The Huddle
Coaching, Uniforms, and Youth Sports
Resources for coaches, athletic directors, and program administrators.
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Choosing the Right AAU Program
Read more →: Choosing the Right AAU ProgramFinding the right AAU or travel team can be daunting to any parent. Everyone wants to make sure they get into a competitive club that balances exposure, competition, and character formation. Google ìAAU teamsî and you will find the choices can be overwhelming as well as confusing.To guide you in making the best choice for…
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What a Custom Football Uniform Package Actually Includes (From a Shop That Once Shipped to Italy)
Read more →: What a Custom Football Uniform Package Actually Includes (From a Shop That Once Shipped to Italy)In November 2010, a U.S. Navy football team took the field in Italy wearing uniforms from our shop. Different continent, same problem every coach has: a roster of players in different sizes, a hard date on the calendar, and one shot at showing up looking like a team. U.S. Navy football, Italy, November 2010. *…
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When the Gym Gets Loud: What Our Kids See in Us
Read more →: When the Gym Gets Loud: What Our Kids See in UsA few weeks ago, I was sitting in the bleachers along the baseline at my son’s 8th-grade basketball game. It was a Sunday afternoon at Pewaukee High School with three games happening at once. We were on the middle court, with parents, grandparents, and family members from both teams sitting all around. The gym was…
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Protecting the Joy in the Game
Read more →: Protecting the Joy in the GameWhen my boys were young, I started filming their games so we could watch them together afterward. After so many years in professional basketball, breaking down film felt natural to me, and I thought it would be a great way to help them learn the game. I pictured the three of us enjoying it, pausing…
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The Car Ride Home: Connect First, Correct Later by Alex Compton
Read more →: The Car Ride Home: Connect First, Correct Later by Alex ComptonMy boys have very different personalities, but during the basketball season that began in the winter of 2021, I began to notice a strong similarity. They were on separate travel teams that winter, which meant a lot of long drives home—sometimes close to an hour—with just one boy in the car at a time. Those…
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Mastering the Art: Crafting the Perfect Basketball Shot from 3-Point Range, 2-Point Range, and Layups
Read more →: Mastering the Art: Crafting the Perfect Basketball Shot from 3-Point Range, 2-Point Range, and LayupsIn the dynamic sport of basketball, shooting is a fundamental skill that can significantly impact a team’s success. Whether it’s a long-range bomb from beyond the arc or a graceful layup at the rim, each shot requires precision, technique, and practice. In this article, we will delve into the essential elements of creating the perfect…
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The Future of Cheerleading Uniforms: Smart Tech, Eco-Fabrics, and AI Magic That’s Changing the Game
Read more →: The Future of Cheerleading Uniforms: Smart Tech, Eco-Fabrics, and AI Magic That’s Changing the GameIf you’re a coach, parent, or cheerleader, you know uniforms aren’t just clothes; they’re what make your squad pop on the field, mat, or sidelines. But get this: the future? It’s wild. We’re talking uniforms that track your performance, made from recycled bottles, designed by AI in seconds, and customized like never before. No more…
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Closing the Gap: Global Basketball Challenges Team USA
Read more →: Closing the Gap: Global Basketball Challenges Team USAFor decades, the U.S. men’s basketball team was considered invincible, dominating international competitions with ease. However, recent years have seen a significant shift as the rest of the world has caught up, creating a much more competitive landscape. Here’s a look at how this transformation has occurred and what the U.S. can do to regain…
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Women’s Basketball Struggles and the Olympic Committee’s Big Mistake
Read more →: Women’s Basketball Struggles and the Olympic Committee’s Big MistakeWomen’s basketball has faced many challenges in becoming as popular as men’s basketball. Despite having great players and exciting games, it hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves. Recently, the USA Women’s Olympic Basketball Committee made a surprising decision that left many fans scratching their heads. They decided not to include Caitlin Clark, the most popular…
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Action-Packed Summer Camps: Top Picks for Young Athletes
Read more →: Action-Packed Summer Camps: Top Picks for Young AthletesFun Summer Camps for Young Athletes Summer is the perfect time for young athletes to have fun, stay active, and try new things. Summer camps focused on traditional sports are a fantastic way to keep kids fit and enjoy the sunny weather. Here are some of the best summer camps for popular sports that are…
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Spiking Success: A Complete Guide to Launching a Thriving Volleyball Club
Read more →: Spiking Success: A Complete Guide to Launching a Thriving Volleyball ClubStarting a volleyball club is a fulfilling endeavor, blending passion for the sport with community building. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to establish a club, covering essential points from selecting the right team of coaches and volunteers to scouting talent. 1. Getting the Right Coaches and Volunteers A successful club starts with a solid…
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From Average to Elite: Transforming Your Volleyball Team into Championship Contenders
Read more →: From Average to Elite: Transforming Your Volleyball Team into Championship Contenders1. Building a Foundation of Skills: Structured Training: Establish a regular, structured training regimen focusing on fundamental skills. Use drills that simulate match conditions to improve player reflexes and skill application under pressure. Skill Assessment: Regularly assess each player’s skills to identify areas needing improvement. Tailor individual training sessions to address these areas, ensuring balanced…
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Preparing for the Upcoming Wrestling Season: Offseason Strategies
Read more →: Preparing for the Upcoming Wrestling Season: Offseason StrategiesWrestling is a demanding sport that requires year-round dedication to stay competitive. The offseason is a critical period for wrestlers to rest, recover, and refine their skills to come back stronger for the next season. Here’s a guide on what to do in the offseason to prepare effectively for the upcoming wrestling season. 1. Rest…
