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3. Blowing a Team Out (on the right end)
https://teachhoops.com/ · https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ · https://heysammi.com/
TITLE
Are You Running Up the Score Without Meaning To?
SUBTITLE
A thirty point lead is a coaching problem, not a victory lap, and garbage time can be the most useful stretch of your week.
SHOW NOTES
Winning big is more complicated than it looks. Press too long and you are that coach. Call everything off and your bench players learn that their minutes do not count. Coach Collins talks through handling a lopsided lead with class while still getting something out of the last quarter, and the conversations you owe your starters, your reserves, and occasionally the other coach.
What we cover:
The point in the game where you change what you are coaching
What to call off first, and what is fair to keep running
Making the end of the bench feel like real basketball instead of a formality
Why your reserves need a standard too, not just playing time
Respecting the other bench without embarrassing your own kids
This week's challenge: Write down the lead and the clock where you will change your approach, so you are not deciding it in the moment.
Resources: Practice plans, drills, courses, and on court clinics at https://teachhoops.com/
https://teachhoops.com/ · https://coachingyouthhoops.com/ · https://heysammi.com/
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Ep 2034 What Does a Great Assistant Coach Actually Do?
Listen guide
"Ep 2030 Are You Running Up the Score Without Meaning To?" is an episode of Basketball Coach Unplugged (A Basketball Coaching Podcast). Runtime 13 min. Published October 2, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.