
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

Aug 28, 2024 • 17min
EP77: Why Players Don't Need Blocked Practice
In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Gray Thomas to delve into the debate surrounding blocked versus variable training in basketball. They challenge the traditional notions that have prevailed in the coaching world and advocate for a more holistic and strategic approach to skill development. By dissecting a viewer's comment on the topic, they provide a deep analysis of the concepts of skill acquisition, confidence-building, and the importance of informed practice.
Want to take a deep dive into the Transforming approach? Our FREE skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource for you to learn about evidence-based coaching strategies. Get instant access here:
https://education.transformingbball.com/free-basketball-skill-aquisition-workshop
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

Aug 21, 2024 • 27min
EP76: Coaching the Italian Youth National Team with Alessandro Nocera
Alessandro Nocera, coach of the Italian Youth National Team, dives into the evolving world of basketball coaching. He discusses the importance of defensive principles and the shift toward conceptual offense. Alessandro emphasizes aligning strategies with modern trends and highlights the value of the Constraints-Led Approach in nurturing player development. His insights contrast European and American coaching philosophies, advocating for intentional practices that adapt to each player's unique journey, ultimately elevating youth basketball.

Aug 14, 2024 • 21min
EP75: Progressing Skills Training in North America with Tyler Leclerc
Tyler Leclerc, a basketball coach focused on skill development, joins to share insights on building strong relationships with high school coaches. He emphasizes the need for innovative training methods, like the constraints-led approach, to enhance player performance. Discussion includes navigating the competitive landscape of AAU basketball and the challenges players face. Leclerc advocates for game-based training and fostering creativity in drills, urging a shift in coaching practices to prioritize long-term player development over immediate wins.

Aug 7, 2024 • 53min
EP74: Athlete-Centered Coaching with Jesse Rawlings
Jesse Rawlings, a football coach with a rich background in New Zealand and the UK, shares his insights on athlete-centered coaching. He discusses the importance of embracing multi-sport development for youth athletes and critiques traditional coaching methodologies. Jesse highlights the pressures young athletes face in pursuit of professional dreams and advocates for a shift towards community-focused player development. His unique perspectives challenge conventional paths to success, emphasizing adaptability and innovation in coaching practices.

6 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 38min
EP73: Thinking Differently in Basketball Athletic Performance with Jamie Smith
In this conversation, Jamie Smith, an athletic performance coach and educator, advocates for innovative training methods in basketball. He emphasizes the need to move away from traditional approaches, advocating for creativity and variability. Jamie introduces the concept of 'rep without rep,' which enhances skill development while reducing injury risk. They discuss integrating skill acquisition into training, the importance of small-sided games, and combining strength training with on-court practice for better athlete performance.

5 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 28min
EP72: Transforming U14 Basketball with Will Twigg
Basketball coach Will Twigg discusses the benefits of Constraint-Led Approach in U14 basketball, including setting constraints in small-sided games, strategic player positioning, and evolving training methods. They also explore the 'Turtle' concept for matchups and how implementing CLA revolutionizes coaching for player development.

Jul 17, 2024 • 27min
EP71: ICOACHKIDS with Sergio Lara-Bercial
Sergio Lara-Bercial discusses prioritizing children in sports coaching, focusing on fun, friendship, and learning. He emphasizes creating a supportive environment to develop elite players while maintaining an engaging atmosphere. The podcast explores the importance of understanding children's motivations, building trust, and incorporating gameplay into training sessions.

9 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 30min
EP70: Applying the CLA from Youth to NBA with Mitch Kirsch
Former basketball player turned trainer, Mitch Kirsch, shares insights on implementing contemporary skill acquisition ideas in basketball training. The podcast explores applying the CLA from youth to the NBA, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and challenging traditional coaching approaches. Topics include designing learning environments, working with players at different skill levels, and NBA professionals' reception to unconventional training methods.

Jul 3, 2024 • 25min
EP69: What Exactly is Acquired with Alex Lossberg
In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Alex Lossberg to discuss his journey into evidence-based coaching and the application of contemporary skill acquisition ideas within basketball. He shares insights on how he incorporates ecological dynamics frameworks into his coaching philosophy, offering valuable perspectives on game sense, representative learning design, and differential learning. Throughout the episode, they delves into the nuances of coaching at different levels, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and relevance in practice activities for player development.
Our FREE skill acquisition workshop is a comprehensive resource for you to learn about evidence-based coaching strategies. Get instant access here: https://education.transformingbball.com/free-basketball-skill-aquisition-workshop
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/
Key Takeaways:
02:00 - Alex's background
08:30 - Developing the Free Skill Acquisition Workshop
12:50 - What to expect in the Workshop
14:20 - The necessary messiness of Representative Learning Design
16:50 - How Alex alters his coaching based on his role and the players involved
Connect with Alex:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.lossberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lossberg-75b523136/
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

4 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 28min
EP68: Realising the Potential of the CLA with Liam Jefferson
Join Alex Sarama and experienced coach Liam Jefferson as they discuss the evolution of coaching methods at the London Lions Academy, focusing on the transition to the Constraint-Led Approach. Key topics include the science behind ecological dynamics, intentional practice design, unified principles of play, and the impact of continuous learning through coaching workshops.