

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

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://transformingbball.com/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.

8 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.

Sep 11, 2024 • 15min
EP79: What on earth is an affordance?!
Discover the intriguing concept of affordances in basketball and how they uniquely affect each player based on their skills and physical features. Explore the vital role coaches play in crafting practice environments that encourage diverse engagement. Learn about the benefits of promoting adaptive play and how strategic changes in gameplay can enhance performance. Delve into practical examples, especially within the pick and roll, showcasing how understanding these opportunities can elevate players' intuitive gameplay.

Sep 4, 2024 • 27min
EP78: By Any Means Basketball with Coleman Ayers
Coleman Ayers, an innovator in basketball training, focuses on deep skill development and the impact of cultural influences on player growth. He discusses reframing skill acquisition and the synergy between individual skills and team principles. Coleman emphasizes the need for innovative training methods and evolving coaching philosophies, particularly in youth basketball. He highlights the differences between U.S. and European development systems, advocating for a holistic approach that strengthens both individual and team dynamics.

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://transformingbball.com/online-skill-acquisition-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


