The Transforming Basketball Podcast

In this episode, Alex interviews Linus Holmstrom, a player from Sweden. Linus shares his experience of training with the CLA and how it has transformed his game. He discusses the importance of variability in practice, the benefits of differential learning in shooting, and the principles of conceptual offense. Linus also provides insights into his favorite small-sided games and offers feedback on how coaches can create the optimal level of difficulty in their practice activities. Want to learn more about conceptual offense? We have you covered with our conceptual playbook. Learn more about the offense and receive your free copy instantly:https://transformingbball.com/conceptual-playbook 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/ Key Takeaways: "Implementing a CLA in basketball training helps players develop decision-making skills and improve their reading of the game." "Embracing variability in practice prepares players for the unpredictable situations they will encounter in games." "Differential learning in shooting helps players develop a wide range of skills and adaptability in different game situations." "Conceptual offense focuses on triggers and reading the defense to create advantages and find high-percentage shots." "Small-sided games, such as pick and roll drills, provide players with opportunities to practice specific skills and develop chemistry with teammates." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode Alex Sarama interviews Jon Yu, who has been exploring an ecological approach in his coaching practice. Jon shares his coaching journey, from starting as a high school assistant coach to coaching at College Prep in Italy. He discusses the importance of investing in learning as a coach as well as his experience implementing CLA in player development sessions. Jon also talks about the importance of building rapport with players and creating a transformational coaching environment. He shares insights from his onboarding program for new players and highlights the benefits of using small-sided games and constraints-based coaching. Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our youth basketball practice book gives you 21 small-sided games which you can use instantly. Get your free copy here: https://transformingbball.com/21-ssgs-for-your-next-practice 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/ Key Takeaways: 3:45 - "Investing in learning and growth as a coach is essential for personal and professional development." 11:18 - "Implementing the concepts of variability and differential learning can enhance player development and engagement." 14:15 - "Building rapport with players is crucial for creating a positive and transformational coaching environment." 16:00 - "Onboarding programs for new players can help accelerate their understanding of team systems and principles of play." 20:08 - "Small-sided games and constraints-based coaching can provide opportunities for players to explore and develop their skills." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex takes you behind the scenes with some sounds of a recent coaches clinic. You will hear Alex debriefing and conversing with players and coaches on all things practical application of the CLA in basketball. From players generating constraints to the when and how of using 1v1 in a conceptual offense, this episode is jam packed with useful information coaches and players can implement as soon as they hear it. Learn about player development with our activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices:https://transformingbball.com/small-sided-games-book 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/ Key Takeaways: 04:38 - "Number one, how alive were those drills?" 09:19 - "What did you notice when Liam added that task constraint of only gold medals?" 16:17 - "But the real magic to this is if you can design your own and critically do it in response to what the players need." 20:49 - "How do we use the CLA with beginners? For me the answer is to simplify the task instead of decomposing it?" 26:26 - "Now we want to amplify this option, to make it more enticing for them to be deceptive." 30:53 - "What opportunities for action made it difficult for them to convert dominos?" 38:40 - "We don't want one on one unless it's a mismatch. Always an advantage." 40:24 - "When you're playing defense, now you've got to try and wall up and be straight like a skyscraper." 45:13 - "Even in our warmups, we're doing small, sided games." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama outlines his vision for the future of player development in basketball. He emphasizes how contemporary skill acquisition ideas can be used to inform player development approaches. He shares practical ideas based on current trends in the industry, highlighting the need to move away from teaching specific techniques and instead focusing on creating adaptive players who can respond to any scenario. Alex also discusses the importance of moving away from siloed procedures by integrating principles of play into player development. Learn about player development with our activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices: https://transformingbball.com/small-sided-games-book 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/ Key Takeaways: 3:00 - "Move away from teaching specific moves and focus on creating adaptive players." 6:00 - "Skills emerge from the backdrop of principles of play, not just techniques." 