In this episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, Tyler and Coleman sit down with Dr. Job Fransen—skill acquisition researcher, professor at Charles Sturt University, and consultant to a variety of professional organizations—to unpack what skill actually is and how coaches can better design environments that develop adaptable players. Job draws a powerful distinction between technique and skill, reframing skill as adaptability within context rather than mechanical perfection. From perception-action coupling to the limits of “memory bank” thinking, this conversation challenges traditional motor learning narratives and encourages coaches to rethink how players truly self-organize under pressure.

We also dive deep into the confidence–competence continuum and why intentional practice design matters more than specific drills. Job explains how drilling can boost short-term confidence while variable, high-error environments build long-term learning—and why elite coaches must learn to surf that continuum in real time. The conversation expands into group dynamics, team learning vs. individual development, practice quality, sparring partners, feedback culture, and why decontextualized “brain training” methods often fail to transfer to the game. This episode is a masterclass in blending research with real-world coaching intuition.

00:00 Introduction and background
 07:20 Defining skill vs. technique
 09:46 Motor programs vs. perception-action coupling
 14:19 The confidence–competence continuum explained
 17:22 Drilling vs. learning-focused practice
 21:02 Designing practice across a season
 22:32 “Hinging points” and dynamic coaching
 26:39 The role of intuition in coaching and learning
 31:43 Being a “fly on the wall” in elite organizations
 36:27 What coaches should avoid (decontextualized training)
 40:14 Group training and upskilling the lowest-level player
 46:59 Organizational culture and collective development
 54:04 Trends in high-performing organizations
 58:49 Individual development vs. team learning
 01:02:27 The “superstar highway” paradox in team performance
 01:05:14 Ecological dynamics and group research gaps
 01:12:10 Where research has changed Job’s mind

BAM Coaches Platform: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/ 

BAM Books: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/blueprint-book

Learn more from Dr. Job Fransen:

skillacq.com

https://www.skillacq.com/online-pathway-programs

[email protected]

Google scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=JCXMOrgAAAAJ&hl=nl

School email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another coach who’s serious about building adaptable, game-ready players. We’ll see you in the next one.

In this quick-hitter episode of the BAM Coaches Podcast, Coleman Ayers breaks down a concept that most basketball coaches overlook: how to build truly basketball-strong players. Not weight-room strong. Not just bigger or more powerful. But athletes who can absorb, create, and manipulate contact in ways that directly translate to the game. Coleman reframes strength as a skill, one rooted in timing, momentum, and feel. Rather than brute force.

He organizes all on-court physical interactions into four key categories: closing space, maintaining and gaining position, standing your ground, and arm battles. From there, he delivers plug-and-play solutions you can implement immediately—especially through warm-ups and creatively designed 1v1 constraints. The message is simple: you don’t need perfect strength & conditioning to build basketball strength. You need better environments that allow players to experiment with contact and develop real, transferable feel.

00:00 Introduction and why basketball strength is often misunderstood
 01:52 The difference between brute strength and basketball strength
 02:46 The four contact categories: closing space, maintaining/gaining position, standing your ground, and arm battles
 06:03 Why timing, momentum, and contract–relax separate elite players
 09:05 Repetition without repetition: why feel can’t be taught verbally
 10:10 Using warm-ups to build basketball strength (sumo holds, grappling, arm battles)
 12:22 Dynamic bumps, curvilinear runs, and holding angles
 13:55 Creative 1v1 starts to force contact situations
 16:07 Constraints that encourage physical finishes and vertical contests
 17:43 Simplifying contact with tools (holding a ball, hands behind back, exaggerated pushes)
 18:27 The value of 1v2 scenarios and individual constraints
 19:21 Final thoughts and practical takeaways

Coaching Resources: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/
More resources & Coleman's books: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/resources

If this episode gave you practical tools you can apply immediately, share it with another coach in your network and leave a review. And if you’re serious about building smarter, more adaptable players, dive deeper into our coaching resources and certification programs. Let’s keep raising the standard.

In this episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, Tyler Clark and Alex Silva sit down with Tyler Ackley, head men’s basketball coach at St. Joseph’s College of Maine, joins the podcast to unpack what it really takes to build, and rebuild, a winning program. From stepping in after a 25+ year coaching legacy during an abrupt transition, to navigating injuries, culture shock, and the modern recruiting landscape, Tyler shares a transparent look at leadership rooted in relationships, accountability, and clarity.

This episode dives deep into culture creation, effort standards, recruiting philosophy, and the evolving state of college basketball. Coach Ackley explains why playing hard is a non-negotiable, how he balances freedom with discipline, why self-awareness matters more than talent in recruiting, and how learning to “walk away from talent” changed his career. If you’re a coach trying to build something sustainable, not just flashy, this conversation is packed with practical insight.

Timestamps

00:00 – Tyler Ackley’s coaching journey and background
 03:42 – Lessons learned early in his career and key influences
 07:15 – Building a program at the Division III level
 10:28 – Recruiting philosophy and identifying the right fit
 14:06 – Balancing player development with team structure
 18:21 – Creating clarity in roles and expectations
 22:37 – What skill development looks like in a college setting
 27:14 – Practice design and constraints that drive transfer
 31:08 – Building culture intentionally, not accidentally
 35:19 – Communication standards and accountability
 39:46 – Developing confidence without sacrificing discipline
 43:12 – Staff alignment and internal collaboration
 47:55 – What young coaches often misunderstand
 52:04 – Advice for coaches trying to build sustainable success

Resources & Links

Coaching Resources: https://byanymeansbasketball.com
BAM Blueprint Book: https://byanymeansbasketball.com/bam-blueprint

If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with another coach who’s building a program or navigating the college landscape. And if you’re serious about elevating your player development systems and practice design, be sure to explore the BAM resources linked above.

In this episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, Coleman Ayers dives into one of the most common, and most mishandled, questions in basketball: how do you develop players during the season without sacrificing team performance? With limited time, energy, and gym access, Coleman breaks down why generic “vitamin” work and feel-good reps often fail to transfer, and how intentional player development can actually solve team problems rather than distract from winning.

Coleman outlines a practical, system-aligned approach to in-season player development, centered around individualized player development plans, rate limiters, and superpowers. He explains how to use small-sided games, constraints, and representative environments to build better decision-makers, improve confidence, and directly impact team success. This episode is a deep dive into aligning player growth with tactical performance—without turning athletes into system robots.

00:00 – Why in-season player development is one of the hardest problems in coaching
 02:13 – Why player development often disappears once the season starts
 03:12 – The importance of a true player development plan and a “North Star”
 03:37 – Rate limiters vs. superpowers and why both matter
 05:12 – Breaking development into situations, decisions, and skills
 06:48 – Using film and observational learning during the season
 07:43 – Connecting player development directly to your system and actions
 09:11 – Why on-air, scripted reps don’t build real confidence or transfer
 10:43 – Avoiding “system robots” while still defining roles
 13:44 – Rethinking daily vitamins and maximizing the first 15–20 minutes of practice
 14:28 – Using staple small-sided games with individualized constraints
 16:10 – A detailed 2v1 shooting example for individualized development
 18:44 – Why constraints unlock more value than new drills
 20:15 – Aligning individual improvement with team performance
 22:36 – Identifying individual rate limiters that hold back the entire offense
 24:43 – Why yelling at players doesn’t fix development problems
 26:44 – The underrated defensive benefits of small-sided games
 29:03 – Improving communication between head coaches, assistants, and players
 31:19 – Making pre- and post-practice work more efficient and game-relevant
 33:19 – Using film and other players to accelerate learning
 34:43 – Final thoughts on efficiency, creativity, and in-season constraints

Resources & Links:

Coaching Resources: https://byanymeansbasketball.com
BAM Blueprint Book: https://byanymeansbasketball.com/bam-blueprint

If this episode sparked ideas or challenged how you approach in-season development, share it with another coach in your circle. And if you want more tools, frameworks, and real-world applications for modern coaching, make sure to check out the BAM resources linked above.

In this episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, Tyler Clark and Coleman Ayers sit down with elite shooting coach Mitchell Kirsch (@hoopin_mitch) to dive deep into modern shooting development, learning theory, and what actually transfers to the game. The conversation breaks down how Mitchell’s approach to shooting has evolved, not through radical mechanical changes, but through a deeper understanding of physics, biology, and how humans truly learn movement in chaotic environments.

The trio explore differential learning, self-organization, and why confidence is more often a competence problem disguised as psychology. From NBA shooters like Duncan Robinson to youth players developing their first reliable jumper, this episode challenges traditional repetition-based training models and reframes shooting development around adaptability, representative environments, and emotional resilience.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and reconnecting with Mitchell Kirsch
 02:30 Building training facilities and scaling basketball businesses
 07:15 Overview of the BAM Coaches Podcast vision and direction
 11:20 Mitchell’s evolution as a shooting coach
 12:30 Function over form in shooting development
 14:00 Release angle, exit velocity, and shot direction explained
 15:20 Balancing chaotic game reps with technical focus
 17:45 Differential learning vs representative learning environments
 18:40 Self-organization vs muscle memory
 21:00 Why variability accelerates learning and transfer
 23:45 Stochastic resonance and finding your “true” shot
 26:30 Problems with shooting machines and repetitive reps
 28:30 Contested shooting and why it cleans up mechanics
 31:45 Psychology vs biology in shooting performance
 33:30 Why most “confidence issues” are really competence issues
 36:00 Building real confidence through adaptable skill development
 38:00 Applying ecological dynamics to team culture
 40:30 Constraints-based approaches to joy, responsibility, and awareness

Coaching Resources: https://www.byanymeansbasketball.com
BAM Blueprint Book: https://www.byanymeansbasketball.com/blueprint

If this episode challenged how you think about shooting, confidence, or player development, share it with another coach, leave a review, and subscribe to the By Any Means Coaches Podcast. These conversations are shaping the future of basketball training, and you don’t want to be late to the shift.

In this solo episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, Coleman Ayers breaks down the concept of nonlinear pedagogy, reframed as the nonlinear progression model, and explains why learning, development, and skill acquisition in basketball are rarely clean, linear processes. Drawing from research across sport, education, and motor learning, Coleman challenges the traditional “start simple and build up” mindset and makes the case for starting closer to (or slightly above) an athlete’s true challenge point to accelerate learning and improve transfer to the game.

Through practical basketball-specific examples like shooting footwork, ball screen decision-making, warmups, and youth development, Coleman explains how nonlinear structure and nonlinear progress work together. He outlines why struggle is not only acceptable but necessary, how regressions should often replace progressions, and why coaches must reframe expectations around visible improvement. The episode closes with actionable rules of thumb to help coaches design more efficient, engaging, and game-representative training environments.

Timestamps:

00:01 – Introduction to nonlinear pedagogy and why learning isn’t linear
 01:28 – Nonlinear structure vs. nonlinear progress explained
 02:39 – Traditional linear progressions and why they fall short
 04:08 – Starting with difficulty and regressing instead of building up
 05:09 – Inefficiency of linear models and wasted training time
 06:32 – Engagement, autonomy, and mental toughness benefits
 07:14 – Giving athletes time to struggle and self-organize
 08:28 – Why linear progressions don’t transfer well to games
 09:13 – Addressing concerns about bad habits and technique
 10:58 – Confidence, psychological momentum, and game reality
 11:50 – Example: shooting footwork and nonlinear application
 13:00 – Example: handling aggressive ball screen coverages
 15:19 – Starting live, then regressing with purpose
 16:05 – Rules of thumb: start 10% harder, regress more than progress
 17:25 – Finding challenge in warmups
 18:41 – Whole–part–whole and play–drill–play frameworks
 20:27 – When it makes sense to start simple
 22:01 – Youth development, experimentation, and learning windows
 24:25 – Advanced challenges making basic skills easier
 26:34 – Nonlinear progress and managing expectations
 28:00 – Spacing, consolidation, and why breaks matter
 30:30 – Final takeaways on embracing the chaos of learning

Coaching Resources: https://www.byanymeanscoaches.com
BAM Blueprint Book: https://www.byanymeanscoaches.com/modern-basketball-blueprint

If this episode challenged the way you think about player development, be sure to check out the By Any Means Coaches Certification and Coleman’s book, The Modern Basketball Blueprint, where these concepts are explored in much greater depth. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with another coach, and we’ll see you next time on the By Any Means Coaches Podcast.

In this episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, Coleman Ayers breaks down what creativity actually is—and more importantly, how coaches can systematically develop it. Rather than treating creativity as an innate talent or mysterious gift, the episode reframes it as a skill rooted in deep understanding, problem-solving, and exposure to diverse ideas. Through personal experience, coaching education, and the constraints-led approach, Coleman outlines why creativity is best built on strong foundations of knowledge, curiosity, and intentional learning.

