Changing how the game is taught
We help coaches bring research to life on the court, creating practices that develop skillful players and make learning the game more engaging.
Why we started Transforming Basketball.
Alex Sarama started Transforming Basketball in 2023 to help coaches use skill-acquisition research in their practices.
Our work focuses on the constraints-led approach: changing the task, space or rules to help players learn through playing.
We run camps and coaching clinics, publish courses and resources, and work with clubs and federations on how they coach and develop players.
Our mission
To drive the future of basketball coaching by delivering a clear, evidence-based approach from theory to practice, empowering individuals and organizations to succeed while having fun doing it.
Five pillars.
One shared approach.
These five pillars guide how we design practices, work with players and support coaches across an organization.
- Skill acquisition
- Bring motor learning research onto the court through variability, representative learning design and the purposeful use of constraints.
- Transformational leadership
- Give players and staff autonomy, offer authentic support and take their feelings and concerns seriously.
- Principles of play
- Build offense and defense around shared principles, giving players freedom to respond to what happens in the game.
- Player development
- Identify each player’s rate limiters and use the constraints-led approach and differential learning to develop more adaptable skills.
- Unified approach
- Connect coaching, performance, medical staff and the front office through a shared approach to player and team development.
Meet Alex Sarama
Alex Sarama is the head coach of the WNBA's Portland Fire, founder of Transforming Basketball, and author of Transforming Basketball. His coaching journey includes Paris Basketball, the Rip City Remix and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Through his coaching, writing and work with organizations around the world, Alex connects skill-acquisition research with practice design, player development and team play.
Meet the team
Meet the people creating the content, connecting the community and supporting your experience with Transforming Basketball.
Nick Bruce
Director of Strategy
Brings experience in loyalty and membership to growing Transforming Basketball and its coaching community.
Nikki Pepper
COO
Helps Transforming implement systemized processes to help deliver the best learning experiences for our coaches.
Fin Laffan
Marketing Manager
First coached by Alex as a youth player, Fin now helps share Transforming's ideas through content and social media.
George Vaz
Community Manager & Podcast Host
Connects the coaching community and hosts conversations that bring new ideas into everyday practice.
Chris Evans
Content Manager
Produces Transforming's content and captures the coaching, learning and player experiences at events around the world.
Cesar Doig
Customer Experience Manager
Supports the customer experience, helping coaches get the most from Transforming Basketball.
A global community of coaches
27 countries/43 coaching stories
This product (the Transforming Membership) has completely changed my confidence going into any basketball setting. I use it for my skill training, I use it for planning my practices. The endless amount of resources provided is incredible. And then to top that, the membership has the most supporting and eager community. I'd recommend it to anyone trying to find a better way of coaching.
Joshua EngelSkills trainer & coachMinot, North Dakota, USAStory 1 of 43
Story 1 of 43: Joshua Engel, Minot, North Dakota, USA.
Curiosity, integrity and joy
Curiosity
Continuously remaining open to new ideas, frequently reflecting on how we can improve our own practices and approaches.
Integrity
Sharing resources and information in a direct but professional manner, grounded in evidence and true to our mission.
Joy
Approaching our mission with deep purpose and conviction while keeping things fun and enjoying the journey.
Put the Transforming approach into practice
Learn the approach
Explore articles, podcasts, free resources and the book to bring the approach into your coaching.
Experience it on court
Join camps, clinics and workshops that bring the ideas to life on the court.
Transform your organization
Build a shared approach to player development across your club, school or federation.
Ready to transform your coaching?
Answer four quick questions to find resources for your role, your team and the way you want to coach.