3on3 Hoops Pod
Welcome to the 3on3 Hoops Pod — the voice of 3on3 basketball and the secret sauce to player development.Hosted by Coach Kevin Roberts (3on3 Live) and Coach J (ScoreHoops 3on3), this podcast explores how small-sided basketball is transforming the game from the ground up. We break down why 3on3 basketball is such a powerful tool for player growth — building basketball IQ, confidence, and leadership faster than traditional formats.Whether you're a coach looking for fresh ways to train, a parent exploring better options for your athlete, or a player chasing the next level, you'll find insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways in e...
Why 3x3 Basketball Is Taking Over (Ft. The Voice of 3x3 Kyle Montgomery)
This might be the future of basketball.
In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we sit down with Kyle Montgomery — aka "The Voice" of 3x3 basketball and Olympic commentator — to break down what 3x3 really is… and why it’s growing so fast around the world.
If you’ve seen clips but never fully understood it, this episode will change how you look at the game.
We cover:
• What people get wrong about 3x3 basketball
• Why it’s NOT just pickup basketball
• The biggest differences between 3x3 and 5v5
• What makes a...
After 50 Episodes… Here’s What Coaches Still Get Wrong
After 50 episodes of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we took a step back to break down what actually matters in player development.
From overcoaching… to game reps… to the real difference between 3on3 and 5on5 — this episode is a reflection on everything we’ve learned from coaches, players, and real experience.
If you’re a coach, parent, or player trying to develop the right way… this is one you need.
In this episode, we cover:
• The #1 mistake most coaches make (and don’t realize)
• Why reps matter more than drills
• 3on3 vs 5on5 (what each actu...
The Truth About 3x3 Basketball (USA National Team Player Mitchell Hahn)
In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we sit down with USA Basketball 3x3 National Team player Mitchell Hahn to talk about what it’s really like playing 3x3 at the highest level.
From competing on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour to winning gold medals with Team USA, Mitchell shares what makes 3x3 basketball different — and why more players and coaches are starting to pay attention.
We cover:
• The biggest differences between 3x3 and 5-on-5
• Why 3x3 forces players to think faster
• The importance of team chemistry
• What separates elite 3x3 players
What Two Coaches Taught Us About the Future of 3x3 Basketball
3x3 basketball is gaining serious momentum — and it’s not just us saying it anymore.
After two powerful interviews with Martin Dyan (Rise 3x3 UK) and Coach Ras Vanderloo (USA Basketball), we started noticing something: coaches around the world are all saying the same thing… 3x3 basketball is becoming a real movement.
In this episode, we break down the biggest takeaways from those conversations and talk about why more coaches are embracing 3x3 as a powerful tool for player development.
We discuss:
• Why 3x3 forces players to think and make decisions faster
• Ho...
Why Elite Coaches Are Paying Attention to 3x3 Basketball | Ras Vanderloo
In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we sit down with Coach Ras Vanderloo, longtime head coach at Sioux City East High School, USA Basketball coach, and one of the most respected voices in high school basketball.
Coach Vanderloo has:
- Over 300 wins as a head coach (as of February 2026)
- Multiple state tournament appearances
- Named the State of Iowa Coach of the Year in both 2018 and 2023.
- USA Basketball: Since 2019, he has served as a coach for the USA Men's
Junior National Team minicamps and has been a...
3x3 Is a Movement — Not Just a Format
In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we take the conversation international.
We’re joined by Martin Dyan, founder and CEO of Rise 3x3 in the UK — a year-round 3x3 basketball organization dedicated to growing the game from grassroots to elite.
Martin shares:
- How 3x3 first captured him
- The emotional story behind his first tournament
- Why he believes 3x3 is more than just a format
- The challenges of building a movement from scratch
- How 3x3 can create opportunities for players, coaches, officials, and comm...
What Young Coaches Get Wrong (And What Experience Teaches You Instead)
In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we sit down with Coach Marcus Ludwig, head assistant coach for the boys varsity program at Baldwinsville High School in Syracuse, NY, for an honest, coach-to-coach conversation about growth, perspective, and player development.
This episode is for middle school, JV, and varsity coaches — especially those early in their coaching journey who are still figuring things out.
We talk about:
- What young coaches often misunderstand early on
- Why coaching is more than wins, losses, and the scoreboard
- The difference between being a...
Homeschool 3x3, Skills Clinics & What We’re Building at 3on3 Hoops Nation
Homeschool 3x3 basketball, skills clinics, and a different approach to player development.
In this episode, Kevin and Coach J talk through what they’re building with each one of their 3on3 basketball programs and the 3on3 Hoops Nation — including homeschool 3x3 play labs, skills clinics, and why 3v3 continues to be one of the best teachers of the game.
This is a wide-open conversation about:
• Using 3v3 to develop confidence and decision-making
• Creating real opportunities for middle school players
• Why fundamentals and application matter more than flashy moves
• Building sustainable pathways through skil...
How to Handle Parents, Playing Time, and Player Motivation | Coaches Q&A (Part 2)
In this continuation of our Coaches Q&A series, Kevin Roberts and Coach J dig into the questions every coach eventually faces but rarely talks about openly:
- How do I keep growing without a mentor?
- How do I get my players to play more aggressively?
- How do I balance development and winning?
- How do I keep players motivated when minutes aren’t equal?
- And how do I deal with parents who think their kid should play more?
It’s not about having all...
Are You Coaching Too Much? | Coaches Q&A (Part 1)
In Part 1 of our Coaches Q&A series, Coach Kev and Coach J get real about the questions every youth coach faces but rarely admits:
- How do I know when I’m coaching too much?
- How do I get players to think for themselves without losing structure?
- What’s the right balance between teaching and letting them play?
- Why communication (not drills) can make or break a team culture.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re talking too much, correcting too fast, or leading with ego...
Stop Overcoaching: Why Great Coaches Observe More
In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, Coach Kevin and Coach J unpack one of the biggest coaching traps in youth basketball: overcoaching.
They share real stories from their own sidelines about how constant talking and correcting can actually slow down player growth, and why the best coaches often say less and observe more.
You’ll hear how silence, patience, and trust can unlock confidence and leadership in players, and how 3on3 basketball naturally forces coaches to step back and let players figure things out.
Whether you’re a co...
Why Confidence is Overrated | Shawnee Harle on Mental Toughness (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our interview with Olympic coach and mental toughness expert Shawnee Harle, we dive deeper into the psychology of sports:
- Why confidence is overrated and the real difference between confidence and self-esteem
- How athletes can replace the “voice of fear” with their “voice of courage”
- What bench players should really be learning when they’re not on the court
- Why coaches must face their deepest fear — losing — before they can build long-term toughness in their athletes
- How measuring courage (instead of just stats) transfo...
Why Players Lose Confidence Under Pressure | Mental Toughness Coach Shawnee Harle (Part 1)
In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we sit down with Coach Shawnee Harle, one of the most respected mental toughness coaches in basketball.
With over 30 years of elite coaching experience, including two Olympics with Team Canada, Shawnee shares her powerful insights on:
- Why athletes lose confidence under pressure
- The truth about the “emotional storm” players face in big moments
- Why “Fake it till you make it” doesn’t work....and what to do instead
- Tools parents and coaches can use to help athletes face fear...
3on3 Rundown | Big3 Champs, Youth Hoops Growth & Coaching Confidence
In this episode of the 3on3 Hoops Pod, we mix things up and cover a little bit of everything happening in the world of basketball and coaching:
Big3 Champions & Takeaways — Our thoughts on the championship game, storylines from this season, and get into a little 1v1 basketball discussion.
Youth Basketball Growth — Coach J shares big news about his new league partnership and how it’s creating more opportunities for kids.
Mailbag Q&A — We answer a listener’s question about starting their own youth basketball league.
Coaching Confidence — Breaking down a powerful IG post from Coach D...
The Confidence Crisis in Youth Basketball (and How to Fix It)
Confidence can make or break a young player’s development, on and off the court.
In this episode, Kevin and Coach J dive deep into why kids lose confidence in basketball, the subtle signs coaches and parents should watch for, and practical ways to help players rebuild their belief in themselves. From personal stories to real coaching strategies, we cover everything from body language and missed shots to off-the-court pressures like school, social media, and parental expectations.
