Episodes
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In this episode, Alex Sarama interviews Tyler Yearby, a Skill Acquisition Specialist and Co-Founder of Emergence. They discuss the role of a skill acquisition specialist (SAS) in basketball and how to overcome the challenges of introducing new ideas to practitioners who have been using a different approach throughout their careers. Tyler emphasizes the importance of transparency, open-mindedness, and collaboration in order to create a positive and effective working environment.
Key Takeaways:
2:10 - Starting with an Empty Cup
4:15 - SAS as a Co-Pilot
6:40 - Meeting Each Staff Member Where They Are
8:50 - Nudging Movement Exploration in the Weight Room
13:55 - Performance Coach's Integration in Team Practice
16:40 - Forming a Common Language Across Departments
19:00 - How to Identify Improvement
Connecting with Tyler:
X
Instagram
LinkedIn
Emergence
Researchgate
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Shawn Myszka, Founder of Emergence, to discuss the concept of alive movement problems and its application in basketball performance. They explore the ecological dynamics framework and how it impacts the way coaches and practitioners approach skill acquisition in basketball. Shawn emphasizes the importance of creating practice activities that are alive, dynamic, and allow for emergent decision-making.
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by George Galanopoulos, the Associate Head Coach at Rip City Remix. They discuss the application of contemporary skill acquisition ideas within the G League. George highlights the importance of education and understanding in player development. Alex and George also delve into the practical aspects of skill acquisition, including pre-practice and pre-game warm-ups, as well as the significance of clear communication and terminology in coaching principles of play.
Key Takeaways:
6:05 - All of the factors that go into maximizing an activity for player development
14:10 - PDP serving as the map to guide a player's development
18:20 - George's Evolution on Warm-Ups
22:05 - Having a coherent story of how the team will play
33:40 - Altering player positioning in activities to enhance representativeness
37:20 - Pillars of Organization as a Head Coach
Connect with George:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/georgegalanop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ggalanop
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-galanopoulos-99496044
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by interviews Nabil Murad, an Irish basketball coach currently coaching in Austria. Nabil shares his journey of discovering and embracing a contemporary approach to coaching, influenced by ecological dynamics. He discusses the challenges coaches face in adopting this approach and the reasons why many coaches are hesitant to change. Nabil also shares his experiences and insights on applying ecological dynamics to various aspects of basketball, including shooting, skill development, and game-like situations. The episode provides practical tips and ideas for coaches looking to incorporate contemporary skill acquisition ideas into their coaching philosophy.
Key Takeaways:
04:12 - Failing with the status quo is safe
11:30 - How Nabil helps facilitate triggers in the half court
13:25 - Rep without Rep increasing player attention and engagement
19:15 - Emphasizing defense to encourage offensive behaviors
23:00 - Playing through constraints facilitates communication
Article Mentioned:
Nonlinear Pedagogy Underpins Intrinsic Motivation in Sports Coaching
Connect with Nabil
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Nabeelrend
Substack: https://nabilmurad.substack.com
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Felix Engel and Niklas Geske from Germany to discuss player perspectives of a differential learning approach. They explore how differential learning can impact shooting performance and share their experiences and insights. Niklas talks about his journey as a professional player and how he discovered differential learning through a seminar. Felix explains the concept of differential shooting and the benefits of adding variability to shooting practice. They also discuss the importance of observation and creativity in implementing differential learning.
Key Takeaways:
5:17 - Addressing Dysfunction with Variability
9:00 - Niklas' Implementation at the Professional Level
18:05 - DL Helping Maintain Focus and Engagement
Connect with Felix on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felix.engel.09
Connect with Niklas on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikges7
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama welcomes back Dr. Alex Lascu as a guest. They discuss an upcoming coach development workshop called CLA Playing by the Rules, which aims to provide coaches with an interactive and genuine experience of using the ecological dynamics framework in basketball. They emphasize the importance of creating a supportive environment for coaches to learn and apply new concepts. They also explore the challenges of coach development and the need for ongoing support and collaboration among coaches.
Key Takeaways:
02:40 - Re-arranging the classroom to show the importance of the environment
11:30 - Peer to Peer Learning
16:58 - A Goosebumps Coaching Curriculum
19:36 - Cultivating Coach Developing Candidates
CHECK OUT THE EVENT HERE: https://bit.ly/4b180ZVConnect with Alex Lascu:
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/skillacqlascu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alascu_
Substack: https://substack.com/@skillacqlascu
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alexandra-Lascu-4
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Patrick Burnett, an applied sport and exercise nutritionist. They discuss the importance of nutrition in basketball and how it can be integrated into basketball programs at all levels. Paddy shares practical strategies for optimizing nutrition, including the use of external cues, hydration stations, electrolyte drinks, carbohydrate and recovery snacks, and travel strategies. They also explore the concept of constraints and how it applies to nutrition in basketball.
Key Takeaways:02:00 - Patty's Background
07:00 - Constraints Involved in an Athlete's Nutrition
12:40 - Gold Silver and Bronze Medals at a Pizza Shop in Torino
19:00 - Eat the Rainbow
21:50 - Hydration Station and Electrolytes
26:10 - Variations in Carbohydrates and Recovery
32:30 - Travel Considerations
Connect with Patty:
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Martin Andrade, a coach that is known for his creative and innovative approach to skill acquisition and player development. Martin shares how he came across the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) and ecological dynamics, and how it has transformed his coaching style. He discusses the importance of creativity in coaching and how he designs practice activities and constraints to help players develop functional solutions on the court. Martin also shares his insights on shooting and how he incorporates differential learning and CLA principles into shooting drills and small-sided games.
Key Takeaways
04:40 - Martin's trial and error process of activity design
08:50 - The drawbacks of rigid and benefits of variable shooting
13:00 - Differential Learning and CLA activities for shooting
17:50 - Martin's strategies for Warmups and SSGs
Connect with Martin:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyaboutbball/
Website: https://www.onlyaboutbball.com
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
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Transforming Basketball: Changing How We Think About Basketball Performance by Alex Sarama is now available!
Alex Sarama's new book provides tangible strategies that have the potential to transform the basketball world. These transcend to the front office, athletic performance, physical therapy, analytics, and virtually every area of an organization.
Transforming Basketball exists to bridge the gap between research and practice. Within this book, readers can learn more about the true essence of skill, how to incorporate skill acquisition research into player development, the potential of the constraints-led approach, and much more!
YOU CAN ORDER HERE:
https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Links:
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Daniel Muntz to discuss the application of an ecological approach in the field of physiotherapy, specifically in the context of basketball. They explore the traditional approach to physiotherapy and how it can be transformed to focus on prevention rather than just reactive treatment. Daniel shares his insights on recovering from ankle sprains and how to apply a constraint-led approach to rehabilitation. They also discuss the importance of integrating physiotherapy with coaching and athletic performance training to create a more holistic approach to player development.
Key Takeaways:
05:55 - Rehabilitation & Representative Activities
10:20 - Incorporating Movement Attractors in Warmups
13:52 - Ankle Sprain Protocol
23:49 - Alternatives to Ice and Braces for Injuries
28:30 - Proform Screening Process
Connect with Daniel:
Instagram
Proform Physiotherapy
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Gray Thomas and they talked about the principles of ecological psychology and its application in the context of basketball. Gray explains how ecological psychology challenges traditional cognitive theories and offers a fresh perspective on perception, action, and memory. They discuss the concept of affordances and how it influences player performance and decision-making on the court. Their conversation in this episode highlights the importance of understanding individual differences and designing flexible, adaptable environments to foster growth and optimize player development.
