The Talent Equation Podcast

"The biggest rate limiter in professional sports is that coaches are so general" - a conversation with Alex Sarama

Jun 25, 2024

Basketball coach and author Alex Sarama discusses his book 'Transforming Basketball' with insights on efficient practice designs like 'floor is lava' and 'jungle shooting'. They explore the drawbacks of blocked practice, the value of set plays, and why specialization in coaching is crucial. The conversation emphasizes purposeful practice, creativity in coaching strategies, and the transition from drill-based methods to small-sided games for player development.

01:23:27

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Episode guests

Alex Sarama

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Principles of play create adaptability across team specifics and player abilities.

Critique on blocked constant practice in NBA calls for purposeful, player-specific live activities.

Emphasis on player-led conceptual offense promotes strategic thinking and diverse gameplay.

Deep dives

Principles of Play and Specificity in Coaching

Establishing principles of play allows for a universal baseline while adapting to team specifics. Examples like 'dominoes' emphasize maintaining an advantage, tailored to the team's strengths. Flexibility in principles ensures adaptability to player abilities and opposition tactics. Designing practices around principles fosters shared affordances and a tailored game approach.

Intro

2min

Journey of Writing and Publishing Transforming Basketball

18min

Emphasizing Specificity, Knowledge, and Job Security in Coaching

4min

Embracing Innovation in Professional Sports Coaching

20min

Exploring Specialization in Coaching and Practice Efficiency

2min

Enhancing Player Development Through Purposeful Practice in Basketball

18min

Contrasting Set Play and Conceptual Approaches in Sports Coaching

4min

Strategies and Creative Practices in Professional Sports

15min

Discussing Plans for a Practical Second Part

3min

Alex Sarama makes a welcome return to the podcast to discuss his fantastic new book 'Transforming Basketball' and to unpack some of the ideas that are within it.

Although Alex is a basketball coach and the book is based on Basketball, it is actually a briliiant read for coaches of any sport, especially team sports. This conversation explores many of these ideas including:

Why '2 ball dribbling' is a complete waste of time
Why coaches are so dependent on blocked practice and drills
When, how and why to use set plays
Some of Alex's brillient practice designs like 'floor is lava', 'mosquito shooting' and 'jungle shooting'.

I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

Use this link to get a copy of Alex's book (I get a small commission which helps to support the show).

Support the show on Patreon or join my learning community 'The Guild' here

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.

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The Talent Equation Podcast

"The biggest rate limiter in professional sports is that coaches are so general" - a conversation with Alex Sarama

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Principles of Play and Specificity in Coaching

Moving Away from Blocked Constant Practice in Basketball

Creating Shared Language through Concepts in Offense

Utilizing Verbal and Non-Verbal Constraints in Field Hockey

Player-Led Offensive Strategy

Creative Practice Activities

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts