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The Transforming Basketball Podcast

The Transforming Basketball Podcast

Transforming Basketball 170 Episodes Jul 1, 2026

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

EP170: Liam Jefferson on Using Set Plays Creatively Jul 1, 2026 35:19 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 princ
EP169: Alex Sarama on Principles of Play and his Coaching Journey Jun 24, 2026 34:33 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 wh
EP168: How to use the CLA to prepare players for game day Jun 17, 2026 12:32 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 representati
EP167: Barking Abbey Academy Coach Rikki Broadmore - Winningest Academy in UK History Jun 10, 2026 33:22 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
EP166: Mental Performance Coach Michael Huber on Improving Mental Performance Jun 3, 2026 26:46 In this episode, George is joined by Michael Huber to explore how mental performance training can help athletes become more present, resilient, and adaptable under pressure. Michael shares practical strategies for mindfulness, self-talk, visualization, and communication, while also discussing how coaches can build mentally challenging practice environments that better prepare players for real-game
EP165: Constraints, Movement Layering, and Conceptual Basketball with Erick Vigansky May 27, 2026 25:46 In this episode, George is joined by Erick Vigansky, founder of Athletes on the Rise, to explore the balance between skill development, strength and conditioning, and creating environments that maximize learning. Together, they dive into optimal learning, constraint-led coaching, player development progressions, and how coaches can better design practices that encourage adaptability, resilience, a
EP164: Gabriel Solé Head S&C Coach for Ourense Baloncesto in Spain's Primera FEB May 20, 2026 28:29 In this episode, George is joined by Gabriel Solé, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Ourense Baloncesto in Spain's Primera FEB, to explore how blending traditional strength work with ecological dynamics and game-like movement solutions can create more adaptable, resilient basketball players.    Chapters: 01:00 – Introduction to Gabriel Solé and his coaching background 02:00 – Discovering ecol
EP163: England Youth National Team Assistant Antony Distras on Transforming Player Development May 13, 2026 24:35 In this episode, George is joined by Antony Distras, a championship-winning coach and England U15 assistant, to explore how shifting from traditional drills to a decision-based, game-realistic approach can transform player development. Antony shares how trusting players, embracing mistakes, and designing practices around real-game chaos helped lead his U14 team to an undefeated championship season
EP162: Winning a State Title with James Anderson May 6, 2026 29:20 In this episode, George is joined by James Anderson, a high school coach and state champion, to explore how conceptual offense, practice design, and intentional culture-building can transform a basketball program. James shares how embracing chaos, empowering players, and focusing on relationships helped elevate both performance and team identity.   Chapters: : 01:00 – Introduction to James Anderso
EP161: High School Coach of the Year Carson Huelle on Applying CLA Principles Apr 29, 2026 27:17 In this episode, George is joined by Carson Huelle, head coach of Fort Collins High School Girls Basketball. They talk about implementing constraints led approach (CLA) principles into his practice environment; this has fostered a player-first culture rooted in trust, growth, and creativity that led to a successful turnaround season.   Chapters: 00:01:00 – Returning to coach at his alma mater, Fo
EP160: Representative Shooting Drills with Arkansas State Assistant Coach Anthony Goods Apr 22, 2026 24:49 In this episode, George is joined by Anthony Goods to explore representative shooting, scouting insights, and how coaches can better prepare players for real game conditions. They dive into contested shooting, decision-making, and the importance of designing practices that truly reflect the chaos and demands of competition.   Chapters:  00:00 – Overview of Anthony's background as a Stanford player
EP159: Understanding Non-Linear Pedagogy with Dr. Matt Bowers from the University of Texas Apr 15, 2026 34:07 In this episode, George is joined by returning guest Dr. Matt Bowers to dive deeper into the practical application of Non-Linear Pedagogy (NLP) and the Constraints-Led Approach in basketball coaching.   At its core, NLP focuses on five key principles to drive skill acquisition: Representative Learning Design: Ensuring practice environments contain the same information and "cues" found in a real

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