Q&A with Marcus Lindner
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
BPS: You launched the Basketball Performance Summit a few years ago together with Marek Joschko (Marek is the CEO of Pullsh ) . What gap in the German- and European-speaking basketball and performance sector did you want to fill back then – and why is the topic more relevant today than ever?
Marcus Lindner: “We initially started with the idea of establishing the Basketball Performance Summit as a central platform for knowledge transfer, to bring the latest scientific findings and trends in high-performance sports closer to the participants. However, we quickly agreed that such an approach would have been too one-dimensional and would not have brought any real benefit to the community.”
In addition to presenting current research results and innovative methods, the practical application, learning about real principles and methods in everyday work, and networking were the further pillars of the Basketball Performance Summit for us.”
BPS: Personal interaction is considered one of the greatest advantages of BPS. What makes the direct dialogue between coaches, performance trainers, medical professionals, and decision-makers at BPS so special – and why can this hardly be replaced by online formats?
Marcus Lindner: “Online platforms and virtual courses are certainly a good method of acquiring knowledge. However, they are very one-dimensional. Most of the time, there is no exchange, or only a brief, superficial one. A summit is a place for genuine exchange. Here, real encounters and conversations with colleagues take place that wouldn't happen elsewhere. It is especially in these personal discussions that you discover how the other person thinks and works.”
BPS: BPS 2026 will take place at the RASTA Campus in Vechta. What makes this location ideal for a performance conference from your perspective – both in terms of content and atmosphere?
Marcus Lindner: “Everyone who carries the RASTA DNA within them is characterized by the desire to improve every day. The RASTA Campus is not only a place where the process of continuous knowledge acquisition and skills development is promoted, but also a place that leaves room for creative ideas.”
BPS: The format has been specifically further developed for BPS 2026. Which innovations are you personally most looking forward to – and what concrete added value do these offer participants?
Marcus Lindner: “After the first summit aimed to foster cooperation or exchange between the medical, athletic and basketball-specific departments in professional basketball, we now want to shape the high-performance sport of tomorrow together by bringing all national team sports and their decision-makers to the table.”
BPS: For the first time, an online pre-conference will precede the BPS. Why was this step important to you – and what added value does it offer participants?
Marcus Lindner: “With the in-person event, we are particularly trying to emphasize the areas of mentoring, observation, and learning-by-doing or exploring. The online pre-conference has a more international flair, where our main focus is on learning from North American colleagues.”
BPS: If someone is considering whether participating in the BPS is worthwhile: What would you say is the key reason to be there in 2026?
Marcus Lindner: “For me, it’s perfectly clear: only those who participate increase their adaptability, personal resilience, and problem-solving skills. Stagnation means falling behind. Sport is developing too fast…not only for our athletes, but for us as well.”
BPS: What is your personal wish for the participants when they go home after BPS 2026?
Marcus Lindner: “Everyone should go home with the following feeling: I’ll be back next year!”
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