EP148: Implementing Pro-Level Efficiency in Amateur Gyms with Luke Bonner

In this episode, George is joined by Luke Bonner, a former Division I and professional basketball player, about his journey in basketball and his current work in youth sports. They discuss the importance of early specialization, the integration of technology in coaching, the challenges of the college basketball system, and the significance of enjoyment in youth sports. Luke shares insights on load management, the constraint-led approach to coaching, and innovative drills to enhance skill development.   Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Luke Bonner and His Basketball Journey02:30 – When Elite Players “Know” They’re Good04:30 – Early Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Development06:45 – Learning from Soccer: Data, Movement, and Engagement08:45 – Constraints-Led Games to Keep Kids Engaged11:00 – Rethinking the College Basketball Grind13:15 – Load Management, Locking the Gym, and Long-Term Planning15:30 – Coaching Young Players with CLA Principles18:00 – Gamifying Basketball to Teach Teamwork and Skills22:00 – “Less Is More” in Player Development27:00 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Ryan Gensler, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the University of Akron, to explore how concept-based offense, relationship-driven leadership, and constraint-led learning shape modern team building and player development. Ryan shares lessons from his coaching journey across multiple programs and explains how cutting, spacing, and selflessness can become foundational offensive weapons. He also dives into practice design, blending traditional drills with constraints, building team culture through shared values, and trusting players to make decisions.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Ryan Gensler and His Coaching Path 01:00 – Coaching Influences and Concept-Based Offense 02:30 – Relationship-Driven Leadership and Program Culture 04:00 – Defining Core Values as a Head Coach 05:30 – Playing for Each Other and Selfless Basketball 06:30 – Using Cutting as a Primary Offensive Weapon 08:00 – Teaching Cutting Through Constraints and Small-Sided Games 10:00 – Solving Spacing and Dunker Spot Challenges 11:30 – Blending Traditional Player Development with Constraints 14:30 – Modernizing Traditional Drills for Decision-Making 17:30 – Developing Shot Quality and Contested Finishing 19:30 – Reinforcing Culture Through Assist-Based Rewards 21:00 – Emotional Intelligence and Off-Court Development 22:30 – Aligning Vision Through Team Retreats and Vulnerability 24:00 – Transformative Tip: Trust Your Players   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Dr. Matt Bowers to explore how different sport environments—from structured teams to unstructured play—shape athlete development, creativity, and long-term potential. He challenges early specialization, outcome-driven coaching, and win-at-all-costs youth systems, advocating instead for play, autonomy, and constraint-led learning. Matt also shares lessons from research, parenting, AAU culture, and even video games to help coaches design better practice environments that protect joy, growth, and human development.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Matt Bowers and His Research Background 01:30 – Discovering Constraints-Led Approaches and Athlete Learning 04:30 – Youth Development, Long-Term Potential, and the Coach’s Role 08:30 – Early Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Sampling 11:30 – Why Being the Best at 8 Years Old Doesn’t Matter 13:30 – Playing the Long Game in Youth Basketball 15:00 – Training vs. Competition Ratios in AAU Culture 18:00 – Small-Sided Games, Constraints, and Individual Growth 21:00 – Navigating AAU Pressures as a Parent and Coach 23:00 – What Traditional Sports Can Learn from Video Games 26:00 – Rethinking the Scoreboard and Competition 29:00 – Hope for the Next Generation of Coaches and Leaders 32:00 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Jon Yu to discuss various aspects of basketball coaching, focusing on the challenges faced by coaches, the importance of skill development versus technique, and the implementation of conceptual offense. They explore the dynamics of small-sided games, the significance of spacing and creating advantages, and share transformative tips for coaches to enhance their practice environments.   Chapters: 01:00 – Taking Over a Varsity Program with Limited Resources 03:30 – Installing Principles of Play with Limited Practice Time 05:30 – Building Buy-In, Competition, and Team Culture 07:00 – Rethinking Pass-and-Cut and Teaching Spacing 10:00 – Defense, Closeouts, and Playing the Percentages 11:30 – Skill vs. Technique in Player Development 14:30 – The Form Shooting Debate and Motor Learning 18:30 – Structure vs. Chaos in Conceptual Offense 21:30 – Sets, Triggers, and When to Break Structure 26:00 – Designing Small-Sided Games and Constraints 29:30 – Scouting, Predictability, and Offensive Adaptability 31:30 – Physicality, Shield Tag, and Managing “Bad Habits” 35:30 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Cole Hergott, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach at Trinity Western University, to discuss innovative approaches to athlete recovery, training, and injury prevention, emphasizing the importance of mobility, constraints in training, and the role of relationships in coaching. He challenges traditional methods like icing for injuries and advocates for promoting blood flow and movement instead. Cole also highlights the significance of individualizing training using technology and fostering a positive team culture through accountability and engagement with athletes.   Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Cole Hergott and His Role at Trinity Western University 01:00 – Programming for Large Groups in Small Spaces 05:00 – Isometric and Eccentric Training Explained 08:00 – Applying Isometrics in Training and Practice 12:00 – Why Cole Is Anti-Icing 16:00 – Mobility as a Competitive Advantage in Basketball 17:30 – Constraint-Led Training in the Weight Room 19:30 – Moving Away from Olympic Lifts 22:00 – Game-Day Activation Circuits 26:00 – CNS Readiness and Injury Prevention 28:00 – Building Culture in the Weight Room 31:30 – Technology, Research, and Individualized Training 34:30 – Staying Current as a Coach 35:00 – Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George dives into the concept of donor sports and how non-basketball activities can enhance on-court performance through transferable movement skills. He explores how coaches can creatively integrate donor sports into warm-ups and practice design to improve balance, decision-making, physicality, and perception–action coupling. The episode also features a conversation with Scott Peters, a youth basketball coach with 17yr experience- Vanguard Prep AAU, who introduces his developmental pyramid—a practical framework for balancing competitiveness with meaningful player development. Scott shares how structured rotations, thoughtful practice groupings, and consistency can help ensure all players continue to grow, not just the starters.    Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Donor Sports and Player Development 02:00 – What Donor Sports Are and Why They Matter 03:45 – Repetition Without Repetition and Game-Realistic Context 05:00 – Favorite Donor Sport Games and Practice Applications 07:10 – Using Constraints to Develop Balance, Passing, and Physicality 09:00 – Wrestling, Contact Games, and Teaching Physicality Safely 10:00 – Introducing Scott Peters and the Developmental Pyramid 11:30 – Managing Playing Time While Staying Competitive 13:00 – Structuring Player Tiers and Rotations 14:45 – Applying the Pyramid in Practice Settings 15:45 – Creating Optimal Challenge and Balanced Groupings 16:45 – Transformative Tip     Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by Konstantin Hula discusses his experiences and insights gained from coaching youth basketball, particularly focusing on the importance of intentional practice, clear principles of play, and effective communication. He reflects on his growth as a coach, the challenges faced while transitioning from coaching under 12s to under 14s, and the implementation of seasonal constraints to enhance player development.    Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Reflections on Previous Conversations02:54 - Coaching Practices and Intentionality05:55 - Transforming Basketball Summer Camp Experience08:53 - Challenges and Changes in Coaching Under 14s11:58 - Defining Constraints and Principles of Play14:59 - Effective Constraints in Practice17:54 - Communication and Accountability in Practice21:03 - Growth as a Coach and Accelerating Learning23:59 - Seasonal Constraints and Their Impact27:53 - Creative Constraints in Coaching30:19 - The Architect Metaphor in Coaching33:07 - Simplicity and Accountability in Coaching36:25 - Creating a Supportive Environment for Failure39:40 - The Evolution of Coaching Practices   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/   Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by  Tim Dather, assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, shares insights from his extensive coaching career. He discusses the significance of practice design, the integration of analytics and medical insights, and the importance of creating a representative environment for player development. Tim emphasizes the role of film breakdown in coaching, translating NBA concepts to youth basketball, and building consistency in a rapidly changing G League environment.    Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Tim Dather and His Coaching Journey 03:04 - The Importance of Practice Design and Constraints 05:53 - Integrating Analytics and Medical Insights in Coaching 08:42 - Film Breakdown: Strategies for Effective Learning 11:52 - Translating NBA Concepts to Youth Basketball 15:01 - Building Consistency in G League Coaching 17:49 - The Role of Video in Practice and Player Development 20:43 - Engaging Players Through Questions and Exploration 23:47 - Overlooked Competitive Advantages in Coaching 26:57 - Transformative Tip   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George is joined by former Euroleague pro Billy Baron discusses his transition from player to agent, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and player development. He shares insights on training routines, the differences between college and European basketball, and the significance of creating scoring opportunities through effective movement. Billy also addresses concerns about youth sports in the U.S. and offers recommendations for a balanced approach to skill development and team concepts.   Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction to Billy Baron and his career 01:37 - Transitioning to retirement and new ventures 03:28 - The importance of mentorship in player development 06:00 - Building routines for optimal performance 12:33 - Differences between college and European basketball 18:04 - Tactics and relationships in coaching 22:17 - The complexity of shooting mechanics 26:08 - Effective offensive actions in basketball 29:56 - Defensive strategies against shooters 32:41 - Youth sports and development concerns 37:54 - Transformative tips   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode, George and Jon Giesbrecht explore the concept of mental toughness in sports, emphasizing resilience, routines, and energy regulation. They discuss the importance of co-regulation between athletes and coaches, the process of subbing in and out during games, and the need for athletes to find their own paths rather than following someone else's blueprint. The conversation also touches on how to challenge fear and embrace mistakes, ultimately leading to a state of playing free on the court.   Chapters:00:00 - Understanding Mental Toughness in Sports 02:56 - The Importance of Routines and Energy Regulation 05:47 - Co-Regulation and Communication with Coaches 08:48 - The Process of Subbing In and Out 12:00 - Finding Your Own Path: Avoiding the Kobe Trap 14:39 - Challenging Fear and Mistakes in Performance 17:45 - Defining Freedom in Play   Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball