What Coaches Get Wrong (and how to get it right)

Hey Coach,

Edward Leblanc brings a game-changing perspective to the court, challenging the conventional wisdom of chasing constant AAU tournament participation.

In this episode of The Hours, 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 and ball handling), free-play/pick-up games, and 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.

No time for the full episode? Find a section you want to watch:

⏱️ Key Points & Time Stamps (Click the time stamp to go directly there)

(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) and free play over structured games.

(12:50): The "Free Play" Advantage—Creating a low-pressure environment for skill mastery and 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.

(26:00): The Story of "Hook"—Edward shares the powerful, unselfish act of a school janitor that fostered his love for the game and provided a space for growth.

(31:15): Curriculum Development Insights—How PGC designs its teaching to provide secret 1% enhancements that unlock breakthroughs for athletes and coaches.

Stay SAVI,
Tyler

P.S. We just updated the LockLeft Course inside the membership—new 10-layer structure, new drills, new film. Start your 7-day free trial and install LockLeft with your team this week.

Join SAVI Basketball on a 7-Day Free Trial, and you can hop in and check it out now.