The Transforming Basketball Podcast

EP45: Why Basketball Fundamentals are Outdated

Feb 27, 2024

Exploring the flaws in traditional basketball fundamentals teaching, emphasizing the need for adaptable and functional skill development. Alex Sarama discusses the importance of ecological perspectives on skill acquisition and the drawbacks of rigid coaching methods. The podcast advocates for a shift towards game-based training and individualized player development, challenging linear pedagogy in favor of dynamic and versatile skill enhancement techniques.

22:51

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Episode guests

Alex Sarama

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Quick takeaways

Reframing fundamentals is crucial for skill development in basketball, focusing on practical solutions over traditional techniques.

Encouraging functional and adaptable skill acquisition is key, emphasizing individual player differences and game-like practice environments.

Deep dives

Challenging Traditional Fundamentals in Basketball

The podcast challenges the traditional perception of basketball fundamentals. It emphasizes that skills should look different and emerge uniquely in an ecological perspective, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. It discusses the limitations of teaching fundamental techniques, asserting that game performance differs from practice due to the unpredictability of the environment. The importance of allowing players to self-organize and adapt within the game context is highlighted, advocating for practices that reflect game situations.

Nonlinear Learning in Basketball

01:31

Focus on Functionality over Fundamentals

01:34

Introduction

3min

Ecological Perspective on Skill Development in Basketball

8min

Redefining Skills and Practice in Basketball Development

3min

Rethinking Linear Pedagogy in Basketball Coaching

5min

Shifting Focus to Functionality in Basketball Skills Development

4min

In this episode, Alex Sarama talks about the traditional notion of fundamentals in basketball. He discussed the concept of fundamentals, as commonly understood, holds back the development of skillful and adaptive basketball players. Alex emphasizes the importance of reframing the idea of fundamentals and adopting a more ecological perspective on skill acquisition. He explores the problems with the traditional approach to teaching fundamentals and highlights the need for a more functional and adaptable approach to skill development in basketball.

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Key Takeaways:

01:50 - We have no idea what fundamentals are

06:16 - 5 problems with Fundamentals

11:52 - Advice from "pracademics" on how to apply ecological dynamics theory to practice design

18:05 - We want functional solutions

Links:

Website: http://transformingbball.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball