
The Transforming Basketball Podcast
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!
Latest episodes

Mar 26, 2025 • 27min
EP106: Playing with Perception with Derek Panchuk (Part 2)
Derek Panchuk, a skill acquisition specialist with a focus on ecological dynamics and visual perception in sports, dives into transformative coaching techniques in basketball. He emphasizes the importance of tailored practice to enhance athletes' visual processing and decision-making. The discussion also covers balancing skill development with game context, encouraging players to experiment for confidence. Derek shares personal anecdotes on resilience and the journey of learning, drawing parallels between sports and personal growth.

7 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 25min
EP105: Playing with Perception with Derek Panchuk (Part 1)
In a riveting conversation, skill acquisition specialist Derek Panchuk shares his expertise in ecological dynamics and the Quiet Eye concept. Derek discusses how innovative coaching techniques can revolutionize player development in basketball. He dives into the challenges coaches face in applying these concepts and emphasizes the importance of visual focus during shot execution. By exploring strategies to enhance visual perception and adapting practices, he provides practical tips for improving performance, whether for elite players or youth athletes.

Mar 12, 2025 • 28min
EP104: Learning from Lacrosse with Jamie Munro
In this episode, Adam Omiecinski is joined by Jamie Munro of JM3 Sports, a career lacrosse coach with deep roots in both field and box lacrosse. Jamie shares his coaching journey, from Yale and Denver to high school and club lacrosse, and how his passion for basketball has shaped his approach to training athletes. He also discusses his connection with Transforming Basketball and Alex, and how a single blog post changed his perspective on what fundamentals really mean.
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4 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 27min
EP103: Displacing Our Motivation with Alan Keane (Part 2)
In this engaging discussion, Alan Keane, an international basketball coach for Great Britain's Under 20 team and co-owner of Movement Sports, shares his innovative coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the athlete-centered approach, valuing self-awareness and growth over immediate results. Alan discusses embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and promoting acceptance among athletes. He highlights the reflective cycle of planning, doing, and reviewing in coaching and the importance of gratitude in performance. This is a must-listen for any coach looking to elevate their game!

10 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 26min
EP102: Displacing Our Motivation with Alan Keane (Part 1)
Alan Keane, an international basketball coach and co-owner of Movement Sports, joins to discuss his athlete-centered coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of planning, executing, and reviewing practices and games. Gratitude and acceptance play crucial roles in optimal performance. Alan shares insights into fostering self-regulated learning among athletes and underscores the necessity of coaches supporting one another on their journeys. His approach aims to create a culture of belonging and enhance player development.

26 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 51min
EP101: Identifying & Targeting Rate Limiters with Alex Sarama
Explore the art of basketball coaching with insights on adaptive methodologies and individual player development. Discover the intriguing concept of rate limiters and how they impact performance. Unravel the strategies for identifying and addressing these obstacles while integrating mental skills coaching. Dive into nonlinear pedagogy to inspire creativity and flexibility in training. The conversation emphasizes empowering players through autonomy and innovative approaches, showcasing practical strategies to elevate skills both offensively and defensively.

Feb 12, 2025 • 16min
EP100: The Journey to 100 with Alex Sarama
In this milestone discussion, the journey of Transforming Basketball is highlighted, showcasing its global impact on coaching. The conversation dives into innovative coaching practices that challenge traditional norms. Insights from coaching in the NBA and Italy reveal the importance of adaptability and relationship-building. Plans for future initiatives, including a certification program, reflect a commitment to accessibility in coaching resources and continuous evolution within the basketball community.

Feb 5, 2025 • 33min
EP99: The Significance of College Coaches with Chris Croft
Chris Croft, an Associate Professor of Sport Management at the University of Southern Mississippi, shares his journey from coaching to academia. He discusses a pivotal study evaluating how much college coaches actually influence player development and performance. The conversation explores the balance between talent acquisition and coaching effectiveness. Croft also delves into the impact of NIL policies on player stats, questioning if financial incentives truly enhance performance. His insights reveal the evolving challenges faced by coaches and athletes in today’s college basketball.

13 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 31min
EP98: Mental Performance with Andy Bass
Dive into the mental world of sports as a Major League Mental Skills Coordinator shares his journey through baseball and overcoming challenges like the yips. Discover innovative techniques like errorless learning and mindfulness that help athletes thrive. Explore vital aspects of sports psychology such as concentration, composure, and resilience. Learn how positive self-talk can enhance performance, and uncover the importance of tailored communication and experiential learning in boosting player motivation.

27 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 44min
EP97: Socializing Strength with Jamie Smith
Jamie Smith, a strength and conditioning expert, redefines youth training by emphasizing movement, autonomy, and social skills. He discusses the importance of creating a 'safe uncertainty' in training, advocating for exploration over rigid practices. Emphasizing the benefits of roughhousing for social development, Jamie also addresses the pitfalls of early specialization in youth sports. His innovative strategies aim to nurture not just athletes but well-rounded individuals, encouraging joy in training and patience in personal growth.