Hey Hoop Fan,
You know how we always talk about first step quickness in basketball? Well it is not only important in a forward direction but also in a backwards or retreating direction. I am going to share with you the weekly basketball tip and brief article in one...
When a defender locks in to an offensive ball handler they are trying to dictate what the offensive player can do. The problem is offensive players will always have the advantage because they know where they want to go. Because of this, I teach my defensive players to match speed with speed and a little more. What that means is I want my defenders to make just as an aggressive move as the offensive players but try to give just a little more. This way the defender can cut off the offensive players move.
It is easy for me to say this but it is a different story trying to pull it off. Unless you understand the retreating skill of the hip turn and shuffle or the hip turn and crossover. Granted, these moves are natural and most players will perform them. The problem is they are not aggressive enough and don't extend each footwork step. They take too short of steps which leaves them trailing the offensive player. Let me share with you how to perform these skills.
Hip Turn and Shuffle
The hip turn is a simple quick movement to open the hips by repositioning the feet and pushing off the ground quickly. This move should be used in place of the pivot for a defender. So if the offensive player makes a hard first step drive to the defenders left the defender must quickly flip open the hips and immediately push off into an aggressive long shuffle. If the steps are too short the power output will be less- therefore leaving the defender behind. The steps must be hard and long BUT WITHOUT OVER-STRIDING. You don't want the defender to over stride and slow down. The key is to be aggressive with each push off. The reason the shuffle can be used is because the offensive player has not past by the lead shoulder of the defender. If the offensive player does get past the lead shoulder the defender must perform the next skill- Hip Turn and Crossover...
Hip Turn and Crossover
I have called the crossover the King of athletic movements. The crossover is used on the defensive end when the offensive player passes the defenders lead shoulder. the other factor which requires the defender to use the crossover is if the offensive player is going full speed. The defender will need to use the crossover to regain defensive orientation. Obviously if the crossover doesn't work then the defender must turn and run to cut off the path.
The crossover is basically a running action with the lower body while the upper body stays fairly squared up with the offensive player. The hips must open up and to allow the backside leg to crossover and get into a stride pattern.
If used with intense effort the crossover is a great way to shut down an offensive players move. The other positive with the crossover is a defender can easily stop and change directions if the offensive player does the same.
Practice
Just as you would have basketball players practice shooting, dribbling, passing, and rebounding I would have them practice these skills every day. If they get good at them you will have great defenders who can shut down most offensive players.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: Check this link out and let me know what you think. http://www.mybasketballspeed.com/
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Bad Shot or Smart Play?
Hey Basketball Fans,
It is getting crunch time in the college and high school basketball leagues. I look forward to how things take shape in the college game as we head down the stretch and how high schools do in the sectional, regional, and state tourneys. It may not mean much to you, but even my daughter's 5th grade season is winding down- it has been a fun year. My youngest daughter has her first game this coming weekend and hopefully we can get a few more games for the girls. I'll keep you posted because I know you are dying to know :-)
Weekly Basketball Tip: The Fade Away Jump Shot
OK, all you purist coaches! Before you go off the handle, let me explain. I am not advocating a bad shot. I am advocating using what you have to get a quality shot off. A fade away shot in the paint or just off the low block is a great shot to get when a larger defender is on you. If done properly, the fade away is executed with the body squared up to the hoop, a great follow through is used, and the ball has a nice soft arch on it. At 5'10 I used this shot my entire career with great success. The problems comes when players try this shot too far out and without squaring up and using proper shooting mechanics.
Drill: Start at the right low block with your back to the basket. If you are a right-hander spin to your left so the ball gets in front of you quicker (when going to the right your left shoulder is in front and it makes you shoot the ball across your body- tough shot), jump up and back to clear space or separate from a defender. Make sure you follow through and put enough arch on the ball so it comes down softly. Perform this shot on each low block, in the middle of the paint, and in the short corners. Do 2 sets of 5 shots from each spot so you can groove your shooting touch.
First Step Lateral Speed
We often talk about first step speed in sports, especially basketball. But I like to talk about first step lateral speed. I think if you can improve your players ability to explode and cover more distance with a great first step laterally they can be a more effective defender.
Here is a great way to improve lateral first step speed:
1. 1/2 lane shuffles- The players will stand in the middle of the lane in a defensive stance. When the coach points to the right or left the players must shuffle as quickly as possible and get one foot outside the lane. The goal is for the players to be aggressive on each push off. If you have the players in a competitive situation they will perform at more intense level.
