The Transforming Basketball Podcast

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• EP170: Liam Jefferson on Using Set Plays Creatively 01.07.2026 35Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Liam Jefferson, Head Coach of the Oakland Wolves Academy, to explore the balance between structure and freedom in modern offense. Liam talks about how he applies a "set play offense" with his teams, how it differs from running triggers out of known 'shapes', and discusses the importance of intentionality behind set plays. He also talks about  flow offense principles and practice design. Liam shares how coaches can build systems that empower players to think, adapt, and create advantages without becoming overly reliant on set plays.   Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Liam Jefferson and the Oakland Wolves offensive philosophy 03:00 – Defining flow offense and creating seamless transitions from advantage to advantage 06:00 – Building offense around triggers, spacing, and "gold medal" scoring opportunities 09:00 – Using pick-and-rolls, DHOs, and layered actions to generate continuous offensive pressure 12:00 – Empowering players to solve problems and create solutions within the offense 15:00 – Teaching concepts instead of plays and helping players recognize patterns on the floor 18:00 – Balancing structure and freedom when developing offensive decision-makers 21:00 – Designing practice environments that reinforce offensive concepts through game-like situations 24:00 – Preparing players for defensive adjustments and developing coverage solutions in practice 27:00 – In-game coaching, player-led problem solving, and adapting without abandoning your system 30:00 – When and why set plays still matter in late-game situations 32:00 – Shot selection, offensive hierarchy, and putting players in positions to succeed 34:00 – Transformative Tip       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.app/ 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  
• EP169: Alex Sarama on Principles of Play and his Coaching Journey 24.06.2026 34Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Alex Sarama, Founder of Transforming Basketball, to share his insights from his coaching journey with the Portland Fire. Alex shares insights to the Principles of Play he is using with the Fire. Alex also talks about what he learned in Cleveland with the Cavaliers and how he is combining it all together in his role as the head coach of the Fire. He discusses why coaches must fully commit to modern learning principles, how psychological safety accelerates growth, and practical ways to create environments where players thrive both on and off the court.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction & Portland Fire's Early Success 03:30 – Establishing a Clear Team Identity as an Expansion Team 04:00 – Why Set Plays Still Matter in Modern Basketball 07:00 – Training Cover Solutions and Offensive Decision-Making 08:30 – Adapting Offensive Principles for the WNBA 12:00 – Optimizing Shooters Through Weak-Side Actions 13:00 – Baseline Drives, Corner Cuts, and Shot Quality 15:30 – Lessons from Vincent Collet and Team France 16:30 – Winning the Possession Game with Pressure and Turnovers 19:00 – Bringing CLA to the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers 20:30 – Lessons Learned from Kenny Atkinson 21:30 – Transitioning from Assistant Coach to Head Coach 23:30 – Hiring Coaches for Growth Mindset and Character 24:30 – Educating and Developing Coaching Staff and Coach Development and Continuous Learning 26:00 – Common Misconceptions About the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) 28:30 – Learning Skills in Context Instead of Isolation 30:00 – Teaching CLA Without a Copy-and-Paste Approach 31:00 – Growing the Game Through Better Coaching and Culture 32:00 – Psychological Safety and Building High-Performance Environments 33:00 – Transformative Tip      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.app/ 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  
• EP168: How to use the CLA to prepare players for game day 17.06.2026 12Min.

