increasing your vertical jump couldn't be more easier right now i promise you that you will increase your veritcal by 10 inches come on and click on this link right here i promise you won't regret it
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
jumping coulidn't be easier
increasing your vertical jump couldn't be more easier right now i promise you that you will increase your veritcal by 10 inches come on and click on this link right here i promise you won't regret it
Click Here!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
perimeter summer workouts
If you’re serious about coaching basketball, you need to develop an off-season workout for your players.
It is vital to your team’s success that your players come into the season fit. Before the AAU or summer leagues start, you should meet with your players individually and evaluate their play during the past season.
At this time you should also give your player a written list of things they need to concentrate on during their off-season workouts
Here are some excellent guidelines for your guards to follow during their off-season workouts:
Ball Handling
Drills without dribbling - 5 minutes
Drills with dribbling - 5 minutes
Drills using two balls - 5 minutes
Passing
All types with both hands especially baseball, outlet, flick and bounce.
Foot Quickness
Jump Rope - 5 minutes at 3/4 speed for endurance.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds off right foot for quickness.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds off left foot for quickness.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds alternating feet.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds on both feet.
Do 3 repetitions of each with 30 seconds rest between the quick sets.
Run Steps - Up to build leg strength and down to build quickness - Six repetitions of 15-20 seconds each.
Run Hills - Jog down and sprint up - Six repetitions of 15-20 seconds each.
Intervals - Sprint straight-aways on a track and jog on curves. Alternate up to one mile. (Build to running 2-3 miles a day at 7 to 8 seconds.) To build additional
Shooting
50 Shots off the Dribble:
Simulate shooting off the break
Move on the move into the shot (especially crossover, stutter step, inside-out, inside-out crossover, and Earl the Pearl move.
Stationary Move - Use Rocker Step to put defender on heels.
5 sets of 10 shots at a time with 10 free throws between sets, and record free throws in your notebook.
Repeat 3 times
30 Shots using shot and pass fakes
Pump fake to shot
Pump fake, dribble to shot.
Pass fake to shot
5 sets of 10 shots at a time with 10 free throws in between and record free throws.
Repeat 3 times
Note: Take all shots at game speed!
Coaching basketball requires that we spend the necessary time to prepare our kids for the up-coming season. With these guidelines, you now have a clear idea in regards to developing an off-season workout for your little guys.
It is vital to your team’s success that your players come into the season fit. Before the AAU or summer leagues start, you should meet with your players individually and evaluate their play during the past season.
At this time you should also give your player a written list of things they need to concentrate on during their off-season workouts
Here are some excellent guidelines for your guards to follow during their off-season workouts:
Ball Handling
Drills without dribbling - 5 minutes
Drills with dribbling - 5 minutes
Drills using two balls - 5 minutes
Passing
All types with both hands especially baseball, outlet, flick and bounce.
Foot Quickness
Jump Rope - 5 minutes at 3/4 speed for endurance.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds off right foot for quickness.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds off left foot for quickness.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds alternating feet.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds on both feet.
Do 3 repetitions of each with 30 seconds rest between the quick sets.
Run Steps - Up to build leg strength and down to build quickness - Six repetitions of 15-20 seconds each.
Run Hills - Jog down and sprint up - Six repetitions of 15-20 seconds each.
Intervals - Sprint straight-aways on a track and jog on curves. Alternate up to one mile. (Build to running 2-3 miles a day at 7 to 8 seconds.) To build additional
Shooting
50 Shots off the Dribble:
Simulate shooting off the break
Move on the move into the shot (especially crossover, stutter step, inside-out, inside-out crossover, and Earl the Pearl move.
Stationary Move - Use Rocker Step to put defender on heels.
5 sets of 10 shots at a time with 10 free throws between sets, and record free throws in your notebook.
Repeat 3 times
30 Shots using shot and pass fakes
Pump fake to shot
Pump fake, dribble to shot.
Pass fake to shot
5 sets of 10 shots at a time with 10 free throws in between and record free throws.
Repeat 3 times
Note: Take all shots at game speed!
Coaching basketball requires that we spend the necessary time to prepare our kids for the up-coming season. With these guidelines, you now have a clear idea in regards to developing an off-season workout for your little guys.
summer workouts post men
If you’re serious about coaching basketball, you need to develop an off-season workout for your players.
It is vital to your team’s success that your players come into the season fit. Before the AAU or summer leagues start, you should meet with your players individually and evaluate their play during the past season.
At this time you should also give your player a written list of things they need to concentrate on during their off-season workouts
Here are some excellent guidelines for your big men to follow during their off-season workouts:
Ball Handling
Drills without dribbling - 5 minutes
Drills with dribbling - 5 minutes
Drills using two balls - 5 minutes
Passing
All types with both hands especially baseball, outlet, flick and bounce.
Foot Quickness
Jump Rope - 5 minutes at 3/4 speed for endurance.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds off right foot for quickness.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds off left foot for quickness.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds alternating feet.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds on both feet.
Do 3 repetitions of each with 30 seconds rest between the quick sets.
Run Steps - Up to build leg strength and down to build quickness - Six repetitions of 15-20 seconds each.
Run Hills - Jog down and sprint up - Six repetitions of 15-20 seconds each.
Intervals - Sprint straight-aways on a track and jog on curves. Alternate up to one mile. (Build to running 2-3 miles a day at 7 to 8 seconds.) To build additional quickness and leg strength run backwards or sideways, picking up your feet and putting them down quickly.
Rebounding
Six and In - 4 repetitions on each side of the basket.
Superman Drill - 4 repetitions of 10.
Tap Drill - 4 repetitions of 10 with each hand.
Hook Drill - 4 repetitions of 10 with each hand.
Second Effort - 4 repetitions of 10 (Make last effort as many repetitions as possible.
Blocking Out - Work at pivoting and holding contact.
Shooting
Spin ball to yourself, catch ball with both feet off the floor, look over baseline shoulder and Drop Step at Low Post - Practice both ways - 4 sets of 10 shots each way and on each side of the lane.
Spin the ball to yourself, catch ball with both feet off the floor, look over baseline shoulder, pivot in the opposite direction, and shoot a jump shot - 4 sets of 10 shots on each side of the lane.
Duck Under - Spin the ball to yourself, catch with both feet off the floor, look over baseline shoulder, pivot in opposite direction, shot fake and duck under. - 4 sets of 10 shots on each side of the lane.
Step-in-Direction Hook - At the low post spin the ball to yourself, catch with both feet off the floor, look over baseline shoulder, take a long step in direction of the opposite elbow, and shoot a hook shot. - 4 sets of 10 shots on each side of the lane.
At the High Post practice stationary moves for a baby jump shot or a power lay-up. - 4 sets of 15 shots on each side of the lane. Work the shot fake into every 3rd set of shots, either on the move or at the very end.
Shoot 10 free throws between each set to rest - record results in your notebook!
Coaching basketball requires that we spend the necessary time to prepare our kids for the up-coming season. With these guidelines, you now have a clear idea in regards to developing an off-season workout for your bigs.
It is vital to your team’s success that your players come into the season fit. Before the AAU or summer leagues start, you should meet with your players individually and evaluate their play during the past season.
At this time you should also give your player a written list of things they need to concentrate on during their off-season workouts
Here are some excellent guidelines for your big men to follow during their off-season workouts:
Ball Handling
Drills without dribbling - 5 minutes
Drills with dribbling - 5 minutes
Drills using two balls - 5 minutes
Passing
All types with both hands especially baseball, outlet, flick and bounce.
Foot Quickness
Jump Rope - 5 minutes at 3/4 speed for endurance.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds off right foot for quickness.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds off left foot for quickness.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds alternating feet.
Jump Rope - 15 seconds on both feet.
Do 3 repetitions of each with 30 seconds rest between the quick sets.
Run Steps - Up to build leg strength and down to build quickness - Six repetitions of 15-20 seconds each.
Run Hills - Jog down and sprint up - Six repetitions of 15-20 seconds each.
Intervals - Sprint straight-aways on a track and jog on curves. Alternate up to one mile. (Build to running 2-3 miles a day at 7 to 8 seconds.) To build additional quickness and leg strength run backwards or sideways, picking up your feet and putting them down quickly.
Rebounding
Six and In - 4 repetitions on each side of the basket.
Superman Drill - 4 repetitions of 10.
Tap Drill - 4 repetitions of 10 with each hand.
Hook Drill - 4 repetitions of 10 with each hand.
Second Effort - 4 repetitions of 10 (Make last effort as many repetitions as possible.
Blocking Out - Work at pivoting and holding contact.
Shooting
Spin ball to yourself, catch ball with both feet off the floor, look over baseline shoulder and Drop Step at Low Post - Practice both ways - 4 sets of 10 shots each way and on each side of the lane.
Spin the ball to yourself, catch ball with both feet off the floor, look over baseline shoulder, pivot in the opposite direction, and shoot a jump shot - 4 sets of 10 shots on each side of the lane.
Duck Under - Spin the ball to yourself, catch with both feet off the floor, look over baseline shoulder, pivot in opposite direction, shot fake and duck under. - 4 sets of 10 shots on each side of the lane.
Step-in-Direction Hook - At the low post spin the ball to yourself, catch with both feet off the floor, look over baseline shoulder, take a long step in direction of the opposite elbow, and shoot a hook shot. - 4 sets of 10 shots on each side of the lane.
At the High Post practice stationary moves for a baby jump shot or a power lay-up. - 4 sets of 15 shots on each side of the lane. Work the shot fake into every 3rd set of shots, either on the move or at the very end.
Shoot 10 free throws between each set to rest - record results in your notebook!
Coaching basketball requires that we spend the necessary time to prepare our kids for the up-coming season. With these guidelines, you now have a clear idea in regards to developing an off-season workout for your bigs.
coaching defense philosophy
Developing Your Defensive Philosophy
If your team can’t defend, they can’t win. It’s just that simple. Many basketball coaches mistakenly focus on trying to outscore their opponent. Successfully coaching basketball requires that you develop your defensive philosophy to try to stop your opponent.
The best way to defend an offense is to take the opponent out of the offense they are trying to run. This can be done by:
Forcing the ball toward low-percentage shooters, or scoring areas by fronting or overplaying the opponent's high scorer.
Getting back quickly on defense to limit the fast-break opportunities.
Forcing shooters to alter their position, timing, release, or arc of their shot
From the above, you can see the entire purpose and strategy in regards to coaching basketball on the defensive end. Basically, you need to limit your opponent's opportunity to score by these three things.
The correct defense limits your opponent's offensive attacks. A good defensive philosophy should have the ability to incorporate the strong points of both the zone and man-to-man defenses
The primary focus in a man-to-man defense is the person and the secondary objective is the ball. With that said, you’re obviously not going to tell your kids to be on their defender like glue when the ball is on the opposite side. You still teach good help defense principles.
