🧠 The 2 Most Underrated Skills Coaches Should Be Teaching (But Aren’t)

Helping Coaches Build Smarter Hoopers One Possession at a Time

What’s up, coach!

You’ve drawn up the perfect play. Your shooter’s open. But the pass is late… or never comes. Sound familiar?

It’s probably not a talent issue—it’s a skill gap.

Today, we’re breaking down the two most underrated skills every youth and high school coach should be teaching. Master these, and your players get better without needing more athleticism.

1. Decision-Making Under Pressure

This is the skill that separates hoopers from hoop heads. But too often, we hope kids “just figure it out in games.”

❌ Not enough.

✅ Instead, build decision-making reps into practice:

• Live 1v1 closeouts — Teach players to read feet and attack space.

• 3v3 with a trap trigger — Defenders double at random, and players must react fast.

The smaller setting of 3on3 is perfect for this—more touches, more reads, more chances to fail and grow.

2. Communication with Purpose

“Talk on defense!” is a favorite sideline scream, but do our players even know what to say?

Teach your squad to communicate with purpose:

• “Screen left!”

• “Cutter through!”

• “Help. I’ve got your help!”

We even assign a “Defensive QB” in practice to take charge vocally and get used to leading. Because talking is a skill, not just a good habit.

🧭 Final Thought: Train the Mind, Not Just the Moves

Great coaching isn’t just about getting your team more athletic or better at running plays.
It’s about developing thinkers. Leaders. Communicators.

That’s what we believe in at 3on3 Hoops Nation, and we’re seeing the results every season.

Thanks for reading, Coach.
Keep building smarter hoopers!

– Coach J

3on3 Hoops Nation