  In this solo episode, George explores the concept of the "transfer gap" — the disconnect between what players can do in practice and what actually shows up on game day. Drawing from an ecological dynamics perspective, he breaks down why traditional practice environments often fail to prepare athletes for competition and shares practical strategies coaches can use to make training more representative, challenging, and transferable.    Chapters: 01:00 – What is the transfer gap and why it matters for player development 02:00 – Why traditional practice environments often fail to prepare players for games 03:00 – Replicating pressure, consequences, and emotional demands in practice 04:00 – Using game-like environments, routines, and constraints to improve transfer 05:00 – Introducing the Representative Dial and scaling practice complexity effectively 06:00 – Why small-sided games can accelerate learning and decision-making 07:00 – Creating realistic practice conditions through rebounds, transition, and officiating 08:00 – Training special situations, late-game scenarios, and sideline out-of-bounds actions 09:00 – Building more intentional 5-on-5 experiences that mirror competition  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
• EP167: Barking Abbey Academy Coach Rikki Broadmore - Winningest Academy in UK History 10.06.2026 33Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Rikki Broadmore to explore how empowering players, creating player-led environments, and teaching through concepts rather than control can transform team development. Rikki shares lessons from building successful programs, giving players ownership, and designing practices that encourage decision-making, creativity, and adaptability on the court.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Rikki Broadmore and his coaching journey 03:30 – Creating environments that encourage ownership and accountability 06:30 – Building trust and giving players freedom to make decisions 09:30 – Designing practices that replicate the demands of competition 11:00 – Using constraints and game-like situations to improve learning 12:30 – Encouraging communication and leadership within the team 15:30 – How player ownership improves engagement and performance 17:00 – Teaching offensive principles through exploration and problem-solving 20:00 – Creating continuity offenses that allow players to find solutions 21:30 – Using concepts like the Spanish pick-and-roll without over-scripting actions 23:00 – Preparing players to self-organize and make adjustments in games 24:30 – Letting players read the game rather than constantly looking to the bench 27:30 – The importance of communication, fun, and enjoyment in practice 30:00 – Transformative Tip 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
• EP166: Mental Performance Coach Michael Huber on Improving Mental Performance 03.06.2026 26Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Michael Huber to explore how mental performance training can help athletes become more present, resilient, and adaptable under pressure. Michael shares practical strategies for mindfulness, self-talk, visualization, and communication, while also discussing how coaches can build mentally challenging practice environments that better prepare players for real-game adversity.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Michael Huber and mental performance coaching 02:00 – Defining mental performance and helping athletes apply skills in competition 03:30 – Awareness, mindfulness, and learning to stay present under pressure 05:00 – Using breathing, self-talk, and visualization to regulate emotions in games 06:30 – Why meditation can strengthen focus, awareness, and emotional control 08:00 – Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and building stillness through daily routines 09:30 – Understanding "anchors" and creating intentional pre-game habits 11:00 – Using notebooks, intentions, and controllable goals before games 12:30 – Helping athletes focus on impact beyond scoring and statistics 14:00 – Why communication and role clarity are critical for coaches and players 15:30 – Lessons from podcast conversations about coaching, transitions, and leadership 17:00 – Preparing athletes mentally for the next level before they arrive there 18:30 – Why practice environments can never fully replicate game pressure 20:00 – Helping athletes balance personal goals with team systems and coaching styles 21:30 – Encouraging players to ask questions and communicate with coaches effectively 23:00 – Designing practices that intentionally build mental resilience and adversity 24:30 – Using constraints, penalties, and game-like challenges to train emotional control 26:00 – Transformative Tip 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  
• EP165: Constraints, Movement Layering, and Conceptual Basketball with Erick Vigansky 27.05.2026 25Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Erick Vigansky, founder of Athletes on the Rise, to explore the balance between skill development, strength and conditioning, and creating environments that maximize learning. Together, they dive into optimal learning, constraint-led coaching, player development progressions, and how coaches can better design practices that encourage adaptability, resilience, and decision-making under pressure.