Change of speed is one of the most talked-about concepts in player development, and for good reason. But too often, it’s taught in an oversimplified way: rep it out, add a hesitation, slow down then go fast, and assume it will magically transfer to the game. In this episode, we break down why that approach falls short and how we think about change of speed through the BAM Framework. The key distinction? Being able to change speed isn’t the same as knowing when, why, and how to do it in real game contexts.
We explore the two pillars that actually drive effective change of speed: action capacity and perception. Action capacity sets the ceiling: movement efficiency, rhythm, ball control, and the ability to float, decelerate, and re-accelerate smoothly. But perception is what separates good from great: seeing affordances, staying composed, and understanding the purpose behind slowing down or speeding up. We discuss why decision-free drills often don’t stick, how observational learning plays a massive role (especially for younger players), and how small-sided games can be designed around real reasons to change speed: relaxing defenders, entering chaos with control, buying time, and creating advantages.
Want to Go Deeper?
A ton of what we talked about today connects directly to the ideas inside The Modern Basketball Blueprint, my new book.
If you’re a coach who wants to bridge science, movement, decision-making, and practical training, this book lays out the full framework.
Grab your copy here → www.byanymeanscoaches.com/blueprint
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