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"Basketball, Body and Mind" is a podcast that is dedicated to youth basketball players. Each episode will provide practical strategies for basketball skills, body and/or mind for performance on the court.
43 Episodes
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This episode explains what sleep, rest, and recovery actually mean in youth basketball and why many players feel tired or stuck despite training hard. It breaks down common recovery misunderstandings, explains how sleep supports physical repair and skill learning, and shows how stress from school, travel, and competition affects performance. Practical guidance is given for late games, multi-day tournaments, and travel, helping players, parents, and coaches make calmer, long-term recovery deci...
This episode explores long-term athlete development in youth basketball, focusing on growth spurts, biological versus chronological age and why early performance does not reliably predict future success. It explains why coordination, shooting accuracy and confidence often drop during rapid growth, why this is a normal adaptation rather than regression, and how training, strength work, skill development, and mindset should be adjusted during these phases to support long-term development instea...
This episode explores eight evidence-based nutrition principles that help young basketball players improve recovery, energy levels, focus, and long-term performance. The discussion addresses common mistakes like overly processed foods, inconsistent habits, and chasing perfection, while emphasizing mindful eating, variety, gut health, blood sugar stability, and consistency. The episode provides practical, realistic actions players can apply immediately without extreme dieting or restriction. ...
In the second part, Luka reflects on his shift from correction‑focused training to targeted prehab and load monitoring, emphasising that overuse injuries are often due to mismanaged workload rather than a lack of gadgets. He advises parents to be patient and avoid changing teams when things get tough, and urges young athletes to study the game tactically, learn from veterans and enjoy the journey. He closes by sharing his passion for coaching and his new, small‑scale online mentorship project...
Performance coach Luka Svilar discusses how to develop young basketball players in a sustainable way. Luka explains why mastering bodyweight movements and simple athletic skills is more important than chasing weight‑room numbers. He stresses teaching athletes why they’re doing an exercise and encouraging self‑motivation. The first part covers routines, nutrition, sleep and prehab habits that separate professionals from youth players. Key Takeaways Master bodyweight strength before addin...
Stan discusses the importance of consistency, hard work, and controlling what you can in the journey of becoming a professional basketball player. He emphasizes that success in basketball is not just about talent but also about the dedication to the process, showing up consistently, and maximizing opportunities. Through the story of a player who worked his way up from lower leagues, Stan illustrates that perseverance and a strong work ethic are crucial for achieving one's goals in basketball....
Stan discusses the invisible pressure athletes place on themselves, particularly the pursuit of perfectionism. He explores how this self-imposed pressure can lead to anxiety, decreased enjoyment of the game, and a distorted sense of self-worth tied to performance. Stan emphasizes the importance of reframing thoughts from 'I have to' to 'I choose to' and offers practical strategies to help athletes manage their expectations and cultivate self-compassion. The conversation highlights the need fo...
Stan discusses the nature of true confidence, emphasizing that it is not about being loud or flashy, but rather a quiet, deep-seated belief in one's abilities. He highlights the importance of preparation and hard work, illustrating that confidence stems from the hours of practice and dedication put in, even when no one is watching. The conversation also touches on the example of successful athletes like S. Curry, who embody this principle of internal confidence built through effort. Takeaways...
Stan discusses the dual nature of social media as a tool for learning and a source of negative comparison. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a growth mindset while recognizing the dangers of passive consumption and the toxic effects of comparing oneself to others. Takeaways When you are using social media to learn, you are in the growth mindset.You're actively looking for ways to improve your game.We are scrolling, we are passively consuming the content.This can lead to negative...
The importance of strength training for basketball players, particularly during the in-season and off-season. He emphasizes the need for consistent training, balancing skill work with conditioning, and provides a detailed 12-week off-season training plan to enhance performance. The conversation covers strategies for maintaining strength during the season, the significance of conditioning, and how to structure training sessions effectively. Takeaways Strength training is crucial for basketba...
Essential strength training for basketball players, focusing on key movement patterns, common mistakes in the weight room, and strategies to improve vertical jump and first step. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, proper technique, and recovery in training, while also addressing seasonal training strategies for maintaining strength throughout the year. Takeaways The five main movement patterns for basketball are squat, hinge, push, pull, and core exercises.Consistency in trainin...
The critical role of strength training in basketball, emphasizing its importance for performance enhancement and injury prevention. Stan addresses common misconceptions about strength training, including fears about stunted growth and its impact on shooting. The conversation also covers when to start strength training and the significance of building a solid foundation for future athletic success. Takeaways Strength is not just about lifting weights; it impacts overall game performance.St...
Lukas Leskauskas shares insights on training basketball players, focusing on the importance of resilience, tailored training programs and the balance between general and specific exercises. He emphasizes the need for young athletes to develop strength and movement skills while maintaining a strong attitude and commitment to their training. The discussion also covers the significance of conditioning in-season and the role of explosiveness in performance. Takeaways Building resilience is ke...
Stan discusses the critical importance of conditioning for basketball players. He outlines the three types of conditioning: physical, movement efficiency, and mental conditioning, emphasizing how each contributes to overall performance on the court. The conversation covers practical tips for improving conditioning, the significance of measuring progress, and the necessity of consistency in training. Stan encourages players to embrace the challenge of conditioning to enhance their skills and r...
Critical role of nutrition in athletic recovery and performance. He emphasizes that proper nutrition can significantly enhance recovery, allowing athletes to reach their full potential. The conversation covers game day nutrition strategies, including what to eat before, during, and after games, as well as general nutrition habits for athletes. Stan also addresses how to manipulate nutrition based on specific goals, such as losing fat or gaining muscle, while stressing the importance of hydrat...
Takeaways Consistency is more important than motivation.Use dark energy as a fuel for progress.You fall to the level of your systems.Success is determined by your actions, not feelings.Building trust with coaches requires consistent effort.Expect slumps in progress; persistence is key.Set measurable process goals to track improvement.Daily habits lead to long-term success.Motivation is temporary; habits are lasting.Choose one habit to practice daily for improvement. Chapters 00:00 Introd...
Summary Here I discuss the importance of motivation, goal setting, and overcoming excuses in the pursuit of success. I emphasize the power of gratitude, the need to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and the significance of taking ownership of one's actions. The conversation encourages you all to build a no-excuse environment and to train consistently, regardless of circumstances. Takeaways Stop making excuses and start taking action.Gratitude can shift your perspective on ch...
What agents really do (and don’t) in basketball. I sit down with Lithuanian agent Gytis Ruskevicius to unpack what an agent actually does, when (and if) you need one, how early signing can backfire with NCAA rules, and why physicality + S&C + playing hard matter more than chasing agents. Key Takeaways Agents negotiate — they don’t create talent.Don’t rush to sign; focus on development.Attention matters: too many clients = less for you.NCAA path: avoid official agent deals befor...
What are you training for? It is not enough to just say, “I’m grinding” or “I’m working hard.” If you don’t know why you’re training, you will struggle to stay consistent when motivation runs out. In this episode, I break down the three types of goals every player needs: Outcome goals – the big dream you’re chasingPerformance goals – measurable checkpoints along the wayProcess goals – the daily actions that build real progressI also explain why your “why” has to be strong enough to get you ou...
Why you cannot fake the work? Too many players focus on looking like they are working hard on social media, but the truth always shows up in games and practices. I share what real work looks like—consistent effort, tracking progress, and doing the boring basics when no one is watching. I also explain why skipping the hard parts, faking sprints, or only doing drills you already master will hold you back. My goal with this short episode is to remind you that greatness comes from unseen hours, h...
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