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Erick Vigansky and Athletes on the Rise 02:00 – Defining "optimal learning" and balancing success with failure 03:30 – Why simplifying 5-on-5 into smaller situations improves development 05:00 – Identifying foundational weaknesses before teaching advanced reads 06:30 – The role of frustration and adversity in building mental resilience 08:00 – Creating team cultures where players feel safe to fail and learn 09:30 – Establishing non-negotiables while still encouraging freedom and creativity 11:00 – Erick's "skill layering" approach to teaching movement and footwork 12:30 – Building movement patterns through rhythm, deceleration, and re-acceleration 14:00 – Using guided defenders and constraints to bridge drills into live play 15:30 – Exploring weighted basketballs and basketball-specific strength development 17:00 – Self-organization, external cues, and teaching functional movement patterns 18:30 – The downside of overusing internal cues and creating "choking" under pressure 20:00 – Structuring weekly practices with team sessions, skill work, and strength training 21:30 – Why George shifted away from heavily scripted set plays 23:00 – Teaching offensive concepts through triggers, domino principles, and spacing  24:00 – Using small-sided games and constraints to accelerate decision-making and adaptability 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  
• EP164: Gabriel Solé Head S&C Coach for Ourense Baloncesto in Spain's Primera FEB 20.05.2026 28Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Gabriel Solé, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Ourense Baloncesto in Spain's Primera FEB, to explore how blending traditional strength work with ecological dynamics and game-like movement solutions can create more adaptable, resilient basketball players.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Gabriel Solé and his coaching background 02:00 – Discovering ecological dynamics and blending traditional training methods 03:30 – Structuring weight room sessions: preparation, auxiliary, and main lifts 05:00 – Using variability, movement solutions, and intention in the weight room 06:30 – Creating game-like athletic development through constraints and timing 08:00 – The "box rolling" drill and adding reaction-based elements to training 09:30 – Why coaches should prioritize adaptability over perfect movement patterns 11:00 – Integrating sprinting, agility, and competition through playful games 12:30 – Communicating with coaching staffs about load management and practice design 14:00 – Organizing weekly practice intensity using preparatory, load, tapering, and recovery sessions 15:30 – Monitoring player fatigue through wellness questionnaires and active minutes 17:00 – Why organic conversations and observation still matter most in performance coaching 18:30 – Transitioning from Brazil to Sweden and evolving beyond traditional training 20:00 – How experimentation and curiosity shaped Gabriel's coaching philosophy 21:30 – Adapting training to the cognitive and emotional demands of Spanish basketball 23:00 – Reducing monotony and using fun, instinctive games to increase intensity 24:30 – Why coaches should embrace creativity and stop fearing mistakes 26:00 – Transformative Tip    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
• EP163: England Youth National Team Assistant Antony Distras on Transforming Player Development 13.05.2026 24Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Antony Distras, a championship-winning coach and England U15 assistant, to explore how shifting from traditional drills to a decision-based, game-realistic approach can transform player development. Antony shares how trusting players, embracing mistakes, and designing practices around real-game chaos helped lead his U14 team to an undefeated championship season.   Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Antony Distras and his coaching journey 02:00 – Early coaching experiences and learning through trial and error 03:30 – Moving away from copying drills to understanding the "why" behind coaching 05:00 – Why traditional drills (5-on-0, three-man weave) fall short in real games 06:30 – Embracing chaos: making practices more game-like and decision-driven 08:00 – Winning the championship: lessons from developing an inexperienced team 09:30 – Building player confidence by creating a safe environment for mistakes 11:00 – Shifting from constant correction to guided discovery and questioning 12:30 – Favorite small-sided games for skill development and team concepts 14:00 – Using constraints to improve pace, decision-making, and transition play 15:30 – Designing offense: spacing, triggers, and empowering all players as playmakers 17:00 – Encouraging fast play and maximizing transition opportunities 18:30 – The role of the coach: stepping back and letting players figure it out 20:00 – The downside of 1-on-0 training and building "false confidence" 21:30 – Creating better learning environments through decision-making and pressure 23:00 – Transformative Tip   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
• EP162: Winning a State Title with James Anderson 06.05.2026 29Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by James Anderson, a high school coach and state champion, to explore how conceptual offense, practice design, and intentional culture-building can transform a basketball program. James shares how embracing chaos, empowering players, and focusing on relationships helped elevate both performance and team identity.   Chapters: : 01:00 – Introduction to James Anderson and his coaching journey 02:00 – First exposure to Transforming Basketball and shifting coaching philosophy 03:00 – Transitioning from structured systems to conceptual offense and player empowerment 04:30 – How conceptual play accelerated development and improved team culture 06:00 – Managing growing pains and trusting the process through mid-season struggles 07:30 – Simplifying practice design with constraints and repeatable drill structures 09:00 – Why "less is more" in drills and focusing on key triggers and actions 10:30 – Embracing chaos: training for game-like environments with noise and pace 12:00 – Building a strong team culture through purpose, connection, and shared experiences 14:00 – Practical culture strategies: walk-and-talks, team rules, and off-court bonding 16:00 – Coaching non-negotiables: effort, unselfishness, and making the right play 18:00 – Adapting principles of play based on team strengths and season learnings 20:00 – Experimentation in practice: discovering impactful drills through trial and error 27:00 – Transformative Tip   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  
• EP161: High School Coach of the Year Carson Huelle on Applying CLA Principles 29.04.2026 27Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Carson Huelle, head coach of Fort Collins High School Girls Basketball. They talk about implementing constraints led approach (CLA) principles into his practice environment; this has fostered a player-first culture rooted in trust, growth, and creativity that led to a successful turnaround season.   Chapters: 00:01:00 – Returning to coach at his alma mater, Fort Collins High School, and taking on his first head coaching role 00:02:00 – How skill acquisition and the Constraints-Led Approach became central to daily practice plans 00:03:30 – Lessons learned from working with Jeff Schmidt and how mentorship reshaped his basketball philosophy 00:06:30 – Practical small-sided games coaches can use to teach offensive actions like ball screens, Zoom action, and spacing 00:09:30 – Using fast-break scenarios and finishing games to develop decision-making and scoring creativity 00:13:00 – What it means to "meet athletes where they're at" and why every player needs to be coached differently 00:16:15 – How player empowerment, trust, and culture fueled a dramatic team turnaround 00:20:40 – Why Carson would add even more chaos and game-like environments into future practices 00:23:50 – His transformative tip: embrace basketball's unpredictability and never stop evolving as a coach 00:26:10 – Transformative Tip     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  
• EP160: Representative Shooting Drills with Arkansas State Assistant Coach Anthony Goods 22.04.2026 24Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Anthony Goods to explore representative shooting, scouting insights, and how coaches can better prepare players for real game conditions. They dive into contested shooting, decision-making, and the importance of designing practices that truly reflect the chaos and demands of competition.   Chapters:  00:00 – Overview of Anthony's background as a Stanford player, overseas pro, NBA scout, and now assistant coach 01:10 – What Anthony looks for in recruiting and scouting 06:30 – Breaking down shooting data from elite players 10:00 – Preparing for imperfection in games 13:00 – Creative shooting drills and intentional misses 14:30 – Adding cognitive load and variability in training 17:30 – Managing player frustration in "messy" practice 19:00 – Adapting to constraints and improving over time 20:30 –  Encouraging players to self-diagnose and understand their own performance. 22:00 – Transformative Tip   Join Transforming Basketball's 2026 Summer Camp in Italy. Exclusive training for players and coaches with world-class methods and expert guidance. Book your spot now: https://transformingbball.com/residential-summer-camp   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  
• EP159: Understanding Non-Linear Pedagogy with Dr. Matt Bowers from the University of Texas 15.04.2026 34Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by returning guest Dr. Matt Bowers to dive deeper into the practical application of Non-Linear Pedagogy (NLP) and the Constraints-Led Approach in basketball coaching.   At its core, NLP focuses on five key principles to drive skill acquisition: Representative Learning Design: Ensuring practice environments contain the same information and "cues" found in a real game. Constraints Manipulation: Strategically adjusting task, environmental, or individual constraints to guide players toward functional solutions. Functional Variability: Encouraging "repetition without repetition" so players develop adaptable movement patterns rather than one "textbook" technique. Information-Movement Coupling: Linking perception directly to action; players learn to move based on what they see (teammates, defenders, spacing). External Focus of Attention: Directing a player's focus toward the intended outcome of a movement rather than internal body mechanics.   Building on their previous conversation, Dr. Matt Bowers breaks down how coaches can design more representative, game-like learning environments that empower players to solve problems, adapt in real time, and develop true basketball intelligence. Check their previous conversation here.   Chapters: 00:00 – Welcoming Matt Bowers as the first returning guest  02:00 – What is Non-Linear Pedagogy (NLP)? 05:15 – Why "messy" practice leads to better learning 07:30 – The trap of traditional drills and non-representative training 08:10 – Constraint manipulation and defining success in practice 10:00 – Rethinking success: decision-making vs outcomes 15:00 – Player autonomy and reducing coach dependency 17:00 – Practical example: using scoring systems to shape behavior 20:00 – Rewarding process over outcomes in practice 21:30 – External vs internal focus of attention 25:30 – Does NLP actually work? (research insights) 27:00 – Functional variability: multiple solutions to the same problem 30:00 – Perception-action coupling and game-like decision making 31:30 – Increasing complexity to improve transfer to games   Join Transforming Basketball's 2026 Summer Camp in Italy. Exclusive training for players and coaches with world-class methods and expert guidance. Book your spot now: https://transformingbball.com/residential-summer-camp 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  
• EP158: Transforming Team Offense: A Guide to implement the CLA and Conceptual Offense 08.04.2026 12Min.