Plus, we share tips for building trust, creating safe environments, and giving players the freedom to make mistakes and...
Basketball Film Room Breakdown: Fixing 5on5 Mistakes with 3on3 Habits
In this episode, we step inside the Basketball Film Room to break down real game footage and reveal why so many 5-on-5 mistakes happen and how 3-on-3 habits naturally fix them. Coach Kevin and Coach J walk through specific plays while focusing on spacing, decision-making, communication, and reading the defense.
Whether you are a coach, parent, or player, you will walk away with practical takeaways you can apply right away and see why we believe 3-on-3 basketball is the secret sauce to player development.
Join the...
USA Basketball’s Don Showalter on Why 3on3 is the Future of Player Development
In this episode, we revisit one of our favorite conversations with legendary USA Basketball coach Don Showalter. A 10-time gold medal winner and one of the most respected leaders in youth development, Coach Showalter has coached countless NBA stars before they became household names.
We talk about:
- Why 3on3 is such a powerful teaching tool for basketball
- How it accelerates player development at every level
- Practical advice for coaches and parents to help kids grow in the game
- Whether you’re a coach, parent, or pl...
Why 3on3 Basketball Became My Life’s Work
In this solo episode, Coach Kevin opens up about his personal journey from falling in love with basketball as a kid, to rediscovering his purpose through coaching, to launching a 3on3 league that’s giving overlooked players new hope.
If you're a coach, parent, or player who's ever questioned the youth basketball system or wondered if there’s a better way...this one’s for you.
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Leagues.
Coaches.
Players.
Parents.
We...
The 3on3 Starter Kit: How to Use 3on3 for Player Development
Episode 33 of the 3on3 Hoops Pod is here, and we couldn’t let “33” go by without making it something special.
This episode is your 3on3 Starter Kit -how to begin using 3on3 in your practices, in your driveway, or at the park with your kids.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
Why 3on3 accelerates player developmentThe best formats and rules to start withHow coaches can blend 3on3 into practiceWhat mindset makes 3on3 most effective👉 Get the FREE 7 Proven 3on3 Drills PDF at 3on3HoopsNation.com
Send us Fan Mail
<...How 3on3 Builds Smarter Players: A College Coach’s Perspective (with Coach Kendrick Wilson)
What do college coaches really look for in high school players... and how can 3on3 basketball help prepare them?
In this episode, we’re joined by Coach Kendrick Wilson - former college coach, player, and now a consultant for high school and college programs. Coach Wilson breaks down how the game is evolving, what it really means to be a “smart player,” and why 3on3 basketball is such a powerful teaching tool.
We talk about:
- How 3on3 builds basketball IQ and decision-making
- What stands out in college recruiting (and what d...
Basketball IQ: Why 3on3 Develops It Faster
What exactly is basketball IQ...and how do you teach it?
In this episode, Kevin and Coach J break down what makes a player “smart” on the court, and why 3on3 basketball is the fastest way to develop high-IQ players. From spacing and anticipation to decision-making and communication, we cover the traits that separate good players from great ones....and give coaches and parents real ways to develop those skills.
Plus:
Signs of low and high basketball IQWhy great passers are often the smartest playersHow watching film (the right way) boosts awarenessHow 3on3 reps buil...3on3 vs 5on5: What Each Format Teaches Best
3on3 or 5on5? This episode breaks down what each format teaches best — and how to use both to develop smarter, more confident players.
We talk about game flow, player roles, skill reps, and real-time decision-making. Plus: how to structure your practices to get the best of both worlds.
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Coach Dave Interview Reactions + Big3 Drama and FIBA 3x3 Upsets!
In this episode, we’re reacting to our powerful 2-part interview with Coach Dave, breaking down the biggest stories in 3x3 basketball from Big3 brawls to FIBA World Cup stunners.
- What we learned from Coach Dave
- Why 3x3 is the ultimate "reset" for players
- Our take on the Dwight Howard–Lance Stephenson scuffle
- Historic FIBA 3x3 upsets — including Mongolia’s magical run
- What USA 3x3 teams need to catch up
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<...Coaching Burnout, Player Mindset & Life Lessons from 3on3 — with Coach Dave (Part 2)
In Part 2 of our interview with Coach Dave (Founder of Northwest 3on3 and Purpose Driven Athlete), we discuss what it means to support young athletes beyond the game.
We talk about:
- What to do when you get burned out as a coach
- How parents can help kids rebuild their belief after a tough season
- The most common mindset struggles kids face today — and how 3on3 helps address them
- The powerful life lessons that can come from a 3on3 basketball league
This episode is fo...
How 3on3 Basketball Builds Confidence and Identity - Interview with Coach Dave (Part 1)
In this special interview, we sit down with motivational speaker, certified mindset coach, and founder of Northwest 3on3 (Coach Dave) to explore how 3on3 basketball can unlock growth in players that traditional formats often miss.
We discuss:
Why quieter kids often thrive in 3on3How confidence and identity are built through setbacksWhat burnout looks like for coaches — and how to push throughHow 3on3 changes the way we define success in youth sportsCoach Dave brings powerful insights, real stories, and encouragement for coaches and parents working to raise stronger athletes and people.
S...
The 3on3 Confidence Effect — Why Every Kid Deserves More Touches
Confidence isn’t built on the bench. In this episode, Coach Kev and Coach J break down how 3on3 basketball helps players find their voice through more touches, more reps, and more involvement. They share stories from their programs and practical ways to build confidence in every player — especially the quiet ones.
Includes a powerful clip from Coach Nick Logalbo (USA 3x3) on how 3on3 helped one of his stars unlock her leadership.
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How to Add 3on3 to Your Practice Plan (Without Overhauling Everything)
In this episode, we share real examples of how to use 3on3 in your practice — from cutthroat defense to screening actions and more. Plus, we announce 3on3 Hoops Nation and wrap with a personal Off the Court convo. Subscribe at 3on3hoopsnation.com and follow @3on3hoopspod on Instagram.
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Why 3 on 3 Basketball Makes You a Better Player Faster!
In this episode, Coach Kevin and Coach J break down why 3on3 basketball is one of the most effective formats for player development. They explore how more touches, faster decision-making, improved spacing, and increased confidence make 3on3 a powerful complement to traditional 5on5 basketball. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this episode offers practical insight into how small-sided games can lead to big-time growth.
Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3on3hoopspod/
Learn more about our leagues:
@3on3live (Tampa, FL) - https://www.instagram.com/3on3l...
The 3on3 Basketball Revolution: We're Back With a New Mission
(EP 23) Welcome to the 3on3 Hoops Pod! In this (Season 2 kickoff) episode, Coach Kevin Roberts (3on3 Live) and Coach J (ScoreHoops 3on3) reunite with a fresh mission — to make this podcast the go-to voice for all things 3on3 basketball.
Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, this episode lays the foundation for what’s coming: real talk, practical insights, and a deeper look at why we believe 3on3 is the most powerful format in basketball today.
🎙️ We talk about:
• Why we’re bringing the pod back — and what’s different this time
• The vision behind the 3o...
4 MORE Essential Steps You Need To Know Before Coaching Your First Basketball Game
In this conversation, Coach Kevin and Coach J discuss essential steps for first-time head coaches, focusing on building accountability in young athletes, preparing for game day, and tracking player development. They emphasize the importance of establishing a coaching philosophy, managing nerves, and creating a supportive environment for players. The coaches share personal experiences and practical advice to help new coaches navigate their first season successfully.
Takeaways
- Establishing a coaching philosophy is crucial for success.
- Preseason planning should focus on conditioning, fundamentals, and strategy.
- Incorporate conditioning drills into practice...
How To Succeed In Your First Season As Head Coach
Coach Kevin and Coach J discuss the challenges and experiences of being a first-time head basketball coach. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the journey of player development rather than just the end results. The coaches share their personal experiences, coaching philosophies, and strategies for defining success in their teams. They also highlight the benefits of using 3 on 3 basketball to simplify the game and enhance player learning.
