Episode 136: John Tauer, Applying Psychology to Coaching

Guest: John Tauer, University of St. Thomas Head Coach

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, University of St. Thomas head coach and Psychology Professor John Tauer joins the Basketball Podcast to share ideas on applying psychology to coaching. Coach Tauer, discusses psychology, motivation, youth sports, parents and so much more.

Over the last 13 years, St. Thomas' winning percentage ranks near the top of Division III, with a 313-66 record (.820 win %), including a 220-38 slate against conference opponents and four 30 win seasons. Tauer has twice been named a Division III National Coach of the Year -- in 2013 by Basketball Times, and in 2016 by both the National Basketball Coaches' Association and by D3 News. Tauer also has received West Region Coach of the Year in five in his seasons and five MIAC Coach of the Year Awards.

Among Division III men's coaches, Tauer was the second-fastest in history to 200 victories and is believed to have won more games in his first five seasons than any coach in Division III history. His .808 win percentage ranks first among active Division III coaches, and in the top five among all active NCAA men's coaches.

Tauer’s first nine Tommie teams have compiled a 211-50 overall mark (.808 win clip). Tauer's winning percentage ranks in the top five of all 1,000-plus NCAA coaches, and he is the only coach at any level with both an NCAA championship trophy and a winning percentage above .800. His record includes a 160-33 record against conference opponents, an 8-for-9 run in MIAC regular-season championships (solo or shared), and a 15-6 record in the NCAA tournament.

Tauer was the first MIAC coach to sweep conference and playoff championships in each of his first two seasons as head coach. He’s also the lone conference individual -- and one of a small number of coaches nationally -- to have played in, been an assistant coach, and been a head coach at the Division III Final Four. In addition, he is the first MIAC coach to win regular-season titles in each of his first six seasons.

Breakdown

1:00 - Offensive Success

3:00 - How to Reduce Turnover

5:30 - How they Practice as a Team

8:00 - Intrinsic Motivation and offensive Philosophy

11:00 - Journals in Psychology

16:00 - Dealing with Parents

21:00 - Learning how to be Resilient

24:00 - Dealing with Difficult Parents

27:00 - How Athletes Cope with Stress

31:00 - Roles and Ideal Performance

36:00 - Danger of Generalization