High school · Illinois, USA

Kane Mastin

Giving players room to solve problems.

Kane shares how stepping back from micromanaging helped his players build autonomy and rediscover joy in the game.

Coaching case study

The starting point

At Stark County High School in Illinois, Kane wanted players to take more ownership of the problems they encountered in games. His account centers on changing his own coaching behavior: stepping back from micromanaging decisions.

What changed in practice

Gave players more room to find solutions instead of directing every decision.
Used the membership library to develop his understanding and gather ideas.
Discussed coaching with peers online and at the summer camp in Roseto.

What Kane noticed

Kane describes players beginning to develop greater autonomy and finding more joy in the game. The change he values is their willingness to tackle a dynamic problem themselves, rather than depend on a coach to supply the answer.

The full conversation with Kane

Where are you from and where do you coach?

I'm originally from Knoxville, Illinois. I coach at Stark County High School in Toulon, Illinois

How did you discover Transforming?

I progressed onto Transforming Basketball after starting with Basketball Immersion. Initially I spent lots of time on the Transforming YouTube Channel.

What Transforming events or products have helped you the most?

I feel that the library of membership resources has certainly been a big help in my transformation as a coach, but being able to spend time and collaborate with coaches in this community is invaluable. Whether it be through the online community or at the Transforming Summer Camp in Roseto, Italy, I've been able to connect with so many great minds who share the same love and passion for the game!

What changes have you seen in your coaching and with your team since using these ideas?

I believe that Transforming Basketball has allowed me to be able to step back and stop micromanaging the decision making processes for my players. In doing so, they are starting to develop the all important autonomy needed to tackle any and all challenges that arise in a dynamic setting like basketball. Ultimately, I think it's brought a lot of joy into the game for my players knowing that they are the masters of their own environments.

What could change in your coaching?

Explore the ideas, find your next step and learn with coaches putting them into practice.

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