In this episode, George Vaz sits down with Ashley Cookson, Head of Basketball Performance and Head Coach of the Essex Rebels women’s team. Ashley shares his journey through coaching in the UK, Sweden, Canada, and Australia, and how ecological dynamics and constraints-led approaches shape his philosophy. 

Chapters:

00:00 - Ashley’s coaching journey across the UK, Sweden, Canada & Australia
04:00 - Discovering ecological dynamics & adapting traditional coaching methods
07:00 - Designing transition-focused drills and using constraints in practice
13:00 -  Lessons learned from different coaching cultures abroad
21:00 - Recruitment, core principles of play, and keeping strategies simple
25:00 - Transformative Tip

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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

In this episode, George is joined by Cameron Mitchell—two-time NWAC South Coach of the Year and head coach of Portland Community College’s Panther Basketball Program. He shares how he’s led his team to back-to-back region championships and the most successful two-year stretch in program history. Cameron also explains why embracing controlled chaos, implementing the Constraints-Led Approach, and giving players autonomy have been key to success.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Coach Cameron Mitchell & career highlights
02:10 – First-year challenges as a college head coach
05:20 – Building a winning culture from day one
09:05 – Balancing team goals and individual development
12:45 – Strategies for recruiting and developing talent
16:20 – Lessons learned from consecutive championship runs
20:15 – Transitioning to the G League with Rip City Remix
24:40 – Advice for new and aspiring coaches
28:00 – Transformative Tip: Focus on culture, not just results

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

In this episode, Alex and Kerri dives deep into the balance between player development and winning, how to teach functional skills without over-prescribing, and practical ways to apply the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in real team settings. They also share tips on involving more players in the offense, integrating other sports for better movement patterns, and aligning athletic goals with basketball needs.

Chapters:
00:00 – Why chasing wins can limit player growth

03:12 – The shift to a development-first mindset

07:40 – Using CLA & DL to create adaptable athletes

12:15 – Designing game-like practices

16:50 – Balancing competition and learning

21:08 – Helping players handle real-game pressure

25:35 – Final thoughts and key takeaways

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

 In this episode, George sits down with Martina Navarro to explore how coaches can use the Athletic Skills Model (ASM) to transform fundamental skills into functional movements, build movement versatility, and add variability to warmups and practices. They also dive into why falling is such an essential skill and how transfer of learning helps athletes thrive across multiple sports.

Chapters & Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

01:48 – Transforming Fundamental Skills into Functional Movements

05:00 – The Importance of Playing Different Sports

07:00 – Practical Ways to Introduce Movement Skills into Warmups

10:45 – The Athletic Skills Model Continuum

13:00 – The Fundamental 10 Explained

16:30 – Why Falling is a Critical Skill for Athletes

20:00 – The Concept of Transfer of Learning

23:30 – Applying ASM to Basketball Practice

27:00 – Martina’s Multi-Sport Background

28:30 – Long-Term Player Development & Relationships with Sport

29:00 – Transformative Tip for Coaches

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

In this episode, George is joined by Matt Cline to talk about building an elite offensive system at Missouri, creating a culture of connection, and coaching through creativity, freedom, and trust. They also explore how the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) has influenced Missouri’s training design and how empowering players has led to real transformation.

00:00 – Building Elite Offense at Missouri

01:48 – Creating Offense Through Behaviors, Not Plays

03:27 – Transitioning into a CLA Coaching Mindset

05:59 – Designing Practices Around Transfer and Decision-Making

09:09 – Culture of Connection at Missouri

12:36 – Developing a Shared Language with Players

15:14 – Player Autonomy & Leadership On-Court

21:00 – Using Constraints to Build Skills & Identity

28:51 – Growing as a Coach and a Human

41:41 – 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

In this solo episode, we dive deep into one of the most underrated tools in a coach’s toolbox: intention. George breaks down how clear, purposeful intention can transform everything from season planning to small-sided game design, helping coaches build sessions that are aligned, impactful, and principle-driven.

If you've ever found yourself adding constraints or drills without a clear purpose — this episode is for you. Learn how intention acts as the invisible string tying together your principles of play, constraint manipulations, and session structure.

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

In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Kerry Kuzbyt and Francois Lubino, discussing their experiences in coaching and player development. They explore the importance of non-negotiables in coaching, adapting movement solutions for young athletes, and creating safe environments for learning. The conversation highlights the role of competition in player development, the impact of female coaches in basketball, and the challenges faced in coaching young athletes.

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

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In this episode, George Vaz and Loren Anderson discussed his journey into coaching through an ecological dynamics lens, emphasizing the importance of athlete-centered approaches, motivational interviewing, and creating representative learning environments. Loren shares insights on how to provide effective feedback and foster communication among athletes, ultimately aiming to enhance their development and performance.

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

In this episode, George Vaz is joined by Liam Jefferson and Will Twigg to discuss their experiences in creating a competitive environment for youth basketball players. They share insights on instilling values, non-negotiables, and the importance of player ownership in practice. They also reflect on adapting coaching styles to fit player development and offer transformative tips for coaches to enhance their practice environments.

Chapters:
00:00 - Creating a Competitive Environment in Basketball

03:05 - Values and Non-Negotiables in Coaching

05:54 - Accelerating Player Learning and Development

08:53 - Practice Design and Intentionality

12:05 - Constraints and Desired Behaviors in Practice

15:03 - Adapting Coaching Styles and Strategies

18:00 - Transformative Tips for Coaches

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