The Transforming Basketball Podcast

In this episode, George is joined by Ryan Gensler, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Akron, to explore how concept-based offense, relationship-driven leadership, and constraint-led learning shape modern team building and player development. Ryan shares lessons from his coaching journey across multiple programs and explains how cutting, spacing, and selflessness can become foundational offensive weapons. He also dives into practice design, blending traditional drills with constraints, building team culture through shared values, and trusting players to make decisions.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Ryan Gensler and His Coaching Path 01:00 – Coaching Influences and Concept-Based Offense 02:30 – Relationship-Driven Leadership and Program Culture 04:00 – Defining Core Values as a Head Coach 05:30 – Playing for Each Other and Selfless Basketball 06:30 – Using Cutting as a Primary Offensive Weapon 08:00 – Teaching Cutting Through Constraints and Small-Sided Games 10:00 – Solving Spacing and Dunker Spot Challenges 11:30 – Blending Traditional Player Development with Constraints 14:30 – Modernizing Traditional Drills for Decision-Making 17:30 – Developing Shot Quality and Contested Finishing 19:30 – Reinforcing Culture Through Assist-Based Rewards 21:00 – Emotional Intelligence and Off-Court Development 22:30 – Aligning Vision Through Team Retreats and Vulnerability 24:00 – Transformative Tip: Trust Your Players   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Dr. Matt Bowers to explore how different sport environments—from structured teams to unstructured play—shape athlete development, creativity, and long-term potential. He challenges early specialization, outcome-driven coaching, and win-at-all-costs youth systems, advocating instead for play, autonomy, and constraint-led learning. Matt also shares lessons from research, parenting, AAU culture, and even video games to help coaches design better practice environments that protect joy, growth, and human development.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Matt Bowers and His Research Background 01:30 – Discovering Constraints-Led Approaches and Athlete Learning 04:30 – Youth Development, Long-Term Potential, and the Coach’s Role 08:30 – Early Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Sampling 11:30 – Why Being the Best at 8 Years Old Doesn’t Matter 13:30 – Playing the Long Game in Youth Basketball 15:00 – Training vs. Competition Ratios in AAU Culture 18:00 – Small-Sided Games, Constraints, and Individual Growth 21:00 – Navigating AAU Pressures as a Parent and Coach 23:00 – What Traditional Sports Can Learn from Video Games 26:00 – Rethinking the Scoreboard and Competition 29:00 – Hope for the Next Generation of Coaches and Leaders 32:00 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Jon Yu to discuss various aspects of basketball coaching, focusing on the challenges faced by coaches, the importance of skill development versus technique, and the implementation of conceptual offense. They explore the dynamics of small-sided games, the significance of spacing and creating advantages, and share transformative tips for coaches to enhance their practice environments.   Chapters: 01:00 – Taking Over a Varsity Program with Limited Resources 03:30 – Installing Principles of Play with Limited Practice Time 05:30 – Building Buy-In, Competition, and Team Culture 07:00 – Rethinking Pass-and-Cut and Teaching Spacing 10:00 – Defense, Closeouts, and Playing the Percentages 11:30 – Skill vs. Technique in Player Development 14:30 – The Form Shooting Debate and Motor Learning 18:30 – Structure vs. Chaos in Conceptual Offense 21:30 – Sets, Triggers, and When to Break Structure 26:00 – Designing Small-Sided Games and Constraints 29:30 – Scouting, Predictability, and Offensive Adaptability 31:30 – Physicality, Shield Tag, and Managing “Bad Habits” 35:30 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Cole Hergott, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Trinity Western University, to discuss innovative approaches to athlete recovery, training, and injury prevention, emphasizing the importance of mobility, constraints in training, and the role of relationships in coaching. He challenges traditional methods like icing for injuries and advocates for promoting blood flow and movement instead. Cole also highlights the significance of individualizing training using technology and fostering a positive team culture through accountability and engagement with athletes.