Conversely, zone defensive players play the ball first and the person second, but must be able to defend against the opponent with the ball on a man-to-man basis.
Back in the day, a zone player covered a specific area. It isn't that way, today. Zones of today, flex with a man-to-man attitude at the ball, attacking the player with the ball and preventing a pass into the pivot.
Whatever Defensive You Choose
Your players should never allow the offensive team to advance the ball to their point of attack without strong defensive pressure.
Have your team prepared to play multiple defenses.
Adapt to whatever defensive style is best suited to counteract the opponent's offensive moves.
Improving your team’s defense is not easy. Here are some key principles that any good defense must have:
Sound, both individually and as a team.
Flexible, adaptable to different offensive attacks
Simple, enough for your players to learn.
Complex, for the opponent's to solve.
As a coach, here are 10 Key factors that you must instill in your players:
Hard work.
Determination.
Dedication.
Discipline.
Concentration.
Responsibility.
Cooperation.
Physical and mental coordination.
Willingness.
Pride.
Defensively, you should try to change the pace of the game to your own advantage. You must surprise and confuse your opponent.
Coaching basketball using a defensive variation in the last few minutes of the first half is a good way to confuse the opposing coach. He will use much of his valuable half-time period discussing methods of attacking a defense that will not be used again in that game.
The winning team in basketball is frequently the team quickest in transition from offense to defense; therefore, it is important that your team maintains defensive balance while attacking offensively. You must always keep at least one player back in a defensive safety position so that he may hinder, or stop, the opponents from scoring an easy unopposed basket. A team should have:
Three offensive rebounders.
One person who is half offensive and half defensive, going to the ball only if certain of possession.
One player at Safety Defensive position.
Failing to Prepare Is Preparing to Fail
Defensive preparation begins from day 1. Team defensive fundamentals are essential and should be reviewed throughout the season.
Emphasize the need for a good defense by doing the following:
· Insist upon attention to detail when implementing the defensive.
· Break the defense into fundamental parts.
· Practice group defensive techniques each session.
· Develop rules for each phase of the defense.
· Spread defensive drills discriminately through daily practice. For example: at the beginning of one practice session, halfway through another, and at the end on the third day.
· Never allow improper defense by any player. Correct poor procedure immediately.
· Reward good defensive play. Give praise both public and private for outstanding defensive accomplishment.
Determining Your Team Defense
So, what’s the best defense to play? The answer to this really depends on your personnel. In general, a team will consist of one of the following groups:
Five taller than average players – With 5 taller than average players, zones really work best. Your player’s length will really help them cover a lot of ground and leave the opposing coach scratching his head.
Four tall players and one small , quick player - With this type of lineup, trapping zones are really effective.
Three tall players and two smaller players - I recommend playing a solid man-to-man aggressive defense.
Two tall players and three small players – Here, playing man-to-man defense is going to be your best option.
One tall player and four small players - I recommend a running full court traps off of made baskets, then dropping back into a man-to-man defense.
Five small players – With 5 small, quick players, I strongly suggest playing very aggressive zone defense, with an emphasis on trapping.
Coaching basketball can really be an over-whelming task. Especially in regards to forming your very own defensive philosophy. Hopefully you’ve found these pointers helpful in your quest for creating a defensive powerhouse.
If your team can’t defend, they can’t win. It’s just that simple. Many basketball coaches mistakenly focus on trying to outscore their opponent. Successfully coaching basketball requires that you develop your defensive philosophy to try to stop your opponent.
The best way to defend an offense is to take the opponent out of the offense they are trying to run. This can be done by:
Forcing the ball toward low-percentage shooters, or scoring areas by fronting or overplaying the opponent's high scorer.
Getting back quickly on defense to limit the fast-break opportunities.
Forcing shooters to alter their position, timing, release, or arc of their shot
From the above, you can see the entire purpose and strategy in regards to coaching basketball on the defensive end. Basically, you need to limit your opponent's opportunity to score by these three things.
The correct defense limits your opponent's offensive attacks. A good defensive philosophy should have the ability to incorporate the strong points of both the zone and man-to-man defenses
The primary focus in a man-to-man defense is the person and the secondary objective is the ball. With that said, you’re obviously not going to tell your kids to be on their defender like glue when the ball is on the opposite side. You still teach good help defense principles.
Conversely, zone defensive players play the ball first and the person second, but must be able to defend against the opponent with the ball on a man-to-man basis.
Back in the day, a zone player covered a specific area. It isn't that way, today. Zones of today, flex with a man-to-man attitude at the ball, attacking the player with the ball and preventing a pass into the pivot.
Whatever Defensive You Choose
Your players should never allow the offensive team to advance the ball to their point of attack without strong defensive pressure.
Have your team prepared to play multiple defenses.
Adapt to whatever defensive style is best suited to counteract the opponent's offensive moves.
Improving your team’s defense is not easy. Here are some key principles that any good defense must have:
Sound, both individually and as a team.
Flexible, adaptable to different offensive attacks
Simple, enough for your players to learn.
Complex, for the opponent's to solve.
As a coach, here are 10 Key factors that you must instill in your players:
Hard work.
Determination.
Dedication.
Discipline.
Concentration.
Responsibility.
Cooperation.
Physical and mental coordination.
Willingness.
Pride.
Defensively, you should try to change the pace of the game to your own advantage. You must surprise and confuse your opponent.
Coaching basketball using a defensive variation in the last few minutes of the first half is a good way to confuse the opposing coach. He will use much of his valuable half-time period discussing methods of attacking a defense that will not be used again in that game.
The winning team in basketball is frequently the team quickest in transition from offense to defense; therefore, it is important that your team maintains defensive balance while attacking offensively. You must always keep at least one player back in a defensive safety position so that he may hinder, or stop, the opponents from scoring an easy unopposed basket. A team should have:
Three offensive rebounders.
One person who is half offensive and half defensive, going to the ball only if certain of possession.
One player at Safety Defensive position.
Failing to Prepare Is Preparing to Fail
Defensive preparation begins from day 1. Team defensive fundamentals are essential and should be reviewed throughout the season.
Emphasize the need for a good defense by doing the following:
· Insist upon attention to detail when implementing the defensive.
· Break the defense into fundamental parts.
· Practice group defensive techniques each session.
· Develop rules for each phase of the defense.
· Spread defensive drills discriminately through daily practice. For example: at the beginning of one practice session, halfway through another, and at the end on the third day.
· Never allow improper defense by any player. Correct poor procedure immediately.
· Reward good defensive play. Give praise both public and private for outstanding defensive accomplishment.
Determining Your Team Defense
So, what’s the best defense to play? The answer to this really depends on your personnel. In general, a team will consist of one of the following groups:
Five taller than average players – With 5 taller than average players, zones really work best. Your player’s length will really help them cover a lot of ground and leave the opposing coach scratching his head.
Four tall players and one small , quick player - With this type of lineup, trapping zones are really effective.
Three tall players and two smaller players - I recommend playing a solid man-to-man aggressive defense.
Two tall players and three small players – Here, playing man-to-man defense is going to be your best option.
One tall player and four small players - I recommend a running full court traps off of made baskets, then dropping back into a man-to-man defense.
Five small players – With 5 small, quick players, I strongly suggest playing very aggressive zone defense, with an emphasis on trapping.
Coaching basketball can really be an over-whelming task. Especially in regards to forming your very own defensive philosophy. Hopefully you’ve found these pointers helpful in your quest for creating a defensive powerhouse.
coaching philosophy
Developing Your Offensive Philosophy
Ok, now it’s time to pick an offensive system. This can really be a grueling task. With so many different formations, and philosophies out there things can get pretty overwhelming for someone coaching basketball.
Ok, now it’s time to pick an offensive system. This can really be a grueling task. With so many different formations, and philosophies out there things can get pretty overwhelming for someone coaching basketball.
You need to start out by making things simple. An easy way would be to take an existing offensive system and implement your own coaching philosophies.
Once you’ve established a solid foundation, you can go ahead and start creating your own unique integrated system with all the bells and whistles.
So What Offense Suits My Personnel?
At the core, there are really only two types of offenses:
Free-Lance - players create their own offense depending on the defense (man-to-man, zone, etc.). Free-lance is not as free or uncontrolled as the term implies, because all one-on-one, two-on-two, and three-on-three plays are practiced over and over.
Controlled - a system where the team keeps control of the ball until a player gets open for a high-percentage shot. Any basic system can be used to implement a control-type of offense.
If you’re just completely lost when it comes to choosing an offensive system, we got you covered. Below you’ll find a quick and easy guide to selecting a system based on your personnel.
Five Taller Than Average Players:
A team composed of this group should really run a controlled offense. I would recommend the stack offense.
Four Bigger Players and One Small Player:
This type of team should also run a more “up-tempo” controlled offense with a little fast break action.
Three Bigger Players and Two Small Players:
This is normally the ideal type of basketball team. The team can use the fast break and/or a set two-three offense in which the three big men stay in close for offensive rebounds.
Two Bigger Players and Three Small Players:
The fast break is recommended for this team. They should use more of a “Free-lance” offense.
One Big Player and Four Small Players:
This team should use a controlled fast break, followed by a good quick-shot secondary attack, transitioning into a good set offense.
Five Small Players:
This team should use a “Free-lance” offense. They should push the ball at every opportunity.
Coaching basketball on the offensive side just got a whole lot simpler. You now have a quick and easy way of coming up with an offensive system. With these guidelines and resources at your finger tips, you’re ready to dive in head first.
Ok, now it’s time to pick an offensive system. This can really be a grueling task. With so many different formations, and philosophies out there things can get pretty overwhelming for someone coaching basketball.
Ok, now it’s time to pick an offensive system. This can really be a grueling task. With so many different formations, and philosophies out there things can get pretty overwhelming for someone coaching basketball.
You need to start out by making things simple. An easy way would be to take an existing offensive system and implement your own coaching philosophies.
Once you’ve established a solid foundation, you can go ahead and start creating your own unique integrated system with all the bells and whistles.
So What Offense Suits My Personnel?
At the core, there are really only two types of offenses:
Free-Lance - players create their own offense depending on the defense (man-to-man, zone, etc.). Free-lance is not as free or uncontrolled as the term implies, because all one-on-one, two-on-two, and three-on-three plays are practiced over and over.
Controlled - a system where the team keeps control of the ball until a player gets open for a high-percentage shot. Any basic system can be used to implement a control-type of offense.
If you’re just completely lost when it comes to choosing an offensive system, we got you covered. Below you’ll find a quick and easy guide to selecting a system based on your personnel.
Five Taller Than Average Players:
A team composed of this group should really run a controlled offense. I would recommend the stack offense.
Four Bigger Players and One Small Player:
This type of team should also run a more “up-tempo” controlled offense with a little fast break action.
Three Bigger Players and Two Small Players:
This is normally the ideal type of basketball team. The team can use the fast break and/or a set two-three offense in which the three big men stay in close for offensive rebounds.
Two Bigger Players and Three Small Players:
The fast break is recommended for this team. They should use more of a “Free-lance” offense.
One Big Player and Four Small Players:
This team should use a controlled fast break, followed by a good quick-shot secondary attack, transitioning into a good set offense.
Five Small Players:
This team should use a “Free-lance” offense. They should push the ball at every opportunity.
Coaching basketball on the offensive side just got a whole lot simpler. You now have a quick and easy way of coming up with an offensive system. With these guidelines and resources at your finger tips, you’re ready to dive in head first.
coaching
What Makes a Successful Coach?
The basketball coach needs to be a true student of the game. To become successful as a basketball coach you must first develop a basketball coaching philosophy.
Obviously you’re not going to wake up tomorrow with the perfect basketball coaching philosophy. This is something that takes years to develop. But the good news is that you’ve already started.
That’s right; from the moment you first picked up a basketball you started your journey to discovering your basketball coaching philosophy. Your own experiences as a player, observer and lover of the game, will allow you to develop your own philosophy, just as the great coaches previously mentioned developed theirs.
Your basketball coaching philosophy separates you from every other coach. It becomes your roadmap to success and it’s something that continues to grow and mature as you learn more and more about the game.
At least in the beginning, I highly recommend studying the philosophies of proven coaches. Read their books and attend coaching clinBasketball Coaching Philosophy
So, what is philosophy anyway?
Once you combine all your experiences as a player, observer, student, and your own personality, you have the beginnings of a coaching philosophy.
Simply developing a coaching philosophy doesn't gaurantee success. How you implement your philosophy is equally important.
You should start off by selecting the offenses and defenses you plan to use during the season and break the offense and defense down into fundamental drills and procedures to use in your practices.
As the coach, you must make practices fun and effective. When practices become boring, and monotonous, players lose interest and focus.
You can do this by implementing a wide variety of quality drills and plays
ics to broaden your knowledge
What’s your priority? Is it to develop your athletes as people, or simply basketball players? It's OK to adopt ideas from others, but if you try to be someone you're not, your players will catch on right away and you will lose your effectiveness as a coach.
The core of your coaching philosophy has to lie in the fundamentals of the game. When teaching the fundamentals, you must stress perfection. These should be repeated so often they become instinctive in game situations.
Balance, Balance, Balance. These three principles are the key to any offensive philosophy. Basketball is a team sport by definition. Everyone has a role to play, and it is your responsibility as the coach to put the players in the right positions on the court.
You must allow your players to take advantage of their individual skills and talents. However, you must make certain it conforms to the overall team effort. After all, welfare of the team comes first.
You must also maintain good team chemistry, and get the players up for every game. Your goal should be to try to get the best out of each player and have a true understanding of each individual player’s needs and wants.
It is very important that you use caution in dealing with disciplinary measures. This is not to say that you turn a blind eye. You need to deal with such problems, and stay on top of any situation that might cause team friction. At the first sign of conflict between players, they should be called in to talk it over. All such problems can usually be settled if they are not allowed to fester.
Be constructive with your criticism. When players make mistakes, don’t jump on them right away. Make at least one positive comment with your criticism. Your players should understand that a coach wouldn't waste his breath if he didn’t like you.
Your relationship with your players is of the utmost importance. One-on-one conferences with each player before, during, and after the season are definitely worthwhile. Use these conferences to discuss their approach to the game, basketball progress, weaknesses, shortcomings, health, studies, outside problems, the player's contributions to the team, and other personal situations.
Developing your basketball coaching philosophy is with out a doubt a difficult task to say the least. However, with the guidelines and resources presented, you now have a working knowledge of what it takes to construct your very own basketball coaching philosophy. With this new philosophy in hand, coaching basketball will never be the same
The basketball coach needs to be a true student of the game. To become successful as a basketball coach you must first develop a basketball coaching philosophy.
Obviously you’re not going to wake up tomorrow with the perfect basketball coaching philosophy. This is something that takes years to develop. But the good news is that you’ve already started.
That’s right; from the moment you first picked up a basketball you started your journey to discovering your basketball coaching philosophy. Your own experiences as a player, observer and lover of the game, will allow you to develop your own philosophy, just as the great coaches previously mentioned developed theirs.
Your basketball coaching philosophy separates you from every other coach. It becomes your roadmap to success and it’s something that continues to grow and mature as you learn more and more about the game.
At least in the beginning, I highly recommend studying the philosophies of proven coaches. Read their books and attend coaching clinBasketball Coaching Philosophy
So, what is philosophy anyway?
Once you combine all your experiences as a player, observer, student, and your own personality, you have the beginnings of a coaching philosophy.
Simply developing a coaching philosophy doesn't gaurantee success. How you implement your philosophy is equally important.
You should start off by selecting the offenses and defenses you plan to use during the season and break the offense and defense down into fundamental drills and procedures to use in your practices.
As the coach, you must make practices fun and effective. When practices become boring, and monotonous, players lose interest and focus.
You can do this by implementing a wide variety of quality drills and plays
ics to broaden your knowledge
What’s your priority? Is it to develop your athletes as people, or simply basketball players? It's OK to adopt ideas from others, but if you try to be someone you're not, your players will catch on right away and you will lose your effectiveness as a coach.
The core of your coaching philosophy has to lie in the fundamentals of the game. When teaching the fundamentals, you must stress perfection. These should be repeated so often they become instinctive in game situations.
Balance, Balance, Balance. These three principles are the key to any offensive philosophy. Basketball is a team sport by definition. Everyone has a role to play, and it is your responsibility as the coach to put the players in the right positions on the court.
You must allow your players to take advantage of their individual skills and talents. However, you must make certain it conforms to the overall team effort. After all, welfare of the team comes first.
You must also maintain good team chemistry, and get the players up for every game. Your goal should be to try to get the best out of each player and have a true understanding of each individual player’s needs and wants.
It is very important that you use caution in dealing with disciplinary measures. This is not to say that you turn a blind eye. You need to deal with such problems, and stay on top of any situation that might cause team friction. At the first sign of conflict between players, they should be called in to talk it over. All such problems can usually be settled if they are not allowed to fester.
Be constructive with your criticism. When players make mistakes, don’t jump on them right away. Make at least one positive comment with your criticism. Your players should understand that a coach wouldn't waste his breath if he didn’t like you.
Your relationship with your players is of the utmost importance. One-on-one conferences with each player before, during, and after the season are definitely worthwhile. Use these conferences to discuss their approach to the game, basketball progress, weaknesses, shortcomings, health, studies, outside problems, the player's contributions to the team, and other personal situations.
Developing your basketball coaching philosophy is with out a doubt a difficult task to say the least. However, with the guidelines and resources presented, you now have a working knowledge of what it takes to construct your very own basketball coaching philosophy. With this new philosophy in hand, coaching basketball will never be the same
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
easy offense
The following article addresses 6 ways you can become a more dominant offensive player. It's a "cheat sheet" of sorts, a quick way for you to remember some basic, but incredibly important aspects of being a big-time offensive player.
So keep these things in mind as you work to improve your game, plan your off-season workouts, and take the court.
Be more aggressive
No matter how aggressive you think you are as an offensive player, I guarantee you can be even more powerful and aggressive the next time you take the floor. Whether it's a dribble-drive to the basket, a pump-fake and power move, setting a screen, or crashing the offensive boards, you can turn up the intensity. No one plays 100% on every play. No one attacks the defense with 100% intensity, effort (and 2nd and 3rd efforts) on each and every play.
Make up your mind that the next time you take the court in practice or a game that you'll be a more solid, strong, and aggressive player every second you're on the court.
Increase your speed
No matter how fast and quick you think you move around the court, you can do things faster. Do you run at full-speed and get out on the fast break every single time your team gets a defensive rebound? Do you make fast, strong cuts every single time while running the offense? Are you ready and able to drive past your defender when you catch the ball on the wing or at the high post (or does it take you a second or two to get your balance and figure out what you want to do with the ball)?
Speeding the game up keeps the D off-balance and at a disadvantage. If you speed up your game, you put more pressure on the defense. When you speed up your game, you become a better offensive player.
Work on improving your confidence level
Confidence makes you a better player. If you are filled with self-doubt about your abilities, your game will suffer. If you are tentative and unsure of yourself when you shoot the ball, chances are it won't go in. As a player, I loved competing against players that had little confidence in their games because they'd already beaten themselves.
The next time you take the court, have confidence in your abilities. Believe in your success. Think positive thoughts and feel certain that you're going to compete, do well, and be successful, then go out an make it happen.
Make the 2nd and 3rd effort on every play
Making a strong 2nd or 3rd effort can make the difference between success and failure. Your first effort (shot, pass, dribble, rebound, etc.) might not work, but don't give up. It's easy for defensive players to guard someone that gives up after the first try. Great players keep working and making the effort until they succeed.
The next time you take the court, make it a point to increase your effort level, and to NOT give up after your first move fails.
Vary your direction, speed, and moves
John Wooden (one of the greatest college coaches of all time) used to have his players work on drills that emphasized changing pace and changing direction. By varying your speed and direction, you keep the defense off-balance, guessing which way you'll move, and therefore put them at a huge disadvantage.
If you make the same moves, in the same direction, from the same spots on the floor every time down the court, you make it easy on the defense. If you are predictable, the D knows what you plan to do, and they can guard against it. By varying your direction and speed, you regain the advantage.
Establish yourself early
This is a trick I teach all my private coaching clients and have addressed in another article: establish yourself at the start of the game, and you can take a weaker opponent completely out of the game. By making a statement right from the tip-off, you make it known that you have come to play, you are a big-time player, and your opponent is going to have a very difficult night trying to guard you.
Coming out right from the get-go can scare a weaker opponent, take them mentally out of the game, and you'll likely have a big scoring game. If you're playing against a strong, confident player, you've let it be known that you're going to be a tough opponent and that they've met their match. Either way, establishing yourself from the start of the game will set the tone and let it be known that you're a big-time player who came to play.
Well, there you have it: six ways to help make you a better offensive player...immediately.
The next time you take the court, do these things, and you'll be a better offensive player, guaranteed.
So keep these things in mind as you work to improve your game, plan your off-season workouts, and take the court.
Be more aggressive
No matter how aggressive you think you are as an offensive player, I guarantee you can be even more powerful and aggressive the next time you take the floor. Whether it's a dribble-drive to the basket, a pump-fake and power move, setting a screen, or crashing the offensive boards, you can turn up the intensity. No one plays 100% on every play. No one attacks the defense with 100% intensity, effort (and 2nd and 3rd efforts) on each and every play.
Make up your mind that the next time you take the court in practice or a game that you'll be a more solid, strong, and aggressive player every second you're on the court.
