Podcast
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!
- Episodes
- 188
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 27 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 6 days ago
Episodes
188 episodes, newest first
-
35 min
EP186: Coaches Roundtable From the Summer Residential Camp in Roseto
Show notes
In this episode, George brings together four coaches from around the world for a roundtable discussion recorded at the Roseto camp. Giannis Panagiotakopoulos, Markus Lechner, Kane Mastin, and Lennox Miller reflects on the biggest lessons from the camp, including the balance between winning and development, the importance of building a common language, and how coaches can create environments where players take ownership of their learning. They also share practical ideas around constraints-led coaching (CLA), small-sided games, player autonomy, and relationship-driven coaching, along with the experiences and connections that make the Transforming Basketball community so valuable.
Chapters:
00:00 – Meet the coaches at the Roseto camp 01:42 – Common language, concepts, and player autonomy 03:07 – Building accountability through coaching 05:20 – Balancing winning and player development 07:19 – Defining winning beyond the scoreboard 09:04 – Building relationships, culture, and winning habits 13:44 – Developing human beings through basketball 14:40 – Exploring movement and post play through CLA 16:10 – Using constraints to shape player decisions 18:21 – Coaching takeaways: storytelling and player ownership 20:06 – Commanding respect without demanding it 21:42 – Exploring movement, shooting, and differential learning 23:11 – Managing player behavior through individual constraints 24:06 – Implicit learning and relationship-driven coaching 25:21 – Using awards to reinforce positive behaviors 26:19 – Finding inspiration through the Transforming Basketball community 27:23 – Rediscovering joy and connection through coaching 29:00 – Bringing new ideas and a shared mindset back to clubs 30:28 – Finding purpose and connection through basketball 32:37 – Transformative tips
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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11 min
EP185: Same Problem, Different Solutions with Adam Omiecinski
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined once again by Adam Omiecinski to explore the concept of repetition without repetition and how coaches can apply it more intentionally on the basketball court. Adam explains how coaches can create meaningful variability by changing the information players interact with while keeping the same problem at the center of the activity.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introducing Adam Omiecinski and repetition without repetition 01:10 – Solving the same problem in different ways 01:54 – Identifying the specific problem within a small advantage drive 02:34 – Using defensive variability to challenge players at the rim 03:33 – Changing the information around the problem 04:49 – Creating variability with different defenders and player groups 05:37 – Working within constraints to target specific problems 06:03 – Using the CLA to target specific rate limiters in player development 07:19 – Destabilizing attractor states and exploring new movement solutions 08:00 – Using constraints to develop creative dribbling and finishing solutions 09:42 – Questioning the intent behind every activity
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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22 min
EP184: Teaching Conceptual Offense and Defense Principles with Gabriel Millian
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined once again by Gabriel Milian to explore defensive decision-making, shot selection, and conceptual offense. Gabriel shares how coaches can create situations that help players recognize problems, communicate, and make decisions rather than simply following predetermined rules or answers. They also discuss how spacing, rim pressure, and aligned offensive concepts can give players the tools to solve unpredictable problems within the game.
Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Gabriel Milian and defensive principles 01:00 – Responding to scramble situations after getting beat 02:00 – Using spacing to create better defensive positions 03:00 – Stunts, switches, and peel-switch rotations 04:29 – Adapting defensive decisions based on personnel 05:36 – Teaching players to recognize when the defense is beaten 06:23 – Creating decision-making situations in practice 07:07 – Developing conceptual defense through communication 08:11 – Teaching shot selection through spacing and rim pressure 09:30 – Using cuts and drives to create high-value shots 11:00 – Absorbing the defense and creating open shots 12:07 – Using player-specific numbers to guide shot selection 14:10 – Understanding conceptual offense in a complex game 15:49 – Using concepts to help players solve unpredictable problems 17:26 – Aligning spacing, triggers, and offensive priorities 19:18 – Adding complexity after the core philosophy is embedded
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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12 min
EP183: Understanding the 1 Can't Guard 2 Dominoes Principle
Episode 185
Show notes
In this episode, George takes a closer look at two weak-side cutting principles—the cut and slide and the slot cut and how they connect to the idea of the "dominoes rule": one defender can't guard two players. Using NBA examples and small-sided games, George explores how these principles create passing windows, stretch the defense, and give players opportunities to attack advantages. He also shares an excerpt from a conversation with Alex Sarama about adapting these concepts based on defensive coverages and using off-ball actions to optimize player positioning.
