J.S.

Coach Jeff Smith

Basketball Training & Consulting · Middletown, Ohio
Coach Smith at the huddle
Middletown, Ohio · 405 Career Wins · 23 Seasons

"Treat every possession like gold — this one, the one right now, because it never comes back."

— Coach Jeff Smith · from “One Possession”

Former Head Coach. Lifelong teacher. Elite trainer. Helping players and programs compete with uncommon intensity.

405
Career Wins
23
Seasons Coached
29
Years in the Gym
1
Court in His Name
The Legacy
A Career Written on the Court
Coach Jeff Smith with legendary Coach Bob Knight

With Coach Bob Knight

Coach Smith grew up in Indiana and reveres Coach Knight. He is pictured here working the 1992 Bob Knight Coaching Clinic. Coach Smith also worked for Coach Knight at his basketball camps throughout the years.

Smith Court at Madison High School, named in honor of Coach Jeff Smith

Smith Court · Madison High School

In 2025, Madison High School named its home floor “Smith Court” in honor of Coach Smith's 405 career victories and decades of service to Mohawk basketball. Every possession played there now carries his name.

The Record
Career Highlights
▸23 seasons as Head Coach
▸All-time winningest coach at Madison
▸Posted 405 career wins
▸5 League Championships
▸3× Associated Press SW District Coach of the Year
▸5× SWBL Coach of the Year
▸6× District 15 Coaches Association Coach of the Year
▸Multiple-time Journal News, Enquirer & Dayton Daily News Coach of the Year
Services & Resources
What Coach Smith Offers

Individual Training

One-on-one sessions tailored to your position, age, and goals. Skill evaluation, film breakdown, and development plan included.

Team Training

Full-team practices, scrimmage evaluation, defensive systems, and situational work. Available for high school, AAU, and youth programs.

Coaching Consultation

Zoom or in-person sessions for coaches at any level. Program design, staff development, recruiting prep, and culture building.

J Smith Poetry

“One Possession” — Coach Smith's nationally featured poem on the cost of carelessness and the reward of intensity.

Alumni Spotlight
Notable Players Trained
11

Ally Malott

Forward · WNBA — Washington Mystics · University of Dayton

A Madison High Mohawk who became one of the most decorated players in area history: 2011 McDonald's All-American, Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year, and Ohio Division III Player of the Year, finishing with 1,689 career points. At Dayton she scored 1,504 points, led the Flyers to four straight NCAA tournaments and the 2015 Elite Eight, and was drafted 8th overall by the Washington Mystics — the first WNBA draft pick in Dayton program history. Inducted into the Dayton Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.

20

Justin Brunswick

Forward/Center · Idaho State & Kent State · Madison High School

A 6’9” presence in the paint who played four varsity seasons for Coach Smith at Madison. A three-time all-league and two-time all-district selection, he led his league in blocked shots every year and in rebounds as a senior while helping the Mohawks capture a district championship. Went on to play Division I basketball at Idaho State before joining the Kent State Golden Flashes.

24

Grant Whisman

Forward · Cedarville University · Madison High School

The 2020 Southwestern Buckeye League, Southwest District, and District 15 Player of the Year — plus Cincinnati Enquirer and Journal News Player of the Year — Whisman was named 2020 All-Ohio Division III First Team after averaging 24.2 points as a senior. He finished his Madison career with 1,731 points and three SWBL championships, then earned All-NCCAA Midwest Region honors at Cedarville University, where he was a four-year contributor and team-leading three-point shooter.

SR

Shay Richardson

Madison High School

Ohio Division III State Player of the Year.

NH

Nathanael Harney

Madison High School · Cincinnati Christian University

Special Mention All-State, Ohio.

JS

Jill Spurlock

Hamilton High School · Miami (OH)

Special Mention All-State, Ohio.

Coach Jeff Smith drawing up plays
Jeff Smith
Head Coach (Retired)
Formerly Asst. Coach, Univ. of Dayton
Basketball Trainer · Middletown, Ohio
Written during his time as an assistant at the University of Dayton, this poem captures what Coach Smith tried to teach every player he ever coached — that carelessness is cumulative, and the game is decided in the moments you dismiss.

