EP155: Warm-up Design with German Pro League Coach Domenik Theodorou
The Transforming Basketball Podcast
When warmups flop and how to adapt
Dominik reflects on frequent trial-and-error, reflecting after practice to tweak rules and constraints for flow.
In this episode, George is joined by performance coach Domenik Theodorou to share innovative warm-up strategies, the importance of movement variability, and how to keep players engaged through creative game design. Discover practical tips for enhancing practice efficiency, reducing injury risk, and fostering a fun, dynamic environment for basketball players.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction and setting the stage for a discussion on rethinking basketball warmups
01:21 – Why traditional warmups often become boring and repetitive for players over time
05:36 – Using warmups to develop skills while encouraging players to solve problems in real time
06:43 – The “lightbulb speed” concept: designing tasks that trigger quick thinking and reaction
10:20 – Essential elements every effective warmup should include for both physical and mental readiness
11:44 – The unwritten rules of warmups that help practices flow smoothly and stay productive
15:13 – Building progression and flow within warmups to prepare players gradually for the main practice
16:53 – Movement variability and how diverse movements support player health and long-term development
19:27– Why novelty and new challenges can boost engagement and keep players motivated
23:00 – Encouraging player autonomy by allowing athletes to figure things out rather than over-instructing
23:37 – Recognizing when warmups aren’t working and how coaches can quickly adjust
24:40 – The “Razzle Dazzle Football” example and how creative games can energize a team
26:47 – Designing constraints and achievable goals to guide learning without limiting creativity
27:32 – Timeboxing warmup games to maintain focus, intensity, and pacing during practice
28:37 – Favorite warmup game setups that coaches can easily implement with their teams
29:56 – “Basketball Volleyball” and other crossover-style games that build skills in fun ways
31:47 – Multi-basket possession play and how it increases decision-making and awareness
33:51 – Why warmups matter more than coaches realize and how small changes add up over time
37:25 – Transformative Tip
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