Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast

In this Point to Ponder, Coach Mike opens with Mike’s tribute to Maurizio Cremonini (1956–2026). Reflecting on Maurizio’s contribution to Mini Basketball and coach education, Mike considers the responsibility we inherit to create environments where children belong, grow, and discover joy through the game.Then, in this Point to Ponder: what about the shots a dominant big prevents before they ever happen? Mike explores how China’s Zhang Ziyu and Han Xu presented different challenges in their win over Puerto Rico at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. From altered finishes and abandoned drives to zone defence and pick-and-pop coverage, their influence extended far beyond the box score. What does it take to prepare players for that kind of size? Mike examines how practice and warm-ups can help athletes recognize and solve the problems they will face.Are we preparing only for what a “big big” does with the ball, or for what her presence makes everyone else do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay is joined by Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and The Coach's Guide to Teaching, to explore the science of learning and how coaches can create more effective learning environments for their athletes.Drawing on his experiences in education and working with high-performance coaches across multiple sports, Doug shares practical insights into the difference between teaching and learning, the limitations of working memory, and how the timing and amount of feedback can influence athlete performance. The conversation explores the importance of intentional observation, the difference between practice planning and practice preparation, and how retrieval, variation, and perception can help athletes transfer what they learn in practice into competition.Throughout the episode, Mike and Doug challenge coaches to rethink how they communicate, observe, and design practices, offering practical strategies to move beyond simply delivering information toward creating lasting learning.Learn more about Doug and the books he's written here: https://teachlikeachampion.org/#Learn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Point to Ponder, Mike shares some reflection based on recent observations in the professional sports world. From the NFL to the WNBA there is lots to catch and observe around communication when the storm arrives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Bonus episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Manager of Officials Development Dave Maxin to discuss some of the new FIBA rule changes recently put out by FIBA. They discuss the changes to the definition of the Act of Shooting rules as well as the new Disruptive Foul rules. To watch the video version of this podcast, and see the clips that Dave is sharing, Game Plan Pro members can head over to Game Plan (gameplanbasketball.ca) and search under videos. If you have questions about the new rules, reach out to us at [email protected] find the full version of the new FIBA Rules, head to FIBA Basketball and search under the Rules Section. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Long-time High School Basketball coach and former Provincial Team Coach Jason Payne. Jason shares his coaching journey and path to becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Along the way, Jason also became inspired to write a book about his learning and journey, which he shares with Mike on the podcast.Useful links:Jason's Website: https://www.jasonpayne.ca/Jason's Book: https://mybook.to/4xqA4LO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Points to Ponder episode, Mike shares a story from his time at the Women's World Cup in Germany and an observation around what it means to be adaptable and what it takes to be adaptable when the storm of the game arrives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Coach Mike sits down with Robert Simmon who reflects on a coaching journey that has taken him from Canadian basketball courts to schools and programs around the world. He shares how early experiences at Olympia Sports Camp, Lakehead, and alongside influential coaches helped shape his belief in mentorship, curiosity, and continual learning. Robert discusses how coaching and working in Ukraine, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, China, and other international settings challenged him to adapt his approach to leadership and player development. The conversation explores the differences between North American and international basketball systems, including skill development, school versus club sport, and the value of creating environments where players can learn through exploration. Robert and Mike also examine the importance of coaching the person first, allowing young coaches to make mistakes, and moving beyond rigid systems or simply copying what works at higher levels. They reflect on the unique role school sport can play in developing resilience, accountability, leadership, and a lifelong connection to sport, regardless of whether an athlete reaches the next level. Ultimately, the episode is a reminder that great coaching is less about having all the answers and more about staying open to learning, building meaningful relationships, and creating positive experiences for athletes and coaches alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Points to Ponder, Coach Mike explores the definition and language around what it means to play with physicality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Kerri Kuzbyt, a former University of Winnipeg and professional player who is now Head of Player Development with the Scottish Basketball Federation.Kerri explains how the constraints-led approach transformed her own game and now shapes the way she develops athletes. Together, she and Mike explore why failure should be treated as useful information, how playful environments can produce deeper learning, and why coaches need to value long-term development over short-term perfection.They also discuss creating healthy competitive environments for girls and women, helping athletes become resilient without treating them as fragile, and giving players the autonomy to discover solutions that fit their individual abilities. This conversation offers practical ideas for coaches who want to make learning more engaging, embrace the messiness of development, and lead with curiosity, compassion, authenticity, and courage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Point to Ponder, Coach Mike builds on the conversation with Kareem Kalil on feedback and breaks down one of his favourite basketball movie scenes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.