  In this solo episode, George Vaz addresses the common challenges coaches face when transitioning from traditional pattern-based offenses to a conceptual offense using the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA). He discusses how to handle the "messy phase" of implementation, strategies for gaining stakeholder buy-in through transparency, and practical ways to use constraints and small-sided games to build a fluid, decision-based system.   Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Navigating the mess of adopting the CLA and conceptual offense. 01:30 - The Transparency Presentation: Educating parents and players on ecological dynamics. 02:45 - The Dominoes Phase: Establishing core principles like "Floor is Lava" and "1 can't guard 2." 04:00 - Defining the ROB Shot: Ensuring shots are Range, Open, and in Balance. 04:45 - Narrowing Triggers: Using known spacings and specific constraints to create structure. 05:30 - Practical Constraints: Implementing dribble limits and time limits for intentionality. 07:15 - Small Sided Games (SSGs): Continuous Dominoes and 4-on-3 Dominoes Bursts. 09:00 - 2-on-1 Shooting: Building complexity and dynamic starts 10:00 - The MAYA Principle: Most Advanced Yet Acceptable – meeting stakeholders in the middle. 11:30 - Conclusion: Balancing organized sets with conceptual freedom.   Resources & Links: Check it out here: The Pick and Roll Spacings Every Coach Needs to Know - Transforming Basketball   Join Transforming Basketball's 2026 Summer Camp in Italy. Exclusive training for players and coaches with world-class methods and expert guidance. Book your spot now: https://transformingbball.com/residential-summer-camp 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
• EP157: Coaches' Essential Takeaways from the Transforming Summer Camp 01.04.2026 42Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Coaches Jared, Tom, and Henry to reflect on their experiences at the Transforming Basketball Summer Camp. They share key takeaways around creativity in practice design, the use of constraints and small-sided games, and the importance of curiosity and collaboration among coaches.    Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the coaches and overview of the Transforming Basketball Summer Camp 02:30 – First impressions and key learnings from the camp experience 05:00 – Rethinking practice design: creativity and "repetition without repetition" 07:30 – The role of curiosity in player and coach development 10:00 – Learning through collaboration and shared coaching environments 12:30 – Challenges of applying new ideas back with your team 15:00 – Gradual implementation: building buy-in and trust with players 17:30 – Increasing practice intensity and maximizing time on task 20:00 – Using constraints to guide decision-making and creativity 22:30 – Helping players become more expressive and confident 25:00 – The impact of small-sided games on learning and engagement 27:30 – Balancing structure with freedom in practice 30:00 – Creating a fun, competitive, and development-focused environment 32:30 – Translating camp concepts into real-season coaching 35:00 – Key coaching takeaways and mindset shifts 38:00 – Transformative Tip Join Transforming Basketball's 2026 Summer Camp in Italy. Exclusive training for players and coaches with world-class methods and expert guidance. Book your spot now: https://transformingbball.com/residential-summer-camp 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  
• EP156: Transforming the Athlete: NBA/NFL Consultant Dr. Craig Liebenson's Holistic Approach 25.03.2026 31Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Dr. Craig Liebenson, a renowned chiropractor, movement specialist, and performance expert, to explore how movement quality, injury prevention, and holistic training approaches can transform basketball performance. Craig shares insights from decades of working with elite athletes, emphasizing why fixing movement patterns—not just treating pain—is key to long-term success.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Craig Liebenson and his background in performance and rehab 03:00 – The difference between treating pain vs. fixing movement patterns 05:30 – Why movement quality is the foundation of performance and injury prevention 08:00 – Common mistakes in traditional strength and conditioning programs 10:30 – The role of assessment: identifying dysfunction before it becomes injury 13:00 – Why "less is more" in training and avoiding overcomplication 15:30 – Integrating movement-based training into basketball practice environments 18:00 – How poor movement habits develop and how to correct them early 21:00 – The connection between mobility, stability, and athletic performance 24:00 – Teaching athletes body awareness and ownership of their movement 27:00 – Practical drills and routines coaches can implement immediately 30:00 – Transformative Tip     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
