Coach Poncho Hodges Joins Hoop Prodigy & Launches Skill at Will Program!

Join in welcoming Poncho Hodges, Director of Basketball Operations

A Washington D.C. native, Poncho has been involved in basketball for the majority of his life. Whether it was in high school, playing for the legendary coach Morgan Wooten at the historic basketball institution DeMatha, or at the University of Colorado. Poncho was blessed with the opportunity to continue to play the sport he loves, as a professional. From an entire pre-season with the Los Angeles Lakers to playing for teams in countries such as Israel, Spain, France and Japan, Poncho has been able to immerse himself in high level basketball for a number of years. Poncho looks to add his basketball expertise to the Hoop Prodigy brand to make it the standard in the basketball hemisphere.

How did you get your start in Youth and Player Development?

It was always something I did while playing throughout my professional career. I would go to my son's games at Stanford University, and would give he and his teammates pointers on the more efficient ways to play based on my observations. I Always felt like it was something within my spirit to step in and show young players the right way. My wife, having seen me mentor & train young players would constantly tell me I had a natural gift and I should pursue this passion further in my life. I noticed the AAU circuit was pushing the youth in the wrong direction from a fundamental standpoint. I felt it was my duty to step in a teach players the correct way.

What was your experience like playing as pro?

It was great! The biggest impact on me was seeing and experiencing the various cultures of the world. Basketball gave me an opportunity to understand that basketball is truly a global game. The sport is beloved by people all over the world, and in some cases the fans are even more passionate and die hard than in the states.

Overall my perspective grew and I was able to establish relationships that would last forever. Being a pro allowed these relations to grow that under normal circumstances I would never have had the opportunity to develop.

What is your Philosophy on training & coaching players?

• Hard work is great, but only with the proper preparation and guidance comes true success.

• Every player on the court should learn not only their position, but all positions.

• The game is 70% Mental & 30% physical.

If there is one thing you could change about the game what would it be and why?

I would make a rule that kids under the age of 12 would not be allowed to shoot three point shots.

I find when I'm watching youth games, I see players chucking up threes without the necessary strength to do so. This creates bad muscle memory and promotes bad habits.

Tell us about your vision for Hoop Prodigy and the Skill at Will program?

My vision includes making Hoop Prodigy the go to organization for youth, college, pro players & coaches who want to learn not just physical game, but the mental approach as well. In addition, educating players, parents and coaches on the right ways to promote and manage yourself as brand.

The Skill at Will philosophy means the ability to tap into any needed skill at any time. The access to these skills will only come with repetition, hard work and dedication to the craft. Currently we are in the process of developing a "Skill at Will" program that will change the landscape and approach to basketball training. By Implementing innovative methods and techniques this program will be the standard for Amateurs and pros alike.

"Are you working to get better or watching others work and get better"

Poncho Hodges