Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast

Doug Lemov - From Teaching to Learning: The Science Behind Better Coaching

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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

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Points to Ponder - Communication in the Storm

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:16:00 GMT

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.

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BONUS: Dave Maxin - 2026 FIBA Rules Updates (Act of Shooting, Disruptive Fouls, and More)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:47:45 GMT

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 coaching@basketball.ca

To find the full version of the new FIBA Rules, head to FIBA Basketball and search under the Rules Section.

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Jason Payne - Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Author of Aligned

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 09:56:00 GMT

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

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Points to Ponder - Adaptability in The Storm

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 08:16:00 GMT

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.

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Robert Simmons - Stories From a Lifetime of Coaching Around the World

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:26:00 GMT

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.

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Points to Ponder - What Does it Mean to be Physical?

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 08:50:00 GMT

In this Points to Ponder, Coach Mike explores the definition and language around what it means to play with physicality.

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Kerri Kuzbyt - Transforming Basketball & Head of Player Development with the Scottish Basketball Federation

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:52:00 GMT

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.

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Point to Ponder - Coach the Interaction, Not Just the Play

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:23:00 GMT

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!

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Kareem Kalil - Exploring Questions around Feedback

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Coach Mike MacKay welcomes coach, researcher, and PhD candidate Kareem Kalil to explore the complex dynamics of coach-athlete communication. Drawing from his experiences as a player, teacher, school leader, and coach, Kareem shares the inspiration behind his doctoral research, which examines how coaches' intentions and athletes' interpretations can either align or diverge during key coaching interactions. Together, they discuss trust, empowerment, feedback, non-verbal communication, and the importance of understanding the athlete's perspective. This thought-provoking conversation challenges traditional views of coaching and offers valuable insights into creating more meaningful and effective coach-player relationships.

Catch up with Kareem on Twitter https://x.com/KareemKalil14 and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kkalil

Learn more about the work Kareem is doing here: https://kalilwnba.substack.com/p/studying-the-art-of-coaching

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Point to Ponder - What happens when interested coaches gather?

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:01:00 GMT

Coach Mike shares a Point to Ponder on a recent informal clinic that he attended and reflects on the impact and power of informal environments for sharing ideas and collaborating in basketball.

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FIBA Women's World Cup, European Travels, & Film Breakdown

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:11:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike and Coach Brandon sit down to discuss Mike's recent travels in Italy, Germany, and Denmark and Mike's time at the FIBA Women's World Cup. Mike shares everything from his favourite moments travelling, to the best food that he ate, and of course his observations watching the top women's basketball games. Then, Mike dives into some video breakdown from the Gold Medal game of the world cup and explore the power of on-ball defense and the ability to adapt in the heat of the storm.

Checkout the new Canada Basketball eLearning on Developing Mindset by heading over to gameplanbasketball.ca

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Points to Ponder - Nothing Soft

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:28:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another Point to Ponder. This time, Mike talks about the power of "soft" skills, and how they aren't soft at all.

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Youth Rule Guidelines - Part 2 - Scoring, Strategies, Tactics, and Implementation

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:28:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike and Coach Brandon continue their conversation with Sandy MacIntosh, Director of Membership & Domestic Programs at Canada Basketball on the New Canada Basketball Youth Rule Guidelines. This part 2 of the 2-part conversation explores the Scoring, Strategies, and Tactical Youth Rule recommendations and the three coaches provide insight into ways coaches and organizations can implement them.

You can find a copy of the Youth Rule Guidelines document here:

English Youth Rules Guidelines

French Youth Rules Guidelines

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Points to Ponder - The Gap is Where Adaptation Lives

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 08:40:00 GMT

On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares a reflective blog on his own continued growth.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Canada Basketball's Youth Rule Guidelines - Part 1

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:27:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon sit down with Sandy MacIntosh, Director of Membership & Domestic Programs at Canada Basketball to talk about the newly released Canada Basketball Youth Rule Guidelines document.

You can find the Youth Rule Guidelines document by navigating to it on our new website here:

English

French

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Points to Ponder - Then What?