The episode also explores practical ways coaches can unlock creativity in their daily work: aligning with the right people, starting with clear end goals, using constraints to force innovation, and diversifying how they think both inside and outside of basketball. From studying other sports and disciplines to embracing feedback and removing the fear of judgment, this conversation offers a framework for coaches who want to move beyond recycled drills and begin creating more adaptive, engaging, and effective learning environments.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and why creativity matters in coaching
 00:51 – Why creativity is hard to explain but critical to develop
 01:49 – Balancing practical takeaways with deeper education
 02:38 – Creativity as intelligence having fun
 03:26 – The role of learning and foundational knowledge
 04:11 – The danger of creativity without understanding
 04:54 – Letting intelligence “have fun”
 05:28 – Aligning with creative people and environments
 06:45 – Avoiding fixed-mindset coaching circles
 07:42 – How collaboration sparks new ideas
 08:47 – Learning from different thinking styles
 09:35 – Don’t fear judgment or “bad” ideas
 10:03 – Starting with the end goal, not the drill
 10:45 – Working backward to design better solutions
 11:48 – Why many creative drills miss the real problem
 12:30 – Using the constraints-led approach for coach development
 13:09 – Practical constraint examples for coaches
 13:39 – How natural constraints build adaptability
 14:34 – Applying lessons from travel and unfamiliar environments
 15:07 – Training coaches the same way we train players
 15:53 – Creating just to be creative
 16:43 – Coach-to-coach experimentation sessions
 17:19 – Exploring safely within trusted environments
 17:57 – Avoiding stagnation with long-term athletes
 18:24 – Diversifying your mind beyond basketball
 19:43 – Learning through conversation and observation
 20:24 – Watching basketball through a creative lens
 21:11 – Studying different levels and styles of play
 22:07 – Learning from other sports and disciplines
 23:44 – Blending artistic and scientific thinking
 24:46 – Systemizing creativity without killing it
 25:55 – Fear of judgment as a creativity killer
 26:24 – Owning ideas and building confidence
 27:46 – Creating buy-in and embracing feedback
 28:24 – Asking others to critique and improve your work
 29:18 – Final thoughts on innovation and creative growth

Coaching Resources: https://www.byanymeansbasketball.com
BAM Blueprint Book: https://www.byanymeansbasketball.com/bam-blueprint

If this episode challenged the way you think about creativity as a coach, share it with someone who’s stuck recycling the same drills. For deeper frameworks, applied constraints, and hands-on coach development, explore our full resources and education pathways at By Any Means Basketball and subscribe to the By Any Means Coaches Podcast for more conversations like this

In this episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, we sit down with Rikki Broadmore, head coach at Barking Abbey Academy and one of the most respected youth development coaches in the UK. Rikki breaks down how he designs principles of play around personnel, why efficiency metrics matter more than systems, and how Barking Abbey reverse-engineers the modern game to prepare players for college, professional, and international basketball. The conversation offers a deep look into how winning, development, and long-term athlete preparation can coexist when the process is clear.

The discussion also dives into practice design, decision-making under constraints, defensive layering, and the importance of environment over drills. Rikki shares how limited practice time can still produce elite outcomes through efficiency, terminology, and intentional repetition. Beyond tactics, the episode highlights coaching identity, imposter syndrome, relationship-building, and why caring for players as people is the true needle-mover in long-term success.

Episode Breakdown & Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and background on Rikki Broadmore
 03:10 – Developing principles of play based on personnel
 06:15 – Trends in European basketball and flow offenses
 07:40 – The four key categories Barking Abbey prioritizes
 09:45 – Defense driving offense and playing fast
 12:10 – Shot selection, ego, and earning freedom
 16:00 – Roles, expectations, and allocating minutes
 18:00 – Practice design and decision-making development
 21:15 – Constraints-led approach in team practice
 24:50 – Teaching efficiency with limited practice time
 30:00 – Terminology, communication, and coaching efficiency
 35:30 – Knowing when to intervene as a coach
 39:45 – Relationships as the biggest needle-mover
 45:00 – Learning through collaboration and sharing ideas
 49:30 – Layering defensive coverages for development
 56:45 – Winning vs development and long-term perspective
 01:01:30 – Process-driven culture and mindfulness

Website Links:

Coaching Resources: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/resources
BAM Blueprint Book: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/blueprint-book

If you’re a coach looking to improve how you design environments, structure practices, and develop players, make sure to explore our coaching resources and dive into Coleman's new book: The Modern Basketball Blueprint. 

