Win The Season Sponsored by Fastbreak Playbook-Episode #61 Tryouts and Cuts

Win The Season Sponsored by Fastbreak Playbook-Episode #61 Tryouts and Cuts

Author: Martin Plum September 15, 2026 Duration: 34:10

Some of the toughest situations that we are put into as coaches is deciding who we are going to keep and who we are going to cut, while also trying to balance out competitive teams while also rewarding our best players. In today's pod, we look at all of these angles and throw out seven bullet points to consider when making these tough decisions early this winter. In addition, we've got a tremendous quote from Matt Painter, and we have one of the legends of women's basketball, C. Vivian Stringer, to examine as one of our 100 great coaches. Enjoy!


Imagine a whiteboard session after a big game, the kind where strategy gets scribbled on whatever's handy. That's the spirit of A Pen And A Napkin. This weekly conversation lives at the crossroads of sport and creative thinking, diving deep into the art of coaching basketball. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair in a gym office, listening to the nuanced discussions about player development, offensive sets, defensive adjustments, and the philosophy behind building a team. It’s less about Xs and Os in a vacuum and more about the why-the human elements and the creative problem-solving that define the craft. You’ll hear authentic breakdowns of game situations, reflections on leadership, and practical ideas that often start with a simple sketch. Think of it as a portable mentors’ roundtable, a clinic distilled into conversation, offering perspectives that resonate whether you’re on the sidelines or just appreciate the deeper layers of the game. Tune in for a podcast that captures the ongoing, ever-evolving dialogue at the heart of coaching.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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