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 08:39:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike follows-up in his series of blogs on WNBA/NBA (What is the Next Best Action, Next Best Action). This time, he shares a conversation around what happens next after the play.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Dave Maxin - 2026/2027 Referee Points of Emphasis - Impact for Coaches

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:09:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast Coach Mike is joined once again by Dave Maxin, the Manager of Officials Development at Canada Basketball. On this podcast, Dave walks Mike through the new Referee Points of Emphasis for the upcoming basketball season and explore what these new changes mean for coaches.

This podcast includes video elements, which can be seen over at gameplanbasketball.ca

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Points to Ponder - The Play Before the Play

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:31:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This time, he shares his thoughts on the Play before The Play and how it relates in the world of Next Best Action.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Tyler Slipp - Lessons as a Coach, Administrator, and Parent from a career in Basketball

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike sits down with Tyler Slipp, former University Head Coach and now Director of Sport Participation and Development at Sport New Brunswick. Tyler shares stories from his coaching journey. From his start at UNB, to joining the NEDA program in Hamilton, joining the bench at SFU, taking a head coaching job at the University of Waterloo, to transitioning to the sport administration world as Executive Director of Basketball New Brunswick, and now in his current role with Sport New-Brunswick.

Tyler also shares his experience as a parent coach, and answers some of the questions that coaches have sent in.

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Points to Ponder - The Butterfly Effect

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:08:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Point to Ponder. On this episode, Mike shares the idea of the Butterfly Effect and his reflections from the 2026 Canada Basketball Nationals in Sherbrooke Quebec.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Kiera Lyons - Head Coach, Women's Basketball Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon sits down to chat with Kiera Lyons, the Head Coach of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Women's Basketball team. Kiera talks about her transition from athlete to coach, and the many roles in sport that she's held along her journey. She expands on building a program and establishing a culture for a young program and share stories on her experience as a colour commentator for basketball in Edmonton.

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Point to Ponder - We Are All Learners

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:07:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This is another reflection from his time spent in Italy this summer at the Transforming Basketball Camp, working with coaches and athletes from around the world.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Jason & Danah Arnold - Performance Safety

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Jason and Danah Arnold. Jason and Danah hold many roles including as Team Managers for the Women's High Performance Program as well as running their own swim school, called True Blue Swim School. Jason and Danah are true pioneers in the world of Performance Safety and explore the ideas behind coach, athlete, official, and parent behaviours. This is an episode you do not want to miss.

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Points to Ponder - Space, the Final Frontier

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:05:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This time from his experience at the Canada Basketball National Championships in Sherbrooke Quebec. Mike explore his thoughts on space and spacing.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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CB Nationals Recap & The New Train to Train

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:04:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon catchup and debrief the conclusion of the Women's Canada Basketball Nationals Championship in Sherbrooke Quebec. They share some stories, some of the stories from the week, and what they love about Nationals. Then, they transition to sharing about the new revised Train to Train workshop and what coaches can expect if they register to take the workshop.

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Points to Ponder - The Fingerprints Behind the Photo

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:39:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares a point to ponder on his reflection from his trip up to Yellowknife. This blog highlights all of the people who help make the game a great place to be.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Ajay Sharma - Interim Head Coach, Women's Basketball Brock University

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:40:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay talks with veteran coach Ajay Sharma about a career built through mentorship, film study, and hard-won lessons from national championship runs. Ajay shares insights from legends like Anson Dorrance and Bobby Knight, the power of simple, repeatable language like "win the fight," and how competitive drills such as Game to Three and Seven Stops train players to manage pressure, discipline, and decision-making before it matters most. The conversation also covers coaching the "amygdala hijack" in high-pressure moments, building team culture through shared experiences off the court, and Ajay's approach to mentoring other coaches without coaching through them.

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Points to Ponder - Playing the Course You're On

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares a story of his time up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and how his time playing golf, allowed him to reflect on the various theories around skill acquisition.

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Pauline Lordon - From Player to Coach Developer

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Pauline Lordon, longtime coach, educator, mentor, and learning facilitator who has coached at every level of the game, from community basketball to university and national team programs. Pauline shares lessons from her coaching journey, the mentors who shaped her, and her thoughts on mentorship, building trust, creating learning environments, and why joy and relationships are at the heart of coaching.

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Points to Ponder - The Beautiful Game

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another Points to Ponder, this time about his reflection on the FIFA World Cup.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Chantal Vallee - Head Coach, University of Windsor Women's Basketball

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:06:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are joined by Chantal Vallee, Head Coach of the University of Windsor Women's Basketball Team. Chantal joins the podcast to share her extensive journey and history in coaching. She recounts stories of winning 5 straight USports National Championships, being the first Female head coach in the CEBL, and her new book that she recently published Dare to Win.

If you're interested in the book, you can find it here: https://www.amazon.ca/Dare-Win-Blueprint-Performance-Championship/dp/1770418253

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Points to Ponder - Defending Your Position

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:35:28 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Points to Ponder, this time on what it means to Defend Your Position. This episode does a deep dive on the intricacies of supporting athletes to become more intentional in guarding the ball.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Jhanelle Peters - Mental Performance in Basketball

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:43:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Jhanelle Peters. Jhanelle is a registered Psychotherapist and is the former Mental Health Clinician for the Toronto Raptors. She talks about about helping athletes perform under pressure and explores why anxiety isn't the enemy but useful information. Jhanelle also breaks down her "normalize, reframe, refocus" framework for shifting athletes from fear-based thinking to fact-based confidence. The conversation covers individualizing coaching styles to fit different athletes' needs, why coaches should ask rather than assume, how a coach's own body language shapes a team's response under pressure, and building mental performance training into everyday practice through simulated pressure, routine, and self-talk rooted in progress over perfection.

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Points to Ponder - Batman and Robin, the Dynamic Duo

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:48:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares a Point to Ponder about Batman and Robin, Yes, you read that correct, but it's not quite what you think. Tune in to learn more about how the goal should be to develop athletes who can be both!

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Marissa Lindquist - Head Coach, Women's Basketball University of Alberta Augustana

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:44:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Marissa Lindquist, the Head Coach of the Women's Basketball team at the University of Alberta Augustana. Marissa was also the head coach of the 17U Team Alberta Women's team that won Gold at Canada Summer Games in 2025. Marissa explores her coaching journey as a former athlete and taking over a program for the first time.

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Points to Ponder: The Missing Link in the Constraints-Led Approach

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:47:07 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Points to Ponder. This one revolving around the idea of using the Constraints-Led Approach in basketball and what we as coaches might be missing in our application.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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BONUS - Community Super Clinics and Kimberley Super Clinic Recap

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:58:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock share exciting news about Canada Basketball’s new partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to offer more Community Super Clinics across the country. From there, Coach Mike reflects on the meaning of stewardship, why it matters in sport, and how we can all play a role in leaving the game better than we found it. Mike and Brandon then connect with several key people from Kimberley, B.C., who helped bring the Kimberley Super Clinic to life and made the event such a meaningful experience for the local basketball community.

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Jodi Gram - National Team Coaching, Mentorship, & Reflection

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:04:00 GMT

In this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike MacKay sits down with longtime coach, educator, and mentor Jodi Gram to explore the relationships, risks, and reflections that have shaped her coaching journey. From being tapped on the shoulder for opportunities she never thought she was ready for, to leading in high-performance environments and now mentoring the next generation of coaches. Jodi shares honest reflections on confidence, leadership, parent relationships, mentorship, and the overlap between teaching and coaching. Together, she and Mike unpack what it means to build people through sport, why curiosity and communication matter in difficult conversations, and how great coaching often begins with someone willing to see something in you before you see it in yourself.

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Points to Ponder - Gordie Herbert Podcast #2 Planning with Clarity

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another Points to Ponder, this time reflecting on his second conversation with Senior Men's National Team Head Coach Gordie Herbert.

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Gordie Herbert Part 2 - Style of Play, NBA and FIBA differences, and much more

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike MacKay sits down with Senior Men's National Team Head Coach Gordie Herbert for a second conversation to dive deeper into Coach Herbert's coaching philosophy, style of play, NBA and FIBA differences, and much more. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the mind of a National Team head coach and an episode you definitely won't want to miss.

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Points to Ponder - Gordie Herbert Conversation Follow-up

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:45:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike Mackay shares another Point to Ponder. This time, it's a follow-up on the conversation that Coach Mike had with Senior Men's National Team Coach Gordie Herbert and some of the lessons coaches can take away from his style and philosophy around the game.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Gordie Herbert Part 1 - Head Coach, Senior Men's National Team

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:22:00 GMT

On this special episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are extremely excited to welcome the new Head Coach of the Senior Men's National Team, Gordie Herbert to the podcast. Coach Mike chats with Coach Herbert about his journey from playing on the National team, to coaching in Europe, to finding his way back to lead his country. Coach Herbert shares his personal coaching philosophy as well as what he believes makes great teams. This is an episode you do not want to miss.

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Points to Ponder - Languishing in the Familiar

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:47:24 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder on the term, Languishing. Not familiar with Languishing? Listen to the podcast to find out!

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Mailbag Episode - Answering Your Questions

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:17:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock take some time to answer some of the questions that coaches have submitted from across the country. The conversation covers all sorts of topics from Transition Defense to Performance Safety.

To submit a question of your own, send an email to coaching@basketball.ca with "Podcast Question" in the subject line.

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Points to Ponder - Defensive Decision Making

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:41:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike explores the UAE compass as it relates to defensive decision making.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Feedback and Crucial Conversations

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:43:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon discuss the topics of delivering feedback to athletes to help prepare coaches for having those crucial conversations. Mike and Brandon explore different types of feedback, when to give feedback, and how to set yourself up for success ahead of time. Then, the coaches finish the episode with some scenarios that coaches may experience and provides some suggestions on how to work through them.

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Points to Ponder - Feedback and Clarity

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:46:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, coach Mike shares another Point to Ponder on the importance of Clarity in delivering Feedback.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Jon Goodwillie - Video Breakdown: Transition Offense and Transition Defense

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Jon Goodwillie is back in the studio to breakdown game film with Coach Mike MacKay. Jon and Mike chat through offensive and defensive transition concepts and provide coaches with ideas on what to look out for when watching film.

To view the video version of this podcast, head on over to Game Plan (gameplanbasketball.ca) and subscribe to Game Plan Pro!

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Points to Ponder - Designing the Vibe

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:09:54 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Points to Ponder, detailing his experience getting spend the weekend shadowing the Portland Fire's coaching.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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The 4 Levels of Leadership

Mon, 25 May 2026 09:37:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching podcast, Brandon and Mike talk through the important topic of Leadership. Through leadership, they explore Mike's 4 Levels of Leadership along with the core tenants of Transformational Leadership. Then, as the episode wraps up, they hit the film room to break down some on-court concepts.

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Points to Ponder - When Silence Becomes the System

Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast Mike shares another Point to Ponder, this time on the Social System that exists within teams.

To get access to the written version of the Point to Ponder, subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/2a41fa914c75/dtt92e5wlh

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Jon Goodwillie - Former Toronto Raptors Assistant Coach & Senior Men's National Team Assistant Coach

Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, we are extremely excited to welcome Jon Goodwillie onto the podcast. This is the first episode of a 2-part sitdown with Jon that explores his coaching journey as well as stories from his time coaching in the NBA and with the National team. This is an episode you do not want to miss!

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Points to Ponder - Vibe Coding

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay shares another one of his Points to Ponder. This time, he shares an AI analogy, of Vibe Coding and how it relates to coaching Basketball. This one will really get you... pondering!

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Reflection - Learning to Think about your Thinking

Mon, 11 May 2026 09:16:00 GMT

In this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon Brock and Mike MacKay explore reflection as one of the most important, and most overlooked, skills in coaching. Moving beyond the traditional end-of-practice debrief, they unpack how reflection can be used before, during, and after training to help athletes think more critically, make better decisions, and take greater ownership of their learning. Through practical tools like Notice, Name, Navigate, See–Feel–Need–Do, and AAA (Ask, Anchor, Action), Brandon and Mike share how coaches can build reflection into the flow of practice to develop more adaptable players and more thoughtful leaders. They also explore reflection as a coaching skill, discussing journaling, mentorship, and the discomfort of growth through the lens of “learning like a lobster”, a powerful reminder that meaningful development often requires vulnerability before progress.

