Program Philosophy

Our primary coaching focus is on teaching the fundamentals of the game while developing team concepts that drive long-term success. Our offensive and defensive philosophies are designed to prepare players for the next level with PHH Warriors alum now competing well in the Chicago high school basketball scene.

Offensively, we emphasize motion offense principles—ball movement, spacing, and unselfish play. Defensively, our teams are taught man-to-man concepts rooted in team accountability and effort. These concepts reflect coaching+playing experiences at the collegiate & high school level aiming to instill habits that translate across all levels of basketball.

We believe that playing hard, competing regardless of the score, and working together can often overcome differences in talent. Competing the right way—through hustle, teamwork, and resilience—is central to everything we teach.

Player Objectives

Our goals for each player include:

• Advancing skill development and individual improvement
• Maintaining+sharpening fundamental abilities
• Growing basketball IQ
• Competing in games appropriate to their level

Practices will balance preparation for game play with continued development of fundamental skill-building. Coaches will foster a team-first atmosphere where players are encouraged to get better, work hard, and enjoy playing alongside their teammates.

Winning vs. Development

While we aim to compete and win games, our primary goal is teaching players how to win the right way. Outcomes are not the measure of success—the process is. We are committed to helping players develop strong habits, learn the value of doing the right things consistently, and grow as teammates and individuals.

If we stay committed to the process, the wins will come as a byproduct of our improvement.

All players are required to attend at least one tryout, though they are welcome to participate in all scheduled tryout dates for their age group (if capacity allows).

What to Bring:

• A basketball
• A reversible jersey (to help distinguish teams during scrimmages)

Parent Guidelines:

Parents are not permitted to stay and watch tryouts. Entry is limited to drop-off and pick-up only.

If a player is unable to attend any of the scheduled tryout dates, an individual evaluation can be arranged with PHH Coaches.

In every seasonal (Fall/Winter/Spring) evaluation period, PHH will provide a timeline for team selection process and email invitations. Players will be sent an official email invite to accept a roster position along with response guidelines/time window.

Our Warriors squads are generally placed by skillset, athleticism, and team role+impact within each grade, 2-4 rosters are often selected at each level under the following competitive level structure: 

Blue - Top Team 
White - 2nd Team 
Orange - Developmental Team

PHH directors that believe a team can play elite local, regional, and national level competition will be labeled "PHH Select".

Also, our staff will thoroughly evaluate all roster decisions based on individual role definition and developmental opportunities for each Warrior, so in any season there will be varying levels between Blue/White/Orange at each grade.  

Tryouts do not guarantee a position on a team - Play Hard Directors will be sensitive in contacting families with feedback where players are not offered a position.

Structure+Goals

Warriors will practice twice per week. Each team is guaranteed one 90-minute session, with the second practice more geared towards individual fundamentals/skills development ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on gym availability and team needs.

Practices are designed to prepare players for weekend competition by emphasizing:

• Offensive and defensive concepts
• Special situations (baseline/sideline out-of-bounds plays, press breaks, etc.)
• Team strategy and game readiness
• Core skill development: ball handling, passing, shooting, and footwork

We believe individual skill growth is essential to overall team success and long-term player development.

Current city gym locations include:

-Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School (BZAEDS)

-Chicago Elite Training Center (CE)

-Drucker Center

-Mitchell School

-Nettelhorst School

-Newberry School

-Rogers Park Montessori School

-Sacred Heart

Additional locations may be added. Final practice schedules will be released once teams are formed and may be adjusted based on the number of teams and gym availability.

Playing time is earned, not guaranteed, and will often not be equal. However, all players will receive meaningful minutes in every game, during both halves, that they attend.

We emphasize the importance of:

• Attending practices
• Listening and engaging
• Working hard
• Playing unselfishly and within the team concept

Playing time concerns will not be addressed on game day or in front of players. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out the following Monday post tournament.

Each season includes a minimum number of games to seek improvement in team 5 on 5 basketball situations:

• Fall & Spring: 10–12 games
• Winter: 20–25 games
• Summer: Flex Weekend Plan

Most games are played on weekends in one-day shootouts or tournaments, with each event typically consisting of two games at the same location on the same day, often back-to-back. 

Game Locations:

Venues are generally within 30–45 minutes of the city, though some may be up to 60+ minutes away with current traffic. 

Scheduling:

Tournament and shootout organizers aim to accommodate player and family conflicts submitted by program directors.

Schedules are typically released Wednesday evening or Thursday morning before the weekend, giving families 2–3 days’ notice.

The PHH TFL Winter League offers more advanced scheduling compared to shootouts. We are cognizant of the family calendar+multi-sport schedules, often providing advanced targets of tournament days/times for each Warriors roster.

Play Hard is now powered by UnderArmour gear and will provide a full reversible game uniform, practice jersey, warm up hoodie/shooting shirt and program bag (Cost TBD For Upcoming Seasons). PHH will also have an UnderArmour Store for added PHH gear for players and family spirit gear.