Increase your speed
No matter how fast and quick you think you move around the court, you can do things faster. Do you run at full-speed and get out on the fast break every single time your team gets a defensive rebound? Do you make fast, strong cuts every single time while running the offense? Are you ready and able to drive past your defender when you catch the ball on the wing or at the high post (or does it take you a second or two to get your balance and figure out what you want to do with the ball)?
Speeding the game up keeps the D off-balance and at a disadvantage. If you speed up your game, you put more pressure on the defense. When you speed up your game, you become a better offensive player.
Work on improving your confidence level
Confidence makes you a better player. If you are filled with self-doubt about your abilities, your game will suffer. If you are tentative and unsure of yourself when you shoot the ball, chances are it won't go in. As a player, I loved competing against players that had little confidence in their games because they'd already beaten themselves.
The next time you take the court, have confidence in your abilities. Believe in your success. Think positive thoughts and feel certain that you're going to compete, do well, and be successful, then go out an make it happen.
Make the 2nd and 3rd effort on every play
Making a strong 2nd or 3rd effort can make the difference between success and failure. Your first effort (shot, pass, dribble, rebound, etc.) might not work, but don't give up. It's easy for defensive players to guard someone that gives up after the first try. Great players keep working and making the effort until they succeed.
The next time you take the court, make it a point to increase your effort level, and to NOT give up after your first move fails.
Vary your direction, speed, and moves
John Wooden (one of the greatest college coaches of all time) used to have his players work on drills that emphasized changing pace and changing direction. By varying your speed and direction, you keep the defense off-balance, guessing which way you'll move, and therefore put them at a huge disadvantage.
If you make the same moves, in the same direction, from the same spots on the floor every time down the court, you make it easy on the defense. If you are predictable, the D knows what you plan to do, and they can guard against it. By varying your direction and speed, you regain the advantage.
Establish yourself early
This is a trick I teach all my private coaching clients and have addressed in another article: establish yourself at the start of the game, and you can take a weaker opponent completely out of the game. By making a statement right from the tip-off, you make it known that you have come to play, you are a big-time player, and your opponent is going to have a very difficult night trying to guard you.
Coming out right from the get-go can scare a weaker opponent, take them mentally out of the game, and you'll likely have a big scoring game. If you're playing against a strong, confident player, you've let it be known that you're going to be a tough opponent and that they've met their match. Either way, establishing yourself from the start of the game will set the tone and let it be known that you're a big-time player who came to play.
Well, there you have it: six ways to help make you a better offensive player...immediately.
The next time you take the court, do these things, and you'll be a better offensive player, guaranteed.
establish yourself
The first few minutes of a game are extremely important because they set the tone for the entire rest of the game. The beginning of any game is really a feeling-out period, where players from both teams size up the competition, get a feel for who can play and who can't, and try to figure out the weaknesses and strengths of their competition.
If you estabish yourself and your level of play right from the get-go, you'll let it be known that you are a big-time player, a big-time competitor, and that your opponent is in for a very tough game playing against you. And here's why it can be so important: if you're playing against a weak opponent, showing them that you're a big-time player will take them right out of their game. You'll plant a seed of doubt in their minds that they can play at your level, and you'll have an edge over them for the rest of the game. You'll be amazed in that if you're playing against a weak or weak-willed opponent, this technique will literally take them out of the game, and you'll be well on your way to dominating them for the rest of the game.
If you're playing against a good opponent, establishing yourself early will simply let them know that they're in for a competitive night. It will let them know that you're at their level, that you're up for the challenge, and they they don't have an advantage or edge over you. If you're playing against a solid, quality opponent, you'll let them know they're playing against an equal and that they'll have to really work to compete against you. It will also plant a small seed of doubt in their minds that you might not be an equal, that you might be a little bit better than them. And in this way, they'll think a little bit more about you during the game, and might miss a shot or 2 they'd regularly make, or might not go for an offensive rebound they might normally go after.
Either way, playing against a weak opponent or a very strong one, using thig teqhnique will be to your advantage. There's another advantage to making a conscious effort to estblish yourself early: making sure that you get off to a good start every game. There may be times when you'd normally get caught up in the excitement of a big game, or get distracted by an early foul, and have your whole game thrown off. But if you get your mind set on making this happen each and every time you take the floor, you're more likely to make it happen and gain the advantage from it.
I teach that the first 3 minutes of the game are the key to setting that tone. If you establish yourself in the first 3 minutes of the game, you'll put yourself in a position to have a solid outing.
But this concept doesn't just apply to the first part of the game, it also applies any time a new player comes into the game that is playing against you, and it applies to the start of each quarter, and the 2nd half. The first 3 minutes of the game are most important, but you also need to re-establish your dominance each time a new player comes into the game that you're playing against, and then again at the beginning of each quarter, and the 2nd half.
Now that you understand the concept, here's how to make it happen.
From the opening tip, play at the highest level of intensity possible. Play smart and strong. Move quickly. Crash the boards every single time a shot goes up. Play defense like it's the last play of the game and you can't and won't allow your opponent to score. Play offense like you are the best scorer on the floor: go to the basket strong, shoot with confidence, and dribble the ball with confidence.
In short, establish yourself right from the start as a big-time player. Do this through maximum intensity and maximum competitiveness.
Establishing yourself early in the game is a simple concept, but one that is very, very effective. From this point forward, everytime you take the floor for a game, remind yourself to do this. It'll make you a better player.
If you estabish yourself and your level of play right from the get-go, you'll let it be known that you are a big-time player, a big-time competitor, and that your opponent is in for a very tough game playing against you. And here's why it can be so important: if you're playing against a weak opponent, showing them that you're a big-time player will take them right out of their game. You'll plant a seed of doubt in their minds that they can play at your level, and you'll have an edge over them for the rest of the game. You'll be amazed in that if you're playing against a weak or weak-willed opponent, this technique will literally take them out of the game, and you'll be well on your way to dominating them for the rest of the game.
If you're playing against a good opponent, establishing yourself early will simply let them know that they're in for a competitive night. It will let them know that you're at their level, that you're up for the challenge, and they they don't have an advantage or edge over you. If you're playing against a solid, quality opponent, you'll let them know they're playing against an equal and that they'll have to really work to compete against you. It will also plant a small seed of doubt in their minds that you might not be an equal, that you might be a little bit better than them. And in this way, they'll think a little bit more about you during the game, and might miss a shot or 2 they'd regularly make, or might not go for an offensive rebound they might normally go after.
Either way, playing against a weak opponent or a very strong one, using thig teqhnique will be to your advantage. There's another advantage to making a conscious effort to estblish yourself early: making sure that you get off to a good start every game. There may be times when you'd normally get caught up in the excitement of a big game, or get distracted by an early foul, and have your whole game thrown off. But if you get your mind set on making this happen each and every time you take the floor, you're more likely to make it happen and gain the advantage from it.
I teach that the first 3 minutes of the game are the key to setting that tone. If you establish yourself in the first 3 minutes of the game, you'll put yourself in a position to have a solid outing.
But this concept doesn't just apply to the first part of the game, it also applies any time a new player comes into the game that is playing against you, and it applies to the start of each quarter, and the 2nd half. The first 3 minutes of the game are most important, but you also need to re-establish your dominance each time a new player comes into the game that you're playing against, and then again at the beginning of each quarter, and the 2nd half.
Now that you understand the concept, here's how to make it happen.
From the opening tip, play at the highest level of intensity possible. Play smart and strong. Move quickly. Crash the boards every single time a shot goes up. Play defense like it's the last play of the game and you can't and won't allow your opponent to score. Play offense like you are the best scorer on the floor: go to the basket strong, shoot with confidence, and dribble the ball with confidence.
In short, establish yourself right from the start as a big-time player. Do this through maximum intensity and maximum competitiveness.
Establishing yourself early in the game is a simple concept, but one that is very, very effective. From this point forward, everytime you take the floor for a game, remind yourself to do this. It'll make you a better player.
become the best
The best scorers in the game, and I mean the ones that average 25 or more points a night, can only put up those huge numbers on a consistent basis because they can score the basketball in a lot of different ways. They have multiple offensive weapons and this keeps the defense off-balance.
They aren't just good 3-point shooters. Or just good perimeter shooters. Or just good at taking the ball to the basket. Or just good free throw shooters. Great scorers do most, if not all of those things well. In fact, they usually do almost all of those things very well.
To put up big scoring numbers night in and night out, you have to be able to keep the guessing as to what your next move is going to be. If you only have the ability to score in 1 or 2 ways, all the defense has to do it shut down those parts of your game, and they've basically shut you down as an offensive player.
If you're just a good jump shooter from the baseline, a good defensive player and team is eventually going to take away (or limit) that part of your game.
If you're only good at driving to your right side, a good defensive player and team is eventually going to take away (or limit) that part of your game.
If you're a post player and your only good move is a drop-step to the baseline, a good defensive player and team is eventually going to take away (or limit) that part of your game.
I think you get the idea.
Great offensive players, and I'm talking guys like Jordan, Kobe, or Allen Iverson can score in so many different ways that the defense is always guessing what direction they're going to go, and what move they're going to make. That's because great players work on their game to the point that they can score in so many different ways that no defender can guard against or stop all of their scoring options.
Great scorers can shoot the J, are typically solid 3-point shooters, can drive past the defense in either direction, and are usually very good from the free throw line. In addition, these guys are quick, have great ball handling skills, are good leapers, can play through contact, and have fine-tuned their ability to concentrate and finish plays.
And oh yeah, great scorers also have almost unshakable confidence in their abilities. They know how to put the ball in the basket. They know how good they are. They know that no defender can guard them. They know that it's just a matter of time before they get on a good run, knock down a few shots, and pretty soon they've got 18 or 20 points on the board, and are on their way to a 28 or 30 point game.
This is all well and good. So how can this help you become a great scorer? You have to develop the ability to score in a variety of ways. Develop your game to the point where you have multiple offensive weapons that keep the defense off-balance and guessing what your next move will be.
To become a great scorer, you have to be able to shoot the basketball (from distance, mid-range, and close-in shots). You have to develop your moves and ball handling abilities so you can take your defender offf the dribble (to the right, to the left, and using a variety of moves and changes in speed). You have to develop your ability to create space so you can shoot the ball (step back moves, fall away moves, high arch shots, jab steps, pump fakes). You have to develop the ability to score in a variety of ways (create your own shots, come off of screens to knock down jumpers, catch and shoot moves). And you have to be able to pick up scoring opportunities in other ways (creating contact so you go to the free throw line, shooting a high-percentage from the line, putting yourself in a position to get put-back shots on fast breaks, crashing the offensive glass, hustling on fast breaks to get easy baskets).
The list above is a tall order. It's not easy to be good at doing all of the things listed above (and that's not even a complete list of the things the really great scorers can do). But success isn't easy. It takes dedication and hard work.
