal.In this video, you'll learn:How to structure a 4-Quarter Practice Plan to maximize game-like transfer.The difference between Pre-Practice (building habits) and Prime (high-level teaching).Specific small-sided games like 3-on-4 Keep Away and Streak Shooting to build mental toughness.Why a "neat and tidy" practice plan is often less effective than one that addresses immediate team needs.Chapters: 0:00 - The secret to a good practice plan 1:09 - Improving practice through the process of elimination 2:01 - Challenge: Practice WITHOUT offense, rebounding, or layups 3:42 - How to get every player 200 shots per practice 5:52 - Elements of the 4-Quarter Practice Plan 8:06 - Pre-Practice: Tune shooting and defensive stance vitamins 10:05 - Prime: Teaching the trap and recovery 13:00 - Priming toughness: The Tough One-on-One drill 14:32 - Quarter 1: 3-on-4 Keep Away game 15:39 - Quarter 2: 4-on-4 Passing out of a trap 16:50 - Quarter 3: 5-on-5 "And One" (Press & Press Break) 17:31 - Quarter 4: Streak Shooting and Crack Back/Skip Backs 19:57 - Final thoughts: Coach the team you have, not the one you saw at a clinicStay SAVI! Subscribe for more weekly coaching insights, practical tools, and drills that translate to wins. https://savi.beehiiv.com/SAVI Shooting Tune Up Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTqP8AYSjLg&list=PLzZDMmtdN3QO2_JQLRHcXtUUu2dsBxdVl Youth Shooting: https://youtu.be/8R219feDhGk?si=EE-sAe_KKHt0W1kw #BasketballCoaching #PracticePlanning #BasketballDrills #YouthBasketball #HighSchoolBasketball #CoachingTips #BasketballTraining

Why do players struggle to execute in games what they can do in practice? The answer isn't more reps, it's understanding the difference between recognition, decision-making, and execution.

In this episode of The Hours, Tyler and Mark break down one of the most powerful yet underutilized coaching tools. The best coaches don't just demonstrate perfect execution—they show corrections in real-time, create contrast between wrong and right, and let their athletes see the learning process unfold. This builds buy-in, accelerates learning, and creates a culture where mistakes become opportunities.Chapters0:00 - Introduction & The Trap Young Coaches Fall Into 0:53 - Welcome to The Hours 2:14 - Show Improvement, Not Perfection 3:53 - Check for Understanding & Give Redos 4:54 - Staff Development Through Showing 9:32 - Show Don't Tell in Film Sessions 11:33 - Applying Show Don't Tell to Scouting 13:04 - Teaching Culture: The 1-2-3 Game 14:16 - Modeling vs. Telling 16:48 - The Scorebook Story 17:29 - Action Challenge: Plan Your DemosReady to level up your coaching? Join the SAVI Basketball Membership for weekly live coaching calls, exclusive courses, and a community of coaches committed to getting better. Try it free for 7 days: https://www.skool.com/savi-coach/about

Your filter into practice might be killing your gym before you even blow the whistle.Most coaches walk in scanning for mistakes. That means your players feel like they're failing before they even start. In this episode, we break down the 6-to-1 encouragement ratio—why it matters, how to implement it, and what changes when you commit to looking for the good first.This isn't about being soft. It's about being smart with how you coach.Join the Art of Coaching Challenge (Free): https://www.skool.com/toccoach/aboutSAVI Basketball Newsletter: https://savi.beehiiv.com/Try SAVI Basketball Membership (7-Day Free Trial): https://www.skool.com/savi-coach/aboutABOUT THE HOURS:The Hours is a podcast for basketball coaches at all levels. Each week, Mark Cascio and Tyler Coston sit down for real conversations about how to be a better coach, teacher, and leader.If you're a youth coach just starting out or a pro coach looking to win at the margins, this is where we spend more time on what actually matters.CONNECT WITH US:Newsletter: https://savi.beehiiv.com/Instagram: @SAVI_coachingMembership: 7-day free trial available: https://www.skool.com/savi-coach/about#basketballcoaching #coachingbasketball #basketballpractice #youthbasketball #coachingphilosophy

Coaches talk too much. Players learn too little. This episode fixes that.In this episode of The Hours, Mark Cassio and Tyler Coston break down one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) teaching tools in coaching: The Plus One Principle.If you've ever:Overloaded your players with feedbackWatched practice look good but games fall apartFelt like you're “teaching” but players aren't improvingThis conversation is for you.The Plus One Principle is simple:

Welcome to The Hours podcast by SAVI Basketball! In this episode, Tyler and Mark dive deep into the 10 Levels of Coaching, a framework designed to help you identify exactly where you are in your career and what you need to do to reach the next stage. Whether you are just starting out or leading a championship program, understanding these levels will help you decide where you can become the best coach possible. If you've ever felt like you were just "reacting" to problems rather than building a program with intent, this episode is your roadmap to leveling up.

In this episode of The Hours, host Mark Cascio sits down with longtime friend and high school coach Travis Uzee (St. Amant High School, Louisiana) to discuss the evolution of his program. Coach Uzee shares his "coaching superpower"—accountability—and how it serves as the bridge to success on both ends of the floor.The conversation dives deep into Uzee's transition from traditional set plays to SAVI's conceptual offense and the Lock Left defensive system. Discover how shifting focus from "developing plays" to "developing players" has dramatically increased his team's skill level and shooting confidence. Whether you are a veteran coach or just starting your conceptual journey, this episode is packed with "in-the-trenches" advice on practice planning, defensive rotations, and building a culture of toughness.

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Join Mark and Tyler for a special Mailbag episode of The Hours podcast! Celebrating over 600 members in the Savvy Basketball community, they tackle listener-submitted "smart questions" that show effort and application. This episode dives deep into coaching philosophy, from youth development to high-level defensive strategy, emphasizing principles over prescribed plays and function over form.Get ready for an in-depth discussion on how to teach modern basketball, why reacting to your opponent means you've already lost, and how to improve shooting effectively mid-season.

Join Mark Cascio, Claire Murphy, and Tyler as they dissect what's wrong with most traditional coaching clinics and celebrate the success of their first-ever annual SAVI Coaching Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona! They share why their clinic was so impactful, from deep, intentional conversations to a focus on holistic, identity-based coaching over simple X's and O's.Then, the "Dream Team" breaks down key takeaways from running a youth basketball practice together, offering immediate, high-value action items you can apply to make your practices more effective, engaging, and transformational. Learn how to be "messy" with high standards and why the preparation and debrief are the most important parts of your coaching week. #SAVIcoach SAVI Basketball 7-Day Free Trial: https://www.skool.com/savi-coach/about

Mark and Tyler from are back to finish the "Building the Best Coach" tournament bracket and decide which attribute is the undisputed champion of coaching excellence! In this jam-packed finale, the hosts complete the first round with debates that pit System Design against High Energy, and Recruiting against Player Roles.The competition quickly whittles down to the "Core Four" of coaching excellence—a grouping that shifts the conversation from bracket fun to a serious discussion about the foundations of a powerful program culture. Get ready for a controversial upset where Relationships challenge High Standards, and an intense championship debate that separates the short game from the long game. Don't miss the final, hard-fought pick for the single most valuable skill a coach can possess!

Welcome into The Hours! Mark and Tyler of SAVI Basketball are back with another bracket tournament, this time tackling the monumental task of building the "Perfect Coach." In Part 1 of this two-part special, the hosts kick off the 16-attribute bracket by seeding and debating the most crucial skills and qualities a successful basketball coach must possess, ranging from Practice Design to Communication and High Standards. Tyler shares an incredible anecdote about their 7th/8th-grade girls' squad's 60-point swing in two months, highlighting the power of SAVI Basketball's process-driven approach over mere outcomes. The discussion emphasizes that skills like system design and relationship building are the critical inputs that ultimately transform a program's culture and success—the outputs. Tune in to see the initial seeds, the intense debates, and Mark and Tyler's takes on the most undervalued coaching attributes.