Link to Episode EP169: Alex Sarama on Principles of Play and his Coaching Journey - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6K1R3SFpWiAnT56oyb9pRN
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to weak-side cutting principles 00:38 – Understanding the cut and slide 01:00 – Creating defensive dilemmas with the cut and slide 01:34 – Using cutting principles to create passing windows 02:16 – Applying cut and slide in small-sided games 03:04 – Introducing the slot cut and lift 03:20 – Stretching the defense and creating two-on-one situations 03:43 – Using the slot cut against different defenses 04:30 – Exploring the slot cut through small-sided games 05:14 – Using constraints to guide player learning 05:35 – Repurposing weak-side cutting principles 06:21 – Alex Sarama on adapting cut and slide 07:12 – Reading different pick-and-roll coverages 07:51 – Avoiding automatic reactions and reading the defense 08:27 – Developing the pin slide to optimize shooters 09:26 – Rethinking baseline cutting principles 10:02 – Creating better shots through timing and angles 10:30 – Final thoughts on weak-side cutting
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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13 min
EP182: Building Confidence and Trust with Jamie Ransberry
Episode 188
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by Jamie Ransberry during the Transforming Summer Camp 2026 in Roseto, Italy. Jamie shares his biggest takeaways from his second year at the camp, including lessons on leadership, the social side of coaching, sports psychology, and creating psychologically safe practice environments.
Jamie recently completed his Master's in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, specialising in skill acquisition. His dissertation, "High-Performance Basketball Coaches' Perceptions of Implementing the Constraints-Led Approach to Practice," explored coaches' experiences of adopting the CLA, including how they began using the approach, the benefits they experienced, and the challenges involved in implementation. Jamie also discusses how these findings can support coaches looking to apply the CLA within their own practice environments.
Chapters: 0:00 – Introducing Jamie Ransbury and his second year at the Roseto coaching camp 01:09 – Jamie's biggest takeaways and how this year's camp differs from last year 01:55 – Leadership, social environments, and building team culture 02:32 – Mike McKay's Batman & Robin concept and learning when to lead or support 04:09 – The role of humility and recognizing when players need help 04:36 – Building confidence through competence and the optimal challenge point 05:44 – Psychological safety, trust, and adapting challenges to individual athletes 07:07 – Reframing failure as exploration and focusing on behavior-based goals 08:32 – Shifting away from outcome-based goals and focusing on good decisions 09:56 – Autonomy, belonging, and competence in creating better practice environments 11:45 – Transformational Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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14 min
EP181: Inside Roseto 2026 - João Pacheco on His Summer Camp Experience
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by João Pacheco, a coach from Portugal who has been living and coaching in Germany for nearly 14 years. João shares his biggest takeaways from his first year at the Roseto coaching camp, including lessons on the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA), Differential Learning (DL), question-led coaching, and creating more engaging practice environments. He also discusses how small-sided games, low-post actions, guided defense, and creative constraints can help young players develop better movement solutions and learn through doing.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introducing João Pacheco and his coaching journey from Portugal to Germany 01:25 – João's biggest takeaways from his first Roseto coaching camp 02:00 – Learning from coaches around the world and exploring different constraints 02:43 – Creating safe, fun practice environments through question-led coaching 03:42 – Small-sided games, low-post actions, and the Batman & Robin concept 04:48 – Using low-post play to develop footwork, physicality, and decision-making 05:45 – What young players can learn from low-post constraints and physical play 06:33 – Using creative cues and warm-up activities to develop body awareness 07:43 – Three practical takeaways João will bring back to Germany 08:07 – Asking more questions and moving away from traditional instruction 08:24 – Applying Differential Learning through shooting, cuts, and movement 09:33 – Raising standards through ICE: Intensity, Concentration, and Energy 10:23 – Using acronyms and team values to build standards and culture 11:18 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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31 min
EP180: JP Nerbun on Culture, Leadership, and Developing Players
