The Transforming Basketball Podcast

EP5: What is The Constraints-Led Approach (CLA)?

Oct 10, 2023

Explore the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in basketball and its underlying theory of ecological dynamics. Debunk misconceptions surrounding the CLA and learn how it can be used as a methodology in any organizational field. Understand the three categories of constraints and how they shape movements on the court. Discover practical examples of implementing the CLA with players of all levels. Find out how the CLA can be applied in other fields and how it can lead to different skills emerging. Gain insight into the importance of variability and skill acquisition in basketball.

44:02

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Quick takeaways

The CLA is a framework that applies ecological dynamics theory to skill acquisition in basketball, going beyond being viewed as solely a coaching methodology.

Constraints in the CLA are not simply limiting factors, but intentional manipulations that can lead to the emergence of different skills in players.

Deep dives

Overview of the CLA and its importance

The podcast episode explores the concept of the Constraint-Led Approach (CLA) in basketball and its significance. The CLA is not just a coaching methodology, but a framework that applies ecological dynamics theory to skill acquisition. It challenges traditional approaches by emphasizing perception-action coupling and the emergence of skills in response to interacting constraints. The importance of understanding ecological terms and ecological dynamics in implementing the CLA effectively is highlighted.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Skill Acquisition Approaches

22min

Practicing Defensive Rotations in Basketball

7min

The Importance of the Warm-up and Introduction to Nonlinear Pedagogy

2min

Key Concepts in Basketball Training

7min

Embracing Variability and Skill Acquisition in Basketball

3min

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.

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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

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