Key Takeaways:02:45 - Gray's arrival to and historical background on Ecological Psychology
16:15 - Application of Affordances & Ecological Dynamics in Basketball
27:30 - The pitfalls of seeing skills as something you acquire then apply them
33:00 - Affordance-Based Control vs Information-Based Control
40:00 - How a unified theory can knock down organizational silos
Connect with Gray:
Twitter/X
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama interviews Jonas de Bruyne, a basketball coach who has experienced a significant shift in his coaching philosophy. Jonas shares his journey from traditional drill-based coaching to adopting a games-based approach influenced by ecological dynamics. He discusses the impact of perception-action coupling and the importance of incorporating defenders in training sessions. Jonas also talks about his current coaching role in Germany and how he has implemented a creative and individualized player development program. Throughout the episode, they provide valuable insights into the evolution of coaching methods and the benefits of a games-based approach in basketball.
Key Takeaways:
04:10 - Biggest changes after being at College Prep
09:30 - How Jonas plans and executes Player Development Sessions
17:00 - Practical Examples: Tennis Basketball w a Defender, Snake & KOB Finishing, Push Out Shooting, Snake/KOB Dribble PNR 2v2
Connect with Jonas:
Twitter/X
Instagram
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama and Adam, address common challenges and questions they have received regarding the application of contemporary skill acquisition ideas in basketball. They discuss obtaining results versus following science, how players can learn a skull without explicit instruction, the concept of learning styles, and the reinvention of fundamental skills by youth players. Through their conversation, they provide answers to these common questions/rebuttals with practical examples.
Key Takeaways:
01:35 - I want to see results not science. What NBA Players have trained with the CLA to prove this contemporary approach works?
03:42 - The science is sitting on a surface level understanding of basketball, big leaps are made to tie skill acquisition to science.
08:15 - How can a player perform a skill without being first taught it explicitly? How can a youth player that cannot dribble a ball suddenly play 1-on-1 or a more complex small sided game?
09:50 - There are multiple learning styles. I wouldn't want a players to organically learn a jump shot when then jump shot took 30 years to appear. Youth players aren't going to reinvent the game quickly. The CLA should be used for some things but without ignoring best practices that evolved over time.
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama welcomes back Markus Klusemann, Director of Health Performance Development at OTE, to discuss the upcoming Coach Education Workshop. The workshop aims to bridge the gap between science and coaching by providing coaches with a holistic overview of player development and practical strategies they can implement on the court. Markus and Alex also delve into the challenges and differences in player development across different basketball environments, such as North America, Europe, and Australia. They explore the concept of minimal effective instructions (MEIs) and how it can be applied to enhance coaching and player performance. Throughout the episode, they discuss the importance of queuing and attentional focus in coaching, as well as the impact of the CLA lens on health and performance development.
Key Takeaways:
01:48 - Coach Education Workshop at Overtime Elite05:30 - Differences in Player Development between Cultures
09:40 - Decision-Making as an entry point to using the CLA
14:45 - Applications of Minimal Effective Instructions (MEIs)
Coaching Workshop
OTE Coach Science & Development Workshop
Connect with Markus
Twitter/X
Instagram
LinkedIn
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Zico Coronel and Adam Omiecinski to discuss the alignment of principles of play with an ecological approach to skill acquisition. They delve into the concept of coverage solutions in basketball and how they can be enhanced through a comprehensive understanding of principles of play. They explore the importance of spacing, different coverage solutions, and the role of target players in executing effective offensive strategies. Throughout the episode, Zico and Adam provide practical insights and examples, highlighting the balance between freedom and structure in player decision-making.
Key Takeaways:
06:05 - How Zico builds his coverage solutions up out of spacing principles
13:22 - Emphasizing the reject in all screens
21:22 - Starting with aggressive defensive coverages
36:20 - Cracking the Ice with Action before Shattering It within a Set
46:45 - Taking into account limitations of using coaches as defenders & optimizing low stress days
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama interviews Marti Canellas, the host of "The Fosbury Flop" podcast. Marti shares his background as a basketball player and coach, discussing how his curiosity and insecurity led him to explore different approaches to coaching. He highlights the importance of understanding the cultural influences and forms of life that shape our coaching practices. Marti also delves into the concept of complex systems and how it relates to coaching, emphasizing the need to view basketball as a complex system rather than a complicated one. He encourages coaches to question their beliefs and intentions and to focus on the game and the players' needs.
Key Takeaways
02:00 - Marti's Background
09:00 - The Invisible Backpack We Carry Everywhere
14:25 - Spanish and Catalonian Cultures Differences
20:55 - Coaching Complex not Complicated Systems
25:48 - Understanding Each Individuals Intention for Being There
29:50 - Start With Asking Why You Are Doing What You Are Doing
Follow Marti
Twitter/X
Marti Cañellas on Linkedin
Fosbury Flop Podcast
Fosbury Flop YouTube
Fosbury Flop Blog
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama interviews Adam De Groot, a physical education teacher, basketball coach, and owner of Nightshade Training. Adam shares his journey of discovering and applying an ecological approach to coaching and teaching. He discusses how he incorporates the principles of ecological dynamics into basketball practices, athletic performance training, and even his interactions with his own children. Adam emphasizes the importance of creating environments that allow athletes to discover solutions and develop their skills through self-organization.
Key Takeaways:
02:00 - Adam's Background
08:00 - Matching a Conceptual Offense to Personnel
16:48 - Structuring Variability in the Weight Room
20:40 - Exploring an Ecological Approach with Adam's Children
Connect with Adam:
Twitter (@coachdegroot): https://twitter.com/coachdegroot1
Nightshade Training: https://www.instagram.com/nightshadetraining/
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
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In this episode, Alex, Adam & Gray delves into the concept of TWIT coaching. TWIT is an acronym highlighting a coaching method: Tell, Watch, Inform (of mistakes), and Tell (how to do it better).
They touches on five immediate actions to improve coaching in the US, encompassing coach education, changing rules, adjusting equipment, and educating parents against early sports specialization. They also highlights notable examples of professional athletes like Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon, who played multiple sports before specializing, suggesting a similar approach could positively impact the future of basketball.
Key Takeaways
01:10 - What is TWIT coaching & Observations of Youth Coaching in the United States
06:00 - Searching for solutions in the wrong locations
12:45 - Actions to improve the youth landscape
People and Article Mentioned:
Randy Sullivan
Welcome to TWITs Anonymous
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
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In this very special episode, Alex announces the release date of his book "Transforming Basketball: Changing How We Think About Basketball Performance." Alongside Transforming Contributors Gray Thomas and Adam Omiecinski, Alex, Adam and Gray take you behind the scenes of how the book came to be. From the initial writings in Italy in the spring of 2023 to its release this April, the book has had a tremendous impact on Alex and he hopes it will have an equal impact on the basketball world at large. In this episode, the three reflect on the first few drafts to what the final product became, favorite chapters and how the book can help change the way the game is coached and played going forward.
Key Takeaways:
01:05 - Book announcement and reflections
10:46 - How the writing process changed Alex
12:40 - How important is to understand the why behind each activity
PRE-ORDER HERE:
https://education.transformingbball.com/book-landing-pageLinks:
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
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In this episode, Alex Sarama interviews Tony Holler, the creator of the "Feed the Cats" program. Tony shares his insights on the flaws of traditional conditioning methods in sports and how they can hinder player development. He emphasizes the importance of rest, recovery, and prioritizing athleticism in training. Tony challenges the notion that hard work and constant grinding are the keys to success, advocating for a smarter and more efficient approach to practice. He also discusses the need for coaches to change their mindset and embrace a more player-centered approach to coaching.
Key Takeaways:
06:20 - Practice Volume
09:30 - Feed the Cats
15:20 - 4 Day Workweek
20:00 - Sleep is the Real Grind
24:00 - Wave Theory throughout Life
Follow Tony:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/pntrack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachtonyholler
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachtonyholler
Coachtube: https://coachtube.com/users/tonyholler
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
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