For more conversations like this one, subscribe to the By Any Means Coaches Podcast and continue learning alongside coaches who care deeply about the craft and the people they serve.

In this research review episode of the By Any Means Coaches Podcast, the conversation dives deep into the impact of scaled equipment—lower rims, smaller basketballs, and modified environments—on youth basketball development. Through the lens of current research and the constraints-led approach, the episode challenges long-held assumptions about “toughening kids up” with regulation equipment and instead explores how properly scaled tasks can accelerate skill acquisition, improve movement quality, and foster long-term engagement with the game.

Beyond shooting percentages, this episode explores how scaled environments influence biomechanics, perception, psychology, and decision-making. From earlier emergence of adult-like mechanics to increased confidence, creativity, and adaptability, the discussion highlights why many technical “flaws” are actually functional solutions to poorly designed tasks—and how fixing the environment often fixes the movement without excessive coaching cues.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and context for the research review
 00:26 – Why scaled equipment is worth revisiting through research
 01:40 – Overview of studies and research synthesis approach
 02:07 – Performance vs development vs psychology
 02:42 – Key findings from the research
 03:55 – Shooting mechanics, arc, and energy transfer
 04:42 – Trunk lean, elbow flare, and acceptable technique ranges
 05:54 – Why mechanics improve without technical instruction
 06:24 – Psychological benefits: confidence, enjoyment, and volume
 07:31 – Motivation, success, and long-term engagement
 08:11 – Spacing and offensive behavior in scaled environments
 09:02 – Finishing degrees of freedom and creativity
 09:42 – Movement exploration with smaller basketballs
 11:09 – Early developer bias created by regulation equipment
 12:13 – Compensation vs challenge in youth shooting
 12:38 – Depth perception and shooting range development
 13:46 – Adaptability vs rigid technique
 14:17 – Constraints-led approach applied to shooting
 15:39 – Why many shooting drills are compensatory fixes
 16:26 – Observational learning and imitation
 18:05 – Finding the optimal challenge point
 19:20 – External focus and freer shooting behavior
 20:11 – Rhythm, sequencing, and adaptable skill development
 20:37 – Practical coaching implications
 21:44 – What to do when scaled equipment isn’t available
 22:38 – Playing athletes up or down based on physical maturity
 23:14 – Supplementing constraints with cues and observation
 24:57 – Sport crossover effects and task design solutions
 25:34 – Final takeaways and practical applications

Coaching Resources: https://www.byanymeansbasketball.com
BAM Blueprint Book: https://www.byanymeansbasketball.com/bam-blueprint

If this episode challenged the way you think about youth development: share it with a coach or parent who needs to hear it. 

For more research-driven insights and practical coaching tools, subscribe to the By Any Means Coaches Podcast and explore our full library of resources at By Any Means Basketball.

In this episode of the BAM Coaches Podcast, Tyler Clark, Alex Silva and Coleman Ayers host an open group discussion with coaches from the BAM community - diving into real-world challenges, questions, and reflections around some of the most common mistakes made when putting together small sided games and designing practices.

The conversation explores what coaches are currently wrestling with in their own environments—from practice design and communication to confidence, leadership, and navigating uncertainty early in the coaching journey. Rather than presenting a polished lecture, this episode captures the raw thinking process of coaches learning together, sharing experiences, and refining ideas in real time.

This episode highlights the value of community-driven learning, where coaches are encouraged to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and grow through dialogue rather than answers alone. It’s a reminder that coaching development doesn’t happen in isolation—and that meaningful growth often comes from conversation, not content.

Episode Breakdown & Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Setting the Discussion
 03:40 – Why Group Conversations Matter for Coaches
 07:10 – Common Challenges Coaches Are Facing Right Now
 12:30 – Feeling Lost Early in the Coaching Journey
 18:20 – Developing Confidence Without All the Answers
 23:45 – Learning Through Experience vs Information
 28:10 – Asking Better Questions as a Coach
 33:30 – Communication, Clarity, and Player Buy-In
 39:15 – Balancing Structure and Freedom in Practice
 44:50 – The Role of Failure in Coach Development
 50:30 – Community, Mentorship, and Shared Learning
 57:40 – Takeaways for Coaches at Any Level
 1:04:30 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

3️⃣ Resources, Next Steps & Call to Action

🔗 Explore More with BAM Coaches

🌐 Coaching Resources: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/resources
📚 BAM Blueprint Book: https://byanymeanscoaches.com/blueprint-book

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