The Transforming Basketball Podcast

In this episode, George Vaz speaks with JP Nerbun, an executive coach and consultant, about the principles of transformational coaching. They discuss the importance of creating a supportive team environment, building strong relationships with players, and effective communication strategies. JP emphasizes the need for coaches to model positive behavior, cultivate a strong team culture, and address negative dynamics within the team. The conversation also highlights the shift from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation and the significance of intentionality in coaching practices. JP shares practical tips for coaches to enhance their effectiveness and foster a positive atmosphere for player development.

In this episode, George Vaz George Vaz discusses the importance of mastering conceptual offense in AAU basketball. He emphasizes the challenges faced in AAU, such as inconsistent practice attendance and the need for players to adapt quickly. Vaz advocates for using guiding principles instead of fixed plays, focusing on transition offense, and utilizing triggers to enhance offensive flow. He provides practical strategies for coaches to implement in practice, encouraging players to read defenses and create advantages on the court

Chapters:
00:00 - Mastering Conceptual Offense in AAU Basketball

02:54 - Transition Offense Principles and S...

In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Gerard Hillier, a coach and pedagogy manager at the Knox Junior Raiders program in Melbourne. They discuss the importance of a constraint-led approach in coaching, the transition from traditional methods, and how to effectively implement these changes in a coaching environment. Gerard shares practical applications for coaches, the significance of player development over short-term wins, and resources available for coaches to enhance their practice.

Chapters:
00:00 - Implementing Game Rules for Development
01:44 - Understanding Pedagogy in Coaching
02:10 - Journey to Constraint-Led Approach
06:06 - Navigating T...

In this episode, George Vaz discusses the importance of principles of play for youth basketball players aged 16 and below. He emphasizes that focusing on principles rather than set plays allows players to adapt to various coaching styles and develop a deeper understanding of the game. Key topics include creating advantages through spacing, shot selection, and practical coaching strategies to enhance player development.

Chapters

00:00 - Principles of Play vs. Set Plays

02:46 - Creating Advantages Through Spacing and Decision Making

06:05 - Shot Selection and Game Constraints

08:50 - Practical Games a...

In this episode, George Vaz interviews Daniel Sokolovsky, a global basketball coach with experience in various countries. They discuss the importance of understanding cultural differences in coaching, the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and the need for adaptability in coaching beliefs. Daniel shares insights from his diverse coaching experiences, emphasizing the significance of designing effective practices and the role of intentional constraints in training.

Chapters:

00:00 - Cultivating a Coaching Environment

01:09 - Global Coaching Insights

03:27 - Balancing Motivation and Accountability

08:12 - Learning from Diverse Coaching Experiences

In this episode, we dive into the world of pitcher development with Kyle Boddy, founder of Driveline Baseball and special advisor to the Boston Red Sox. Kyle unpacks the data-driven methodologies and advanced training techniques that have positioned Driveline at the forefront of sports science. He shares enlightening insights on how assessments, overload phases, and constraint-based training can enhance athletes' performance while minimizing injuries. Kyle also discusses the importance of mental and psychological preparation, the value of varied and low-tech training methods, and the benefits of minimal interference from coaches.

Chapters:
00:00 - The Importance o...

In this episode, George is joined by Simon Schröttle, founder of Simon Schröttle Fussball Akademie in Germany. Simon, a coach and player in the Bundesliga for FC Augsburg, and a leading expert in the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in soccer, discusses his recent three-part book series titled 'Revolution in Soccer, the Perfect Practice.' Simon shares his journey into CLA, inspired by Rob Gray's book 'How We Learned to Move,' and his experiences applying these principles to optimize soccer practice. He explores various aspects of practice design, including balancing skill and team development, involving players in creating pr...

In this episode, George welcomes Chris Fowler, Associate Head Coach at Western Michigan University and the all-time assist leader at Central Michigan University. Chris discusses his journey from an assistant to an associate head coach, emphasizing his application of evidence-based ideas such as the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA). He shares insights on practice design, player development, building trust, and balancing team strategies with individual growth. Chris also touches on integrating cross-disciplinary collaboration in coaching and reflects on how adopting a player-centered approach can transform both coaching effectiveness and players' adaptability on and off the court.

Chapters:

In this special episode, Adam announces his departure from the podcast to pursue a Master’s in Strength and Conditioning. He reflects on his journey and hands over the hosting duties to George, a rising coach with a unique path in basketball. Alex Sarama joins the conversation to introduce George and discuss his coaching philosophy, the London Lions experience, and the impact of CLA (Constraints-Led Approach) coaching.

Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:

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Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources:

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In this unique episode, we’re bringing you an exclusive preview of four different coaching clinics delivered to our member community. These clinics dive deep into modern coaching methodologies, player development strategies, and innovative training techniques. Get a sneak peek into each masterclass and discover actionable insights that can transform your approach to coaching and skill development.

Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:

https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7

Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources:

https://transformingbball.com/products/ 

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In this episode, Adam Omiecinski sits down with skill acquisition specialist Derek Panchuk to discuss how an ecological dynamics framework shapes our understanding of basketball performance. Derek shares insights from his extensive career working with elite and emerging coaches across multiple sports and explores the concept of the Quiet Eye—a critical aspect of visual perception in skill execution.

Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:

https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7

Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources:

https://transformingbball.com/products/ 

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski sits down with skill acquisition specialist Derek Panchuk to discuss how an ecological dynamics framework shapes our understanding of basketball performance. Derek shares insights from his extensive career working with elite and emerging coaches across multiple sports and explores the concept of the Quiet Eye—a critical aspect of visual perception in skill execution.

Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:

https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7

Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources:

https://transformingbball.com/products/ 

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Jamie Munro of JM3 Sports, a career lacrosse coach with deep roots in both field and box lacrosse. Jamie shares his coaching journey, from Yale and Denver to high school and club lacrosse, and how his passion for basketball has shaped his approach to training athletes. He also discusses his connection with Transforming Basketball and Alex, and how a single blog post changed his perspective on what fundamentals really mean. 

Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:

https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski sits down with Alan Keane, an international basketball coach for Great Britain's Under 20 team, and co-owner of Movement Sports. Alan discusses his coaching philosophy, which centers on the importance of an athlete-centered approach. He explains the significance of planning, doing, and reviewing in both practices and games, and highlights the crucial role of gratitude and acceptance in achieving optimal performance. Alan also shares insights into developing self-regulated learning among athletes and the pivotal role of coaches supporting each other on their growth journeys.

Want to take a deep dive into t...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski sits down with Alan Keane, an international basketball coach for Great Britain's Under 20 team, and co-owner of Movement Sports. Alan discusses his coaching philosophy, which centers on the importance of an athlete-centered approach. He explains the significance of planning, doing, and reviewing in both practices, games, and highlights the crucial role of gratitude and acceptance in achieving optimal performance. Alan also shares insights into developing self-regulated learning among athletes and the pivotal role of coaches supporting each other on their growth journeys.

Learn about player development with our FREE activities boo...

In this episode of the 'We Talking About Practice' and 'Transforming Basketball' Podcast, we're going to dive into the newly released SkillSeries course, where we'll be working with Alex Sarama to unlock the secrets of building CLA Practices. We'll also be exploring the fascinating topic of rate limiters, delving into how to find them, use them, and build around them. 

You can find the SkillSeries Course with Alex on the BlindsideSide App: 

https://share.blindside.pro/alexsarama

Discover the SkillSeries today!

- Over 120 exhilarating exercises

- 4...

In this milestone 100th episode of Transforming Basketball, Adam welcomes none other than the founder himself, Alex Sarama. Together, they reflect on the journey of Transforming Basketball, the impact it has made on coaches worldwide, and what’s next for the movement.

Want to learn more about conceptual offense? We have you covered with our FREE conceptual playbook. Learn more about the offense and receive your free copy instantly:

 https://education.transformingbball.com/free-conceptual-playbook

Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:

https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7

...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski and Kareem Kalil are joined by Chris Croft, Associate Professor of Sport Management at the University of Southern Mississippi, to discuss his transition from a college basketball coach to academia and a significant study on the effects of coaching on player performance. Chris shares his background, coaching experience, and the findings of his research, which explored whether coaches significantly impact player development and win-loss records. He also discusses the implications of these findings for players, coaches, and administrators, and touches on the challenges posed by modern changes such as the transfer portal and NIL...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Andy Bass, a Major League Mental Skills Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Andy discusses his background in sports psychology and his journey through college baseball, addressing the mental challenges he faced, including overcoming the yips. He delves into mental skills techniques such as errorless learning, differential learning, and mindfulness. Andy also explores key pillars of sports psychology like concentration, composure, and resilience, and offers insights into effective self-talk, motivation, goal-setting, and visualization.

Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our FREE skill acquisition workshop is...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Jamie Smith to share his journey of rethinking traditional strength and conditioning practices, motivated by his observations as a father. He discusses the importance of focusing on movement, autonomy, and embracing failure, particularly when working with youth athletes. Jamie emphasizes creating 'safe uncertainty' in training environments and shares his innovative approaches to warm-ups and strength training. He also highlights the significance of developing social skills and adaptability in young athletes, aiming to mold 'awesome human beings' rather than just great athletes.