Featured on CoachingToolbox.net and shared across the basketball coaching community nationwide.
J Smith Poetry

One Possession

// Written by Jeff Smith

It was only one possession,
Why must my coach scream,
My poor defense permitted the basket
But what can one hoop mean?
As the pass comes my direction,
And I fumble it into the stands,
The coaches voice rings loud and clear,
“Catch with your eyes and hands!”C’mon coach, it’s a single possession,
Our team will be ok.
It’s just the first two minutes,
My gosh we’ve got all day.

At the 10 minute mark I remember,
That center is strong and stout
A putback for two, quite simple due
To my failure to turn and blockout.
But it was only one possession,
I didn’t commit a crime,
My team is ahead and I’m playing well,
And there’s still plenty of time!

As the halftime buzzer is sounding,
And I watch the ball bank in,
I know I will hear from my loving coach
Of my questionable effort to defend.
But it was only one possession
Coach — don’t have a heart attack!
We’re down by one, but we’re having fun,
I know we’ll get the lead back!

The second half mirrors the first,
But it’s early, it’s not a big deal,
That my failure to use a pass fake,
Results in an unlikely steal.
But quickly I sink a jumper,
I’m greeted by high fives and slaps,
But the next possession I give up a layup.
I guess I had a mental relapse.
But it’s only one possession,
C’mon Coach, “Chill Out.”
It’s crazy to see you disgusted
As you slap the assistant and shout.

“Victory favors the team making the fewest mistakes. Single possessions are the key. So treat them like gold and do as your told, And play with intensity.”

I step to the line for one and one,
But I’m having a concentration lapse.
The ball soars through the air, I’ve shot it too hard,
I’m afraid the support will collapse.
In post game I sit at my locker,
Pondering what more could I do.
I realize the value of a single possession,What a shame that we lost by two.

© Jeff Smith. All poems on this page are original, copyrighted works of Jeff Smith. All rights reserved. They may not be copied, reproduced, republished, or redistributed in any form — in print, online, or otherwise — without the express written permission of the author. To request permission, please contact Coach Smith directly.
On-Court Work
Training Sessions
Training Locations

Madison sites are at Madison Jr. Sr. High School, 5797 West Alexandria Road, Middletown, Ohio. The Madison Elementary and Fieldhouse gyms will also be used — both are on the same site as the High School.

Miami University Middletown gym is located at 4200 North University Boulevard, Middletown, Ohio 45042.

Gym availability is always at the discretion of the host school.

Whether you are developing a foundation or sharpening an elite skill set, Coach Smith designs every individual session around the player — position, weaknesses, and where you are trying to go. Sessions are available year-round.

How Scheduling Works

Fill out the request form below with the days and times that work for you. Coach Smith reviews all requests and checks gym availability every Sunday evening, then personally confirms your practice slot for the coming week by email or phone.

Individual Rates
Session TypeDurationDetailsPrice
1-on-1 Session60 minPosition-specific skill development$40
1-on-1 Session90 minExtended session$65
Small Group (2–3)90 minPer player — shared focus time$55/player
Small Group (4–6)90 minPer player — position groupings available$50/player

Request an Individual Session

Pressing “Send Request” opens your email app with everything filled in — just press Send. Coach Smith reviews requests and confirms practice slots every Sunday evening.

Coach Smith works directly with programs — high school, AAU, and youth — to design and lead practice sessions, install offensive and defensive systems, and build the habits that make teams hard to beat. Available at your facility or his.

How Scheduling Works

Fill out the request form below with the days and times that work for you. Coach Smith reviews all requests and checks gym availability every Sunday evening, then personally confirms your practice slot for the coming week by email or phone.

Team Rates
ServiceDurationDetailsPrice
Team Practice Session2 hrsFull practice design, coaching, and debrief$250
Team Practice Session3 hrsExtended — includes situational work and film$350
Scrimmage Evaluation2–3 hrsLive coaching + post-game written breakdown$300
Pre-Season Camp, Half-Day4 hrsOffensive/defensive installation + individual work$500
Pre-Season Camp, Full Day8 hrsComplete system install + film + culture session$900
Monthly Team Package4 sessions2-hour sessions · ideal for in-season programs$850
Travel Fee—Outside Butler/Warren County · per session$50

Request a Team Session

Pressing “Send Inquiry” opens your email app with everything filled in — just press Send. Coach Smith reviews requests and confirms sessions every Sunday evening.

For Coaches
Coaching Consultation

After 23 seasons, 405 wins, and 29 years inside a single program, Coach Smith has seen what builds a program and what quietly tears one apart. Consultation sessions draw on that experience — giving coaches at every level a direct line to practical, hard-earned wisdom. No generic playbook. Just honest conversation about what works.

