

The Transforming Basketball Podcast
Transforming Basketball
Transforming Basketball is all about breaking away from the status quo by helping the basketball world make sense of evidence-based ideas. Within the podcast, contemporary skill acquisition ideas are introduced to change the way we think about basketball performance.
If you’re ready to join us in our quest to transform the basketball world, challenge the way things have always been done, and reflect deeply on our coaching and organisational approaches, then this is the podcast for you!
If you’re ready to join us in our quest to transform the basketball world, challenge the way things have always been done, and reflect deeply on our coaching and organisational approaches, then this is the podcast for you!
Episodes
Mentioned books

16 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 12min
EP123: Designing with Intention
Explore the transformative power of intention in basketball coaching. Discover how clear, purposeful goals can enhance training sessions and align them with key game principles. Learn to design impactful small-sided games that foster player development through intentional constraint manipulation. Uncover common pitfalls in practice setups and gain insights into creating engaging environments that elevate player skills. Elevate your coaching approach and drive meaningful change on the court!

Jul 16, 2025 • 36min
EP122: Transforming Basketball Clinic in Piegros
Kerry Kuzbyt, a player development expert from Canada now in Scotland, and Francois Lubino, a physical therapist and coach in France, share their insights on transforming youth basketball. They discuss the importance of non-negotiables in coaching and adapting techniques for young athletes. The duo explores the role of playful mechanics in skill development and the value of female coaches as role models. They also highlight innovative methods for creating safe, engaging environments that foster creativity and enhance both enjoyment and performance in the sport.

9 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 39min
EP121: Athlete-Centered Coaching - Building Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose with Loren Anderson
Join Loren Anderson, founder of Rise Volleyball Academy and a head coach in Portland, as he shares his innovative coaching journey. He emphasizes athlete-centered approaches that prioritize autonomy and intrinsic motivation. Discover how fostering communication and encouraging athletes to voice their opinions can enhance performance. Loren discusses the critical balance of providing constructive feedback while promoting exploration and teamwork. Plus, he delves into creating a culture of inquiry and vulnerability that enriches the learning experience on and off the court.

12 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 36min
EP120: Coaching Lessons from the London Lions Academy: Different Styles, Same Mission
Liam Jefferson and Will Twigg, former coaches at the London Lions Academy, share their transformative experiences shaping young basketball talent. They delve into creating a competitive yet enjoyable environment that empowers players through ownership of their learning. The duo highlights adaptive coaching styles and emphasizes the importance of values and non-negotiables. Their discussion covers practical tips on designing impactful practice plans, encouraging creativity, and fostering player accountability for enhanced development in a dynamic setting.

Jun 25, 2025 • 15min
EP119: How to Add Transforming Basketball Principles to YOUR Practices
In this episode, George Vaz discusses how to implement Transforming Basketball Principles into basketball practice. He emphasizes the importance of designing practice environments that mimic game situations, effectively manipulating constraints to foster adaptable players, and utilizing nonlinear pedagogy for skill development. George also highlights the significance of setting clear goals for practice sessions and the value of reviewing practices to enhance learning outcomes.
Chapters:00:00 - Transforming Basketball Practice: Key Principles02:52 - Effective Constraint Manipulation in Practice06:00 - Nonlinear Pedagogy and Skill Development09:09 - Intentional Practice: Setting Goals and Constraints
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/
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

Jun 18, 2025 • 31min
EP118: What Basketball Can Learn from Equestrian and Adventure Sports with Marianne Davies
In this episode, George is joined by Marianne Davies to discuss the ecological dynamics approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, curiosity, and creating dynamic learning environments. She shares her journey in coaching, highlights the significance of representative learning, and offers practical advice for coaches to enhance their practice design and feedback mechanisms. Chapters:00:00 - The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching01:13 - Aha Moments in Ecological Dynamics03:44 - Creating Dynamic Learning Environments06:24 - Designing Effective Practice for Coaches10:22 - Stabilizing and Destabilizing Movements12:48 - The Rule of Thirds in Coaching Sessions14:52 - The Role of Representative Learning19:28 - Challenges in Coach Education22:08 - Feedback Mechanisms for Coaches and Athletes26:28 - Practical Advice for Coaches29:02 - Transformative Tips for Coaches
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/
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

8 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 32min
EP117: Applying the CLA to Build a Championship Team with Paul Cortes
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.

Jun 4, 2025 • 11min
EP116: Mastering Conceptual Offense in AAU Basketball
In this episode, George Vaz George Vaz discusses the importance of mastering conceptual offense in AAU basketball. He emphasizes the challenges faced in AAU, such as inconsistent practice attendance and the need for players to adapt quickly. Vaz advocates for using guiding principles instead of fixed plays, focusing on transition offense, and utilizing triggers to enhance offensive flow. He provides practical strategies for coaches to implement in practice, encouraging players to read defenses and create advantages on the court
Chapters: 00:00 - Mastering Conceptual Offense in AAU Basketball
02:54 - Transition Offense Principles and Strategies
05:48 - Utilizing Triggers for Offensive Flow
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/
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

May 28, 2025 • 31min
EP115: Why Team Talks Don’t Change Culture with JP Nerbun
JP Nerbun, an executive coach and consultant focused on team culture development, shares transformative insights on coaching. He highlights the significance of building strong relationships with players and creating a supportive environment. The conversation dives into shifting from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation and emphasizes the importance of coaches modeling positive behavior. JP offers practical tips for improving team dynamics and effective communication strategies, showcasing how intentional leadership fosters a thriving team culture.

May 21, 2025 • 28min
EP114: Redefining Youth Basketball Development in Australia with Gerard Hillier
Gerard Hillier, a coach and pedagogy manager at the Knox Junior Raiders in Melbourne, champions a constraint-led approach to youth basketball development. He discusses the vital shift from traditional coaching methods to more progressive strategies that prioritize player growth. Hillier shares practical applications for implementing this approach and emphasizes the importance of balancing short-term wins with long-term player development. Listeners will discover resources available for coaches and innovative techniques to enhance adaptability and creativity in training.