The Small-Sided Games Book · PDF
59 small-sided games you can use in your next practice
Move beyond drills. Every game has a court diagram, coaching instructions, constraints to make it easier or harder, and a demo video.
$49one-time payment
Get instant access for $49
Resource language: English. The download and included materials are currently available in English only.
Real reviews
What coaches tell us
Rated 4.7/5Time saver!
The small side game pdf is a welcome addition to any coaching library. It diagrams wide variety of activities that a coach can pick and choose when planning a practice. The organisation of the manual is excellent since it groups the games in various categories of the conceptual offence. This will make planning so much easier!
SSG - Great!!!
Small Sided Games was a great resource for our team this spring. We learned a lot about the concepts and understanding play through constraints!
Excellent Resources
I’ve watched podcasts and have gained access to the SSG book and they have already helped my coaching journey. I currently coach youth teams through high school and all teams could definitely benefit from these different resources!
Digital PDF
What’s in the book
Ten sections of games, plus the tools to adapt any of them to your players.
- 01
59 small-sided games
From ball handling, finishing and passing to closeouts, shooting, dominoes, triggers and transition.
- 02
Constraints for every game
Each game lists ways to make it easier or harder, so it fits your players on the day.
- 03
A demo video for every game
Watch each game being played before you run it at practice.
- 04
Constraints Library and Terminology
A library of constraints you can add to any game, and the terms used throughout the book.
Take a look inside
Real games from the book
Each page has the rules, the scoring, a court diagram and ways to change the game.
1-on-3 Gauntlet
Full-court pressure that builds composure in crowds. Players run a relentless gauntlet, learning to break the press with retreat dribbles, changes of pace and sharp attack angles.
1-on-1 Around the Arc
Changes of pace and deception around the three-point line. The offense tricks a trailing defender with sudden bursts, then races to the rim to finish from creative angles.
5-on-5 Pass Keep-Away
Every player has picked up their dribble at the worst moment. Teams battle to get open and complete consecutive passes over and around a swarming, pressuring defense.
1-on-2 Guided Closeout
Players read the closeout early and act right away. A guided defender shows one of three coverages (short, shade or neutral) every rep, so the offense learns to attack instead of panicking against a flying defender and rim protector.
1-on-1+1 Catch Me If You Can
Sprinting to space, contested shooting and quick releases. The offense cuts out to the perimeter as the defender races to close out, finishing with a three-point shot off a single dribble or a set catch.
From coaches
In their own words
Transforming Basketball’s Small-Sided Games guide is a game-changer. The activities are thoughtfully designed, practical, and instantly applicable across all levels. Each drill promotes decision-making, creativity, and competitive intensity—exactly what modern player development needs. A must-have resource for any coach looking to create dynamic and engaging practices.
The SSG PDF helped me a lot to decide to go all in with this approach because it provides ideas for a lot of different aspects of the game which then lead to new (own) ideas.
Transforming Basketball’s Small-Sided Games is a clear, practical resource for coaches. The drills are easy to set up, focus on decision-making, and keep players engaged. It helps develop skills in game-like situations without overcomplicating practice. A solid tool for building smarter, more confident players.
One of the best resources has been the Small-Sided Games Book. It has great activities that are well organized and provides several variation to really focus in on what we are trying to improve.
This PDF has given me a lot of good starts/platforms when developing plans for practice. The write ups have helped spark different constraints to add & scoring systems to keep track of the outcome.
Implementing a constraints-led approach has transformed how I coach and how my team develops. We are creating game-like scenarios that challenge players to make decisions in real time. This approach forces them to adapt to changing conditions, improving their ability to read the game, react under pressure, and develop skills in a more natural and transferable way. It has also made practices more engaging and competitive.
Is it right for you?
Who this is for
A good fit if
- You coach any level, from youth and grassroots to high-performance programs.
- You want practice activities you can run tomorrow, with the rules and scoring already worked out.
- You want players making decisions instead of standing in lines.
Not the right fit yet if
- You want the ideas behind the games first. Start with the Introduction to the CLA clinic.
Not sure? Compare all products.
Alex Sarama
- Founder of Transforming Basketball
- Head Coach of the WNBA’s Portland Fire
- Former Assistant Coach and Head of Player Development for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers
- Author of the Amazon bestseller Transforming Basketball
- Coach developer for multiple federations and clinician in 40+ countries
Alex Sarama has been featured in
Everything included
The Small-Sided Games Book
- 59 small-sided games
- 108 pages
- Court diagrams
- Coaching instructions
- Constraints and adaptations
- A demo video for every game
- Instant digital download
- Lifetime access
$49one-time payment
Instant access. Lifetime access.
Get instant access for $4914 Tage Geld-zurück-Garantie
If it’s not right for you, email us within 14 days of purchase and we’ll refund you in full.
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Questions
Before you buy
What is the refund policy?
14-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not right for you, email info@transformingbball.com within 14 days of purchase and we’ll refund you in full.
Is this a physical book?
No. The Small-Sided Games Book is a digital product. There is nothing to ship. You view and download it from your login on the Transforming Portal right after purchase.
How do I access the book?
After checkout you get a login to view and download the book on the Transforming Portal, so you can read it on your phone, tablet or computer. If this is your first purchase, you will receive an email to activate your account. Just set your password and your book is waiting inside.
What level of basketball is this suitable for?
The 59 games are designed for all levels, from youth and grassroots through to high-performance programs. Each game includes constraints and adaptations you can scale up or down.
Can I use these games immediately?
Yes. Every game includes a clear diagram, coaching instructions and objectives so you can run it in your very next practice.
Do I keep access permanently?
Yes. You get lifetime access to the book. It also comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Run better practices from tomorrow
59 games, each with a demo video. Instant download and lifetime access.