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From Tech to Tactics
Josh Gould, Head Basketball Coach, Vista Del Lago HS
Welcome to this edition of the "The Coaching Journey," a newsletter dedicated to sharing insights and advice from experienced coaches. In the world of coaching, few experiences are as enlightening as learning from those who have navigated the challenging path to success. Josh Gould, head basketball coach at Vista Del Lago High School, shares his coaching journey and the insights he’s gained along the way in this recent interview.
10 Takeaways and Teaching Moments:
Embrace Professional Growth: Josh Gould’s journey from a struggling basketball player to a head coach is a testament to perseverance and dedication. Despite facing challenges in his playing days, Gould’s commitment to coaching never wavered. His transition from technology to coaching illustrates the power of following one’s passion.
The Power of Mentorship: Gould cites mentors like Brandon Williams and Peter Diepenbrock as crucial influences in his career. These relationships highlight the importance of learning from experienced figures who can offer valuable guidance and support in the intricate world of coaching.
Building a Team Culture: A significant part of Gould’s approach at Vista Del Lago involves fostering a strong sense of community and culture within the basketball program. Encouraging interactions across different team levels and creating a shared identity is key to building a cohesive program.
Adapting Coaching Strategies: Starting anew at Vista Del Lago, Gould emphasizes the need to adapt offensive strategies to his players’ strengths. By focusing on continuity and flow in their offensive schemes, he illustrates the importance of flexibility and adaptation in coaching methodologies.
Importance of Conditioning: Gould brings with him an intense focus on conditioning, inspired by his mentor Peter Diepenbrock. This program emphasizes the physical readiness needed to outperform competitors, especially in high-pressure scenarios, and is a staple of Gould’s training regimen.
Establishing Clear Communication: Effective communication with players and parents is crucial. Gould’s practice of having honest, transparent conversations about player roles and expectations prevents misunderstandings and fosters a supportive environment.
Recognizing the Role of Parents: Gould's evolving stance on involving parents in coaching, particularly fathers, demonstrates an open-minded approach. By leveraging their potential for advantageous contributions to the program, he underscores the value of community resources.
Player Development and Role Clarity: Gould stresses the importance of role clarity within the team. By defining specific expectations for each player, even those who may not see much playing time, he ensures that every team member understands their value and contributions to team success.
Leadership by the Players: A player-led approach is prioritized in Gould’s coaching philosophy. By empowering seniors and experienced players to take leadership roles, the team benefits from strong, peer-driven motivation and accountability.
Learning from Failure: The experiences and failures Gould encountered throughout his coaching journey have shaped his philosophy. By being open to learning and adapting, he exemplifies resilience and a continuous drive for personal and professional improvement.
Through this reflective dialogue, Coach Josh Gould provides a wealth of insights into what it means to be a successful coach. His emphasis on personal growth, strategic adaptation, and fostering a supportive team environment offers valuable lessons for anyone involved in athletic coaching and team sports. As Vista Del Lago’s basketball program continues to evolve under his leadership, Gould’s story stands as a robust example of the impact thoughtful, passionate coaching can have on young athletes.
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Best regards, Justin Clymo
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