In this episode, Alex Sarama is joined by Sam Funnell to discuss her innovative use of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) in youth basketball. Sam addresses the misconception that the CLA cannot be applied to younger age groups and emphasizes the importance of patience, creativity, and playfulness when working with beginners. She explains how she incorporates constraints and games to help her U7 and U9 teams develop skills and have fun. Sam also discusses the engagement of young players, the use of age-appropriate equipment, and the challenges of managing a practice with this age group.   Key Takeaways: 02:00 - What an U9 practice with Sam would look like 05:20 - The importance of age appropriate equipment 09:00 - Strategies to keep kids focused in a fun way 12:25 - Dribbling and Passing Games 13:35 - Finishing Games 16:50 - Shooting 18:55 - Advice for Youth Coaches Follow Sam here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachsam_nz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachsam_nz/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/coachsam_nz     Links: Website: http://transformingbball.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketball Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball