The Transforming Basketball Podcast

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