Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast
Join Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock as they dive into weekly conversations about transformational coaching, stewardship, and performance safety. The Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast is a place for all coaches to join in on a conversation to help grow the game of basketball.Look forward to weekly episodes including conversations with coaches from across the country and around the world engaging in conversations around new concepts in the game of basketball.
Points to Ponder - Space, the Final Frontier
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This time from his experience at the Canada Basketball National Championships in Sherbrooke Quebec. Mike explore his thoughts on space and spacing.
CB Nationals Recap & The New Train to Train
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon catchup and debrief the conclusion of the Women's Canada Basketball Nationals Championship in Sherbrooke Quebec. They share some stories, some of the stories from the week, and what they love about Nationals. Then, they transition to sharing about the new revised Train to Train workshop and what coaches can expect if they register to take the workshop.
Points to Ponder - The Fingerprints Behind the Photo
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares a point to ponder on his reflection from his trip up to Yellowknife. This blog highlights all of the people who help make the game a great place to be.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Ajay Sharma - Interim Head Coach, Women's Basketball Brock University
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay talks with veteran coach Ajay Sharma about a career built through mentorship, film study, and hard-won lessons from national championship runs. Ajay shares insights from legends like Anson Dorrance and Bobby Knight, the power of simple, repeatable language like "win the fight," and how competitive drills such as Game to Three and Seven Stops train players to manage pressure, discipline, and decision-making before it matters most. The conversation also covers coaching the "amygdala hijack" in high-pressure moments, building team culture through shared experiences off the court, and...
Points to Ponder - Playing the Course You're On
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares a story of his time up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and how his time playing golf, allowed him to reflect on the various theories around skill acquisition.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Pauline Lordon - From Player to Coach Developer
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Pauline Lordon, longtime coach, educator, mentor, and learning facilitator who has coached at every level of the game, from community basketball to university and national team programs. Pauline shares lessons from her coaching journey, the mentors who shaped her, and her thoughts on mentorship, building trust, creating learning environments, and why joy and relationships are at the heart of coaching.
Points to Ponder - The Beautiful Game
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another Points to Ponder, this time about his reflection on the FIFA World Cup.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Chantal Vallee - Head Coach, University of Windsor Women's Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are joined by Chantal Vallee, Head Coach of the University of Windsor Women's Basketball Team. Chantal joins the podcast to share her extensive journey and history in coaching. She recounts stories of winning 5 straight USports National Championships, being the first Female head coach in the CEBL, and her new book that she recently published Dare to Win.
If you're interested in the book, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.ca/Dare-Win-Blueprint-Performance-Championship/dp/1770418253
Points to Ponder - Defending Your Position
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Points to Ponder, this time on what it means to Defend Your Position. This episode does a deep dive on the intricacies of supporting athletes to become more intentional in guarding the ball.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Jhanelle Peters - Mental Performance in Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Jhanelle Peters. Jhanelle is a registered Psychotherapist and is the former Mental Health Clinician for the Toronto Raptors. She talks about about helping athletes perform under pressure and explores why anxiety isn't the enemy but useful information. Jhanelle also breaks down her "normalize, reframe, refocus" framework for shifting athletes from fear-based thinking to fact-based confidence. The conversation covers individualizing coaching styles to fit different athletes' needs, why coaches should ask rather than assume, how a coach's own body language shapes a team's response under...
Points to Ponder - Batman and Robin, the Dynamic Duo
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares a Point to Ponder about Batman and Robin, Yes, you read that correct, but it's not quite what you think. Tune in to learn more about how the goal should be to develop athletes who can be both!
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Marissa Lindquist - Head Coach, Women's Basketball University of Alberta Augustana
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Marissa Lindquist, the Head Coach of the Women's Basketball team at the University of Alberta Augustana. Marissa was also the head coach of the 17U Team Alberta Women's team that won Gold at Canada Summer Games in 2025. Marissa explores her coaching journey as a former athlete and taking over a program for the first time.
Points to Ponder: The Missing Link in the Constraints-Led Approach
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Points to Ponder. This one revolving around the idea of using the Constraints-Led Approach in basketball and what we as coaches might be missing in our application.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
BONUS - Community Super Clinics and Kimberley Super Clinic Recap
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock share exciting news about Canada Basketball’s new partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to offer more Community Super Clinics across the country. From there, Coach Mike reflects on the meaning of stewardship, why it matters in sport, and how we can all play a role in leaving the game better than we found it. Mike and Brandon then connect with several key people from Kimberley, B.C., who helped bring the Kimberley Super Clinic to life and made the event such a me...
