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

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