We often talk on this podcast about theory and research, but this week we are talking about application. We have mentioned many times about the importance of getting a coaching mentor or at least a group of coaches to bounce ideas off of, get advice from, and help us raise our game. What does that feel like? Is it hard? What are the obstacles? What happens when you don't agree? What will your staff say when an outsider steps in?   This week, we talk about all of that, and more, with Alan Keane (@CoachKeane14), Great Britain and England U18 Head Men's Basketball Coach. Alan has been involved with professional and international basketball for the past ten years, as both the England U16 and U18 Head Coach for the European Championships, as well as assistant coach for the Reading Rockets Senior team.  A few years back, Alan had the privilege of being assigned multiple time Way of Champions guest Mark Bennett (@PDSCoach) as a coaching mentor for a year. The journey was an incredible one for Alan, as he worked with Mark in both a basketball and a school setting, identifying the non-negotiables, implementing the Rule of 3, and helping him prepare a team for the European championships, including turning over an entire national team practice to Mark, who does not even coach basketball! It is an incredible story and one that will inspire you to find a way to get a mentor and practice your own coaching!   Getting in Touch Email: Keano14@yahoo.com Twitter: @CoachKeane14   Show Notes 7:15 Alan’s coaching journey really started when he was a kid 11:00 The dangers of going straight from playing to coaching 24:30 Are you asking players what you want to do or what they’re capable to do 34:00 Are you creating safety for your athletes to take ownership of the process 49:00 The unmistakable value of a mentor – Alan talks about Mark Bennett of PDS 54:30 What happens when a non-basketball person runs a basketball practice 1:13:00 If you don’t have a mentor, use video   Join us at the Future of Coaching Conference! Future of Coaching Conference Registration Page   CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE COURSES:   Warriors, Not Winners - Want to create gritty, resilient athletes who succeed beyond the game? Purchase Warriors, Not Winners now!   Transformational Coaching - Take your Coaching to the Next Level with Transformational Coaching. Become a Transformational Coach Today –   If you are enjoying our podcast, please help us out and leave a review on iTunes. How to leave an iTunes rating or review for a podcast from your iPhone or iPad   Launch Apple’s Podcast app. Tap the Search tab. Enter the name Way of Champions. Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right. Tap the album art for the Way of Champions podcast. Tap the Reviews tab. Tap Write a Review at the bottom. Thanks so much, every review helps us to spread this message! Hosted by John O'Sullivan. Produced by Coach Reed Maltbie