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Points to Ponder - Are we Guiding or are we Guessing

Thu, 07 May 2026 15:54:19 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares his recent Points to Ponder Blog post titled are we Guiding or are we Guessing, which explores the intentionality of coaching and teaching. This is a great quick episode if you're thinking about the ways in which you implement your coaching.

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Research paper: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Christopher-Janelle/publication/5878313_Perceptual-Cognitive_Expertise_in_Sport_A_Meta-Analysis/links/58e505f6a6fdcc6800b038c0/Perceptual-Cognitive-Expertise-in-Sport-A-Meta-Analysis.pdf

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Betsy Butterick - Coaching "Kids These Days"

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Betsy Butterick, coach, communication specialist, and author of Kids These Days, to discuss how coaches can better connect with and coach today’s athletes. The conversation explores co-creation, communication, emotional regulation, failure recovery, and the importance of care and connection before challenge. Betsy shares practical strategies for coaches who feel like what used to work no longer works, and offers ideas to help coaches communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and create environments where athletes can perform and grow.

For coaches interested, there is a 15% off discount link for the purchase of "Kids These Days" here: Canada Basketball Podcast Discount Link

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Points to Ponder - When Coaches Step Back: What 3x3 Can Teach Us About Leadership, Emotion, and the Storm

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:03:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike shares another Point to Ponder. This time, on his observations watching a Youth 3x3 event. Listen and consider some of the benefits that 3x3 can provide your basketball programs!

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Motivation - Are you Building Fear or Freedom

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike and Brandon dive into the concept of motivation through a practical coaching lens, exploring how everyday coaching decisions can shape, shift, and sometimes unintentionally disrupt athlete motivation. Building on ideas from self-determination theory, they unpack the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and introduce the concept of “motivational displacement”, how drills, constraints, and coach behaviours can redirect what athletes are actually motivated to do.

Through real coaching examples, they explore how environments can either foster autonomy, confidence, and connection, or create fear, compliance, and short-term thinking. The conversation challenges coaches to reflect on their own motivations, the impact of reward and punishment, and how to design practices that truly support athletes in learning, adapting, and performing in the storm.

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Points to Ponder - The Mentors we Don't Always See

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:26:38 GMT

On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike share his most recent blog post remembering some of this mentors who have recently passed away.

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Alan Keane - MVNT Sports - Coaching Through Curiosity

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Alan Keane, performance psychologist, coach developer, and co-founder of MVMT Sports, to discuss coaching with care, developing self-aware athletes and coaches, and designing learning environments that translate to performance in the storm. Their conversation explores the principles of care in coaching, including empathy, motivational displacement, and athlete empowerment, while diving into topics such as reflection, decision-making, confidence versus competence, and the role of connection in high-performance environments. Alan shares practical frameworks and research-informed insights on how coaches can better support athlete growth, build meaningful relationships, and create environments where learning, adaptability, and performance can thrive.

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Points to Ponder - They didn't just win the NCAA, They Grew Into It

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:25:13 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike explores his recent Points to Ponder Blog Posts on the NCAA Division 1 Men's and Women's Championship teams. Specifically on the growth that those coaches and teams experienced that allowed them to have success.

If you're interested in reading the full Blog Post, head to gameplanbasketball.ca.

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Intentional Practice Planning - Part 2

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:51:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon continue their discussion on intentional practice planning. This episode does a much deeper dive into the what's and the how's of practice planning and encourages coaches to consider the smaller details of what they include in their plans to ensure that their activities align with their intention and intended impact.