Becoming a big-time scorer takes a lot of work. Break the game down into its various parts, work on those areas, and in time, you'll see results.
They aren't just good 3-point shooters. Or just good perimeter shooters. Or just good at taking the ball to the basket. Or just good free throw shooters. Great scorers do most, if not all of those things well. In fact, they usually do almost all of those things very well.
To put up big scoring numbers night in and night out, you have to be able to keep the guessing as to what your next move is going to be. If you only have the ability to score in 1 or 2 ways, all the defense has to do it shut down those parts of your game, and they've basically shut you down as an offensive player.
If you're just a good jump shooter from the baseline, a good defensive player and team is eventually going to take away (or limit) that part of your game.
If you're only good at driving to your right side, a good defensive player and team is eventually going to take away (or limit) that part of your game.
If you're a post player and your only good move is a drop-step to the baseline, a good defensive player and team is eventually going to take away (or limit) that part of your game.
I think you get the idea.
Great offensive players, and I'm talking guys like Jordan, Kobe, or Allen Iverson can score in so many different ways that the defense is always guessing what direction they're going to go, and what move they're going to make. That's because great players work on their game to the point that they can score in so many different ways that no defender can guard against or stop all of their scoring options.
Great scorers can shoot the J, are typically solid 3-point shooters, can drive past the defense in either direction, and are usually very good from the free throw line. In addition, these guys are quick, have great ball handling skills, are good leapers, can play through contact, and have fine-tuned their ability to concentrate and finish plays.
And oh yeah, great scorers also have almost unshakable confidence in their abilities. They know how to put the ball in the basket. They know how good they are. They know that no defender can guard them. They know that it's just a matter of time before they get on a good run, knock down a few shots, and pretty soon they've got 18 or 20 points on the board, and are on their way to a 28 or 30 point game.
This is all well and good. So how can this help you become a great scorer? You have to develop the ability to score in a variety of ways. Develop your game to the point where you have multiple offensive weapons that keep the defense off-balance and guessing what your next move will be.
To become a great scorer, you have to be able to shoot the basketball (from distance, mid-range, and close-in shots). You have to develop your moves and ball handling abilities so you can take your defender offf the dribble (to the right, to the left, and using a variety of moves and changes in speed). You have to develop your ability to create space so you can shoot the ball (step back moves, fall away moves, high arch shots, jab steps, pump fakes). You have to develop the ability to score in a variety of ways (create your own shots, come off of screens to knock down jumpers, catch and shoot moves). And you have to be able to pick up scoring opportunities in other ways (creating contact so you go to the free throw line, shooting a high-percentage from the line, putting yourself in a position to get put-back shots on fast breaks, crashing the offensive glass, hustling on fast breaks to get easy baskets).
The list above is a tall order. It's not easy to be good at doing all of the things listed above (and that's not even a complete list of the things the really great scorers can do). But success isn't easy. It takes dedication and hard work.
Becoming a big-time scorer takes a lot of work. Break the game down into its various parts, work on those areas, and in time, you'll see results.
next level offense
As an offensive player, you have the advantage over the defense, because you dicate the action. The defense can't force you to shoot, dribble, or pass the ball. You, as the offensive player, make that decision. This puts you in a position of power, and the defense in a reactionary, and therefore weaker, position.
To really take advantage of the defense, it's important to make your moves with quickness and power. And that's why the first step is so important. The first step really sets the stage for the success or failure of the move.
By making a quick and decisive first step, you can get part of your body (maybe even half your body) past the defender, putting them in a position from which they'll never recover. Once you've got that much of advantage over the defender, they're done. They're beat. Most likely, they won't be able to recover from a great first step, and their only hope is to foul you or get help from a teammate.
How do you make a killer first step? Here are a few keys to the move.
One element of a big-time first step is attacking the defender's front foot. If a defender has one foot closer to you than the other, attack that foot with your lead foot. If you can get yours past theirs, you've pretty much got them beat. Why? Because the defender will have to drop their front foot back to try to cut you off, and by the time they do this, you should be well into your second step and working your way past them.
As we've talked about before, the key it to make the move fast, since that's the only way to get by the defender.
But attacking the front foot isn't always enough. If a defender has backed away from you, or is very quick, simply attacking the front foot won't get you past them. In these cases, you have to move onto other techniques for getting past your defender.
Another technique for a killer first step is the misdirection move. The mis-direction move is accomplished with either a jab-step, cross-over dribble, or a lean-in-on-direction then go-in-the-other move. With these moves, you fake in one direction and get the defense leaning that way, and then explode past them in the opposite direction.
This is a move that is used over and over again in the NBA. Because NBA players are such good athletes, and so quick, attacking the front foot isn't enough. Players like Grant Hill, Kobe, and Allen Iverson use misdirection moves time and time again to get past their defenders and to the basket. When you have a chance, watch one of they guys play and you'll see what I mean. These mid-direction moves are a staple of their offense.
A third aspect for a killer first-step is using a pump-fake. The pump-fake serves to get the defense moving towards you, up on their toes, and off-balance. Once you get the defender leaning towards you or on their toes, you then explode by them with a great first and second step. Again, the key is to make the move with quickness, since you may only get a slight lean forward by the defense on your shot fake, and you have to take advantage of it with quickness.
So remember: when you make your move as an offensive player with the ball, the key is to make your first step so fast and explosive that you drive past the defender (at a minimum, get your attacking foot past the defender's front foot). Once you gain the advantage with your first step, continue blowing past the defender, putting them at an even great disadvantage, and finish the move strong.
You may decide to pull up for a jumper, kick the ball out to a teammate, or drive all the way to the basket if you've got an open lane. That decision is up to you. But it all starts with that first, explosive step that gets you the advantage over the defender.
The game of basketball is a game of inches. Gaining a slight advantage over the defense, even if it's just a few inches, can mean the difference between a move that doesn't work, and one that does. It can mean the difference between getting cut off by your defender, or blowing by them for an easy basket.
Work on your first step and you'll improve your offensive game. Guaranteed.
To really take advantage of the defense, it's important to make your moves with quickness and power. And that's why the first step is so important. The first step really sets the stage for the success or failure of the move.
By making a quick and decisive first step, you can get part of your body (maybe even half your body) past the defender, putting them in a position from which they'll never recover. Once you've got that much of advantage over the defender, they're done. They're beat. Most likely, they won't be able to recover from a great first step, and their only hope is to foul you or get help from a teammate.
How do you make a killer first step? Here are a few keys to the move.
One element of a big-time first step is attacking the defender's front foot. If a defender has one foot closer to you than the other, attack that foot with your lead foot. If you can get yours past theirs, you've pretty much got them beat. Why? Because the defender will have to drop their front foot back to try to cut you off, and by the time they do this, you should be well into your second step and working your way past them.
As we've talked about before, the key it to make the move fast, since that's the only way to get by the defender.
But attacking the front foot isn't always enough. If a defender has backed away from you, or is very quick, simply attacking the front foot won't get you past them. In these cases, you have to move onto other techniques for getting past your defender.
Another technique for a killer first step is the misdirection move. The mis-direction move is accomplished with either a jab-step, cross-over dribble, or a lean-in-on-direction then go-in-the-other move. With these moves, you fake in one direction and get the defense leaning that way, and then explode past them in the opposite direction.
This is a move that is used over and over again in the NBA. Because NBA players are such good athletes, and so quick, attacking the front foot isn't enough. Players like Grant Hill, Kobe, and Allen Iverson use misdirection moves time and time again to get past their defenders and to the basket. When you have a chance, watch one of they guys play and you'll see what I mean. These mid-direction moves are a staple of their offense.
A third aspect for a killer first-step is using a pump-fake. The pump-fake serves to get the defense moving towards you, up on their toes, and off-balance. Once you get the defender leaning towards you or on their toes, you then explode by them with a great first and second step. Again, the key is to make the move with quickness, since you may only get a slight lean forward by the defense on your shot fake, and you have to take advantage of it with quickness.
So remember: when you make your move as an offensive player with the ball, the key is to make your first step so fast and explosive that you drive past the defender (at a minimum, get your attacking foot past the defender's front foot). Once you gain the advantage with your first step, continue blowing past the defender, putting them at an even great disadvantage, and finish the move strong.
You may decide to pull up for a jumper, kick the ball out to a teammate, or drive all the way to the basket if you've got an open lane. That decision is up to you. But it all starts with that first, explosive step that gets you the advantage over the defender.
The game of basketball is a game of inches. Gaining a slight advantage over the defense, even if it's just a few inches, can mean the difference between a move that doesn't work, and one that does. It can mean the difference between getting cut off by your defender, or blowing by them for an easy basket.
Work on your first step and you'll improve your offensive game. Guaranteed.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
easy tips
B.E.E.F.
Remembering the BEEF is good way to learn to become a better foul shooter. BEEF stands for... B-balance-get on the foul line and get your balance. E-eyes-see the rim. E-elbow-try to get your elbow under the basketball F-follow thru-an essential part of all shooting. Make sure you follow thru with a constant, relaxed release.
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Choosing the Right Basketball Equipment
When choosing your basketball equipment, think about your needs. Are you looking for a hoop for your driveway? Do you need coaching equipment for a whole team? There are many stores and merchants who specialize in basketball equipment and supplies. Determine what your goals are and then shop around. If you need equipment for outdoor play, you will want basketball equipment that will weather better. For indoor play, wear and tear is not as much of a concern. Choosing the right basketball equipment is just a matter of figuring out your needs.
Remembering the BEEF is good way to learn to become a better foul shooter. BEEF stands for... B-balance-get on the foul line and get your balance. E-eyes-see the rim. E-elbow-try to get your elbow under the basketball F-follow thru-an essential part of all shooting. Make sure you follow thru with a constant, relaxed release.
Basketball Training Equipment that Will Make the Difference
Too many training regimens don't provide you with a real return for your time and effort. For basketball training, this is for too often the case. The effectiveness of your training is grounded in good planning and better equipment. Basketball training equipment such as stretch bands for passing exercises can age over time. Since the best training equipment doesn't change too often, it is important to get the equipment that will last through several seasons. Quality training equipment will make the difference
Basketball Videos that will Help Your Game
If you are like most, you learn the best through visual learning and instruction. To help you, there have been many basketball videos developed that will assist you in bettering your skills. Whether you want to learn how to dribble better or shoot better, professional trainers have the videos for you. Since the days of black and white film, there have been basketball training videos covering passing, defense, ball-handling, and much more. Don't try to reinvent the wheel. Figure out where the weakness is in your game and get a training video that fits your
Choosing the Right Basketball Equipment
When choosing your basketball equipment, think about your needs. Are you looking for a hoop for your driveway? Do you need coaching equipment for a whole team? There are many stores and merchants who specialize in basketball equipment and supplies. Determine what your goals are and then shop around. If you need equipment for outdoor play, you will want basketball equipment that will weather better. For indoor play, wear and tear is not as much of a concern. Choosing the right basketball equipment is just a matter of figuring out your needs.
passing drills and tips
Chest passes
Throwing the chest pass is a key part of the game. Being able to throw this pass with strength and accuracy is essential.
Here's a great drill for working on throwing good shest passes. Stand about six to eight feet apart from a teammate and throw a chest pass, stepping forward with your right foot, fully extending your arms, and flicking your wrist as you make the pass. Your teammate will make the same pass back to you. Make 10 passes, stepping forward with your right foot for five of the passes, and with your left foot for five of the passes.
Then, step back five feet and repeat the drill. After completing 10 passes at this distance, step back another five feet and repeat the drill. Continue moving back five feet and repeating the drill until you are no longer able to make a good pass to your teammate.
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Bounce passes
Making good bounce passes will help you become a better offensive player. In lots of situations, bounce passes are much more effective than a chest pass.
To practice bounce passes, stand about six to eight feet apart from a teammate and throw a bounce pass. The bounce pass should hit the ground about 2/3'rds of the way to your teammate and bounce up so it gets to the player around waist level. Just as you do with a chest pass, step forward with one leg as you make the pass.
Make 10 bounce passes at this distance, then step back five feet and make another 10 passes. Continue moving back until you can no longer make a good pass to your teammate.
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Push passes
Push passes are great passes for getting by a defender. If you are being crowded by the defense, stepping past the defender and making a push pass is sometimes the only way to get the ball to a teammate.
To practice push passes, stand about six to eight feet apart from a teammate and throw the pass. Here's how: if you are going to go to your right to make the pass, step forward with your right leg (a big step forward), keep both hands on the ball, and as you plant your right foot past the defender, push the ball out to your teammate, making a nice bounce pass.
Make 10 push passes to your teammate from six to eight feet, then step back five feet and make another 10 passes. Continue moving back until you can no longer make a good pass to your teammate.
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Overhead, 2-handed passes
Making an overhead, 2-handed pass is an essential tool to playing offense. There will be lots of times when you need to make a long pass to a teammate who is across or up the floor from you.
Have a teammate stand 20 to 25 feet away from you. Put the ball above your head, and hold it with both hands. As you step forward with one foot, move the ball back slightly so it's above your head and slightly back (so it's not directly above your head, but just above and behind it). As your foot hits the ground, extend your arms out so you make a good, strong pass, and your arms end up full extended, out in front of your head.
Practice throwing these pass over farily long distances, because that is the typical situation in which these passes will be thrown in game situations. As you practice passing to your teammates, keep moving back so you have to throw the pass over longer and longer distances.
Throwing the chest pass is a key part of the game. Being able to throw this pass with strength and accuracy is essential.
Here's a great drill for working on throwing good shest passes. Stand about six to eight feet apart from a teammate and throw a chest pass, stepping forward with your right foot, fully extending your arms, and flicking your wrist as you make the pass. Your teammate will make the same pass back to you. Make 10 passes, stepping forward with your right foot for five of the passes, and with your left foot for five of the passes.
Then, step back five feet and repeat the drill. After completing 10 passes at this distance, step back another five feet and repeat the drill. Continue moving back five feet and repeating the drill until you are no longer able to make a good pass to your teammate.
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Bounce passes
Making good bounce passes will help you become a better offensive player. In lots of situations, bounce passes are much more effective than a chest pass.
To practice bounce passes, stand about six to eight feet apart from a teammate and throw a bounce pass. The bounce pass should hit the ground about 2/3'rds of the way to your teammate and bounce up so it gets to the player around waist level. Just as you do with a chest pass, step forward with one leg as you make the pass.
Make 10 bounce passes at this distance, then step back five feet and make another 10 passes. Continue moving back until you can no longer make a good pass to your teammate.
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Push passes
Push passes are great passes for getting by a defender. If you are being crowded by the defense, stepping past the defender and making a push pass is sometimes the only way to get the ball to a teammate.
To practice push passes, stand about six to eight feet apart from a teammate and throw the pass. Here's how: if you are going to go to your right to make the pass, step forward with your right leg (a big step forward), keep both hands on the ball, and as you plant your right foot past the defender, push the ball out to your teammate, making a nice bounce pass.
Make 10 push passes to your teammate from six to eight feet, then step back five feet and make another 10 passes. Continue moving back until you can no longer make a good pass to your teammate.
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Overhead, 2-handed passes
Making an overhead, 2-handed pass is an essential tool to playing offense. There will be lots of times when you need to make a long pass to a teammate who is across or up the floor from you.
Have a teammate stand 20 to 25 feet away from you. Put the ball above your head, and hold it with both hands. As you step forward with one foot, move the ball back slightly so it's above your head and slightly back (so it's not directly above your head, but just above and behind it). As your foot hits the ground, extend your arms out so you make a good, strong pass, and your arms end up full extended, out in front of your head.
Practice throwing these pass over farily long distances, because that is the typical situation in which these passes will be thrown in game situations. As you practice passing to your teammates, keep moving back so you have to throw the pass over longer and longer distances.
Monday, June 1, 2009
basic basketball rules
Fouls and Violations
FOULS
Personal fouls: Personal fouls include any type of illegal physical contact.
Hitting
Pushing
Slapping
Holding
Illegal pick/screen -- when an offensive player is moving. When an offensive player sticks out a limb and makes physical contact with a defender in an attempt to block the path of the defender.
Personal foul penalties: If a player is shooting while a being fouled, then he gets two free throws if his shot doesn't go in, but only one free throw if his shot does go in.
Three free throws are awarded if the player is fouled while shooting for a three-point goal and they miss their shot. If a player is fouled while shooting a three-point shot and makes it anyway, he is awarded one free throw. Thus, he could score four points on the play.
Inbounds. If fouled while not shooting, the ball is given to the team the foul was committed upon. They get the ball at the nearest side or baseline, out of bounds, and have 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the court.
One & one. If the team committing the foul has seven or more fouls in the game, then the player who was fouled is awarded one free throw. If he makes his first shot, then he is awarded another free throw.
Ten or more fouls. If the team committing the foul has ten or more fouls, then the fouled player receives two free throws.
Charging. An offensive foul that is committed when a player pushes or runs over a defensive player. The ball is given to the team that the foul was committed upon.
Blocking. Blocking is illegal personal contact resulting from a defender not establishing position in time to prevent an opponent's drive to the basket.
Flagrant foul. Violent contact with an opponent. This includes hitting, kicking, and punching. This type of foul results in free throws plus the offense retaining possession of the ball after the free throws.
Intentional foul. When a player makes physical contact with another player with no reasonable effort to steal the ball. It is a judgment call for the officials.
Technical foul. Technical foul. A player or a coach can commit this type of foul. It does not involve player contact or the ball but is instead about the 'manners' of the game. Foul language, obscenity, obscene gestures, and even arguing can be considered a technical foul, as can technical details regarding filling in the scorebook improperly or dunking during warm-ups.
VIOLATIONS
Walking/Traveling. Taking more than 'a step and a half' without dribbling the ball is traveling. Moving your pivot foot once you've stopped dribbling is traveling.
Carrying/palming. When a player dribbles the ball with his hand too far to the side of or, sometimes, even under the ball.
Double Dribble. Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at the same time or picking up the dribble and then dribbling again is a double dribble.
Held ball. Occasionally, two or more opposing players will gain possession of the ball at the same time. In order to avoid a prolonged and/or violent tussle, the referee stops the action and awards the ball to one team or the other on a rotating basis.
Goaltending. If a defensive player interferes with a shot while it's on the way down toward the basket, while it's on the way up toward the basket after having touched the backboard, or while it's in the cylinder above the rim, it's goaltending and the shot counts. If committed by an offensive player, it's a violation and the ball is awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in.
Backcourt violation. Once the offense has brought the ball across the mid-court line, they cannot go back across the line during possession. If they do, the ball is awarded to the other team to pass inbounds.
Time restrictions. A player passing the ball inbounds has five seconds to pass the ball. If he does not, then the ball is awarded to the other team. Other time restrictions include the rule that a player cannot have the ball for more than five seconds when being closely guarded and, in some states and levels, shot-clock restrictions requiring a team to attempt a shot within a given time frame.
FOULS
Personal fouls: Personal fouls include any type of illegal physical contact.
Hitting
Pushing
Slapping
Holding
Illegal pick/screen -- when an offensive player is moving. When an offensive player sticks out a limb and makes physical contact with a defender in an attempt to block the path of the defender.
Personal foul penalties: If a player is shooting while a being fouled, then he gets two free throws if his shot doesn't go in, but only one free throw if his shot does go in.
Three free throws are awarded if the player is fouled while shooting for a three-point goal and they miss their shot. If a player is fouled while shooting a three-point shot and makes it anyway, he is awarded one free throw. Thus, he could score four points on the play.
Inbounds. If fouled while not shooting, the ball is given to the team the foul was committed upon. They get the ball at the nearest side or baseline, out of bounds, and have 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the court.
One & one. If the team committing the foul has seven or more fouls in the game, then the player who was fouled is awarded one free throw. If he makes his first shot, then he is awarded another free throw.
Ten or more fouls. If the team committing the foul has ten or more fouls, then the fouled player receives two free throws.
Charging. An offensive foul that is committed when a player pushes or runs over a defensive player. The ball is given to the team that the foul was committed upon.
Blocking. Blocking is illegal personal contact resulting from a defender not establishing position in time to prevent an opponent's drive to the basket.
Flagrant foul. Violent contact with an opponent. This includes hitting, kicking, and punching. This type of foul results in free throws plus the offense retaining possession of the ball after the free throws.
Intentional foul. When a player makes physical contact with another player with no reasonable effort to steal the ball. It is a judgment call for the officials.
Technical foul. Technical foul. A player or a coach can commit this type of foul. It does not involve player contact or the ball but is instead about the 'manners' of the game. Foul language, obscenity, obscene gestures, and even arguing can be considered a technical foul, as can technical details regarding filling in the scorebook improperly or dunking during warm-ups.
VIOLATIONS
Walking/Traveling. Taking more than 'a step and a half' without dribbling the ball is traveling. Moving your pivot foot once you've stopped dribbling is traveling.
Carrying/palming. When a player dribbles the ball with his hand too far to the side of or, sometimes, even under the ball.
Double Dribble. Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at the same time or picking up the dribble and then dribbling again is a double dribble.
Held ball. Occasionally, two or more opposing players will gain possession of the ball at the same time. In order to avoid a prolonged and/or violent tussle, the referee stops the action and awards the ball to one team or the other on a rotating basis.
Goaltending. If a defensive player interferes with a shot while it's on the way down toward the basket, while it's on the way up toward the basket after having touched the backboard, or while it's in the cylinder above the rim, it's goaltending and the shot counts. If committed by an offensive player, it's a violation and the ball is awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in.
Backcourt violation. Once the offense has brought the ball across the mid-court line, they cannot go back across the line during possession. If they do, the ball is awarded to the other team to pass inbounds.
Time restrictions. A player passing the ball inbounds has five seconds to pass the ball. If he does not, then the ball is awarded to the other team. Other time restrictions include the rule that a player cannot have the ball for more than five seconds when being closely guarded and, in some states and levels, shot-clock restrictions requiring a team to attempt a shot within a given time frame.
rebounding drills and tips
Rebound Drill
Playing inside means you're close to the basket, and it means you'll be expected to rebound the basketball. Start off on one side of the basket, about halfway to the free throw line. Toss the ball off the backboard and explode up the the ball, snatching it out of the air. Come down strong, on-balance, and turn to make an imaginary outlet pass to your point guard.
Do this drill 10 times from each side of the basket. This drills works on your jumping ability, stamina, and gets you in the habit of coming down on-balance while quickly looking to make the outlet pass to start the fast break.
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Offensive Rebound and Put-Backs
As an offensive rebounder, a key focus area is going up strong for the follow up shot once you've grabbed the rebound.
Start 4 or 5 feet out from the basket on the right side. Toss the ball against the backboard and go up strong for the rebound. Keeping the ball at chest level or above, go back up strong for the shot, banking in the put-back shot. Do this 10 times from each side of the basket.
Next, do the same drill, but after grabbing the rebound, give a quick pump fake before going back up with the shot. Inside players are often anxious to block shots, so giving the quick pump fake will often get a defender off his feet or out of position so you can quickly go back up with the put-back. Do the pump fake and put back shot 10 times from each side of the basket.
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Rebound Tip-Ins
As you progress through your career and get taller and stronger, the tip-in shot will likely become a bigger part of your game.
There will be times when it is better to tip the ball back into the basket than it is to actually come down with the rebound and attempt a follow-up shot. Tip in shots take lots of practice, and a fair amount of physical skill. Practice this shot, but only attempt tip-in shots during games when you are actually pretty good at doing them in practice situations.
Start 4 or 5 feet out from the basket to one side and toss the ball up against the backboard so it will bounce off the rim. As the ball is bouncing off the rim, jump up and try to tip the ball in with your right hand (from the right side). Do this 5 times. Then, switch to the left hand side of the rim. Toss the ball up so that it bounces off the rim, jump up and try to tip the ball in with your left hand.
You may want to start off by trying to put the ball back into the rim with 2 hands at the same time. As you get better, you can actually try one-handed tip-ins. The key is to time your jump properly, and use your fingertips to guide the ball back into the rim. It takes lots of practice. But in time, you should be able to utilize the tip in on occasion. Remember though: rebounding the ball, coming down with the ball, then going back up with a strong power move is often a better shot than a tip-in (which can often be a lower percentage shot).
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Backboard Toss
This drill helps you work on your jumping ability, timing, and balance as you come down with the boards.
Start on one side of the basket, 2 or 3 feet out from the backboard. Toss the ball up high against the backboard as if you were passing it to someone who is standing on the opposite block. After you make the pass, take a step or two (as necessary) towards the opposite block, then explode up to grab the ball out of the air, as if you're grabbing a rebound. Really explode up into the air and snatch the ball from the sky. As you come down with the ball, be sure to come down on-balance, and ready to go back up with the shot, keeping the ball in close to your chest with both hands.
Now, throw the ball back against the backboard, over towards the opposite block and repeat the drill. But don't always throw the ball to the exact same spot. The goal is to vary the direction and distance you throw the ball slighly so that each time you explode up for the rebound, you come down in a slightly different spot. This forces you to stay on balance, and jump different distance and to different spots. In this way, you more realistically simulate rebounding in a a game situation where you're never quite sure exatly where the ball will come off of the rim, or where exactly you're going to have to jump to grab the ball. Make 10 tosses against the backboard (grabbing 10 simulated rebounds). Rest, and do another set of
Basketball Rebounding Tip #1: BOXING OUT AND REBOUND
If you are real close to the basket when the shot goes up, you must "box out" and create some space to rebound. To "box out" from your defensive position: Go towards your man and make contact. Pivot so you “Put your butt to their gut” and just slide with them, keeping them away from the rebound. When boxing out, keep your man from pushing you in towards the basket, so you can maintain good rebounding position. (If you let them push you under the basket, the rebound will go over your head). Then go get the rebound!
Basketball Rebounding Tip #2: THE "PERFECT REBOUND"
Rebounding... Most rebounds (90%) are caught below the rim. Try and think out what a perfect rebound is ... The perfect rebound is the one where everyone of your teammates and yourself box out their man so well that the rebound can be easily caught AFTER it has hit the floor. When one thinks about this "perfect rebound" concept the team blockouts get better and better.
post play tips and drills
Form Shooting Drill
Having good, solid form is a key element in being a good shooter. To work on your mechanics, use a close to the basket shooting drill.
Stand 2 or 3 feet from the backboardand on one side of the basket. Using only your shooting arm, shoot a bank shot into the basket. Use perfect form (ball on finger tips, elbow in, shoot up-and-out towards the basket, follow through with good backspin on the ball). Rebound the ball and shoot again. Shoot at least 15 shots from each side of the basket. Shoot with your right arm from the right side of the basket, and shoot with your left arm from the left side of the basket. Once you've shot 15 shots from each side, step back 2 or 3 feet further away from the basket and repeat the drill.
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Mikan Drill
Named after George Mikan, one of the NBA's early stars, this drill is a key to improving your shot. The drill involves shooting a hook shot in the lane, but it really helps you improve your overall game. The Mikan drill helps you improve your hook shot, but it also helps you improve your coordination, touch around the basket, shot release, follow through, and confidence in your short range game.
Start in front of the basket, 2 to 3 feet in front of the rim. Jump off of your left leg and shoot a right-handed hook shot off the backboard and into the basket. Rebound the ball, and immediately go into the shooting motion of shooting a left-handed hook shot (jumping off of your right leg). Remember to explode up and off the ground as you shoot the shot. Keep both hands on the ball until you are in the final stages of releasing the shot. Fully extend your shooting arm, and release the ball high in the air, using your non-shooting arm to create space between you and the defender. Shoot 15 shots with each arm, then move back 2 or 3 feet and repeat the drill, shooting another 15 shots with each arm.
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Distance Shooting Drill
Improving the distance on your shot is important to becoming a better offensive player. Extending your shooting range should be a goal for any player, regardless of what position you play, or what your shooting range is currently.
After you are warmed up and have done some close-in form shooting drills, work your way back to the the furthest distance from the basket you are comfortable shooting from (in other words, the extent of your current shooting range). Shoot 10 jump shots from this range. Once you have made 8 out of 10, you are ready to move back 1 to 2 feet further than you would normally shoot from. Make sure you use the same form on the shot you normally use, getting extra strength and power from your lower body. Really focus on shooting with perfect form. Shoot 10 jump shots from this distance. Then, move back another 1 to 2 feet and repeat the drill. Continue to move back 1 to 2 feet from the basket for each series of 10 shots, but stop once you are unable to maintain solid form on the shot. Once you can no longer use your typical shooting form, stop the drill. Your goal is to increase your shooting range over time, a little bit each workout.
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Fake and One-Dribble Moves
There will be times in a game when you catch a pass and immediately go up for a jump shot. But it is important that you're able to shoot the basketball at the end of a move as well. Working on fake and one-dribble move drills will help you improve this part of your game, and more realistically simulates scoring opportunities you'll likely get in actual games..
Toss the ball out to yourself, catch it and pull it into your body and get into the triple threat position. Make a good, solid pump fake and then take one strong dribble to your right. Make sure your dribble moves you past an imaginary defender and towards the basket (the dribble should take you at a 45-degree angle towards the basket). Come to a solid, on-balance stop, then go up for your jump shot. Do this drill 5 times pump faking and dribbling to your right, and 5 times dribbling to your left. Do this drill from 4 to 5 different spots on the floor (for example: on the baseline, on the right and left wings, and on the right and left elbow.
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Quick Shot Drill
One of the most important parts of being a good shooter is having a quick shot, and a quick shot release. Even if the defense is playing you close, a quick shot release will allow you to still take the shot, even under lots of pressure.
Here is a great quick-shot drill. The next time you go out to the court to shoot around, make a point to work on the quickness of your shot release. Take a few jump shots like you regularly do (at your regular speed). Now, concentrate on shooting the ball much more quickly. Speed up your shot, all the way from bringing the ball through your shooting pocket, to the actual shot, and the release of the basketball. Concentrate on speeding up the process, but without sacrificing or changing your shooting form at all. Shoot at least 25 jumpers at this faster speed.
Do this drill each time you take the court to work on your shot, and pretty soon you'll start to notice that you shoot the ball with a much quicker release.
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Fall-Away Jumper Drill
If you watch an NBA game, you'll notice that a lot of players shoot fall-away jumpers. There's a reason for that: players in the NBA are so tall, such good athletes, and such good jumpers, that it can be very difficult to shoot the basketball. Jumping straight up and taking the jumper isn't an option, because the shot can easily be blocked.
So players look for ways to create enough space to shoot the basketball. One technique to create space is the fall-away. Try this drill and start practicing working on a fall-away jump shot. Start on the block with your back to the basket. Now, shoot a turnaround jumper to the baseline, falling slightly away from the basket. Concentrate on shooting the ball with perfect form, getting good arch on the ball, and keeping your body on-balance, even though you are drifting slightly back from the basket. Shoot 20 jumpers from each side of the basket.
Shooting these from the blocks is a good way to start learning the fall-away jumper, especially for inside players. After several workouts of shooting the fall-away from the block, move to other spots on the floor (such as the elbows, the wings, shorter shots in the lane).
Body control is very important in the game of basketball, and shooting the fall-away tests your ability to shoot the ball under control. Most coaches teach jumping straight up while shooting jump shots, and this is the right thing to teach. But as you move from one level to the next, and players get taller, and have better jumping ability, learning and using the fall-away will be a big part of your game. Now, if you have an open jump shot, then use classic jump shot form (jump straight up or slightly forward for the jumper). But if you are playing against a good defender, and he is playing you tight, a fall-away may be what you need to get room to take the jumper.
speed and agility
Basketball Speed and Agility Training
Basketball speed and agility training can make you lighter on your feet and a worthy opponent on the court. It can give you the edge you need in the game you love. There are many techniques available to the player who wants to gain the edge over other teams. One of the best ways to train for speed is to give yourself natural resistance when you are sprint training. Find a steep hill and sprint to the top and ease your breathing by walking down. By training this way, when it comes time to sprint down the court, it will seem easy!
Lateral Speed Training
Speed on the basketball court is essential, but so is developing lateral speed and agility. There are many tools available to help the serious basketball player develop this key court advantage, including Lateral Power Trainers and Power Boxes. In order to dodge and move in any sport, especially basketball, you need to develop muscles and instincts for moving side to side, backwards and forwards and in circles to get around your opponent. There are many drills for training in these skills, but don't be afraid to try out some tools and watch some training videos for pointers
Agility ladder drills
These are often associated with other sports (such as soccer or football), but every basketball player should use an agility ladder to work on their foot speed and agility.
There are various drills you can do with an agility ladder, but here are a few basics to get started:
- One foot hop (go through each box hopping on one foot, then do again with the other)
- Two foot hop (go through each box using both feet)
- High knees (go through the boxes brining your knees up high)
- Two feet in each box (using a running motion, step into a box with your right foot, then your left, then into the next box with your right, then your left and continue this pattern)
- One foot in each box (same as above, but this time, only one foot will land in each box)
- Sideways one foot in each box (sliding to your side, you'll put one foot in each box)
- Sideways two feet in each box (same as above, but both feet will hit the ground in each box)
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Jump rope drills
Old school? No doubt about it. But also very effective.
Jumping rope is a great way to get warmed up for a workout, but it's also a great way to work on your foot speed. Here are a few drills:
- Speed jumps (jump fast, and we mean as fast as you can)
- One leg (alternating between your right and left foot...for example, jump 4 or 5 times on your left foot, then move to 4 or 5 jumps on your right)
- Running jumps (jump rope while moving from one end of the floor to the other...it's more a fast walk than a run, but you get the idea)
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Cone drills
Cone drills are great at making you faster. Here are a few good drills I use with my clients:
- Sliding drills (place 2 cones 6-8 feet apart and defensive slide from one to the other...then move them 10-12 feet apart and do the same. They key is to slide fast...very fast.)
- The T-Cone drill (place 3 cones in a straight line about 3 or 4 feet apart, then place 2 other cones about 10 feet apart at the top of the "T". Now, start off running back and forth between the 3 cones and out to one of the cones at the top, then back-pedal to the starting spot. Do the same thing again, this time out to the other cone at the top, and back-pedaling to the start). Go FAST.
These are just some of the drills you can do as part of your foot speed and agility training. Check back soon...we'll be adding more details in the weeks to come
Basketball speed and agility training can make you lighter on your feet and a worthy opponent on the court. It can give you the edge you need in the game you love. There are many techniques available to the player who wants to gain the edge over other teams. One of the best ways to train for speed is to give yourself natural resistance when you are sprint training. Find a steep hill and sprint to the top and ease your breathing by walking down. By training this way, when it comes time to sprint down the court, it will seem easy!
Lateral Speed Training
Speed on the basketball court is essential, but so is developing lateral speed and agility. There are many tools available to help the serious basketball player develop this key court advantage, including Lateral Power Trainers and Power Boxes. In order to dodge and move in any sport, especially basketball, you need to develop muscles and instincts for moving side to side, backwards and forwards and in circles to get around your opponent. There are many drills for training in these skills, but don't be afraid to try out some tools and watch some training videos for pointers
Agility ladder drills
These are often associated with other sports (such as soccer or football), but every basketball player should use an agility ladder to work on their foot speed and agility.
There are various drills you can do with an agility ladder, but here are a few basics to get started:
- One foot hop (go through each box hopping on one foot, then do again with the other)
- Two foot hop (go through each box using both feet)
- High knees (go through the boxes brining your knees up high)
- Two feet in each box (using a running motion, step into a box with your right foot, then your left, then into the next box with your right, then your left and continue this pattern)
- One foot in each box (same as above, but this time, only one foot will land in each box)
- Sideways one foot in each box (sliding to your side, you'll put one foot in each box)
- Sideways two feet in each box (same as above, but both feet will hit the ground in each box)
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Jump rope drills
Old school? No doubt about it. But also very effective.
Jumping rope is a great way to get warmed up for a workout, but it's also a great way to work on your foot speed. Here are a few drills:
- Speed jumps (jump fast, and we mean as fast as you can)
- One leg (alternating between your right and left foot...for example, jump 4 or 5 times on your left foot, then move to 4 or 5 jumps on your right)
- Running jumps (jump rope while moving from one end of the floor to the other...it's more a fast walk than a run, but you get the idea)
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Cone drills
Cone drills are great at making you faster. Here are a few good drills I use with my clients:
- Sliding drills (place 2 cones 6-8 feet apart and defensive slide from one to the other...then move them 10-12 feet apart and do the same. They key is to slide fast...very fast.)
- The T-Cone drill (place 3 cones in a straight line about 3 or 4 feet apart, then place 2 other cones about 10 feet apart at the top of the "T". Now, start off running back and forth between the 3 cones and out to one of the cones at the top, then back-pedal to the starting spot. Do the same thing again, this time out to the other cone at the top, and back-pedaling to the start). Go FAST.
These are just some of the drills you can do as part of your foot speed and agility training. Check back soon...we'll be adding more details in the weeks to come
increasing your vertical leap
Increase your jumping ability by getting in better overall physical shape
Being able to jump high is the result of a combination of things: natural ability, leg strength, explosive power, and your overall level of fitness. One way to get in shape, and stay in shape, is to play lots of basketball.
If you play a lot of ball, that will tranlate into being in better shape. There's no way your vertical leap will improve if you aren't in good shape. Also, there are lots of quick movements you make in a game that you can't recreate outside of actual game play. These help build your overall basketball abilities, as well as your athleticism (explosiveness, jumping ability, etc.).
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Jump rope exercises
It's an old school exercise, but it works. Jumping rope is a great way to build stamina, and work on your leg strength. In addition, it builds jumping ability (explosiveness, calf strength, etc.). Adding jump rope exercises to your workout routine can pay big dividends in increasing your vertical leaping ability.
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Run stadium stairs
Another old school exericse, and a great one for helping you develop length strenght and power that will help you become a better jumper.
Running stadium stairs can really help your vertical leap because it helps build stamina, leg strength, and when done right, explosiveness. To work on explosiveness, use "bounding" movements. In otherwords, don't just get from one step the the next, but really leap up from one step to the next.
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Wall sits and squats
Strength training (like wall sits and squats) will help you build leg strength, which is a key component of athletic fitness, and therefore jumping ability. Remember to only use a weight that is comfortable for you, and to always have a trainer or training partner work out with you. You don't want to get hurt lifting too much weight, or lifting it improperly.
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Explosive leaps
This is a great type of exercise. Do these at a park, or on a football field so that you are cushioned by the soft grass surface.
One-legged jumps are done like this: leap as high as possible off of one foot, then come down and immediately leap as high as possible off the other leg. Repeat this for 10 to 15 jumps.
Two-legged leaps are done like this: squat down so you are in the triple threat position. Now explode up and off the ground as if you are reaching for a rebound. Come down, gather yourself for a second or two, then leap up again, as high as possible. Do this 8 to 10 times.
Remember, vertical leap is part leg strength and part explosiveness. In fact, the explosiveness part is the more important of the two. It's not about the size of your leg muscles, or how much weight you can put up in the gym. It's about your athletic ability, coordination, and your ability to explode up and off the ground.
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defense drills and tips
Defensive quickness drills
A big part of being a good defensive player is quickness (your ability to cut off an offensive player, your ability to slide out into the passing lane, etc.).
To help develop your quickness, work on footspeed drills such as jumping rope, doing defensive slides, running sprints, running stadium stairs, and doing cone drills. By increasing your quickness, you'll be a better defender. Here are some details on the drills you can do.
- Jumping rope: start off with a good warmup (30 to 45 seconds of jumping rope at a slow pace). Then do a series of 30 to 45 second repetitions where you jump with both feet, alternate from one foot to the other, and then jump on one foot or the other for the entire repetition.
- Defensive slides: you'll work on these during practice with your team, but you can also do these on your own. Start on the baseline at one corner of the court and slide to the middle of the lane, then switch directions and slide back to the sideline, continuing all the way up the court to the opposite baseline.
- Running sprints: go to a track and warm up with a lap or two of easy running. Then go onto the grass of the football field and run a series of sprints. Start off with some shorter sprints (20 to 30 yards), and work your way up to longer sprints (40 to 50 yards).
- Stadium stairs: running stadium stairs is a great way to get in shape and work on your agility. Start off with a good warm up, then run one set od stadium stairs stepping on each step, then one set where you kick your knees up high, one set where you put both feet on each step, one set where you run up stepping on every other step, and finally one set where you jump on each step with two feet.
- Cone drills: cone drills involve putting a cone (or some other object) on the court (or grassy field) and doing various sprint and slide movements from cone to cone. For example, place four cones about 10 yards from each other, with one cone in the center of the four. Slide from the center out to one cone, then back to the center, then out to the next cone and back to the center, continuing until you've slid out to each of the cones and back to the middle. Work on increasing your speed out and back to the cones.
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Slides
As touched on in the earlier drill, defensive slides are a key to being a good defender. Work on your defensive slides to become a better defender.
Here's a great drill to become a better defender. Start under the basket, and sprint to the free throw line under control. As you near the free throw line, slow down, and chop your steps so you are under control and ready to slide (this is called "closing out" on an offensive player). Once you close out to the free throw line, slide quickly and powerfully to one corner of the court (where the sideline and baseline meet). Repeat the drill several times, sliding to one side, then the other. This gets you used to closing out on an offensive player, then quickly being able to slide to one side or the other to defend them.
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Slide and jump (pressure the shot)
Being a good defender means playing great on-ball defense, and also getting a hand up on shots (to put additional pressure on the offensive player).
Start in one corner of the court (where the sideline meets the baseline), in a good defensive stance, and slide quickly and powerfully to the elbow (where the free throw line meets the corner of the lane). As you get to the elbow, imagine that the player you are guarding is going up for a jump shot. So as you near the elbow, gather yourself and leap up to block the shot. After you come down from your jump, turn to block out the shooter. Do this drill five times from each side of the court.
There will be lots of times where you have to quickly transition from a defensive slide to a jump (either to block a shot or grab a rebound). So practicing this will translate into being a better defender in game situations.
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Slide and jump (pressure the shot and jump for the rebound)
This drill is similar to the one above, but adds another level of complexity, making it even more game-like and realistic.
Start in one corner of the court (where the sideline meets the baseline), in a good defensive stance, and slide quickly and powerfully to the middle of the lane. As you get to the lane, imagine that the player you are guarding is going up for a jump shot. So as you near the lane, gather yourself and leap up to block the shot. After you come down from your jump, turn to block out the shooter. Now, imagine the ball is coming off of the rim, so take a few step towards the basket, and leap up high for a rebound. Come down on balance, and turn as if you are going to make an outlet pass to start the fast break. Do this drill five times from each side of the court.
Combining multiple movements (the defensive slide, the leap to distract the shot, the jump for a rebound, and the turn to throw the outlet pass), you're more realistically practicing game-like situations. This will really give you an edge when you get into actual games and have to make these types of plays.
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