The Transforming Basketball Podcast Transforming Basketball

In this live on-the-road episode, Alex and Gray Thomas reflect on their experiences at Brown University and UConn, where they explored the impact of an ecological perspective on sports and performance. They discussed the challenges faced by pioneers in ecological psychology, the importance of humility and openness to learning, and how the ecological dynamics framework can revolutionize coaching across various sports.

 

Key Takeaways:

2:50 - The trials and tribulations of getting Ecological Psychology off the ground

5:40 - Alex and Gray's reflections from Alex's presentation at UCONN

14:15 - Being curious and skeptical in your learning journey

18:50 - Humility 

22:36 - Experience at Brown University 

 

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

In this episode, Alex Sarama joined by Ty Keck, a basketball coach from Idaho Falls. Ty shares his journey of implementing the Conceptual Offense and Constraint-Led Approach (CLA) with his team and the positive impact it has had on their performance. He discusses the challenges he faced in transitioning from a traditional coaching approach to a more player-centered approach and how he overcame them. Ty also emphasizes the importance of creating a transformational coaching environment and allowing players the freedom to develop their skills and make decisions on the court. 

 

Key Takeaways:

4:20 - Lessening the Learning Curve by Removing 1v0

6:30 - Re-shaping the Shell Drill 

9:00 - Direct Instruction isn't the only Way to Coach

15:00 - Breaking Away from the Norm

21:00 - CLA & Transformational Coaching in Harmony

 

Connect with Ty:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_ty_keck/

 

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

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

 

Connect with Tyler:

Twitter: https://x.com/TylerYearby

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyleryearby/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-yearby-59b89b5a/

Emergence: https://emergentmvmt.com

Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tyler-Yearby

 

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

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

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

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