Join Tyler in this episode of The Hours Podcast as he sits down with renowned basketball teacher Edward Leblanc! Edward is an innovative mind known for helping players and coaches achieve their full potential, and in this episode, he shares his revolutionary insights on player development, skill acquisition, and what really moves the needle for young athletes.
Edward Leblanc brings a game-changing perspective to the court, challenging the conventional wisdom of chasing constant AAU tournament participation. We dive into the most effective ways young players can spend their time for maximum personal growth. Leblanc argues that time is a player’s greatest asset, and often, that time is better spent on deliberate individual skill work (like shooting & ball handling), free-play/pick-up games, & expanding basketball knowledge through film, books, and podcasts, rather than the extensive travel and downtime associated with many tournaments.
This episode is a masterclass in separating high-impact activities from low-impact participation. It’s an essential listen for coaches and parents who want to foster resilience, coachability, and a high Basketball IQ—the non-tangible skills that are the foundation for long-term success. Learn which core skills truly pay off at the next level and hear the inspiring story of a seemingly unassuming janitor who profoundly shaped Edward's journey.
⏱️ Key Points & Time Stamps
(0:00): Introduction to Edward Leblanc—PGC Basketball Director and innovative teacher of the game.
(4:15): Time as a Player’s Greatest Asset—Why the ROI on early, constant tournament play is often low.
(7:30): High-Impact Activities for Young Players—Prioritizing individual skill work (shooting, ball handling) & free play over structured games.
(12:50): The "Free Play" Advantage—Creating a low-pressure environment for skill mastery & decision-making without fear of substitution.
(17:05): The Timeless Skills That Matter—Identifying shooting, reading the floor, and ball security as keys for advancing to higher levels.
(21:40): The Foundation of Success—Discussing the importance of coachability, leadership, and resilience as critical non-tangible skills.
(31:15): Curriculum Development Insights—How PGC designs its teaching to provide secret 1% enhancements that unlock breakthroughs for athletes and coaches.
✅ Action Items for Coaches
Re-Evaluate Tournament Time: Encourage players (especially those below the Sophomore/Junior year) to trade some tournament weekends for individual skill-building blocks focusing on high-rep shooting and ball-handling.
Facilitate Free Play: Actively promote or organize open-gym/pick-up opportunities. This builds player creativity and decision-making without the pressure of a team environment.
Prioritize Fundamentals: Dedicate practice time to the "timeless skills" like teaching players to read the floor and improving position-specific ball security.
Teach Resilience: Develop drills and culture that treat mistakes as learning opportunities, emphasizing that bouncing back with determination is a crucial skill.
Learn More about Edward & Court Sessions: https://www.skool.com/courtsessions-basketball-8784/about
SAVI Basketball Community Membership: https://www.skool.com/savi-coach/about
TOC Coach Community Membership: https://www.skool.com/toccoach/about
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