Join Tyler in this episode of The Hours Podcast as he sits down with renowned basketball teacher Edward Leblanc! Edward is an innovative mind known for helping players and coaches achieve their full potential, and in this episode, he shares his revolutionary insights on player development, skill acquisition, and what really moves the needle for young athletes.Edward Leblanc brings a game-changing perspective to the court, challenging the conventional wisdom of chasing constant AAU tournament participation. We dive into the most effective ways young players can spend their time for maximum personal growth. Leblanc argues that time is a player's greatest asset, and often, that time is better spent on deliberate individual skill work (like shooting & ball handling), free-play/pick-up games, & expanding basketball knowledge through film, books, and podcasts, rather than the extensive travel and downtime associated with many tournaments.This episode is a masterclass in separating high-impact activities from low-impact participation. It's an essential listen for coaches and parents who want to foster resilience, coachability, and a high Basketball IQ—the non-tangible skills that are the foundation for long-term success. Learn which core skills truly pay off at the next level and hear the inspiring story of a seemingly unassuming janitor who profoundly shaped Edward's journey.⏱️ Key Points & Time Stamps(0:00): Introduction to Edward Leblanc—PGC Basketball Director and innovative teacher of the game.(4:15): Time as a Player's Greatest Asset—Why the ROI on early, constant tournament play is often low.(7:30): High-Impact Activities for Young Players—Prioritizing individual skill work (shooting, ball handling) & free play over structured games.(12:50): The "Free Play" Advantage—Creating a low-pressure environment for skill mastery & decision-making without fear of substitution.(17:05): The Timeless Skills That Matter—Identifying shooting, reading the floor, and ball security as keys for advancing to higher levels.(21:40): The Foundation of Success—Discussing the importance of coachability, leadership, and resilience as critical non-tangible skills.(31:15): Curriculum Development Insights—How PGC designs its teaching to provide secret 1% enhancements that unlock breakthroughs for athletes and coaches.✅ Action Items for CoachesRe-Evaluate Tournament Time: Encourage players (especially those below the Sophomore/Junior year) to trade some tournament weekends for individual skill-building blocks focusing on high-rep shooting and ball-handling.Facilitate Free Play: Actively promote or organize open-gym/pick-up opportunities. This builds player creativity and decision-making without the pressure of a team environment.Prioritize Fundamentals: Dedicate practice time to the "timeless skills" like teaching players to read the floor and improving position-specific ball security.Teach Resilience: Develop drills and culture that treat mistakes as learning opportunities, emphasizing that bouncing back with determination is a crucial skill.Learn More about Edward & Court Sessions: https://www.skool.com/courtsessions-basketball-8784/aboutSAVI Basketball Community Membership: https://www.skool.com/savi-coach/aboutTOC Coach Community Membership: https://www.skool.com/toccoach/about

Welcome back to The Hours Podcast, presented by SAVI Basketball! Hosts Mark and Tyler are fresh off program clinics and dive straight into the trenches of coaching philosophy and defensive installation.In this must-listen episode, they break down the common barriers coaches face when transitioning to a conceptual system like the Lock Left Defense (which they successfully installed in just 90 minutes!). They tackle the critical challenge of unlearning deeply ingrained defensive habits—from the archaic "choppy feet close-out" to the ineffective "hands up" mantra.Discover the difference between playing man-to-man and executing a system, why your players must genuinely love your defense, and the true power of holding a seemingly small standard like "Knees and Noise." This episode is a masterclass in intentional coaching, offering practical ways to elevate your practice standards, teach with clarity (Show, Don't Tell), and empower your defense to force turnovers and bad shots by strategically "making the ball go."