2. 1/2 lane crossover- the set up is the same as the 1/2 lane shuffles. The players will not use one hard crossover to get outside the lane with one foot. The goals once again is to drive hard and gain distance without over-reaching.
3. Hip Turn and shuffle- The player will be facing the coach in a defensive stance, when the coach points to the right or left the players must perform a hip turn and explode for two hard shuffles. Gain as much distance as possible from the starting position. This drill is a great way to help defenders stay with a penetration move by an offensive player.
4. Hip Turn and Crossover- Same drill as above except the crossover is used to gain distance. If done properly players should be able to cover nearly twice as much distance as two shuffles.
These 4 drills will help improve your players first step lateral speed. Give them a try and let me know what you think.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: To discover more great skills and drills go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/. You can try it out for one month FREE!
It is getting crunch time in the college and high school basketball leagues. I look forward to how things take shape in the college game as we head down the stretch and how high schools do in the sectional, regional, and state tourneys. It may not mean much to you, but even my daughter's 5th grade season is winding down- it has been a fun year. My youngest daughter has her first game this coming weekend and hopefully we can get a few more games for the girls. I'll keep you posted because I know you are dying to know :-)
Weekly Basketball Tip: The Fade Away Jump Shot
OK, all you purist coaches! Before you go off the handle, let me explain. I am not advocating a bad shot. I am advocating using what you have to get a quality shot off. A fade away shot in the paint or just off the low block is a great shot to get when a larger defender is on you. If done properly, the fade away is executed with the body squared up to the hoop, a great follow through is used, and the ball has a nice soft arch on it. At 5'10 I used this shot my entire career with great success. The problems comes when players try this shot too far out and without squaring up and using proper shooting mechanics.
Drill: Start at the right low block with your back to the basket. If you are a right-hander spin to your left so the ball gets in front of you quicker (when going to the right your left shoulder is in front and it makes you shoot the ball across your body- tough shot), jump up and back to clear space or separate from a defender. Make sure you follow through and put enough arch on the ball so it comes down softly. Perform this shot on each low block, in the middle of the paint, and in the short corners. Do 2 sets of 5 shots from each spot so you can groove your shooting touch.
First Step Lateral Speed
We often talk about first step speed in sports, especially basketball. But I like to talk about first step lateral speed. I think if you can improve your players ability to explode and cover more distance with a great first step laterally they can be a more effective defender.
Here is a great way to improve lateral first step speed:
1. 1/2 lane shuffles- The players will stand in the middle of the lane in a defensive stance. When the coach points to the right or left the players must shuffle as quickly as possible and get one foot outside the lane. The goal is for the players to be aggressive on each push off. If you have the players in a competitive situation they will perform at more intense level.
2. 1/2 lane crossover- the set up is the same as the 1/2 lane shuffles. The players will not use one hard crossover to get outside the lane with one foot. The goals once again is to drive hard and gain distance without over-reaching.
3. Hip Turn and shuffle- The player will be facing the coach in a defensive stance, when the coach points to the right or left the players must perform a hip turn and explode for two hard shuffles. Gain as much distance as possible from the starting position. This drill is a great way to help defenders stay with a penetration move by an offensive player.
4. Hip Turn and Crossover- Same drill as above except the crossover is used to gain distance. If done properly players should be able to cover nearly twice as much distance as two shuffles.
These 4 drills will help improve your players first step lateral speed. Give them a try and let me know what you think.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: To discover more great skills and drills go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/. You can try it out for one month FREE!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Pass Fake To Score More
I recently did a short video clip for the Basketball Speed Insiders http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ on the pass fake. Basketball is a game of fakes and it certainly applies to passing.
If you become known as a good passer you become even more of a threat to defenders because they never know when you are going to pass. But even if you are not a great passer you can still fake the pants off defenders with proper faking. Let me share with you two areas that a great pass fake will allow you to off more shots.
The first fake is off a penetration move down the lane. When a defender steps up you want to jump stop and immediately fake like you are bounce passing to a teammate. This will usually drop the hands of the help defender and allow you to rise up for a short jumper. In order for you to rise up you must be on balance. If the defender doesn't drop his or her hands you can then make the pass or kick the ball out. But I promise- if the fake is done well 9 out of 10 times you will have a great shot opportunity.