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Cole Hergott and His Role at Trinity Western University 01:00 – Programming for Large Groups in Small Spaces 05:00 – Isometric and Eccentric Training Explained 08:00 – Applying Isometrics in Training and Practice 12:00 – Why Cole Is Anti-Icing 16:00 – Mobility as a Competitive Advantage in Basketball 17:30 – Constraint-Led Training in the Weight Room 19:30 – Moving Away from Olympic Lifts 22:00 – Game-Day Activation Circuits 26:00 – CNS Readiness and Injury Prevention 28:00 – Building Culture in the Weight Room 31:30 – Technology, Research, and Individualized Training 34:30 – Staying Current as a Coach 35:00 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George dives into the concept of donor sports and how non-basketball activities can enhance on-court performance through transferable movement skills. He explores how coaches can creatively integrate donor sports into warm-ups and practice design to improve balance, decision-making, physicality, and perception–action coupling. The episode also features a conversation with Scott Peters, a youth basketball coach with 17yr experience- Vanguard Prep AAU, who introduces his developmental pyramid—a practical framework for balancing competitiveness with meaningful player development. Scott shares how structured rotations, thoughtful practice groupings, and consistency can help ensure all players continue to grow, not just the starters.    Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Donor Sports and Player Development 02:00 – What Donor Sports Are and Why They Matter 03:45 – Repetition Without Repetition and Game-Realistic Context 05:00 – Favorite Donor Sport Games and Practice Applications 07:10 – Using Constraints to Develop Balance, Passing, and Physicality 09:00 – Wrestling, Contact Games, and Teaching Physicality Safely 10:00 – Introducing Scott Peters and the Developmental Pyramid 11:30 – Managing Playing Time While Staying Competitive 13:00 – Structuring Player Tiers and Rotations 14:45 – Applying the Pyramid in Practice Settings 15:45 – Creating Optimal Challenge and Balanced Groupings 16:45 – Transformative Tip     Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Konstantin Hula discusses his experiences and insights gained from coaching youth basketball, particularly focusing on the importance of intentional practice, clear principles of play, and effective communication. He reflects on his growth as a coach, the challenges faced while transitioning from coaching under 12s to under 14s, and the implementation of seasonal constraints to enhance player development.    Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Reflections on Previous Conversations02:54 - Coaching Practices and Intentionality05:55 - Transforming Basketball Summer Camp Experience08:53 - Challenges and Changes in Coaching Under 14s11:58 - Defining Constraints and Principles of Play14:59 - Effective Constraints in Practice17:54 - Communication and Accountability in Practice21:03 - Growth as a Coach and Accelerating Learning23:59 - Seasonal Constraints and Their Impact27:53 - Creative Constraints in Coaching30:19 - The Architect Metaphor in Coaching33:07 - Simplicity and Accountability in Coaching36:25 - Creating a Supportive Environment for Failure39:40 - The Evolution of Coaching Practices   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/   Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by  Tim Dather, assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, shares insights from his extensive coaching career. He discusses the significance of practice design, the integration of analytics and medical insights, and the importance of creating a representative environment for player development. Tim emphasizes the role of film breakdown in coaching, translating NBA concepts to youth basketball, and building consistency in a rapidly changing G League environment.    Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Tim Dather and His Coaching Journey 03:04 - The Importance of Practice Design and Constraints 05:53 - Integrating Analytics and Medical Insights in Coaching 08:42 - Film Breakdown: Strategies for Effective Learning 11:52 - Translating NBA Concepts to Youth Basketball 15:01 - Building Consistency in G League Coaching 17:49 - The Role of Video in Practice and Player Development 20:43 - Engaging Players Through Questions and Exploration 23:47 - Overlooked Competitive Advantages in Coaching 26:57 - Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by former Euroleague pro Billy Baron discusses his transition from player to agent, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and player development. He shares insights on training routines, the differences between college and European basketball, and the significance of creating scoring opportunities through effective movement. Billy also addresses concerns about youth sports in the U.S. and offers recommendations for a balanced approach to skill development and team concepts.   Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction to Billy Baron and his career 01:37 - Transitioning to retirement and new ventures 03:28 - The importance of mentorship in player development 06:00 - Building routines for optimal performance 12:33 - Differences between college and European basketball 18:04 - Tactics and relationships in coaching 22:17 - The complexity of shooting mechanics 26:08 - Effective offensive actions in basketball 29:56 - Defensive strategies against shooters 32:41 - Youth sports and development concerns 37:54 - Transformative tips   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George and Jon Giesbrecht explore the concept of mental toughness in sports, emphasizing resilience, routines, and energy regulation. They discuss the importance of co-regulation between athletes and coaches, the process of subbing in and out during games, and the need for athletes to find their own paths rather than following someone else's blueprint. The conversation also touches on how to challenge fear and embrace mistakes, ultimately leading to a state of playing free on the court.   