Engaging Youth Practices
Who it's for
Coaches of young and beginner players.
Takeaway
How to keep youth practice fun and active while still developing real skill.
Transforming Clinician
George Vaz
Coach educator & host of The Transforming Basketball Podcast
Goiânia, Brazil
George Vaz is a basketball coach consultant and the host of The Transforming Basketball Podcast. Based in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, he works with coaches, players and organizations — and as podcast host he explores the ideas behind modern, evidence-informed coaching with guests from across the game.
- Youth practice design
- Representative learning
- Conceptual offense
Experience at a glance
George'S Coaching Background
- Basketball coach consultant
- Works with coaches, players and organizations on modern player development.
- Host of The Transforming Basketball Podcast
- Leads the conversations on the official Transforming Basketball show.
- Based in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
- Coaches and consults from Brazil, working with groups internationally.
George's work
Youth practice· 10:24
What Youth Practices Really Need to Look Like — U11 Dribbling Activities with George Vaz
George leads a U11 practice built around engaging, game-relevant dribbling activities.
Watch on YouTubeWhat you can learn
What You Can Learn with George
Representative Learning Design
Who it's for
Coaches designing practice that transfers to games.
Takeaway
How to design activities that represent real game demands so learning transfers to play.
Introducing Conceptual Offense
Who it's for
Coaches moving a team toward a conceptual, principles-based offense.
Takeaway
How to introduce conceptual offense, work through the messy phase and earn buy-in.
Coaching in practice
Leading a U11 Dribbling Practice
Context
In this Transforming Basketball video, George leads a U11 practice built around dribbling activities designed for young players.
Approach
He uses playful, representative activities that keep young players engaged while still challenging real ball-handling and decision-making.
What coaches can explore
How to design youth dribbling practice that stays fun and game-relevant, and how activity design shapes what young players actually work on.
Learn with George
More from George on Transforming Basketball
Official Transforming Basketball videos and podcast episodes featuring George.
Podcast episode · 15 min
EP136: Traditional vs CLA Drills
George explains representative practice design and coaching to the demands of the game.
Listen on SpotifyPodcast episode · 13 min
EP158: Transforming Team Offense — Implementing the CLA and Conceptual Offense
George on transitioning to conceptual offense, the messy phase and stakeholder buy-in.
Listen on SpotifyAs a Transforming Clinician and the podcast's host, George brings youth-practice design and conceptual-offense ideas to camps and clinics, and helps coaches connect the show's conversations to what they run on court.
Articles by George
Showing 1–9 of 65 articles
Player development
Donor Sports: Using Other Games to Support Basketball Development
What if the secret to building an elite basketball player has nothing to do with playing basketball? Donor Sports are one of the most powerful ways to build more adaptable, creative, and robust basketball players.
Sep 7, 20265 min read
Player development
Guided Defense: Developing Finishing at the Rim
Guided defense is one of the most effective ways to help basketball players build real finishing dexterity at the rim.
Aug 31, 20265 min read
Practice design
Wrestling and Physicality Games in Basketball Warm-Ups
Are you building basketball players who shy away from contact, or robust athletes who thrive in the physical trenches of the game?
Aug 24, 20265 min read
Team offense
Prevent vs Punish: Making Decisions in Pick and Roll
In the modern era of "pace and space," the pick and roll is the most heavily utilized trigger to generate offensive advantages. However, as offenses have evolved, so have defensive schemes.
Aug 17, 20265 min read
Practice design
Four Basketball Warm-Up Games for Your Next Practice
Stop wasting the first 15 minutes of your practice on dead layup lines and stretching.
Aug 10, 20264 min read
Team offense
Four Ways to Attack Switching Without Stopping Offensive Flow
Punish the switch by using these 4 distinct coverage solutions instead of letting the defense force you into stagnant isolation. In the modern era of pace and space, the pick-and-roll is the most heavily utilized trigger to create offensive advantages.
Aug 3, 20265 min read
Practice design
Rate Limiters: Designing Warm-Ups Around Player Needs
Are your warm-ups truly preparing your players for the chaotic, unpredictable nature of a live basketball game, or are they just programming them to be really good at stretching and running in straight lines?
Jul 27, 20265 min read
Team offense
Using the Low Post as a Playmaking Hub
For decades, the low post was the undisputed focal point of a traditional basketball offense.
Jul 20, 20264 min read
Team offense
Single and Double Gaps: Teaching Basketball Spacing
In the modern era of basketball, almost every coach preaches the importance of "pace and space." However, while teams are shooting more three-pointers and playing faster than ever before, the actual concept of space is often misunderstood.
Jul 13, 20265 min read
Host a camp
Enquire about hosting GeorgeEnquire About Hosting George
Bring George to your club, academy or federation for a Transforming camp or clinic. Dates and clinician availability are agreed with our team when you enquire.