

EP117: Applying the CLA to Build a Championship Team with Paul Cortes
8 snips Jun 11, 2025
Paul Cortes, a coach known for leading the International School of San Francisco to its first state championship, shares his transformative journey with the Constraints Led Approach (CLA) in basketball. He highlights the significance of player relationships and adapting practice strategies to enhance decision-making. Cortes discusses navigating challenges like shooting slumps and defensive adjustments while emphasizing trust and player autonomy. He also provides resources for coaches seeking to improve their approach, making this an insightful talk for anyone in the basketball community.
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Team Chemistry Drives Success
- Paul Cortes attributes his team’s championship to the players' strong relationships and dedication.
- He emphasizes that great coaching depends on having committed players who care about each other.
CLA Teaches Decision-Making
- The Constraints Led Approach (CLA) develops decision-making and creativity by emphasizing game-like situations and constraints.
- Just playing games isn’t enough; constraints help players improve weaknesses and expand skills.
Communicate CLA Early to Players
- Tell players early about using CLA and how it fosters autonomy and creativity.
- Emphasize players as decision-makers rather than robots to motivate and engage them.