Chapters:00:00 - Understanding Mental Toughness in Sports 02:56 - The Importance of Routines and Energy Regulation 05:47 - Co-Regulation and Communication with Coaches 08:48 - The Process of Subbing In and Out 12:00 - Finding Your Own Path: Avoiding the Kobe Trap 14:39 - Challenging Fear and Mistakes in Performance 17:45 - Defining Freedom in Play   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Jon Giesbrecht, founder of Play Free Basketball, Director of Mental Performance for the Vancouver Bandits, and author of Free Your Mind: Overthinking Athletes. Jon shares how mindfulness and emotional regulation can transform both coaches and players. He explains how to bridge the gap between basketball coaching and mental performance, build player awareness through breathwork, and use journaling as a tool for self-discovery and growth.   Chapters:00:00 – Jon’s journey from coaching to mindfulness and mental performance 02:00 – How Alex Sarama influenced his shift toward holistic coaching 03:30 – Developing personal identity as a coach & embracing growth 05:00 – Integrating psychology and spirituality into coaching 07:00 – Why self-awareness is key to helping athletes thrive 08:30 – The connection between mental state, perception, and performance 10:00 – Tools for mindfulness: breathing, awareness, and regulation 14:00 – The pendulation principle: balancing stress and relaxation 17:00 – Inside the Free Your Mind Journal: nervous system mastery & growth mindset 21:00 – Building emotional regulation into team culture and daily routines 26:00 – Practical techniques for grounding athletes before practice or games 30:00 – How touch, safety, and co-regulation impact team connection 32:00 – Why mental performance is essential for modern basketball 34:00 – Transformative Tip    Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George sits down with Tim Fanning, associate head coach at BYU and former coach at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Overtime Elite. Tim shares his global coaching journey across Spain, Israel, New Zealand, and the U.S., and how principles like intensity, IQ, and simplicity guide his coaching philosophy. He dives into player development at the elite level, building competitive cultures, and how watching practice film daily transformed his coaching.   Chapters: 01:00 – Discovering the Constraints-Led Approach & Spanish influences03:30 – Coaching abroad & evolution through European basketball05:00 – Developing elite prospects at Overtime Elite & BYU07:00 – Defining “next step” development & aligning with players09:00 – Lessons from Maccabi Tel Aviv: Culture of winning10:30 – Coaching national teams: Simplicity under time constraints14:00 – Core coaching pillars: Intensity & Basketball IQ16:00 – Coaching shot selection, accountability & player standards18:30 – Rebounding as a non-negotiable & how to reinforce it daily19:30 – Evaluating practice effectiveness & watching every session back22:00 – Networking & relationships: Authenticity over agenda26:00 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama continues the Q&A workshop with coaches, diving deeper into how practice design, constraints, and teaching methods can drive player development. The conversation highlights how to balance principles with in-game adjustments, why autonomy and accountability matter, and how conceptual offense evolves through experimentation.   Chapters:01:00 – Shifting the lens in practice: solving problems, not filling time03:00 – Using players to officiate constraints and build accountability05:00 – Balancing long-term principles with short-term game adjustments07:00 – Observing player transfer: triggers, spacing, and early progress09:00 – Evaluating the role and efficiency of DHOs in youth basketball12:00 – Why uphill DHOs and retriggers can be more effective than perimeter ones14:00 – Teaching solos, posts, and exploiting mismatches (turtle vs. mouse)16:00 – Managing feedback, intentionality, and when to add detail19:00 – The three stages of skill acquisition: coordination, flexibility, optimization21:00 – Conceptual offense in practice: mixing structure with freedom   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, Alex Sarama hosts a Q&A workshop where coaches dive deep into transition offense, spacing concepts, pistol actions, and defensive principles like tagging up. The conversation explores practical teaching points for youth basketball, how to structure practice planning, and ways to blend conceptual offense with structured actions.   Chapters:00:50 – Transition spacing explained: “traffic light” approach (green = dominoes, yellow = triggers, red = sets) 03:00 – Teaching lag-free reactions & spacing rules on rebounds and makes 05:40 – Kick-ahead passes, two-side advantages, and early decision-making in transition 08:10 – Handling overloads and principles for positioning (corner vs. 45 cuts) 10:20 – Transitioning from offense to first trigger actions without delays 13:00 – Pistol action variations: get game, flare screens, Ricky rescreens & inverted setups 17:20 – Teaching timing on cuts, flare actions, and spacing constraints 20:30 – Communication, signals, and scripting vs. conceptual flexibility in pistol offense 23:50 – Transition defense: tagging up vs. emergency system, how to teach both 27:00 – Planning an annual coaching framework: practice planning, principles of play, and sticky-note hierarchy for team priorities   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George Vaz breaks down the concept of representative design in coaching — the idea that practice environments should mirror real game demands for true skill transfer. Drawing on ecological dynamics and research-backed insights, George explores how coaches can create more game-realistic drills, use task simplification over decomposition, and balance traditional and constraints-led approaches.   Chapters: 00:00 - Defining representative design and why it matters for skill transfer 01:00 - The problem with decontextualized drills and false learning 02:00 - How representative practice helps players adapt under real game pressure 03:00 - Simplifying tasks without losing game context 04:00 -  The “Representative Dial” – scaling from isolated drills to full 5-on-5 play 05:30 - Guided, scripted, and live defense: how to layer decision-making 07:00 - Designing small-sided games that replicate the chaos of real competition 09:00 - Practical tweaks: adding decisions, varying starts, and coupling skills to context 10:30 - Using constraints and consequences to simulate pressure situations 11:30 - Blending traditional and CLA methods through belief-driven practice design 12:00 - Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George sits down with Nathanial Mitchell, head coach for Canada Basketball’s Senior Men’s National Team and former NBA assistant with the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets. Nathanial shares lessons from coaching across the NBA, G League, international basketball, and now the Chinese Basketball Association, emphasizing how connection, accountability, and continuous learning shape his coaching philosophy.Bio: Toronto’s Nathanial Mitchell has coached at every level — from the NBA with the Raptors and Hornets to leading and assisting Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team across the FIBA AmeriCup, World Cup, and Olympic stages. Nate is currently the head coach of the Guangzhou Loong Lions in China’s CBA. In this episode, he shares how he builds transformational environments through sweat equity, trust, and a constraints-led approach that develops both the player and the person.   Chapters: 01:00 – Coaching Canada at the AmeriCup and representing the country on the world stage 03:00 – Adapting to short national team windows and learning from elite head coaches 04:30 – “Sweat equity” and why showing up physically for players builds trust 06:00 – Balancing individual development with team success 07:30 – Coaching challenges and leadership lessons from the CBA in China 09:00 – Co-creating player development plans and identifying priority skills 11:30 – Using constraints and competition to shape decision-making 16:00 – Working with Canadian stars like RJ Barrett, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Pascal Siakam 18:00 – Bridging the gap between skills trainers and team coaches 23:00 – Aligning player ambition with team roles and offensive systems 28:00 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George sits down with Adam Bauman, Director of Scouting and Analytics for the Alabama Men’s Basketball Team. Adam shares how analytics shape Alabama’s explosive offense, how player development is guided through data-driven shot type reports, and why simplicity is key when communicating with players. He also discusses building stronger relationships with athletes, balancing analytics with coaching feel, and how competition drives culture in practice.    Chapters:01:00 – Building player trust and relationships beyond basketball 03:30 – The role of analytics in Alabama’s success 07:00 – Using data to prepare for opponents and find edges 09:00 – Practical ways coaches can start using analytics 10:30 – Tracking off-ball assists and creating team advantages 14:40 – Shot type reports & customized player development 16:30 – Using numbers to educate, not restrict, players 20:00 – Practice design, player load, and managing exertion 22:30 – Accountability through blue-collar stats and player load 23:30 – Using analytics in the transfer portal to find undervalued players 25:00 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George welcomes Coach Nick Hauselman, founder of BBall Breakdown, to discuss revolutionary changes in defensive principles of play and shooting. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Coach Nick shares insights on the evolution of shooting, using variability, and the creation of his innovative defensive scheme that challenges traditional methods. Nick also addresses how the mental aspect and internal cues play a critical role in player development.   Bio:Nicholas “Coach Nick” Hauselman is the founder of BBALLBREAKDOWN, one of the most influential platforms for basketball analysis with millions of views across YouTube and social media. With over 20 years of coaching and consulting experience, Coach Nick has become known for his ability to simplify the game — breaking down shooting, offensive flow, and defensive systems in ways that resonate with players, coaches, and fans alike.In addition to his teaching on shooting rhythm and variability, Coach Nick has developed a unique defensive system inspired by the Amoeba Defense and the point zone concept, challenging many of basketball’s long-standing traditions. His work continues to shape the way coaches think about skill development and strategy in today’s game. Chapters:01:17 -  Evolution of Shooting 03:02  - Variability Training in Basketball 07:54 -  Mental Aspects of Shooting 12:43 -  Observing Professional Players 19:54 -  Empowering Players Through Feedback 22:42  - Life Skills Through Basketball 23:17 -  Personal Anecdote: Learning Basketball Late 25:14  - Defensive Strategies: A New Approach 26:19  - Innovative Zone Defense: Behind the Ball 28:26 -  Practical Implementation and Player Response 35:11 - Transformative Tips   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George delves into the significance of manipulating constraints to guide player behavior and skill development. Through practical examples, the episode outlines various task, environmental, and individual constraints that can be applied during your practices. Listen to learn more about constraints in practice like variable shot clocks, shrinking the court size, and tying constraints to your principles of play. Chapters:00:00 - Understanding the Purpose of Constraint Manipulation02:42 - Practical Examples of Task Constraints03:15 - Environmental and Individual Constraints05:21 - Principles of Play and Shot Selection Constraints07:33 - Advanced Constraint Techniques10:59 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Robby Bostain, founder of Level 10 Basketball and former Division I and European pro. Robby shares how his holistic five-pillar approach—skills, fitness, mentality, nutrition, and leadership—helps athletes level up on and off the court. He also dives into how the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) unlocked creativity in his coaching, why giving athletes ownership accelerates growth, and the power of experimenting across sports.  Bio:Robby Bostain is the founder of Level 10 Basketball in Bakersfield, CA, where he trains athletes through a holistic, five-pillar approach: skills, fitness, mentality, nutrition, and leadership. A former Division I player at Furman and a seven-year European pro, Robby blends high-level playing experience with a Kaizen-inspired “Level Up Plan” to help players improve daily. His training emphasizes mental resilience, game IQ, and complete player development. Chapters: 01:00 – Robby’s journey from D1 to European pro and coaching transition 05:00 – Holistic challenges: skills, fitness, nutrition, mentality, leadership 08:00 – Teaching affirmations & leadership at a young age 10:30 – Discovering CLA & how it transformed his coaching 13:00 – Drawing inspiration from other sports & creativity in practice design 17:30 – Using constraints to teach offense/defense balance 20:00 – Incentivizing good decisions instead of penalizing mistakes 22:00 – Coaching with principles vs. rigid set plays 24:00 – Embracing variability in shooting & training chaos 26:00 – Transformative tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Norbert Opitz, a cornerstone of Alba Berlin’s youth development program. With over 20 years of experience, Norbert shares how Alba fosters player growth through representative practices, decision-making, and long-term development over short-term wins. He explains why Alba avoids “on-air” drills, how they use constraints to guide learning, and the importance of empowering players to play freely while building confidence in their shooting.  Bio:Norbert Opitz is more than a coach—he's a cornerstone of ALBA Berlin’s developmental philosophy. With deep expertise in youth development, a strong emphasis on mental and physical growth, and a record of on-court achievements, Opitz continues to mold Berlin’s next generation of elite basketball players and coaches. Chapters: 01:00 – Norbert’s coaching journey and philosophy at Alba Berlin04:00 – What sets Alba apart: representative learning environments 05:00 – Using constraints to mirror real game challenges08:00 – Building confident shooters and daily shooting focus 11:00 – Teaching decision-making and advantage creation 14:00 – Balancing freedom with guided coaching 16:00 – Integrating offense and defense in practices21:00 – Generating quality shots against compact defenses26:00 – Transformative tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball