Coach Todd: Building Stronger Players and Stronger People Through BasketballCoach Todd: Building Stronger Players and Stronger People Through Basketball
When you think of youth basketball coaching, what comes to mind? X’s and O’s? Drills? Game plans? For Coach Todd of the Colorado Lightning High School basketball program, the answer goes much deeper. With over a decade of coaching experience and countless hours spent both on the court and in the weight room, Coach Todd blends athletic development with practical life lessons — shaping not just better players, but better people.
At the heart of Coach Todd’s philosophy is the belief that strength training is a game changer. Having seen firsthand how structured weight-lifting transforms players, he strongly encourages athletes to integrate strength training into their routines early — ideally starting as freshmen. According to Coach Todd, consistent weight work isn’t about lifting heavy for show; it’s about building the physical foundation that supports speed, power, balance, and resilience on the basketball court.
He often tells a story of two players: one who embraced weight training from the start of high school and another who focused almost exclusively on basketball skills. By their senior year, the difference was clear — the player who trained consistently in the weight room had more explosiveness, better durability, and fewer injuries. It’s a testimonial that underscores his core message: weight lifting isn’t a luxury — it’s a critical piece of holistic athlete development.
Coach Todd also emphasizes balance and safety. While he draws on his own experiences in strength training, he consistently reminds readers and players that he isn’t a licensed athletic trainer and that any new weight program should be cleared with a healthcare professional first. His goal isn’t to replace professional guidance but to motivate young athletes to take ownership of their physical growth while respecting their bodies and limitations.
But Coach Todd’s focus isn’t purely physical. He ties strength work to important life skills like consistency, discipline, and long-term thinking. Strength gains don’t happen overnight, and neither do personal growth or character development. Showing up week after week, putting in the work even when it’s tough, and staying committed to improvement — these are habits that pay dividends far beyond basketball.
His approach also includes education on nutrition, recovery, and overall athlete well-being. Strength training without proper fuel and rest limits results — something Coach Todd regularly highlights to ensure that players understand their bodies as a whole system, not just a collection of muscles.
Perhaps what resonates most with players and parents alike is Coach Todd’s relatable tone. He talks to athletes like a mentor and a teammate, sharing lessons learned from his own journey and offering practical, grounded advice that’s easy to apply. Whether it’s a simple two-day weight routine or guidance on fueling the body right, his coaching emphasizes that success is built incrementally, thoughtfully, and with heart.
In a youth sports culture that often prioritizes talent and accolades, Coach Todd stands out by championing strength, consistency, and personal growth — on the court and in life.