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by JP Nerbun, author of The Culture Captain, to discuss how coaches and athletes can develop stronger leadership through self-awareness, reflection, and practical application. JP breaks down his four-level leadership framework—know yourself, lead yourself, lead others, and lead the team and explains why leadership development is less about knowledge and more about doing the work.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introducing JP Nerbun and The Culture Captain, a four-level framework for developing athletes into leaders
02:00 – Learning through curiosity and turning leadership concepts into practical application
04:00 – Coaching athletes through hard conversations, accountability, and limiting beliefs
06:00 – Using self-reflection and awareness to identify where athletes are and where they want to grow
08:00 – Why leadership isn't about the athlete's level, but their willingness to be vulnerable and do the work
10:00 – Helping athletes move beyond surface-level goals and discover their deeper purpose
12:00 – Asking "what" instead of "why" to reduce defensiveness and encourage more critical thinking
14:00 – The four levels of leadership: Know Yourself, Lead Yourself, Lead Others, and Lead the Team
18:00 – Understanding how elite athletes discover their identity, values, passion, and purpose
20:00 – Discovering personal and coaching values through experience, reflection, and self-awareness
22:00 – Knowing when to challenge, hold players accountable, and have difficult conversations
23:00 – Using curious challenges and direct challenges to address behavior and reinforce team standards
26:00 – Helping new coaches navigate player communication and know when to step in
28:00 – Empowering influential players to step up, intervene, and help maintain team standards
29:00 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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32 min
EP179: Adding Variability in the Weight Room with Banj Abeleda
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by Banj Abeleda, also known as Mr. Move with Purpose, to discuss how coaches can use variability, mobility, and the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to better prepare basketball athletes for the unpredictable demands of the game. Banj shares lessons from working with elite athletes, explains how he applies variability in the weight room and during return-to-play, and breaks down why coaches should focus on creating different movement solutions rather than simply adding random exercises.
Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Banj Abeleda and lessons from elite athletes 02:00 – Using variability in the weight room and return-to-play 06:00 – Mobility, foot and ankle training, and Functional Range Conditioning 08:00 – Knowing when to prioritize form over variability 13:00 – Applying the Constraints-Led Approach and changing the movement problem 17:00 – Banj's journey with CLA and research-informed coaching 20:00 – Three lifts for basketball players: overhead press, Bulgarian split squat, and trap bar deadlift 23:00 – Building more intentional and effective warm-ups 26:00 – Isometrics, partner work, activation, and preparing for competition 28:00 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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14 min
EP178: Why Perfect form Does Not Exist with Gabriel Millian
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by Gabriel Milian to challenge the idea of an "ideal technique" in basketball and explore why coaches should embrace variability and individual movement solutions. Using the defensive zigzag as an example, Gabriel explains why there is no single technique that works optimally for every player and how ecological dynamics can help coaches create environments where athletes learn to adapt, explore, and solve movement problems for themselves.
Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Gabriel Milian & the Problem With "Ideal Technique"
01:00 – Basketball Coaching as an Art and a Science
02:00 – Why There Is No Single Optimal Technique
03:00 – Variability as a Feature of Human Movement
04:00 – Teaching Players to Adapt Through Different Movement Solutions
05:00 – Constraints, Perception-Action Coupling & Guided Exploration
06:00 – Focusing on Outcomes Instead of What Movement Looks Like
07:00 – The Fosbury Flop & How Constraints Can Create New Techniques
08:00 – Coach Humility, Player Creativity & Self-Organization
09:00 – Brazilian Soccer & the Loss of Informal Development
10:00 – Orienting Players Toward Solutions Instead of Prescribing Them
11:00 – Why Learning Can Be Messy & Why Variability Matters
12:00 – From Practice to the Game: Why Transfer Isn't Automatic
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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21 min
EP177: Behind the Build: How We're Scaling Transforming Sports | COO Nikki Pepper
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by Nikki Pepper, COO of Transforming Basketball, to discuss how her background in gymnastics, collegiate cheerleading, weightlifting, marketing, and coaching has shaped her approach to leadership and athlete development. Nikki shares lessons from her time at Reebok, the importance of building relationships and connecting with people first, and how constraints-led principles can be applied across different sports.
Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Nikki Pepper and Her Journey to Transforming Basketball
02:00 – From Reebok to Transforming Basketball: Lessons in Business and Leadership
04:00 – Building Trust by Connecting With People First
06:00 – Relationships, Reputation, and Growing Through Others
08:00 – Applying Constraints-Led Principles Beyond Basketball
10:00 – Pressure Sets and Creating Competition-Like Environments
12:00 – Self-Talk, Emotional Regulation, and Visualization
14:00 – The Future of Transforming Basketball and Expanding Into Other Sports
16:00 – Why Information Without Implementation Isn't Transformation
17:00 – Lessons From the Rosetto Residential Summer Camp
19:00 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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12 min
EP176: How to approach Player development during the Off-season with Adam Omiecinski
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined once again by Adam Omiecinski to discuss how coaches should approach player development during the off-season versus the in-season. Adam explains why the off-season is the ideal time to encourage exploration, experimentation, and failure, allowing players to expand their solution space without the pressure of winning games.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Why the Off-Season Matters
01:36 – Exploration vs. Exploitation: Off-Season vs. In-Season
02:24– Why Failure Is Essential for Skill Development
03:36 – Balancing Exploration with Team Principles of Play
05:39 – Developing Players in New Roles During the Off-Season
06:58 – Dynamic Systems Theory & Reshaping Attractor Landscapes
08:07 – Expanding a Player's Solution Space with Practical Examples
10:30 – Maximizing Existing Strengths During the In-Season
11:12 – Expand in the Off-Season, Exploit in the Season
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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39 min
EP175: Former France National Team Head Coach Vincent Collet on the Evolution of Principles of Play
Season 1, Episode 174
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by Vincent Collet, one of Europe's most accomplished basketball coaches and former head coach of the French National Team, to discuss what modern team defense really looks like. Vincent shares how his defensive philosophy has evolved from teaching fixed systems to defending offensive threats, why transition defense and paint protection are the foundation of elite teams, and how deception, decision-making, and representative learning design can elevate defenders at every level.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introducing Vincent Collet and his international coaching success
01:10 – Vincent's return to France and ongoing coach development work
02:15 – French talent identification evolution: youth centers and national camps
03:14 – The selection process: from youth talent centers to INCEP and ProA centers
04:37 – Developmental advantages of France's systematic approach and coaching focus
05:50 – Case study: Victor Wembanyama's progression and decision-making work
08:11 – Coaching Wembanyama's maturity and decision-making strategies
11:19 – Team connection: developing passing and offensive awareness with young players
13:34 – Building a team defense philosophy: match-up based, danger-focused framework
16:28 – Developing team defense and transition principles in modern basketball
17:24 – Containing drives and the importance of one-on-one defense in NBA
19:47 – Creating practice environments that challenge decision-making under pressure
22:32 – Use of deception and timing in defensive positioning with big men
27:52 – Defensive trends for neutralizing NBA offenses: pressure, denies, and rotations
30:12 – Making tough decisions: benching Gobert, focusing on team identity and player talent
35:00 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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34 min
EP174: Mike Mackay: Culture Building Through The BioPsychoSocial Lens
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by Coach Mike Mackay, one of Canada's most respected coach developers and former Canada Basketball coach educator, to explore what it truly means to create transformational coaching environments. Coach Mike shares why playfulness, curiosity, and connection are essential for learning, how coaches can design practices that better transfer to games, and why developing self-aware players through intentional feedback and meaningful questions creates lasting impact beyond basketball.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introducing Mike Mackay and the Roseto 2026 Summer Camp
01:16 – Why playfulness is the foundation of learning and player development
03:00 – Celebrating behaviors that build team culture and leadership
04:00 – The ACE feedback model: Appreciation, Coaching, and Evaluation
06:06 – Building accountability through peer feedback and team standards
08:09 – The ICE framework: Intensity, Concentration, and Energy
09:43 – Developing self-aware coaches through intentional practice planning
10:47 – Mike's coaching mentors and choosing transformational leadership
13:30 – Reflection, journaling, and using AI as a learning tool
15:01 – Developing coaches through intentional learning and progression
17:05 – "What's Next?": Coaching with purpose and building a lasting legacy
18:20 – Designing practices that replicate real game transitions
21:18 – Practical strategies for improving drill design and transfer
22:55 – The evolution of 3x3 basketball and player development
24:57 – Why 3x3 accelerates decision-making and skill development
26:27 – Using constraints to guide learning without limiting creativity
29:17 – Nonlinear coaching: Becoming a "Michelin-star chef" instead of following recipes
31:25 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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10 min
EP173: Functional Perception Action Coupling with Adam Omiecinski
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by Adam Omiecinski for a deep dive into one of the most common practice design mistakes coaches make: creating defensive environments that are too predictable.