Jodi Gram - National Team Coaching, Mentorship, & Reflection
In this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike MacKay sits down with longtime coach, educator, and mentor Jodi Gram to explore the relationships, risks, and reflections that have shaped her coaching journey. From being tapped on the shoulder for opportunities she never thought she was ready for, to leading in high-performance environments and now mentoring the next generation of coaches. Jodi shares honest reflections on confidence, leadership, parent relationships, mentorship, and the overlap between teaching and coaching. Together, she and Mike unpack what it means to build people through sport, why curiosity and communication matter in difficult...
Points to Ponder - Gordie Herbert Podcast #2 Planning with Clarity
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another Points to Ponder, this time reflecting on his second conversation with Senior Men's National Team Head Coach Gordie Herbert.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Gordie Herbert Part 2 - Style of Play, NBA and FIBA differences, and much more
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike MacKay sits down with Senior Men's National Team Head Coach Gordie Herbert for a second conversation to dive deeper into Coach Herbert's coaching philosophy, style of play, NBA and FIBA differences, and much more. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the mind of a National Team head coach and an episode you definitely won't want to miss.
Points to Ponder - Gordie Herbert Conversation Follow-up
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike Mackay shares another Point to Ponder. This time, it's a follow-up on the conversation that Coach Mike had with Senior Men's National Team Coach Gordie Herbert and some of the lessons coaches can take away from his style and philosophy around the game.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Gordie Herbert Part 1 - Head Coach, Senior Men's National Team
On this special episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are extremely excited to welcome the new Head Coach of the Senior Men's National Team, Gordie Herbert to the podcast. Coach Mike chats with Coach Herbert about his journey from playing on the National team, to coaching in Europe, to finding his way back to lead his country. Coach Herbert shares his personal coaching philosophy as well as what he believes makes great teams. This is an episode you do not want to miss.
Points to Ponder - Languishing in the Familiar
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder on the term, Languishing. Not familiar with Languishing? Listen to the podcast to find out!
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Mailbag Episode - Answering Your Questions
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock take some time to answer some of the questions that coaches have submitted from across the country. The conversation covers all sorts of topics from Transition Defense to Performance Safety.
To submit a question of your own, send an email to coaching@basketball.ca with "Podcast Question" in the subject line.
Points to Ponder - Defensive Decision Making
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike explores the UAE compass as it relates to defensive decision making.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
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Feedback and Crucial Conversations
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon discuss the topics of delivering feedback to athletes to help prepare coaches for having those crucial conversations. Mike and Brandon explore different types of feedback, when to give feedback, and how to set yourself up for success ahead of time. Then, the coaches finish the episode with some scenarios that coaches may experience and provides some suggestions on how to work through them.
Points to Ponder - Feedback and Clarity
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder on the importance of Clarity in delivering Feedback.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Lifetime Game Plan Pro Membership (Available until June 15th, 2026): gameplanbasketball.ca
Free Game Plan account required to access the Lifetime Membership. Head to the Workshops tab to find the Lifetime Membership option.
Jon Goodwillie - Video Breakdown: Transition Offense and Transition Defense
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Jon Goodwillie is back in the studio to breakdown game film with Coach Mike MacKay. Jon and Mike chat through offensive and defensive transition concepts and provide coaches with ideas on what to look out for when watching film.
To view the video version of this podcast, head on over to Game Plan (gameplanbasketball.ca) and subscribe to Game Plan Pro!
Points to Ponder - Designing the Vibe
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Points to Ponder, detailing his experience getting spend the weekend shadowing the Portland Fire's coaching.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
The 4 Levels of Leadership
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching podcast, Brandon and Mike talk through the important topic of Leadership. Through leadership, they explore Mike's 4 Levels of Leadership along with the core tenants of Transformational Leadership. Then, as the episode wraps up, they hit the film room to break down some on-court concepts.
Points to Ponder - When Silence Becomes the System
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast Mike shares another Point to Ponder, this time on the Social System that exists within teams.
To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Jon Goodwillie - Former Toronto Raptors Assistant Coach & Senior Men's National Team Assistant Coach
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are extremely excited to welcome Jon Goodwillie onto the podcast. This is the first episode of a 2-part sitdown with Jon that explores his coaching journey as well as stories from his time coaching in the NBA and with the National team. This is an episode you do not want to miss!