Need help with ideas for your n...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski interviews Jeff Schmidt a coach with over 25 years of experience, who discusses his transition from a head high school coach to running his own private basketball training business in Northern Colorado. He talks about discovering CLA, its impact on his coaching style, and his experiences at a basketball camp in Italy. Jeff also covers how he incorporates individualized plans for his players and the challenges of creating an optimal training environment.

Want to learn more about conceptual offense? We have you covered with our FREE conceptual playbook. Learn more about t...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Jon Yu & Neil Houghton, their conversation encompasses the implementation of ecological dynamics frameworks and the challenges of player retention within a culturally different basketball coaching environment in Vietnam. Emphasis is placed on developing a unified coaching philosophy, engaging players joyfully, and bridging language barriers. They also tackle strategies for coach development, including the use of self-reflection, establishing club identity, and practical tips for creating effective practice plans.

Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our FREE skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource for you...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Jon Yu & Neil Houghton, their conversation encompasses the implementation of ecological dynamics frameworks and the challenges of player retention within a culturally different basketball coaching environment in Vietnam. Emphasis is placed on developing a unified coaching philosophy, engaging players joyfully, and bridging language barriers. They also tackle strategies for coach development, including the use of self-reflection, establishing club identity, and practical tips for creating effective practice plans.

Learn about player development with our FREE activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices: 

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski speaks with Ari Braun, a high school basketball coach from Baltimore, Maryland, about his journey in adopting contemporary skill acquisition ideas to improve basketball performance. Ari discussed how the ecological dynamics framework has transformed their coaching strategies, emphasizing live practice sessions, conceptual offense, and adaptive learning. They covered the importance of understanding the science behind coaching methods, engaging with the transformative basketball community, and fostering a supportive learning environment for both coaches and players to explore new methodologies.

Want to learn more about conceptual offense? We have you covered with o...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Sean Keating to discuss the innovative 4-on-3, 3-on-2 continuous game for youth basketball that focuses on more touches and enhancing skill acquisition. He explains how this method, inspired by Jeff Boos, improves offensive and defensive skills by allowing more scoring opportunities and teaching kids fundamental skills like pivoting. Sean also shares how these constraints, such as not allowing defenders to reach in and guarding inside the three-point line, positively impact player's development and make the game more enjoyable for both players and parents.

Need help with ideas f...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski and Kerri Kuzbyt continue their insightful conversation, diving deeper into contemporary skill acquisition and how it applies to basketball. Focused on the ecological dynamics framework, Adam and Kerri explore various facets of athlete development including overcoming traditional coaching paradigms, enhancing athlete confidence, and the nuanced differences between coaching male and female athletes. 

Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our FREE skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource for you to learn about evidence-based coaching strategies. Get instant access here:
https://education.transformingbball.com/free-basketball-skill-aquisition-workshop

L...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Kerri Kuzbyt to share her journey in basketball from playing multiple sports in her youth to becoming a coach. Kerri discusses the cultural differences in how females and males approach sports and competition, highlighting the importance of creating challenging environments that promote skill acquisition and confidence. She emphasizes the significance of embracing failure as a learning tool and pushing athletes to compete healthily. Kerri also talks about fostering a culture within female basketball that encourages unapologetic confidence and adaptability.

Learn about player development with our FREE activities book...

In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Neil Houghton from Australia to share his extensive experience in basketball coaching and his transition from traditional methods to the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA). Neil discusses the importance of adopting an ecological dynamics framework to enhance player development and the concept of a 'One Club Philosophy.' He elaborates on the benefits of a unified coaching approach across different age groups and provides practical insights on implementing CLA for younger players.

Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our FREE youth basketball practice book gives you 21 small-sided ga...

In this special episode, Alex Sarama announces his departure and introduces Adam Omiecinski as the new host. Alex reflects on the growth of the podcast, which now reaches 8,000+ listeners a week, and his new role with the Cavs. Adam discusses his background, his coaching philosophy focused on micro-level details, and future plans for the podcast.

Want to learn more about conceptual offense? We have you covered with our FREE conceptual playbook. Learn more about the offense and receive your free copy instantly: https://education.transformingbball.com/free-conceptual-playbook

Level up your coaching with our Am...

In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by is joined by Gray Thomas and Adam Omiecinski to discuss the controversial topic of muscle memory. Their discussion revolves around the concept of muscle memory and its relevance in basketball performance. They explore the idea of skill adaptation rather than skill acquisition and emphasize the importance of context and attunement in movement patterns.

Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our FREE skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource for you to learn about evidence-based coaching strategies. Get instant access here: https://education.transformingbball.com/free-basketball-skill-aquisition-workshop

In this episode, Alex Sarama chats with Simon Bertram, a leading advocate for using the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in basketball coaching.  Simon discusses the challenges and opportunities faced when trying to instill CLA into coaching practices. He shares insights from his experience in Germany, noting how the approach has transformed player development and coaching strategies at Bamberg. Simon elaborates on the importance of understanding both the science behind CLA and its practical application.

Learn about player development with our FREE activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices:

https://education.tra...

In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Brazilian basketball coach Gabriel Barbosa. Having connected months ago, Alex and Gabriel share a passion for the constraints-led approach (CLA) and the importance of empirical research in transforming basketball coaching. Gabriel discusses his dissertation, which is pioneering in its exploration of CLA in youth basketball, especially within small-sided games, providing insights and challenges in measuring this unique coaching methodology.

Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our FREE youth basketball practice book gives you 21 small-sided games which you can use instantly. Get your free copy here: https://education.tra...

In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Yuji Suzuki, a chiropractor and strength and conditioning professional, to discuss the future of the return to play process in the NBA through an ecological approach. Yuji outlines the traditional and dominant methods of injury recovery and highlights the ecological alternative that focuses on the whole person and their environment. They discuss practical examples and innovative activities designed to aid athletes in returning to play safely and effectively.

Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our FREE skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource f...

In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by is joined by Gray Thomas and Adam Omiecinski to discuss why as coaches, we can sometimes be hesitant to change and new ideas. They explore the reasons behind this reluctance and share their own experiences and insights. The conversation revolves around the challenges of changing belief systems, the association of coaching methods with personal identity, and the importance of having a support system when embracing a contemporary approach to coaching.

Learn about player development with our FREE activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts a...

In this episode, Alex Sarama and Gray Thomas, deliver an online clinic for the Bavarian Basketball Federation in Germany. They discuss the constraints-led approach (CLA) and clarify common misconceptions about its application in basketball coaching. The CLA is not just a coaching method but a framework for understanding performance in basketball. It considers the individual, task, and environmental constraints that shape skill acquisition and performance. Throughout the episode, they provides practical examples and insights for coaches looking to implement the CLA effectively.

Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our FREE youth basketball practice b...

In this episode, Alex Sarama and Gray Thomas, deliver an online clinic for the Bavarian Basketball Federation in Germany. They discuss the constraints-led approach (CLA) and clarify common misconceptions about its application in basketball coaching. The CLA is not just a coaching method but a framework for understanding performance in basketball. It considers the individual, task, and environmental constraints that shape skill acquisition and performance. Throughout the episode, they provides practical examples and insights for coaches looking to implement the CLA effectively.

Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our FREE skill a...

 In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by John Murray, who shares his journey from grassroots youth basketball to high school coaching, emphasizing the transformative power of CLA in developing player skills and enhancing game understanding. Throughout the discussion, they explore the challenges of implementing CLA at different coaching levels, addressing common barriers such as terminology and traditional coaching mindsets. They reflect on the importance of open-mindedness and adaptability, revealing strategies for effectively communicating and adapting CLA principles

Want to learn more about conceptual offense? We have you covered with our FREE conceptual playbook. Learn mo...

In this episode, Alex Sarama and Adam discuss the concept of affordances in basketball by exploring how affordances, which are opportunities for action, can be applied within the basketball environment. They emphasize the importance of understanding that affordances are unique to each individual player and can be influenced by their physical features and skill level. They also discuss the role of coaches in designing practice environments that incorporate affordances and how to manipulate affordances to change the invitations an athlete receives from the environment. 

Learn about player development with our FREE activities book. Inside, you'll fi...

In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Coleman Ayers to talk about his unconventional path to transforming basketball training. Coleman shares his insights on reframing skill acquisition, the importance of acknowledging cultural influences in player development, and the synergistic relationship between team principles and individual skills. With a focus on deep skill development, Coleman's unique perspective challenges traditional views on skill in basketball training.

Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our FREE youth basketball practice book gives you 21 small-sided games which you can use instantly. Get your free copy here: https://education.tra...

In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Gray Thomas to delve into the debate surrounding blocked versus variable training in basketball. They challenge the traditional notions that have prevailed in the coaching world and advocate for a more holistic and strategic approach to skill development. By dissecting a viewer's comment on the topic, they provide a deep analysis of the concepts of skill acquisition, confidence-building, and the importance of informed practice.

Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our FREE skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource for you to learn a...