The second fake is done off penetration to the baseline. When a help defender or your own defender cuts the baseline off and you pick up your dribble you know want to make a quick wrap around fake pass. The objective is to sell the fake by actually wrapping it around the defender so it appears you did pass- sell it like you mean it. When the defender turns his or her head and shoulders you can now rise up for a short shot off the glass or over the rim.
As I mentioned earlier if you are a good passer and have made many passes during the game this will help you sell your fake.
Even though this is an instinctive skill that many players naturally posses, it can still be taught by a coach and practice by players. The key is to know when to do it and to be under control when making the fake. And just like any other aspect of sports you have to be confident and forceful.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: If you want to check out the video on pass faking plus all the other videos go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ for a FREE 30 day trial.
If you become known as a good passer you become even more of a threat to defenders because they never know when you are going to pass. But even if you are not a great passer you can still fake the pants off defenders with proper faking. Let me share with you two areas that a great pass fake will allow you to off more shots.
The first fake is off a penetration move down the lane. When a defender steps up you want to jump stop and immediately fake like you are bounce passing to a teammate. This will usually drop the hands of the help defender and allow you to rise up for a short jumper. In order for you to rise up you must be on balance. If the defender doesn't drop his or her hands you can then make the pass or kick the ball out. But I promise- if the fake is done well 9 out of 10 times you will have a great shot opportunity.
The second fake is done off penetration to the baseline. When a help defender or your own defender cuts the baseline off and you pick up your dribble you know want to make a quick wrap around fake pass. The objective is to sell the fake by actually wrapping it around the defender so it appears you did pass- sell it like you mean it. When the defender turns his or her head and shoulders you can now rise up for a short shot off the glass or over the rim.
As I mentioned earlier if you are a good passer and have made many passes during the game this will help you sell your fake.
Even though this is an instinctive skill that many players naturally posses, it can still be taught by a coach and practice by players. The key is to know when to do it and to be under control when making the fake. And just like any other aspect of sports you have to be confident and forceful.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: If you want to check out the video on pass faking plus all the other videos go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ for a FREE 30 day trial.
Monday, February 2, 2009
There Is Always A Higher Level.
Good Monday!
We finally had a little break from the frigid weather the last couple days- it climbed way up into the 30's- wha hoo!
I know this is a basketball blog but what a great Superbowl. Both teams made some big plays and the athletes came out to shine. Even though Arizona lost I am so impressed with the athleticism of Fitzgerald. He is a stud athlete. The one thing I like about him is he takes his training and practicing serious. This is kind of a personal statement but I loved hearing his interview a while back and he talked about how as a high school kid he stayed away from the drinking and drugs. He focused on playing sports and staying out of the bad stuff. It hit home with me because that was how I was. I never even tasted alcohol until I was 22 years old- it is all about choices and Larry Fitzgerald made some great ones. I wish more emphasis would be put on that aspect of his life so young people would listen and follow in his footsteps.
Weekly Basketball Tip: Attacking the defenders shoulder
Purpose: To get young players to be physical and strong when making an offensive move past a defender.
Action: A drill can be set up many different ways. It can be one on one. It can be one on one plus a passer with the offensive player having to use cuts to get open, or any other combination of drills. The focus is on the offensive player catching the ball in triple threat and attacking the defenders lead shoulder (if the defender is square then pick a side). But have a strong long first step to create a seal, drive the shoulders forward, and rub off the defenders shoulder with the guard arm leading the way to seal off the defender. LEARN TO INITIAL CONTACT SO YOU ARE READY FOR IT. When you go weak past a defender and there is contact usually the you get knocked off line. So make contact by driving the shoulder and guard arm past the defender.
Drilling it: Perform 4 dribble drive moves past the defender in 5 different spots on the floor (corner, wing, key, opposite wing, and opposite corner). Make sure you can attack either side equally as well. GOOD LUCK AND WORK HARD!
Higher Level
Yesterday a friend of mine and I took our daughters to an open scrimmage at a basketball academy in Indianapolis. It was for 3rd-8th graders and it was mixed boys and girls and ages. It was outstanding. It was the first time my daughter and my friends daughter played against really good ball players. That was my motive from the beginning. I want my daughter to see what real basketball is. I want her to know what it is like to compete against aggressive players who know how to play the game. She go all of that and more.
Many of you might be thinking how tough could the scrimmage have been if there were 3rd graders mixed in. Let me tell you. These 3rd graders GOT GAME! They were crossing over, going through the legs and ATTACKING the hoop- something our girls are not use to seeing in our little school.