Points to Ponder - Vibe Coding
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another one of his Points to Ponder. This time, he shares an AI analogy, of Vibe Coding and how it relates to coaching Basketball. This one will really get you... pondering!
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Reflection - Learning to Think about your Thinking
In this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon Brock and Mike MacKay explore reflection as one of the most important, and most overlooked, skills in coaching. Moving beyond the traditional end-of-practice debrief, they unpack how reflection can be used before, during, and after training to help athletes think more critically, make better decisions, and take greater ownership of their learning. Through practical tools like Notice, Name, Navigate, See–Feel–Need–Do, and AAA (Ask, Anchor, Action), Brandon and Mike share how coaches can build reflection into the flow of practice to develop more adaptable players and more though...
Points to Ponder - Are we Guiding or are we Guessing
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares his recent Points to Ponder Blog post titled are we Guiding or are we Guessing, which explores the intentionality of coaching and teaching. This is a great quick episode if you're thinking about the ways in which you implement your coaching.
Sign-up to receive the Points to Ponder Blog as soon as it's released by signing up here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Research paper: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Christopher-Janelle/publication/5878313_Perceptual-Cognitive_Expertise_in_Sport_A_Meta-Analysis...
Betsy Butterick - Coaching "Kids These Days"
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Betsy Butterick, coach, communication specialist, and author of Kids These Days, to discuss how coaches can better connect with and coach today’s athletes. The conversation explores co-creation, communication, emotional regulation, failure recovery, and the importance of care and connection before challenge. Betsy shares practical strategies for coaches who feel like what used to work no longer works, and offers ideas to help coaches communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and create environments where athletes can perform and grow.
For coaches interested, there is...
Points to Ponder - When Coaches Step Back: What 3x3 Can Teach Us About Leadership, Emotion, and the Storm
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This time, on his observations watching a Youth 3x3 event. Listen and consider some of the benefits that 3x3 can provide your basketball programs!
If you're interested in receiving the text version of this blog post, subscribe to receive them here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Motivation - Are you Building Fear or Freedom
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike and Brandon dive into the concept of motivation through a practical coaching lens, exploring how everyday coaching decisions can shape, shift, and sometimes unintentionally disrupt athlete motivation. Building on ideas from self-determination theory, they unpack the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and introduce the concept of “motivational displacement”, how drills, constraints, and coach behaviours can redirect what athletes are actually motivated to do.
Through real coaching examples, they explore how environments can either foster autonomy, confidence, and connection, or create fear, compliance, and short-term thinking. The...
Points to Ponder - The Mentors we Don't Always See
On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike share his most recent blog post remembering some of this mentors who have recently passed away.
Sign-up to receive the blog post as soon as it comes out here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh
Alan Keane - MVNT Sports - Coaching Through Curiosity
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Alan Keane, performance psychologist, coach developer, and co-founder of MVMT Sports, to discuss coaching with care, developing self-aware athletes and coaches, and designing learning environments that translate to performance in the storm. Their conversation explores the principles of care in coaching, including empathy, motivational displacement, and athlete empowerment, while diving into topics such as reflection, decision-making, confidence versus competence, and the role of connection in high-performance environments. Alan shares practical frameworks and research-informed insights on how coaches can better support athlete growth, build meaningful relationships...
Points to Ponder - They didn't just win the NCAA, They Grew Into It
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike explores his recent Points to Ponder Blog Posts on the NCAA Division 1 Men's and Women's Championship teams. Specifically on the growth that those coaches and teams experienced that allowed them to have success.
If you're interested in reading the full Blog Post, head to gameplanbasketball.ca.
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Intentional Practice Planning - Part 2
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon continue their discussion on intentional practice planning. This episode does a much deeper dive into the what's and the how's of practice planning and encourages coaches to consider the smaller details of what they include in their plans to ensure that their activities align with their intention and intended impact.
Dianna Ros - Head Coach, University of Toronto Women's Basketball
On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike is joined by Dianna Ros, Head Coach of the University of Toronto Women’s Basketball team. Dianna shares her path through the game—from being a standout player at McGill University to national team involvement, her first head coaching opportunity at Bishop’s, and now guiding the University of Toronto Varsity Blues program. Together, they unpack the experiences that have influenced her growth as a coach and leader.
Dianna shares a ton of her learning, experience, and advice for coaches in this one.
For more c...