Takeaways:
WIN More Games As A Basketball Coach By Doing THIS!
We’ve collected some golden nuggets from all of the guest interviews we have had on the pod up to this point. These experienced high-level coaches share their genuine thoughts on 3-on-3 basketball and how they integrate it into their programs to keep players engaged and growing.
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Can fun and competition REALLY coexist? - Coach Kyle Wilson joins the pod!
Coach Kyle Wilson is the driving force behind Mountain West 3on3, a league that focuses on making basketball accessible, enjoyable, and educational for kids. Coach Kyle believes that when kids have fun playing with their friends in a low-pressure environment, they are more likely to stay engaged in the sport and continue their development. We discuss the growth and popularity of 3on3 basketball, the positive impact it has on players' self-esteem, and the potential for youth basketball to evolve with the rise of 3on3. We discuss the importance of creating opportunities for kids to play and have fun with...
Why 3on3 Basketball is Key to Player Growth with Special Guest Coach Mark Kurtz
Coach Mark Kurtz, a long-time high school girls basketball coach, shares his passion for 3-on-3 basketball and its benefits. He believes that 3-on-3 basketball is a great way to teach the game conceptually and develop important skills such as ball-handling, passing, screening, and cutting. He emphasizes the importance of teaching concepts rather than just individual skills. Coach Kurtz also discusses the role of 3-on-3 basketball in building team chemistry and personal growth, including perseverance, toughness, and being part of something bigger than oneself.
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<...
US Olympic 3x3 Basketball...What Happened?
Kevin Roberts talks to Coach J about his program, Score Hoops 3on3 Basketball, and their recent collaboration with Under Armour and the WNBA, where they organized a basketball event for young girls. They also discuss the disappointing performance of the US 3x3 teams in the Olympics, and what it means to the growth of 3on3 basketball in the US.
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Nick LoGalbo Interview Part 2 (Embracing the Rise of 3x3 basketball in the US)
In part 2 of our conversation with Nick LoGalbo, a 3-time gold medalist coach for both men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams, we discuss the qualities that make teams thrive in 3x3 basketball and on larger platforms (such as competing for the Gold Medal in the Olympics). He highlights the essential qualities needed to compete at the highest levels. Coach also shares how he has seamlessly integrated 3x3 basketball into his program as the current head coach at Lane Tech High School, utilizing it for both teaching and practice. He discusses the growing popularity and accessibility of 3x3 basketball, which o...
Nick LoGalbo on How 3x3 Basketball Can Transform Your Game (Part 1)
3-time FIBA World Cup Gold Medal Head Coach For USA 3x3 Basketball, Nick LoGalbo joins the pod and talks about his journey with falling in love with basketball in Chicago, shaping his perspective on the game. He delves into the evolution of 3x3 basketball, emphasizing its growth in the US and internationally, and highlights the key differences and benefits of playing 3x3 versus traditional 5-on-5 basketball. Nick provides valuable insights into how playing 3x3 basketball can enhance individual skills, develop life skills, and foster self-confidence in players.
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Coach Don Showalter: How to become a better basketball player with 3on3
10-time gold medalist and legendary USA Basketball Coach Don Showalter joins the pod to discuss the benefits of playing 3on3 basketball. We also examine the differences between international and US basketball. Coach Showalter suggests incorporating 3on3 into basketball programs and encourages parents to consider the advantages of 3on3 over traditional AAU basketball. He also shares his thoughts on the popularity of 3x3 internationally and offers advice on how to increase its popularity in the US.
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Cornfields to Gold Medals: Coaching Championship Basketball, Lessons in Leadership, and a...
What Coaches ACTUALLY Look For In Basketball Tryouts!
In this episode, Kevin Roberts and Coach J discuss the key skills coaches should be looking for in players during tryouts and how playing 3on3 basketball can help develop those skills.
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Boosting Player Development with 3on3 Basketball: Insights from Coach Jeff Steines
With over 25 years of coaching experience, Ames High School assistant basketball coach Jeff Steines shares how incorporating 3on3 basketball into their high school program has significantly enhanced their players' development.
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Join a 3on3 basketball program in Tampa, Florida:
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