Welcome back to The Hours Podcast, presented by SAVI Basketball! In this special episode, hosts Mark and Tyler ditch the lecture hall for the court as they go head-to-head in an exhilarating 16-Action Bracket challenge. Coming out of the development of their new RDS Offensive Course (Race & Driving Space), the hosts aim to rank their favorite basketball actions in a single-elimination tournament to find the ultimate #1 action to build an offense around. They break down the essential components of 16 top actions—from the versatility of Fan and the direct attack of a Step Up Ball Screen, to the deceptive effectiveness of a Ghost Screen and the simplicity of a Burn Cut. This episode is a masterclass in coaching philosophy, revealing that the key to an anti-fragile offense is simplicity, intentionality, and prioritizing player reads over complicated sets. Tune in to discover which action wins the Championship, why "less is more" leads to millions of unique offensive variations, and how to use the "Often Simple, Never" decision-making matrix to build your own winning system.RDS Offensive Course https://savicoach.com/savi-store/product/681b57b47e0d984134dad0faSAVI Community (7 day Free Trial) https://www.skool.com/savi-coach/aboutLock Left Course: https://savicoach.com/savi-store/product/681b579168829870711ebc61

In this episode, Mark and Clare flip the script on traditional coaching. They reveal why the "fix-it" mentality is a trap and how the most transformative coaches empower their players to lead. Drawing on their experiences as teachers and coaches, they discuss how to build a program that is truly bigger than any one person. They cover practical strategies like asking better questions, creating a psychologically safe environment, and co-creating your team's culture. Tune in to learn how to move from being the "sage on the stage" to a "guide on the side" and unlock your team's full potential.Key Points & Timestamps(2:49) What It Means to be a "Guide on the Side"(4:26) The Power of the Pause: Giving Players a Voice(6:06) Lead with Questions, Not Answers(11:22) Using Feedback for Measurement and Motivation(15:31) Changing "Why" to "What" in Your Questions(17:56) Co-Creating Your Team's Core Values(22:26) The System: From Opportunities to Frameworks(26:26) Eliminating Clicks Through Environmental Design(28:37) Free Community Trial & Other Resources MentionedAction Items for CoachesLead with a question: The next time you see something your team is doing incorrectly, resist the urge to fix it. Instead, ask an open-ended question to get them to think about the problem themselves.Use "powerful pauses": After you ask a question, wait longer than you think you should for a response. Give your players time to process and formulate their own answers.Conduct a "thumbs up/thumbs down" check with eyes closed: To get an honest assessment of your team's understanding of a concept, have them close their eyes before giving a thumbs up or down. This removes the influence of peer pressure.Create a space for small groups: Find a way to have your players talk in small groups of 3 or 4 during practice or film sessions. This creates a safe environment for them to share their thoughts and ideas.Note to the EditorJoin the TOC Coach community: https://www.skool.com/toccoach/aboutSAVI Basketball website: https://savicoach.com/homeSAVI Basketball community: https://www.skool.com/savi-coach/aboutNew RDS course: https://savicoach.com/savi-store/product/681b57b47e0d984134dad0faLockLeft course: https://savicoach.com/savi-store/product/681b579168829870711ebc61

In this episode of The Hours Podcast, Mark and Tyler of SAVI Basketball dive into Part 2 of their series on special situations in coaching. They challenge coaches to not only have a pre-determined philosophy for these critical moments but also to actively "test and teach" it to their teams. This episode moves beyond late-game scenarios to cover situations that happen every single game, including pre-game, halftime, and post-game management. They use real-world examples to illustrate how small, well-prepared adjustments can make the difference between a win and a loss, emphasizing the importance of staying true to your team's core principles.Key Points(0:23) Test and Teach Your Philosophy(7:02) Pre-Game Special Situations(12:16) Halftime Management(14:45) Post-Game Routine(17:47) Why Teams Lose Big Leads(20:50) How to Play When You're Down(23:40) When to Call a Timeout(26:51) In-Game SubstitutionsAction Items for Coaches