Chapters: 00:00 – Adam Omiecinski Returns
01:00 – Functional Perception-Action Coupling Explained
02:00 – When Skill Drills Accidentally Become Capacity Drills
03:30 – Why Predictable Defenders Limit Decision-Making
04:30 – Creating Representative Driving Situations
05:00 – Adding Variability to Defensive Intentions
06:00 – Using Guided Defense to Improve Skill Transfer
07:00 – Every Drill Builds Something—But Is It the Right Thing?
08:00 – Why Players Must Read the Environment Instead of Pre-Planned Movements
08:45 – Scaling Complexity to Match Player Ability
09:00 – The Biggest Red Flag in Practice Design
09:30 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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28 min
EP172: NBA and WNBA Skills Coach Chris Palmer Designing Rich Learning Environments
Season 1, Episode 172
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by Chris Palmer, NBA and WNBA skills development coach and founder of Pure Performance Basketball, to discuss how coaches can design practice environments that truly transfer to games. Chris explains how he uses film, data, and representative learning design to create individualized training sessions that develop better decision-makers, not just better technicians.
Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Chris Palmer and Pure Performance Basketball 01:00 – Using Film and Data to Guide Player Development 02:00 – Designing Representative Learning Environments 03:30 – Creating Randomness Through Constraints and Decision-Making 05:30 – Building Variability Into Practice Design 06:00 – Adjusting Constraints for NBA vs. Youth Players 09:00 – Teaching Better Shot Selection and Breaking Bad Habits 10:00 – Why Player Development Coaches Must Understand Team Basketball 12:00 – Converting Offensive Advantages More Effectively 14:30 – Teaching Decision-Making in Individual Workouts 16:30 – Coaching Through Mistakes and Eliminating Black-and-White Thinking 19:00 – Individualizing Constraints for Different Players 22:00 – Helping Players Discover Multiple Finishing Solutions 24:00 – Encouraging Exploration Instead of Repetition 25:00 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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32 min
EP171: NBA G-League Coach of the Year Vitor Galvani on Player Development and Style of Play
Show notes
In this episode, George is joined by NBA G-league Coach of the Year Vitor Galvani to explore the balance between player development and winning, the differences between coaching youth and professional athletes, and how creating decision-rich environments can accelerate learning. Vitor shares insights from his work developing young talent in Brazil and building culture with the NBA's G-League Mexico City Capitanes, highlighting the importance of experimentation, accountability, and empowering players to grow through experience.
Chapters:
01:00 – Introduction to Vitor Galvani and his coaching journey 02:30 – Lessons learned from coaching youth, professional, and international players 04:00 – Balancing player development with team success 05:30 – Creating practice environments that encourage learning and growth 07:00 – Why coaches should prioritize decision-making over rote repetition 08:30 – Helping players develop confidence through ownership and responsibility 10:00 – Building skills through game-based learning rather than isolated drills 12:00 – The role of experimentation in player development 14:00 – Developing adaptable players instead of position-specific specialists 16:00 – Key differences between coaching youth and professional players 18:00 – Why youth players need to fall in love with the game first 20:00 – Putting young athletes in a variety of game situations to broaden development 22:00 – Preparing youth players for the transition to senior-level basketball 24:00 – Building culture by aligning team identity with organizational values 26:00 – Transformative Tip
Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book:
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
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35 min
EP170: Liam Jefferson on Using Set Plays Creatively
Show notes
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:
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
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35 min
EP169: Alex Sarama on Principles of Play and his Coaching Journey
Show notes
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:
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
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13 min
EP168: How to use the CLA to prepare players for game day
Show notes
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:
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
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33 min
EP167: Barking Abbey Academy Coach Rikki Broadmore - Winningest Academy in UK History
Show notes
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:
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
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