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Dianna Ros - Head Coach, University of Toronto Women's Basketball

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:35:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike is joined by Dianna Ros, Head Coach of the University of Toronto Women’s Basketball team. Dianna shares her path through the game—from being a standout player at McGill University to national team involvement, her first head coaching opportunity at Bishop’s, and now guiding the University of Toronto Varsity Blues program. Together, they unpack the experiences that have influenced her growth as a coach and leader.

Dianna shares a ton of her learning, experience, and advice for coaches in this one.

For more coaching resources, check out gameplanbasketball.ca

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Bonus Podcast - Kimberley Super Clinic and USports Nationals

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

On this Bonus episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon sit down for a quick catchup on what's been happening in basketball in Canada. On this episode, Mike and Brandon will recap their recent trip to Kimberley BC, the Women's USports National Championship, and some of the recent NCAA basketball games.

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Intentional Practice Planning - Part 1

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:50:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon sit down to chat through getting a team up and running for the spring season and the intentional thought process that goes into Planning a Practice. This is Part 1 of a 2 Part series on Practice Planning and is designed to help coaches consider some critical pre-planning elements before they get to a practice.

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Christa Eniojukan - Head Coach, York Women's Basketball

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:35:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Christa Eniojukan, Head Coach of the York University Women's Basketball team. Christa shares her journey from playing to coaching, her time as a teacher, her time with the National team, and balancing wearing multiple hats as a coach and mother.

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Team Selection - Planning for Success From the Start

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Brandon and Mike explore ideas around team selection. The podcast explores topics that a coach might want to consider when it comes to selecting a team. What to consider before your tryout starts, how to facilitate a tryout with performance safety, and most importantly, how to select and deselect athletes with dignity.

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Isabel Ormond - Head Coach, McMaster Women's Basketball

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:40:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon and Mike sit down with Isabel Ormond to explore the ideas, habits, and philosophies shaping her growth as a coach and educator. From metacognition to mentorship, and from reading widely to embracing imperfection, Isabel offers clear, thoughtful insights that coaches at every level can learn from.

Key Topics Discussed

The Scholar-Coach Mindset Isabel reflects on why coaches must continue learning, questioning assumptions, and exploring ideas from multiple fields—not just basketball.
Asking Better Questions Inspired by mentors like Dr. Jim Denison, Isabel highlights the value of challenging inherited coaching practices and thinking critically about the "why" behind what we do.
Learning from Other Sports and Disciplines She shares how insights from soccer, football, and even classroom teaching inform her coaching approach.
Metacognition & Moving From “Cook” to “Chef” Mike and Isabel dive into the idea of thinking about your thinking, and how reflective practice accelerates coach development.
Izzy’s Top Recommended Reads
- The Language of Coaching — for biomechanics, cueing, and effective feedback
- Range by David Epstein — on the value of diverse experiences and broad learning
Advice for New Coaches Starting Their Seasons Isabel breaks down two powerful reminders:
1. You can’t do everything at once — do less, better.
2. Perfection is not the goal — give yourself the same grace you give your players.
What She Hopes Athletes Take Away From Playing for Her A focus on fun, passion, belonging, pride, and self-compassion.
The Power of Mentorship Isabel describes the importance of mentors who welcome deep questioning, share stories, and provide space for meaningful dialogue about both technical and relational aspects of coaching.

Why You’ll Love This Episode

This conversation showcases Isabel’s humility, curiosity, and commitment to thoughtful, purpose-driven coaching. Coaches, teachers, and leaders across sport will find tons of practical wisdom and reflective prompts in her answers.

The Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast is all about having conversations that help to connect, inspire, and build a better basketball for the future.

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Dave Maxin - Understanding Referee Points of Emphasis for Coaches

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:35:27 GMT

On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast Coach Mike is joined once again by Manager of Officials Development David Maxin from Canada Basketball. On this episode, Mike and Dave discuss the National Points of Emphasis that the referees across the country have been focusing on this past season. This is a great one for coaches who are looking to understand more of the language and rules that referees are using and how to support the athletes they work with to play within them.

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Carly Clarke - TMU Women's Basketball Head Coach, Senior Women's National Team Assistant Coach

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMT

On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike MacKay sits down with Carly Clarke, to talk about her coaching journey, building relationships, establishing culture, and stories from a long career. Carly also explores developing assistant coaches and navigating the highest pressure moments in the game.

