
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

6 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 41min
EP89: Neil Houghton One Club Philosophy
Neil Houghton, an experienced basketball coach from Australia, shares his journey of transforming coaching philosophies. He emphasizes the Constraints-Led Approach and the importance of a 'One Club Philosophy,' which fosters collaboration among coaches across age levels. Houghton discusses innovative techniques like small-sided games and dynamic one-on-one play to enhance player engagement and decision-making. He also explores the implementation challenges of cohesive youth programs and how continuous support can elevate coaching effectiveness.

Nov 13, 2024 • 13min
EP88: Alex to Adam Transition
In this special episode, Alex Sarama announces his departure and introduces Adam Omiecinski as the new host. Alex reflects on the growth of the podcast, which now reaches 8,000+ listeners a week, and his new role with the Cavs. Adam discusses his background, his coaching philosophy focused on micro-level details, and future plans for the podcast.
Want to learn more about conceptual offense? We have you covered with our FREE conceptual playbook. Learn more about the offense and receive your free copy instantly: https://education.transformingbball.com/free-conceptual-playbook
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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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

6 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 17min
EP87: Why Muscle Memory is Irrelevant
Gray Thomas, an expert in contemporary skill acquisition ideas, and Adam Omiecinski, who explores the nuances of muscle memory in sports, team up to challenge traditional beliefs in basketball. They argue that muscle memory is not as relevant as once thought, emphasizing skill adaptation and the critical role of context and attunement. Their discussion dives into the importance of decision-making and how a deeper understanding of movement can enhance coaching, urging coaches to embrace uncertainty for better player connections.

6 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 41min
EP86: Using the CLA at Brose Baskets
Simon Bertram, a basketball coach at Brose Bamberg and a prominent advocate for the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA), shares his insights into player development and coaching. He discusses challenges in implementing CLA in Germany, contrasting experiences in professional and lower leagues. Innovative talent recruitment strategies using tech algorithms for assessing athletic attributes are explored, as well as the importance of holistic support for young athletes. Bertram emphasizes nurturing coaching practices and fostering accountability to enhance player growth.

Oct 23, 2024 • 27min
EP85: Applying the CLA in Brazilian Basketball with Gabriel Barbosa
Gabriel Barbosa is a pioneering Brazilian basketball coach who has researched the constraints-led approach (CLA) in youth basketball. He delves into his groundbreaking dissertation, discussing how small-sided games can enhance player development. The conversation touches on space creation dynamics during gameplay and analyzes decision-making under shot clock pressure. Gabriel emphasizes the need for empirical research to support innovative coaching methods, showcasing the transformative power of CLA in basketball training.

Oct 16, 2024 • 32min
EP84: Aligning Return to Play to an Ecological Approach with Yuji Suzuki
Yuji Suzuki, a chiropractor and strength and conditioning expert from Portland, delves into innovative injury recovery strategies. He critiques traditional rehabilitation methods, advocating for an ecological approach that prioritizes the whole person and their environment. Yuji shares dynamic strategies for athletes recovering from injuries, emphasizing active participation and collaboration among coaches and therapists. He illustrates how to foster athlete adaptability through varied exercises, ultimately redefining the return-to-play process in basketball.

Oct 9, 2024 • 13min
EP83: Why are Coaches hesitant to change?
In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by is joined by Gray Thomas and Adam Omiecinski to discuss why as coaches, we can sometimes be hesitant to change and new ideas. They explore the reasons behind this reluctance and share their own experiences and insights. The conversation revolves around the challenges of changing belief systems, the association of coaching methods with personal identity, and the importance of having a support system when embracing a contemporary approach to coaching.
Learn about player development with our FREE activities book. Inside, you'll find 50 activity diagrams for your workouts and team practices:
https://education.transformingbball.com/Transforming-Small-Sided-Games-Book
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/
Connect with us:
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

Oct 2, 2024 • 30min
EP82: What the CLA Is and Isn't (Part 2)
In this discussion, Alex Sarama, a basketball coaching expert, and Gray Thomas, a specialist in the constraints-led approach, delve deep into the nuances of coaching. They clarify misconceptions about the constraints-led approach, emphasizing it as a framework rather than just a method. Personalization in coaching is highlighted, advocating for tailored practices that cater to individual player needs. The conversation also touches on innovative shooting techniques and the importance of systematic player monitoring to foster growth and performance on the court.

6 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 31min
EP81: What the CLA Is and Isn't (Part 1)
In this discussion, Alex Sarama, an expert in online basketball coaching, and Gray Thomas, a coaching methodologies enthusiast, dive into the constraints-led approach (CLA). They clarify misconceptions, emphasizing that CLA is a holistic framework for performance rather than just a coaching method. Listeners will learn how individual, task, and environmental constraints affect skill acquisition. The duo shares practical examples that demonstrate how manipulating game scenarios enhances decision-making and player development—an essential listen for innovative coaches!

Sep 18, 2024 • 32min
EP80: Advice for Using a CLA in High School with John Murray
In this discussion, John Murray, an insightful high school coach formerly rooted in grassroots youth basketball, shares his journey into coaching. He delves into the transformative power of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) for player development and emphasizes the importance of open communication and shared terminology. Murray highlights the challenges of traditional coaching mindsets and advocates for flexibility during practices. His experiences teach valuable lessons about adapting strategies and embracing the chaos of the game for better learning outcomes.
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