There’s been a lot of talk recently about using the constraints led approach (CLA) in coaching.

For some coaches, this is a natural offshoot of how they’ve always coached. For others, it requires learning a new way of doing things.

In this article, we are going to break down what the constraints led approach is. We will also cover the different categories of constraints that can be used with examples you can start using immediately.

What Is The Constraints Led Approach?

Most of us did not learn the game in a CLA manner. We were taught the “correct” way to perform skills, with a heavy emphasis on technique.

After repeatedly practicing the technique in a controlled environment, we attempted to use it in competition. If it worked, great! But if not, many players were left without a plan B.

The CLA attempts to develop players who can think and adapt. Rather than prescribing a “right” way of doing things in advance, players are put in game-like situations that challenge them to find solutions that will work in competition.

That’s especially huge at the youth level. Allowing players to experiment is a crucial part of learning. It also empowers them to lead their own learning down the road. 

This doesn’t mean you ignore technique. However, instead of telling them what to do, you create an environment in which they can discover for themselves the techniques that allow them to succeed. 

Think about layups. Under the traditional model, you would have players perform rep after rep of “perfect layup form” (same arm and leg up, use the backboard, etc.). Under the CLA, you’d shift your focus to the desired outcome (scoring at the rim, for example) and create environments where players can find solutions that align with their individual abilities.

The last part of that sentence is important. When we prescribe 1 way to perform a skill, we disregard each player’s unique attributes. At the NBA level, Jalen Brunson and Ja Morant are both 6’2. However, they have vastly different finishing solutions due to differences in things like jumping ability.

The CLA allows players to find the answers that work best for them.

Here’s 3x State Championship Coach Nate Sanderson talking about how he uses constraints as part of The Game Based Training System With Nate Sanderson.

How Does The CLA Work?

Unlike traditional practice, where players might spend the majority of the time doing block repetitions, the CLA relies heavily on the use of small-sided games. However, it’s more than just playing a small-sided game. For example, you could play 1v1 or 3v3 and not put in any constraints. The magic comes from the constraints you place on players to get your desired outcome.

Those constraints force players to perceive the environment around them, explore different solutions, and find the one that works best in that situation. The goal is to create a player who can adapt to any environment or situation the game throws at them.

To effectively use CLA, coaches must fight the urge to coach every action the player performs. Yes, feedback is still important. However, done correctly, the implementation and adjusting of constraints will do much of the coaching for you.

3 Benefits Of The Constraints Led Approach

Players who learn the game through the CLA see these 3 benefits:

1. They become more creative and adaptive - the CLA model encourages multiple solutions. Players learn to become problem solvers. They aren’t dependent on a coach to solve every problem for them.

2. Improved decision-making - because the CLA uses game-like drills as its basis, players are constantly practicing in game-like situations. As compared to block practice, this gives them countless additional decision-making reps.

3. Players learn in dynamic situations - with the CLA, players learn in a game-representative situation. This allows them to test out various methods and see what works and what doesn’t. Being able to do this testing in practice is a huge advantage over players who don’t get that chance until game time.

The 3 Categories Of Constraints That Should Shape Your Drills

There are 3 broad areas that you can pull from to constrain your drills.

1. Task Constraints

   Task constraints involve altering rules. To work on passing, you might play 3v3 no dribble.

   If you want to work on shot selection, you could change the value of certain shots. For example, you could make layups worth 5 points and mid range jumpers worth 1.

   Here’s some examples of applying task constraints within the Back Attack finishing drill:

2. Environmental Constraints

   Environmental constraints often involve changing the boundaries of the game or the # of players.

   For example, you can constrain space. This is often effective in 1v1 drills. In a game, players won't have all the space they do in 1v1. So you might play 1v1 from the top of the key with cones on or just outside the elbows. The cones function as boundaries that the offense can’t go outside of.

   Changing the number of players on each team is another way to do this. Overload drills (where the offense or defense has an extra player) are an example of this.

3. Individual Constraints

   Individual constraints are tied to each player's needs. For example, perhaps you have a right handed post player who always turns over their left shoulder to score. You want them to work on being able to score over both shoulders. You might constraint them by saying you can only score over your right shoulder.

   Individual constraints are a great way to level the playing field when you have a team with widely varying abilities. Place stricter constraints on your better players. It’s a way to challenge them and keep them engaged as your less skilled players develop.

A Simple 3 Step Formula To Start Using The CLA Today

While CLA can sound daunting, it’s not. In fact, it’s pretty simple to implement. Here’s the recipe:

1. Identify the skill or concept you are seeking to develop - this could be better finishing, better shot selection, improved communication, etc.

2. Choose or design constraints that put players in situations to use that skill - for example, if you wanted to work on finishing, you might start 1v1 drills with the defender on the side of the offensive player. That should allow the offensive player to get to the rim where they have to finish against defense.

3. Adjust based on what you see - the true art of the CLA comes from the way you adjust. If putting the defender on the player’s side is not producing the results you want, change the positioning. Evaluate in real time and change the constraints to produce your desired results.

Train Smarter (And Have Fun Doing It)

The CLA is a great way to coach. If you commit to it, you’ll see your players improve dramatically.

Not only that, they’ll have fun doing it. Why? Because it’s based around playing the game. Players don’t come to practice to stand in line and perform rote drills.

They want to play basketball. The CLA does that, which increases players’ passion for the game. That’s a win-win! If you’re looking for a great place to start, check out The Game Based Training System With Nate Sanderson.

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