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Suiting Up for Success: The Psychological Power of Great Basketball Uniforms
Read more →: Suiting Up for Success: The Psychological Power of Great Basketball UniformsThe Importance of Great Uniforms in Basketball: A Psychological Perspective Basketball, much like any other sport, is not just a display of athletic prowess and strategic gameplay; it also involves a significant psychological component. One aspect that contributes to the mental and emotional state of players and teams is their uniforms. Great uniforms are not…
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Shaping the Future: How NIL is Transforming Youth and High School Sports
Read more →: Shaping the Future: How NIL is Transforming Youth and High School SportsIn youth sports, the influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) can manifest in several specific ways, reflecting a shift in the culture and priorities surrounding young athletes. Here are some examples and an expanded discussion on this topic: 1. Early Focus on Branding: Young athletes may start to engage in personal branding activities much…
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Flag Football Mastery: Top Drills to Skyrocket Your Team to Championship Glory
Read more →: Flag Football Mastery: Top Drills to Skyrocket Your Team to Championship GloryFlag football combines the strategy and teamwork of traditional football with an emphasis on speed and agility. Preparing your team for a championship requires focused training, teamwork, and the right set of drills. Here are some effective flag football drills designed to enhance your team’s performance and get them championship-ready. 1. The Flag Pull Drill…
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Game-Changing Innovations: Impact of Sports Technology in Basketball
Read more →: Game-Changing Innovations: Impact of Sports Technology in BasketballBasketball, with its fast-paced nature and global fanbase, has continually evolved by integrating advanced technologies into various aspects of the game. From the hardwood of the NBA courts to local school gyms, technology is reshaping the sport. Let’s examine the pivotal innovations that are influencing basketball’s present and future. 1. Player Tracking Systems Systems like SportVU…
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Managing Reputation Challenges: Navigating Team Crises in Sports
Read more →: Managing Reputation Challenges: Navigating Team Crises in SportsReputation is a valuable asset for any sports team. From sponsorship deals to fan loyalty and overall brand value, a positive reputation can significantly impact a team’s success both on and off the field. However, sports teams, like any other entity, can face crises that threaten their reputation. Whether it’s a player’s off-field behavior, management…
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Game-Changing Innovations: Impact of Sports Technology in Volleyball
Read more →: Game-Changing Innovations: Impact of Sports Technology in VolleyballFrom sandy beaches to indoor courts, volleyball is a sport enjoyed by millions around the world. As it continues to captivate audiences and challenge athletes, the sport hasn’t remained static. Modern technology is enriching volleyball at all levels, providing insights, refining skills, and enhancing the spectator experience. Here’s a dive into the technological marvels reshaping…
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Game-Changing Innovations: Impact of Sports Technology on Football
Read more →: Game-Changing Innovations: Impact of Sports Technology on FootballThe sports industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, embracing every opportunity to enhance the game and improve the experience for fans, players, and teams alike. Football, known as the ‘Beautiful Game,’ has not been left behind in this technological revolution. Over the years, technology has embedded itself in every aspect of football,…
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The Impact of Daddy Ball on Youth Sports: A Blessing or a Curse?
Read more →: The Impact of Daddy Ball on Youth Sports: A Blessing or a Curse?The term “Daddy Ball” may sound cute or even benign to those outside the youth sports community, but inside it, the phrase often triggers heated debates. The term refers to a situation where a parent, often the father, coaches a youth sports team and seemingly favors their own child with more playing time, key positions,…
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Best Baseball Offseason Drills and Why They Matter
Read more →: Best Baseball Offseason Drills and Why They MatterWhen the final out is called, and the dust settles after an intense baseball season, players face the choice of what to do during the offseason. Just because there are no scheduled games doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up the cleats and take a break. In fact, the offseason is an optimal period to…
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The Benefits of High End Cheer Uniforms
Read more →: The Benefits of High End Cheer UniformsWhen it comes to cheer uniforms, it’s easy to focus on aesthetics and forget about the practical considerations. But investing in high-end cheer uniforms can actually bring a number of significant advantages to your team. Here are just a few: Improved performance: High-end cheer uniforms are designed with performance in mind. They often feature advanced…
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What Makes The Perfect Youth Basketball Coach
Read more →: What Makes The Perfect Youth Basketball CoachThe perfect youth basketball coach is a role model, mentor, and leader all rolled into one. They are someone who inspires and motivates young players to achieve their best on and off the court. Here are some key characteristics of the perfect youth basketball coach: Passion: A great youth basketball coach is passionate about the…
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The Benefits of High End Football Uniforms
Read more →: The Benefits of High End Football UniformsWhen it comes to football uniforms, it’s often tempting to go for the cheapest option available. After all, uniforms are just something that players wear on the field, right? Improved performance: High-end football uniforms are designed with performance in mind. They often feature advanced materials that help keep players cool, dry, and comfortable on the…
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The Benefits of High End Basketball Uniforms
Read more →: The Benefits of High End Basketball UniformsWhen it comes to basketball uniforms, it’s easy to focus on aesthetics and forget about the practical considerations. But investing in high-end basketball uniforms can actually bring a number of significant advantages to your team. Here are just a few: Improved performance: High-end basketball uniforms are designed with performance in mind. They often feature advanced…