Are you leaving opportunities on the court? Most coaches are great at preparing for "first-order" situations like transition and half-court offense, but fail to properly train for "second-order" situations that happen frequently but are rarely practiced. In this episode, Tyler and Mark dive deep into two major special situations: free throws and baseline out-of-bounds plays. They challenge traditional coaching methods and provide a fresh perspective on how to turn these moments into a competitive advantage. From developing a proper free-throw routine to intentional fouling, this episode is packed with tips and strategies that will make your team more prepared and more dangerous in every moment of the game.SAVI Basketball Membership: [Link to SAVI Basketball Membership]The Lock Left Course: [Link to Lock Left Course]TOC Coach Membership: [Link to TOC Coach]SAVI Basketball Newsletter: [Link to SAVI Newsletter]

In this special episode, we're making a huge announcement. We're thrilled to officially launch the TOC Coach Community, a new platform and partnership between TOC and SAVI.Join us as we sit down with Leadership & culture consultant and our partner, JP Nerbun to discuss our personal coaching journeys, the lessons learned from influential mentors, and the powerful "Venn diagram" that brought our philosophies together. We dive deep into why we're moving beyond transactional coaching to a transformational experience that empowers leaders.Join the Community: Sign up for the new TOC Coach community to gain access to all courses, resources, and live training sessions. https://www.skool.com/toccoach/about

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Ready to transform your basketball practices?

In this episode, Tyler and Mark dive deep into one of basketball's most crucial skills: shooting. They break down common myths, share the science and art behind great form, and discuss the power of external cues that can transform how players approach their shot.

In this episode, Clare and Tyler break down how to flip the script on traditional basketball practices. Instead of running the same repetitive drills, learn how to create game-like situations that actually prepare your players for real competition. They'll also dive into how shifting your practice approach builds decision-making, energy, and player engagement on the court.

Mark and Tyler share fresh insights from teaching at recent events, unpacking what they've learned about making practices more engaging, competitive, and effective. They explore why game-based learning often beats endless drills, and how to spot—and eliminate—common coaching mistakes that hold players back.

In this second part of the ROSE Series deep dive, Mark and Tyler focus on the often-dismissed details that actually determine whether your offense works or falls flat. From overlooked cues to micro habits, they break down the hidden parts of the process that separate good teams from great ones.

In part one of this two-part episode, Mark and Tyler dive deep into the ROSE Series—a system built to develop player understanding, not just run plays. They unpack how to teach it, the common mistakes coaches make, and how habits like journaling can elevate your coaching mindset. Access the full ROSE Series course at savicoach.com/roseseries

In part two of this SAVI Method series, Mark and Tyler turn the spotlight on each other—asking fast, hard-hitting questions that reveal their deepest coaching lessons. They open up about their strengths, setbacks, wins, and what truly shapes their identity as coaches. This is a powerful, honest conversation that will challenge you to reflect on your own journey.⚡ Rapid-fire reflections – Big questions, honest answers

In part one of this two-part episode, Mark and Tyler unpack the foundation of The SAVI Method—what it is, how it works, and why it challenges traditional coaching models. They dive into the core philosophies behind SAVI and how it's helping coaches build smarter systems, stronger teams, and more intentional leadership.

In part two of this conversation, Coach Joe Crispin returns to dive deeper into what it truly means to be a SAVI coach. Mark and Joe explore the mindset behind great coaching, the questions every coach should be asking themselves, and how to approach the game as an artist—on the court and on the sidelines. This one is all about purpose, creativity, and evolving as a leader.

