In this episode of the Contacts Coaching podcast, host is joined by Paul Lankford, an accomplished basketball coach from Australia, to discuss his extensive journey through various levels of coaching. Paul shares his experiences from coaching local club teams to leading semi-pro teams and becoming a director of coaching. He also discusses his involvement with Australian Basketball Travelers, facilitating life-changing tours for young athletes. Additionally, Paul emphasizes the importance of having a positive experience in sports, effective player engagement, and valuable coaching insights gained from top-notch mentors. Tune in to learn more about Paul's contributions to basketball coaching and how international tours can create lifelong memories and opportunities for young athletes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Paul Langford's Coaching Journey

01:10 Challenges and Growth in Coaching

01:51 Transition to Professional Coaching

03:12 Involvement in Basketball Victoria

03:25 Coaching at Various Schools

04:12 Contributions to Junior Basketball

05:24 Basketball Tours and Their Impact

06:23 The Value of International Exposure

15:32 Coaching Philosophy and Player Engagement

20:59 Navigating Player and Parent Expectations

26:34 Season Kickoff and Preseason Challenges

27:10 Balancing Footy and Basketball Commitments

27:35 Attendance and Player Engagement Strategies

30:03 Learning from Other Sports and Coaches

31:14 Strength and Conditioning, Technology, and Sports Psychology

32:37 Coaching Techniques and Decision Making

37:20 Game Play and Practice Drills

43:47 Coach-Referee Relationships

48:51 Positive Coaching and Player Experience

51:12 Final Thoughts and Plugs