The point of the post is that if you want to get to the next level you have to visit the next level. You have to get involved with the players at the next level. Learn the speed of the game. I wanted our 2 girls to get pushed around and see how they responded. They both were shocked at first- but then they started to realize; either compete or get eaten alive. They did.
What was nice is that they both realized their skills have to improve and their confidence to use those skills has to be stronger. You can't be afraid to compete.
My encouragement to you is to find better competition all the time. If you players are playing at the same talent level or lesser talent they will never reach the high level. Sometimes it is difficult to find better players depending on where you live but you can always have slightly older players come down and play with your kids every now and again. Ask the older kids to work on their weaknesses so they get a good workout as well.
The most important question I asked my daughter and was anxious to hear her response was; would you want to go back and do it again? She said with no hesitation- YES! If she had said no I would not have pushed her. I would have let her come to me and when and if she was ready.
Good luck getting your team and players to the next level.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: Go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ so you can start receiving "The Game Plan" Newsletter. It is full of great information and easy to take with you on trips or to practice.
We finally had a little break from the frigid weather the last couple days- it climbed way up into the 30's- wha hoo!
I know this is a basketball blog but what a great Superbowl. Both teams made some big plays and the athletes came out to shine. Even though Arizona lost I am so impressed with the athleticism of Fitzgerald. He is a stud athlete. The one thing I like about him is he takes his training and practicing serious. This is kind of a personal statement but I loved hearing his interview a while back and he talked about how as a high school kid he stayed away from the drinking and drugs. He focused on playing sports and staying out of the bad stuff. It hit home with me because that was how I was. I never even tasted alcohol until I was 22 years old- it is all about choices and Larry Fitzgerald made some great ones. I wish more emphasis would be put on that aspect of his life so young people would listen and follow in his footsteps.
Weekly Basketball Tip: Attacking the defenders shoulder
Purpose: To get young players to be physical and strong when making an offensive move past a defender.
Action: A drill can be set up many different ways. It can be one on one. It can be one on one plus a passer with the offensive player having to use cuts to get open, or any other combination of drills. The focus is on the offensive player catching the ball in triple threat and attacking the defenders lead shoulder (if the defender is square then pick a side). But have a strong long first step to create a seal, drive the shoulders forward, and rub off the defenders shoulder with the guard arm leading the way to seal off the defender. LEARN TO INITIAL CONTACT SO YOU ARE READY FOR IT. When you go weak past a defender and there is contact usually the you get knocked off line. So make contact by driving the shoulder and guard arm past the defender.
Drilling it: Perform 4 dribble drive moves past the defender in 5 different spots on the floor (corner, wing, key, opposite wing, and opposite corner). Make sure you can attack either side equally as well. GOOD LUCK AND WORK HARD!
Higher Level
Yesterday a friend of mine and I took our daughters to an open scrimmage at a basketball academy in Indianapolis. It was for 3rd-8th graders and it was mixed boys and girls and ages. It was outstanding. It was the first time my daughter and my friends daughter played against really good ball players. That was my motive from the beginning. I want my daughter to see what real basketball is. I want her to know what it is like to compete against aggressive players who know how to play the game. She go all of that and more.
Many of you might be thinking how tough could the scrimmage have been if there were 3rd graders mixed in. Let me tell you. These 3rd graders GOT GAME! They were crossing over, going through the legs and ATTACKING the hoop- something our girls are not use to seeing in our little school.
The point of the post is that if you want to get to the next level you have to visit the next level. You have to get involved with the players at the next level. Learn the speed of the game. I wanted our 2 girls to get pushed around and see how they responded. They both were shocked at first- but then they started to realize; either compete or get eaten alive. They did.
What was nice is that they both realized their skills have to improve and their confidence to use those skills has to be stronger. You can't be afraid to compete.
My encouragement to you is to find better competition all the time. If you players are playing at the same talent level or lesser talent they will never reach the high level. Sometimes it is difficult to find better players depending on where you live but you can always have slightly older players come down and play with your kids every now and again. Ask the older kids to work on their weaknesses so they get a good workout as well.
The most important question I asked my daughter and was anxious to hear her response was; would you want to go back and do it again? She said with no hesitation- YES! If she had said no I would not have pushed her. I would have let her come to me and when and if she was ready.
Good luck getting your team and players to the next level.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: Go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ so you can start receiving "The Game Plan" Newsletter. It is full of great information and easy to take with you on trips or to practice.
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