7:17 - "There is no such thing as a micro skill; focus on external feedback." 8:30 -"Reject mental models and embrace multiple ways to achieve task goals." 9:44 -"Foster degeneracy by creating activities with multiple solutions." 10:18 - "Focus on exploration rather than instruction in player development." 11:52 - "Develop global players in an individualized manner." 13:37 - "Identify rate limiters and target them in player development." 14:50 - "Create environments with repetition without repetition for skill acquisition." 15:30 - "Develop attunement to the affordance landscape through practice with defenders." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama and Adam discuss the importance of theory in the coaching profession and the basketball industry. They emphasize that everyone has a theory, so it is crucial we gain awareness of it and then ask if we have evidence to support it. They also address the misconception that embracing theory makes coaching too scientific, explaining that theory actually simplifies and enhances the coaching process. Alex and Adam stress the significance of investing time in understanding the theory of skill acquisition, as it changes coaches' perspectives and impacts all aspects of coaching. Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our youth basketball practice book gives you 21 small-sided games which you can use instantly. Get your free copy here:https://transformingbball.com/21-ssgs-for-your-next-practice 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/ Key Takeaways: 1:28 - "Theory is foundational and underpins everything a coach does." 6:00 - "Take in the context and it's going to shape who you are and how you're behaving." 9:05 - "Investing time in understanding the theory of skill acquisition changes coaches' perspectives on coaching and impacts all aspects of their work." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama discusses how contemporary skill acquisition approaches can be applied to shooting in basketball. He debunks the idea of one optimal shooting technique and emphasizes the importance of individualized coordination that complements each player's body. He highlights the need for variability and adaptability in shooting coordination, as well as the role of degrees of freedom in solving the movement problem. He provides several activity ideas, such as one-on-one shooting, ladder shooting, and jungle shooting, that incorporate the principles of the constraint-led approach and differential learning. Learn about player development with our activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices: https://transformingbball.com/small-sided-games-book 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/ Key Takeaways: 1:30 - "There is no one optimal shooting technique; each player will develop a shooting coordination that complements their body." 7:53 - "This is where I recommend exercising extreme caution in picking and choosing the application of a CLA." 13:10 - "Degrees of freedom play a crucial role in solving the movement problem in shooting coordination." 18:11 - "The constraint-led approach provides opportunities for players to adapt and become more flexible and adaptable shooters." 26:08 - "Differential learning can supplement the constraint-led approach by increasing variability and exploring different movement possibilities." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama speaks with JD Dubois, Assistant Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers and Head Coach of their 22-23 Summer League team. They discuss the importance of applying evidence-based ideas in basketball. JD shares his journey of discovering a CLA and how it has influenced his coaching. He also talks about his experience during Summer League team and the emphasis they placed on decision-making and variability during their practices. JD also highlights the significance of mental performance in basketball, discussing the importance of observing and understanding the internal and external constraints that affect performance. Learn about player development with our activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices:https://transformingbball.com/small-sided-games-book 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/ Key Takeaways: 2:45 - "Evidence-based ideas in basketball coaching are important for staying up-to-date and developing cutting-edge strategies." 8:20 - "Incorporating decision-making and variability in practices helps players develop better skills and adapt to different game situations." 15:31 - "Observing common themes and patterns in player performance allows coaches to focus on specific areas of improvement." 17:10 - "Mental performance, including breathing exercises and managing internal dialogue, plays a crucial role in player development and performance." 20:05 - "Understanding and manipulating environmental, individual, and task constraints can enhance skill acquisition and decision-making in basketball." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Dr. Alex Lascu joins the Transforming Basketball podcast to discuss how research can help, rather than hinder, practitioners within the basketball world. Alex highlights the importance of coaches 'trying new things', as well as the challenges coaches face in applying an ecological approach. This leads onto a conversation about Talent ID. Alex and Dr. Alex Lacsu discuss the need to reconceptualize what 'talent' really means. Alex then shares some of the key themes from her last paper focused on deterministic and probabilistic approaches to talent identification and development systems. Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource for you to learn about evidence-based coaching strategies. Get instant access here:https://transformingbball.com/online-skill-acquisition-workshop 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/ Key Takeaways 2:25 - Understanding Skill Acquisition: Elevator Pitch 9:02 - Attractors in Coaching Behaviours 14:59 - Responsiveness to an Ever-Changing Environment 16:15 - How do we Define "Talent"? 25:47 - "If we start to remove those assumptions that people come with nothing, we start to see what they're capable of." Links Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

Alex Sarama discusses the problems with "pass and cut" motion offense in youth basketball, proposing an alternative approach. He argues that the pattern-based nature of the offense does not align with an ecological dynamics rationale. Instead, Alex suggests focusing on principles of play such as spacing and advantage creation. Alex also highlights many of the limitations behind automatic "pass and cut", such as reducing affordances for off-ball cuts and driving opportunities. He highlights the need for coaches to think differently rather than resorting to the same old methods that have been repeated over multiple decades. Want to learn more about conceptual offense? We have you covered with our conceptual playbook. Learn more about the offense and receive your free copy instantly: https://transformingbball.com/conceptual-playbook 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/ Key Takeaways: 2:15 - "The "pass and cut" offense is pattern-based and does not align with an ecological dynamics approach to basketball." 6:58 - "Pass and cut removes advantage-creating off-ball cuts and affordances to drive through one-on-one." 9:35 - "We should not continue to do the same old things just because of tradition." 12:44 - "We can instead develop players who are far better than the robotic tendencies encouraged within a pass and cut framework." 14:37 - "Once you've identified your principles (of play), see if you can think of creative analogies to bring them to life." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Adam Omiecinski to discuss the contemporary skill acquisition ideas which form the basis of the Transforming Basketball approach. They discuss Adam's journey into discovering an ecological approach, as well as their experience coaching together at College Prep in Italy. A number of topics are touched upon including the practicalities of using a CLA, co-design and developing action capabilities. Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our youth basketball practice book gives you 21 small-sided games which you can use instantly. Get your free copy here:https://transformingbball.com/21-ssgs-for-your-next-practice 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/ Key Takeaways 06:28 - "We're not just setting random games up and using a games approach. There's a very specific rationale behind using a CLA." 8:16 - "Be patient and observe what happened, and then more than anything else, reflect upon it." 12:30 - "Co-design is simply a process of including your players in on the conversation when it comes to designing activities and shaping them." 18:23 - "Individual constraints is the next area that needs to be further explored." Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama explores the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in basketball, in addition to its underlying theory of ecological dynamics. He debunks many misconceptions surrounding the CLA within the basketball world, highlighting how the CLA is a wide-ranging framework which not only makes sense of how skills emerge, but also how it can be used as a methodology in any organizational field. Alex explains the three categories of constraint according to Newell's Constraints Model (1986): individual, task, and environment, discussing how they interact to shape every movement we see on the court. He provides practical examples of how to implement the CLA with players of all levels, from beginners to the NBA and WNBA. Learn about player development with our FREE activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices:https://transformingbball.com/small-sided-games-book 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/ Key Takeaways 1:13 - "The CLA goes far deeper than solely being viewed as a coaching methodology that can be used in our practices." 4:29 - "This starts with looking at the idea of what a constraint is. I want to make it very clear that constraints are not merely limiting or punishing factors." 11:00 - "The whole essence of the CLA is that as coaches we can manipulate constraints to lead to different skills emerging." 17:13 - The CLA in other fields, e.g. athletic performance 22:37 - "The ability to be successful in the game is not about knowing, but about doing." 38:34 -"How the CLA can be applied at different levels of basketball, from beginners to youth and collegiate/professional teams." Links Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Kareem Kalil to discuss transformational coaching and its importance in basketball. They explore the field of human development and how it can be applied to coaching, emphasizing the need for coaches to go beyond teaching "technical and tactical" skills to focus on the personal growth and development of their players. They break down Jean Cote's four tenets of transformational coaching: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration. Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our youth basketball practice book gives you 21 small-sided games which you can use instantly. Get your free copy here:https://transformingbball.com/21-ssgs-for-your-next-practice 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/ Key Takeaways 06:11 - "The best coaches in the world have really dynamic relationships with players that allow them to connect on a deeply personal level." 12:30 - "It sends a really important message to our players that this is more than just about basketball." 18:40 -"You actually have to give players a choice if you want to meet this idea of intellectual stimulation." 20:53 - "We have to give individualized consideration to the players, we need to know how they are doing." Links Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama and the 2022/23 College Prep coaching staff discuss the mission and legacy of the College Prep Italy program. They discuss a variety of topics from the importance of creating a transformational environment, the application of an ecological dynamics approach, and some of their favorite practice activities from the season. The overarching theme is how Prep existed as a tool for continuous learning and experimentation. Alex, Dani, Jonas, Adam and Jon also provide some practical ideas as to how evidence-based approaches were practically incorporated at Prep. Need help with ideas for your next practice? Our youth basketball practice book gives you 21 small-sided games which you can use instantly. Get your free copy here:https://transformingbball.com/21-ssgs-for-your-next-practice 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/ Key Takeaways 04:13 - "The importance of transformational coaching." 10:35 - "Using constraints to amplify affordances..." 14:25 - "Coaches should try to improve themselves so they can improve their players." 17:10 - "An environment where we're all learning, growing, and wanting to improve as coaches." Links Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama delves into how basketball coaches and practitioners can inform their approaches based on contemporary skill acquisition research. He highlights the gap that exists between the research and its practical application, providing some practical examples as to how this can be overcome. Within the episode, Alex emphasizes the importance of coaches understanding the essence of human movement in order to design coaching and organizational approaches based on an ecological dynamics framework. Learn about player development with our activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices:https://transformingbball.com/small-sided-games-book 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/ Key Takeaways 1:10 - "There's a big gap that exists in terms of the ideas stemming from the research world, and then the ability of practitioners to practically apply them." 5:05 - "There's a readily accessible evidence-base for us to access, learn, and apply in whatever field we're working in within basketball." 10:24 - "Understanding the differences between the two skill acquisition perspectives." 13:30 - "An affordance is simply an opportunity for action." 19:50 - "Constraints are always present and impacting every single possession and every movement within basketball, whether that's a practice or a game." 25:05 - "Variability needs to be an essential component of our practice environments." Links Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Instagram: @transformingbasketball YouTube: @transformingbasketball Facebook: Transforming Basketball TikTok: @transforming.basketball

In our first episode, Alex Sarama is interviewed by Adam Omiecinski to introduce the Transforming Basketball Podcast. This podcast series aims to bridge the gap between the research and its practical application in the basketball world. Alex discusses his journey of discovering an ecological dynamics framework and the constraints-led approach (CLA), in addition to why he believes understanding contemporary skill acquisition is a game-changer for coaches of all levels. He also explains his motivations for starting Transforming Basketball and his vision for the future within the global basketball coaching community. Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource for you to learn about evidence-based coaching strategies. Get instant access here: https://transformingbball.com/online-skill-acquisition-workshop 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/ Key Takeaways 3:10 - "The constraints-led approach (CLA) and ecological dynamics offer a different perspective on skill acquisition in basketball." 16:10 - "The whole essence of a conceptual offense is to develop adaptive performers who are attuned to the affordance landscape." 22:30 - "Coaches often misunderstand the depth of the CLA, viewing it as stand-alone small-sided games rather than a comprehensive methodology." 23:10 - "The CLA can be applied to every aspect of a basketball organization, from warm-ups to game coaching and sports science." 27:45 - "Why understanding the theory is crucial for effective implementation in practice." Links Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Instagram: @transformingbasketball Youtube: @transformingbasketball Facebook: Transforming Basketball Tiktok: @transforming.basketball