Session Options
Video Call

Zoom — Single Session

One focused conversation on a specific challenge — game planning, player management, system design, or culture.

$75
60 minutes · Zoom video call
60-minute Zoom session — topic of your choice
Bring film, schemes, or questions in advance
Written follow-up notes sent within 48 hours
Best for first-time consultation or one-off issues
Most Popular
Video Call · Ongoing

Zoom — Monthly Package

Ongoing coaching relationship. Coach Smith learns your roster, your system, and your challenges over time.

$250
4 sessions per month · Zoom
4 × 60-minute Zoom sessions per month
Film breakdown available — share clips in advance
Between-session email access for quick questions
Season-long development arc with measurable goals
Written notes after each session
In-Person

On-Site Visit

Coach Smith comes to your gym, watches practice or film with you, and consults on site.

$200
2–3 hours · at your facility
2–3 hours on site — gym, film room, or both
Watch a live practice or break down film together
Immediate, real-time feedback on systems and players
Written summary provided after the visit
Travel fee applies outside Butler/Warren County (+$50)
In-Person · 5 Hours

Staff Development Day

Five hours working with your entire coaching staff. Ideal for new programs, rebuilds, or staff transitions.

$500
5 hours · in-person
5 hours with your full coaching staff
Program culture and identity session
Offensive and defensive system review
Recruiting strategy and player development philosophy
Practice planning templates and tools included
Open Q&A throughout the day
Video Call or Phone

Quick Consult

30 minutes for immediate game-week questions — scouting, adjustments, or anything pressing.

$40
30 minutes · Zoom or phone
30 minutes — focused and direct
Ideal for in-season adjustments or scouting questions
Often available within 24 hours
Optional written follow-up add-on (+$20)

Consultation Inquiry

Media Coverage
Coach Smith in the News
Coach Jeff Smith drawing up plays during a timeout
December 3, 2022 · Middletown, Ohio

Court Dedicated in Honor of Coach Jeff Smith

The Report Ohio

Former Coach Recalls Memories on the Court That Will Be Named After Him

Dec. 2, 2022

Jeff Smith spent 23 seasons as a head coach in Middletown, Ohio. Through that time, the gymnasium floor took four or five fresh coats of paint. But one night in December 2022, it wore something more lasting — his name.

Between junior varsity and varsity games, the school dedicated its basketball court in honor of the longtime coach. For Smith, 63, who retired after the 2020 season, it was the highest honor the school could have given him.

“There is nothing that the school could have done that would have meant more to me.” — Coach Jeff Smith

Smith began coaching in 1984, spent time as an assistant at the University of Dayton, and went on to accumulate 405 wins across 23 seasons. He also served as athletic director for 14 years and remains on staff today as a physical education teacher.

The court dedication was initiated by Aaron Lawson, a former player and school board member, who put a resolution before the board after Smith called him to share that he was being inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

“Once it got through the board, I had to be the one to call him. He was my coach.” — Aaron Lawson

Grant Whisman, the program’s all-time leading scorer, captured what many felt: “He was always there. He lived at the gym. He did really love every player — from the best player to the worst. It didn’t matter.”

Read Full Article
SW Ohio Sports Daily

Boys Basketball: Court Named After Longtime Coach Jeff Smith

Dec. 6, 2022

The ceremony drew former players, staff, and community members from across the region — including Shay Richardson, a former Division III State Player of the Year, who traveled from Tennessee to attend.

“Away from basketball, he’s just a wonderful, Godly man. He’s given me a huge foundation regarding my spiritual life. He’s the closest person outside of my family as far as a mentorship role.” — Shay Richardson

The school’s athletic director offered a fitting summary: “Coach’s numbers are impressive, but what he does is better. The way he impacts kids is tremendous — on the court and in the classroom. He’s just a great man.”

Read Full Article
CoachingToolbox.net

Basketball Poems: “One Possession” — Featured Work by Jeff Smith

Sept. 27, 2012

This poem by Jeff Smith — written during his time as an assistant at the University of Dayton — became one of the most-shared pieces on CoachingToolbox.net. It has since been used in team film sessions, coaching clinics, and athletic newsletters across the country.

“Victory favors the team making the fewest mistakes. Single possessions are the key. So treat them like gold and do as your told, and play with intensity.” — from “One Possession”
Read on CoachingToolbox.net