This is a podcast you won't want to miss!

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Coaching in the Storm

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:12:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon explore coaching in the storm of the game. Importantly, they explore the different practice environment coaches can design to help encourage the type of learning and transfer that can help get the concepts taught in practice to show up in the game. There are lots of visual elements in this podcast and if you're looking to see them, you can head to gameplanbasketball.ca to check them out.

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Ashley Hoitink - Provincial Team and Transformational Coaching

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Ashley Hoitink, winner of the Mike MacKay Transformational Coaching award and Manitoba Provincial program coach.

Ashley shares her journey in coaching, ways in which she emphasizes building relationships, and planning to compete at a summer nationals.

*Note this episode was recorded in the Spring of 2025.

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Tracking and Monitoring (Analytics)

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball coaching podcast, Mike and Brandon follow-up on the episode with Phil Jevtovic that focused on Performance Analytics to talk about Tracking and Monitoring. In the episode, the coaches explore the importance of planning and environment design as well as the surprising role that interventions play in our coaching (it's not what you think). Then they explore different ways coaches can apply Tracking and Monitoring to their practices.

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Understanding Criteria Fouls with Referee Dave Maxin

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:45:14 GMT

Ever wonder what goes into the decision-making process for officials when making close calls in a split second?

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching podcast, Coach Mike is joined by Dave Maxin, the Manager of Officials Development at Canada Basketball. On this episode, Dave breaks down what criteria fouls are in FIBA and what the difference is in the game.

This podcast has lots of video involved, so to see the full podcast, head to gameplanbasketball.ca to sign-up and watch the podcast and clips that Mike and Dave are discussing.

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Marlo Davis - U19 Women's National Team Head Coach

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

On this Episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Marlo Davis, the Head Coach of the U19 Women's National Team to talk about his journey from playing to coaching, coaching styles, and building relationships with the athletes he works with.

Editor Notes: This was an episode recorded back in 2025 before the team competed.

Tune in and enjoy!

Visit gameplanbasketball.ca for more information.

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Performance Safety

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike and Brandon sit down to reflect on the episode with Keira Dyck and explore more concepts around Performance Safety. The coaches chat through some important concepts like coaching through Clarity, Compassion, and Curiosity, as well as balancing the Challenge and Support the athletes we work with are facing.

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Phil Jevtovic - Assistant General Manager, Men's 3x3 and HP Analytics

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Phil Jevtovic, Assistant General Manager of Men's 3x3 and High Performance Analytics to talk about Phil's journey in basketball and how he ended up as an Assistant Coach with the Senior Men's National Team.

This episode does a deep dive into using 3x3 to teach the game as well as using performance analytics in basketball. Tune in, this is a good one!

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Keira Dyck - Coaching with Compassion in Basketball

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Keira Dyck, a Master's student at the University of Saskatchewan and Provincial Team assistant coach to discuss her journey in basketball, along with her research surrounding coaching with compassion.

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2025 Year in Reivew

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 13:12:12 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast Mike and Brandon sit down to review some of the trends in basketball from the past year. From the resurgence of motion offenses and zone defenses, the coaches explore some of the big concepts that really took off.

Happy Holidays

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Murriel Page - Assistant Coach, Senior Women's National Team

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Coach Mike sits down with Murriel Page, Assistant Coach for the Senior Women's National Team.

The conversation explores the unexpected journey of a coach from Mississippi State to Team Canada, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with players and specializing in post play. Murriel reflects on her pride in coaching and the unique experiences that shaped her approach to the game.

Stewardship in Basketball

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:55:07 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Brandon and Mike sit down to chat about Stewardship in the Game of Basketball.

Mike provides a recap of his recent clinics in Montreal, Victoria, and Toronto which all surround the idea of building Stewardship. He follows up the learnings from those clinics with some stories that help to bring home the idea along with why it's so important.

Be sure to tune in!

