The Transforming Basketball Podcast

Transforming Basketball
  • 4.8 (44)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. 2d ago

    EP174: Former France National Team Head Coach Vincent Collet on the Evolution of Principles of Play

    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: 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

    EP174: Former France National Team Head Coach Vincent Collet on the Evolution of Principles of Play

  2. Jul 22

    EP173: Functional Perception Action Coupling with Adam Omiecinski

    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: 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

    EP173: Functional Perception Action Coupling with Adam Omiecinski

  3. Jul 15

    EP172: NBA and WNBA Skills Coach Chris Palmer Designing Rich Learning Environments

    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: 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

    EP172: NBA and WNBA Skills Coach Chris Palmer Designing Rich Learning Environments

  4. Jul 8

    EP171: NBA G-League Coach of the Year Vitor Galvani on Player Development and Style of Play

    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: 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

    EP171: NBA G-League Coach of the Year Vitor Galvani on Player Development and Style of Play

  5. Jul 1

    EP170: Liam Jefferson on Using Set Plays Creatively

    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

  6. Jun 24

    EP169: Alex Sarama on Principles of Play and his Coaching Journey

    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

    EP169: Alex Sarama on Principles of Play and his Coaching Journey

  7. Jun 17

    EP168: How to use the CLA to prepare players for game day

    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

    EP168: How to use the CLA to prepare players for game day

  8. Jun 10

    EP167: Barking Abbey Academy Coach Rikki Broadmore - Winningest Academy in UK History

    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

    EP167: Barking Abbey Academy Coach Rikki Broadmore - Winningest Academy in UK History
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4.8
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Transforming Basketball
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    176
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright Sarama SportsGroup, Trading as Transforming Basketball
  • Show Website
    The Transforming Basketball Podcast