• EP155: Warm-up Design with German Pro League Coach Domenik Theodorou 18.03.2026 38Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by performance coach Domenik Theodorou to share innovative warm-up strategies, the importance of movement variability, and how to keep players engaged through creative game design. Discover practical tips for enhancing practice efficiency, reducing injury risk, and fostering a fun, dynamic environment for basketball players.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction and setting the stage for a discussion on rethinking basketball warmups  01:21 – Why traditional warmups often become boring and repetitive for players over time 05:36 – Using warmups to develop skills while encouraging players to solve problems in real time 06:43 – The "lightbulb speed" concept: designing tasks that trigger quick thinking and reaction 10:20 – Essential elements every effective warmup should include for both physical and mental readiness 11:44 – The unwritten rules of warmups that help practices flow smoothly and stay productive 15:13 – Building progression and flow within warmups to prepare players gradually for the main practice 16:53 – Movement variability and how diverse movements support player health and long-term development 19:27– Why novelty and new challenges can boost engagement and keep players motivated 23:00 – Encouraging player autonomy by allowing athletes to figure things out rather than over-instructing 23:37 – Recognizing when warmups aren't working and how coaches can quickly adjust 24:40 – The "Razzle Dazzle Football" example and how creative games can energize a team 26:47 – Designing constraints and achievable goals to guide learning without limiting creativity 27:32 – Timeboxing warmup games to maintain focus, intensity, and pacing during practice 28:37 – Favorite warmup game setups that coaches can easily implement with their teams 29:56 – "Basketball Volleyball" and other crossover-style games that build skills in fun ways 31:47 – Multi-basket possession play and how it increases decision-making and awareness 33:51 – Why warmups matter more than coaches realize and how small changes add up over time 37:25 – Transformative Tip 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
• EP154: Transforming Clinic on the Inner Game of Basketball with Felix Engel 11.03.2026 27Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Felix Engel to explore the inner game of basketball and how awareness, mindset, and learning environments shape player development. Felix shares insights from his experience coaching youth players and working with coaches around the world, explaining why the best coaches focus less on control and more on helping players discover solutions themselves.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Felix and his coaching background 02:00 – What the "inner game" of basketball means for coaches and players 04:00 – Why awareness is a key driver of player development 06:00 – Moving from instruction-based coaching to discovery-based learning 08:00 – Helping players solve problems instead of giving them answers 10:00 – Building trust and autonomy in young athletes 12:00 – The coach's role in shaping effective learning environments 14:00 – Balancing structure with player freedom in practice 16:00 – Encouraging decision-making through game-like situations 18:00 – Differences between coaching youth and more experienced players 20:00 – Practical ways to apply inner-game principles in everyday practice 22:00 – Creating practices that encourage curiosity and experimentation 25:00 – Long-term player development vs short-term performance 27:00 – Transformative tip   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
