Erik Huddleston on Sport-Specificity, Adaptability and Co-Working with Athletes in the NBA

Erik Huddleston on Sport-Specificity, Adaptability and Co-Working with Athletes in the NBA

Author: Mike Robertson August 2, 2024 Duration: 1:14:16

If you’ve ever followed an NBA season, you might think that once the regular season or playoffs are over, that the performance coaches get to take a 2, 3 or even 4 month break before getting back into that pre-season grind.

But unfortunately, that’s just not the case.

In fact, in most cases once the season is done, a whole new set of responsibilities emerge – and we’re going to lean into that topic today with my guy Erik Huddleston.

Erik is currently a sports performance coach for the Indiana Pacers. Prior to his current role, he also worked as a G-League performance with the Indiana Mad Ants, was director of performance at the one and only IFAST, and also interned with both Texas Tech and Indiana University basketball.

And in this show, we’re going to take a behind the scenes look at being a performance coach in the NBA!

 

When you improve how something looks and feels, but it also has transferability over to the court, what else can I ask for?

– Erik Huddleston

 

This Week on the Physical Prep Podcast:

  • What’s new with my guy E since the last time we chatted.
  • What the transition is like going from the private sector to the NBA world.
  • Why ADAPTABILITY is so crucial if you want to work in pro sports.
  • The biggest lessons he learned early on, and why there’s so much more to it than just coaching.
  • How the roles of an NBA performance coach shift when the season is over.
  • His role during NBA Summer League, and what he tries to get done during that 2-3 week stretch.
  • The role consistency plays in doing your job at a high level.
  • What goes into the job OUTSIDE of coaching?
  • Interactions between teams, and how to improve communication across coaches to ensure athletes get the best possible outcomes.

 

 

Connect with Eric:

 

Related Links:

 

Become an ELITE Performance Coach at IFAST Basketball Insiders!

If you want to give your athletes real-world strength that will carry over to the court…

…help them build the power and explosiveness to blow by defenders or finish at the rim…

…or give them the brakes they need to stop on a dime and stay healthy, you need to join IFAST Basketball Insiders!

Each and every month, you’re going to get access to high-end content from myself and trusted experts that will help you write better programs, coach more effectively, and get the absolute most out of your workouts.

With everything from sample programs you can swipe and deploy, to case studies showing real-world results, and even exercise breakdowns and tutorials, my goal is to make sure that every program you write and exercise you coach is more effective for your basketball players.

But the content is really just the starting point, as every month we’ll have a Q&A call where you can ask me anything about your basketball players.

And last but not least, when you join IBI you’re going to be surrounded by a community of basketball strength and conditioning coaches – people who are not only doing this at a high-level themselves, but who also want to help you succeed as well.

If you’re serious about taking your basketball strength and conditioning skills to the next level, just head over to IFASTBasketballInsiders.com to get signed up.

I can’t wait to see you in there!

 

Subscribe, Rate & Share!

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast with Mike Robertson – your one-stop-shop for fitness trainers, coaches, and athletes.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and YouTube Podcasts and leave your honest review. I’d also love to connect via FacebookTwitter, and Instagram or visit our website.

Thanks so much for your support – love and appreciate you!

The post Erik Huddleston on Sport-Specificity, Adaptability and Co-Working with Athletes in the NBA appeared first on Robertson Training Systems.


Mike Robertson hosts the Physical Preparation Podcast, a space dedicated to the intricate craft of building better athletes and more effective coaches. Instead of quick fixes or fads, conversations here focus on the principles and practical details that form the foundation of sustainable performance. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading experts from the health and fitness world, breaking down complex concepts into actionable strategies. You’ll hear honest explorations of training methodologies, injury prevention, and the nuanced decisions that separate good programs from great ones. This podcast serves as a continual education for anyone serious about understanding the ‘why’ behind physical preparation, whether you’re designing regimens for others or refining your own athletic journey. The dialogue is grounded in real-world application, aiming to sharpen your critical thinking and provide tools that can be implemented immediately. Tune in for a consistently insightful look at how intelligent training philosophy translates into tangible results, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and science of human performance.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Physical Preparation Podcast
Podcast Episodes
7 Thoughts on Coaching Young Athletes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:25
If you train young athletes, this episode is for you! Here I’m going to share 7 powerful insights from my 25 years of coaching young athletes. Whether it’s customizing your communication, monitoring your energy, or pract…
2025 Review, 2026 Preview, and Lessons Learned Over the Past Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:48
What a year it was in 2025! Serious growth with IFAST Basketball. The gym is humming along. And my kids are getting BIG! But even with all the good stuff, there’s always a need to look back and reflect. Sure some things…
Building a High-Performance Model on a Budget with Dr. Anne Beethe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:29
Are you a smaller college, facility or business owner who is looking to take their sports performance program to the next level? If so, you’re going to LOVE today’s episode. Dr. Anne Beethe currently serves as the Direct…
Building a Fitness Business that Works for YOUR Life with Andy McCloy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:25
Look my friend – like it or not, 2026 is right around the corner. Which leads me to a simple question: Will this be your best year EVER? Whether we’re talking about growing your fitness business, becoming a better coach,…
The Super Duper Mash-Up Episode (Winter 2025) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:11
My friend it has been a CRAZY couple of weeks. Short week last week with the holiday. Short week THIS WEEK because I’m speaking at Andy and Luka’s Built to Last gym mastermind here in Nashville. And believe it or not I w…