In part one of this two-part conversation, Mark and Tyler sits down with Joe Crispin—former pro player and current offensive coordinator at Penn State—to explore his journey from playing to coaching. They unpack the idea of “finding the Waldo” with sticky language, the evolution of style vs. structure, and the constant tension between what's best for the team vs. what's best for the player. A powerful listen for any coach navigating the balance between freedom and system.

In this episode, Mark is joined by strength coach Matt Bruce to talk about how to structure effective workouts for athletes at every level—high school, college, and beyond. They dive into the importance of intentional programming, proper delegation, and how strength work translates directly to performance on the court. A must-listen for coaches who want to train smarter, not just harder.

In this episode, Mark and Tyler break down key areas that often decide games—transition, rebounding, and how to run a conceptual offense against pressure. They share insights on how to stay efficient in chaos, control the boards, and make smart reads in unpredictable situations. A must-listen for coaches looking to sharpen the edges of their system.

In this episode, Mark and Tyler dive into why “culture” might be one of the most misunderstood words in coaching today. They break down how the term has become watered down—and how the SAVI approach replaces vague ideals with clear, daily standards that truly shape a team. If you're ready to coach with intention instead of clichés, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Clare sits down with notable guest Camille Zimmerman to talk all things culture, leadership, and growth. They dive into how adversity strengthens both players and coaches, and how the SAVI approach builds more than just basketball skills—it shapes resilient, intentional people. A powerful conversation for anyone looking to grow through the game.

Mark and Tyler welcome special guest Coach Mike Neighbors to dive into how great coaches affect their players and the game—and see real effects because of it. From intentional communication to smart decision-making, they explore what it takes to create impact through willfulness and clarity. This episode is packed with wisdom you can apply right away.

Tyler and Clare explore the deeper purpose behind coaching—deciding where and how you want to make your impact. They discuss the importance of shaping both players and the game itself, and how intentional leadership leaves a lasting legacy.

Mark and Tyler break down the core principles behind the LockLeft system, including when to use it, why it works, and how to teach it effectively to your team. They also address common misconceptions and mistakes coaches make when implementing it. Whether you're new to LockLeft or looking to refine it, this episode is packed with clarity and insight!

Mark and Tyler dive into mailbag questions from both the free and exclusive SAVI Communities, focusing mainly on offensive strategies and tactics. Tune in as they give real answers and practical insights you can apply right away to your team!

Tyler and Edward dive into the heart of player development, discussing what truly makes a player great. They share insights on how coaches can improve their own skills and apply these lessons to elevate both individual growth and team performance. A must-listen for anyone serious about long-term success in coaching and development! Get access to premium basketball drills, small-sided games, personalized coaching, and more in our SAVI community - https://www.skool.com/savi-coach

Mark and Tyler break down the SAVI Shot Scale and how it can transform your team's approach to shot selection. They explain the value of creating a shared language so every player understands what a great shot looks like in your system. This episode will help you teach, define, and align shot decisions for smarter, more cohesive play.

Tyler sits down with Esports coach Ben Sobczyk to explore how coaching principles apply across all sports. They dive into building player confidence, overcoming ladder anxiety, making games accessible for everyone, and the power of showing up for your team. No matter what you coach, these insights will level up your leadership!

Tyler teams up with guest Edward LeBlanc to challenge the way you think about winning. They break down why focusing solely on wins can hold your team back, the difference between standards and rules, and how true greatness comes from living the standard you set.Get access to premium basketball drills, small-sided games, personalized coaching, and more in our SAVI community - https://www.skool.com/savi-coach! MORE SAVI RESOURCES

Mark and Tyler break down the keys to Drive & Space and Race & Space, how to manage overconfident teams, what truly makes a great shooter, the importance of discipleship in coaching, and when to make tough roster decisions. This episode is packed with essential insights for every coach!

Mark and Tyler break down the keys to success with the LockLeft system, how to effectively define roles within your team, and the art of teaching the shot fake. Whether you're refining your system or building from the ground up, this episode is packed with game-changing insights!