• EP153: The Gold Standard with Don Showalter 04.03.2026 31Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by legendary coach Don Showalter to explore what truly transforms a basketball program. With over 40 years of high school coaching experience and 20+ years with USA Basketball — including 10 gold medals — Coach Don shares powerful insights on standards, skill development, communication, and building a culture that lasts. He discusses why players never "graduate" from fundamentals, how to teach in soundbites, and the two things every coach must bring to practice every day.   Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Coach Don and his USA Basketball journey 02:00 – Standards vs. rules: building culture through accountability, not control 04:00 – Holding players accountable without lowering expectations 06:00 – Creating energy and enthusiasm in long practice environments (Snow Valley insights) 08:00 – The five traits of great coaches: teacher, authentic, organized, humble, adaptable 10:00 – Why humility is the foundation of long-term coaching growth 12:00 – International basketball lessons: pace, shot clock, and player ownership 14:00 – Players never graduate from skills: refreshing fundamentals all season 16:00 – Structuring practice: balancing skill work, team offense, and team defense 18:00 – Teaching in soundbites: the 7-second communication rule 20:00 – Using terminology to improve practice pace and clarity 22:00 – Small-sided games, constraints, and accountability through 3-on-3 25:00 – Avoiding positional "boxes" in youth development 28:00 – Transformative coaching tip   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
• EP152: Implementing Conceptual Offenses in the G League with Mfon Udofia 25.02.2026 22Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Mfon Udofia, head coach of the Long Island Nets to share insights from his journey as a player and coach. He discusses the importance of building coaching philosophies based on personal experiences, the significance of accountability and communication with players, and effective strategies for teaching decision-making in a conceptual offense. Mfon also delves into the intricacies of the pick and roll, his experiences leading the Nigerian national team, and the valuable lessons learned from renowned coaches.   Chapters:  01:00 – Introduction to Mfon Udofia and his journey from Georgia Tech point guard to G League head coach 02:00 – How playing experience shapes (and doesn't shape) his current coaching philosophy 03:00 – Making effort non-negotiable: defining and tracking Winning Momentum Plays (WMPs) 04:00 – Building accountability through consistency, communication, and individual development plans (IDPs) 06:00 – Creating player buy-in by understanding individual goals at the G League level 07:00 – Teaching decision-making within conceptual offense using game-like practice situations 09:00 – Nonverbal communication, spacing, and flowing offense without scripted sets 10:30 – Key principles for teaching pick-and-roll offense: setup, screening angles, and reads 12:00 – Defending the pick-and-roll: communication, drop coverage, late reds, and up-to-touch concepts 15:00 – Lessons from serving as head coach of the Nigerian National Team and leading under pressure 17:00 – Learning from elite coaches and the importance of preparation, organization, and attention to detail 19:00 – Reevaluating basketball staples: why Mfon moved away from the three-man weave 21:00 – Transformative coaching tip   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
• EP151: How Oregon Recruits and Develops Players to the Pros with Mike Mennenga 18.02.2026 42Min.

  In this episode, George is joined by Coach Mike Mennenga to share insights into his coaching philosophy, player development strategies, and the importance of physicality in basketball. He discusses his journey from Illinois to Oregon, the influence of Coach Jim Barron, and the significance of recruiting and developing talent. Coach Michael emphasizes the need for players to understand their roles without the ball and the importance of conditioning and teamwork.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Mike Mennenga and his coaching journey 03:00 – Why passion and physicality are foundational to player development 07:00 – Coaching stops along the way and how each shaped his philosophy 10:00 – Recruiting beyond talent: spontaneity, toughness, and winning habits 15:00 – Developing freshmen and preparing players physically and mentally 18:00 – Conditioning through competition and pace-based practice design 22:00 – Oregon's matchup zone: philosophy, structure, and controlled chaos 26:00 – Forcing tough decisions, burning clock, and disrupting offensive flow 30:00 – Teaching communication, fundamentals, and one-on-one accountability 34:00 – Adjusting defenses, roster turnover, and sustaining program culture 38:00 – Transformative coaching tip   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