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Micaëlla Riché - Executive Director, Layup Basketball

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:55:11 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike sits down with Micaëlla Riché — former NCAA Division I athlete, coach, Executive Director of Layup Basketball, and now a doctoral researcher exploring coaching methodology and athlete psychosocial needs.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Coaching as Stewardship & the Human Side of the Game

Micaëlla and the hosts explore why coaches must act as protectors of the sport — especially for young athletes navigating pressure, ego, NIL culture, social media influence, and performance environments.

2. Her Playing Journey & Shift into Leadership

Micaëlla shares her early start in basketball, development at Louis Riel with coach Andre, her NCAA career at Minnesota, working as a GA at Kansas State, and her overseas stint in Greece — and how each experience shaped her understanding of strategy, constraints, and player freedom.

3. Layup Basketball: Access, Belonging, and Community Stewardship

She breaks down Layup’s mission and model — using basketball as a vehicle to teach life skills, build community pride, and develop youth coaches from within the neighborhoods they serve.

4. Creating Psychological Safety & Trauma-Informed Coaching

The conversation dives deep into:

limbic system responses (fight/flight/freeze/fawn)
why kids’ “misbehavior” is often stress-based
rhythmic activities for regulation
interpreting behaviour through cultural and developmental lenses
the importance of co-regulation, compassion, and avoiding public punishments

5. Autonomy, Competence & Relatedness (Self-Determination Theory)

A major thread throughout the episode is Micaella’s research focus:

Autonomy: Asking questions, offering choices, building decision-making
Competence: Designing challenges that match ability levels and celebrate progress
Relatedness: Building trust, belonging, and meaningful team roles These three psychosocial needs form the foundation of athlete motivation, learning, and well-being.

6. Coaching Methodology & the Constraints-Led Approach

Through examples from her U12 girls team, Micaëlla describes how she uses:

game-based learning
small-sided constraints
perceptual cues
wobbling and scaffolding to build decision-makers, not robots.

7. The Cook → Chef Coaching Continuum

Together, Mike and Micaëlla unpack the analogy that new coaches start as “cooks” following recipes, but over time become “chefs” who can adapt, create, and elevate training based on the players in front of them.

8. Regenerative Leadership & Co-Constructed Learning Communities

Micaëlla outlines her doctoral plans:

building a community of coaches
co-creating best practices
integrating reflective tools, video, and real-time evidence

9. Helping Kids Fall in Love with the Process

The group discusses modern challenges — transfer portals, year-round play, pressure to specialize — and why cultivating enjoyment, resilience, rest, and perspective is essential.

Why This Episode Matters

This conversation is a masterclass in modern coaching that centres human development over tactics. Whether you coach elite athletes or 6-year-olds at a community centre, Micaëlla offers a powerful roadmap for creating environments where kids feel safe, motivated, connected, and inspired to grow — on and off the court.

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Mike Meeks – Assistant General Manager Men's High Performance

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:33:58 GMT

On this episode of the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast, Mike MacKay sits down with Mike Meeks, the Assistant General Manager of Men's High Performance at Canada Basketball. Coach Meeks, who shares his journey in basketball from a young athlete to a successful coach. They discuss the influence of coaches, the differences between North American and European coaching styles, and the importance of developing young athletes through the Junior Academy. Meeks emphasizes the need for a long-term approach to athlete development and the significance of building a supportive environment for aspiring players. The conversation highlights the evolution of coaching and the collaborative effort required to nurture talent in basketball.

Topics Discussed:

Basketball opening doors.
Influential coaches shape future athletes.

Coaching is about giving back to the community.
European coaching focuses on business and precision.
Long-term development is crucial for young athletes.
Creating a love for the game is essential.
Building trust among athletes, parents, and coaches is key.
Holistic training approaches are becoming more common.
A supportive environment fosters growth and success.

The Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast is all about having conversations that help to connect, inspire, and build a better basketball for the future.

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Welcome to the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 19:55:09 GMT

Welcome to the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast!

Join Coach Mike MacKay and Coach Brandon Brock as they preview and setup the Canada Basketball Coaching Podcast. Look forward to weekly episodes including conversations with coaches from across the country and debrief conversations around new concepts in the game of basketball.

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