Shooting a basketball, just like any other sport skill, requires that you develop a groove. A groove is another term for motor program. When you perform a skill over and over a certain way the brain develops a smooth pathway that becomes the default pattern. Great shooters in basketball know this and practice shooting the correct way all the time.
I feel on of the best ways to develop a groove for a young shooter is to start short and work your way out. This sounds like common sense but rarely do we see players do this. The might take a couple token close shots and immediately get out to the long range.
Here is a plan that works:
1. Pick out 7 short shots (5-10 feet) and shoot 5-10 shots from each of those spots. Shoot these shots from a stand still. Here are the 7 spots we use with our young girls program.
-right low block
-left low block
-middle of the lane in front of the hoop
-right short wing
-left short wing
-right short corner
-left short corner
2. Next, back up to a good mid range jumper, and work off either stepping into a catch and shoot or spinning the ball to yourself and shoot. In either case make sure you step in low and in rhythm. Shoot 5-10 shots from each spot.
3. Finally, all shots are taken from a dribble move. The move can be a penetration and pull up, a jump back shot, or a one hard dribble separation dribble and shot. 5-10 from each spot.
If you develop a routine like this it will groove your shot. BUT, you must shot properly. However that is for you- you must be consistent each and every time. On another post I will talk about what I think is the proper shot- you might be surprised!
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: If you are looking to invest in your game with a resource on offensive moves check out www.BasketballSpeed2.com. This is not a fancy dribbling trick type of video. It is a nuts and bolts skill product that will make you a better player at any level.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
POSTING UP EVERYWHERE!
I don't care if you are a point guard, 2 guard, or center, everyone needs to be able to post up. Don't think I am just talking about posting up in the low post.
One of the things we work on constantly with our players is to be patient when trying to receive a pass and you are being pressured. We teach our girls how to seal off the defender by basically posting up anywhere on the floor. Here are the things we look for:
1. Using the close arm to hold off and create space for your outside arm.
2. Spread out with the lower body to make it difficult for the defender to step around
3. Bend the knees and lean on the defender but keep balance.
If we can get young players to do this we feel confident they can receive a pass anywhere on the floor.
A big problem with young players is they panic if they can't get open and run all over the place like a chicken with the head cut off. We want out kids to do a couple things. If they are being played tight to go backdoor to keep the defender honest. The second thing is to use a strong V-cut to get open. These moves are simple but must be done at a fast pace to create separation from the defender. We figure if we can teach our girls while they are young to do this then we can add many variation when they get older.
Now, if we want our girls to get the ball in a certain spot, but the defender is making it difficult and the backdoor or V-cut isn't an option, then we post up. We want the girls to get in front of the defender, seal off with the close arm, show the other hand out away from the defender and then break contact and go get the pass with both hands once the pass is thrown. Now we get in triple threat and attack!
So spend some time with your players teaching them to post up everywhere on the floor.
Let me know how you make out with this skill.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: If you are looking for skills and drills to improve your court speed and offensive explosion go check out the original BASKETBALL SPEED and the New Basketball Speed 2. You can go to www.SportsSpeedEtc.com to get a first hand look.
One of the things we work on constantly with our players is to be patient when trying to receive a pass and you are being pressured. We teach our girls how to seal off the defender by basically posting up anywhere on the floor. Here are the things we look for:
1. Using the close arm to hold off and create space for your outside arm.
2. Spread out with the lower body to make it difficult for the defender to step around
3. Bend the knees and lean on the defender but keep balance.
If we can get young players to do this we feel confident they can receive a pass anywhere on the floor.
A big problem with young players is they panic if they can't get open and run all over the place like a chicken with the head cut off. We want out kids to do a couple things. If they are being played tight to go backdoor to keep the defender honest. The second thing is to use a strong V-cut to get open. These moves are simple but must be done at a fast pace to create separation from the defender. We figure if we can teach our girls while they are young to do this then we can add many variation when they get older.
Now, if we want our girls to get the ball in a certain spot, but the defender is making it difficult and the backdoor or V-cut isn't an option, then we post up. We want the girls to get in front of the defender, seal off with the close arm, show the other hand out away from the defender and then break contact and go get the pass with both hands once the pass is thrown. Now we get in triple threat and attack!
So spend some time with your players teaching them to post up everywhere on the floor.
Let me know how you make out with this skill.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: If you are looking for skills and drills to improve your court speed and offensive explosion go check out the original BASKETBALL SPEED and the New Basketball Speed 2. You can go to www.SportsSpeedEtc.com to get a first hand look.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Full Court Drills For Kids??
Recently I taught my 3rd-5th grade girls how to practice full court drills like 3 man weave, 3 on 3 minus one, and 3 on 2, 2 on 1. After just two practices they can all pretty much do these drills. Why would I teach these drills to young players? Let me explain.
When a young player is in the learning stage of skill development the more you throw at them the more they will adapt (as long as the skill is not to advanced). The reason I like the 3 drills above is because they involve important foundational skills the younger players should be learning.
The 3 man weave- this drill requires players to pass accurately, catch the ball softly, and to run while changing directions. Plus the player have to learn to lead a pass, catch an errant pass, and hustle up the floor to stay with teammates. Great drill for young kids to get excited about.
The 3 on 3 minus one- In the drill players must learn to communicate and help out on defense. It looks like this; 3 players spread out on the baseline and 3 facing them on the foul line extended. If the ball is passed to one of the players on the baseline the person across from them must run and touch the baseline and then hustle back and get in the play. The offensive team takes off 3 on 2. The 2 defenders remaining must talk and stop the ball until the 3rd defender gets back, or at least try to slow it down. This drill teaches the player to stop the ball, communicate, and from an offensive standpoint, push the ball up the floor and make good passes to the open player.
The 3 on 2, 2 on 1- Much like the 3 on 3 minus 1 drill the 3 offensive players on the break must make the correct pass, catch, and decide what to do next. It is a great drill for coaches to stop action and help players see their options.
Because we have spent so much time on dribbling and passing we feel the introduction of the full court drills is appropriate. But if the girls were unable to do the basic skills then full court drills would only lead to frustration.
Give it try and let me know what you found.
Play Hard
Lee
PS: If you know of youth coaches that would benefit from this blog please pass it along. Also, send the to www.BasketballSpeedInsiders.com so they can enjoy the benefits of membership
When a young player is in the learning stage of skill development the more you throw at them the more they will adapt (as long as the skill is not to advanced). The reason I like the 3 drills above is because they involve important foundational skills the younger players should be learning.
The 3 man weave- this drill requires players to pass accurately, catch the ball softly, and to run while changing directions. Plus the player have to learn to lead a pass, catch an errant pass, and hustle up the floor to stay with teammates. Great drill for young kids to get excited about.
The 3 on 3 minus one- In the drill players must learn to communicate and help out on defense. It looks like this; 3 players spread out on the baseline and 3 facing them on the foul line extended. If the ball is passed to one of the players on the baseline the person across from them must run and touch the baseline and then hustle back and get in the play. The offensive team takes off 3 on 2. The 2 defenders remaining must talk and stop the ball until the 3rd defender gets back, or at least try to slow it down. This drill teaches the player to stop the ball, communicate, and from an offensive standpoint, push the ball up the floor and make good passes to the open player.
The 3 on 2, 2 on 1- Much like the 3 on 3 minus 1 drill the 3 offensive players on the break must make the correct pass, catch, and decide what to do next. It is a great drill for coaches to stop action and help players see their options.
Because we have spent so much time on dribbling and passing we feel the introduction of the full court drills is appropriate. But if the girls were unable to do the basic skills then full court drills would only lead to frustration.
Give it try and let me know what you found.
Play Hard
Lee
PS: If you know of youth coaches that would benefit from this blog please pass it along. Also, send the to www.BasketballSpeedInsiders.com so they can enjoy the benefits of membership
Monday, May 4, 2009
The Band Man
Hey Basketball fans,
I just did a great interview with David Schmitz. He is known as the the Band Man. The reason being is he works with elastic bands during his training sessions. Obviously it is more than just working with bands- David designs programs and training protocol off band training.
The reason I am talking about this today is because I am a big fan of using band and other forms of resistance training to increase horizontal, rotational, and gravitational forces. But of course it has to be done correctly.
After a basketball player has learned how to move correctly in all directions under his or her own body wt and mechanics. I will introduce resistance training in order to increase the neurological response and adaptation. I want the athlete to be able to apply more force more quickly. This is where we want all athletes at some point- FASTER! Let me share with you a few great resisted drills for bball players:
1. Resisted lateral shuffle- when I want to increase the ability to absorb forces and decelerate better I will have the athlete start away from the attachment point and shuffle a couple steps and decelerate moving toward the attachment. The athletes must stay "In the Tunnel" and create a good angle to decelerate. This should be done under control and gradually increase speed. If I want to increase speed and power I have the player shuffle away from the attachment. This increase force production.
2. Forward Acceleration- I will have the athlete accelerate powerfully for 3-4 steps away from the attachment point. Use proper arm and leg action an stay low and forward.
3. Crossover Acceleration- The player will now accelerate using a crossover step/directional step for 2 steps. This move is KEY for a basketball player.
4. Reverse jump stop- I think it is important for players to be able to jump stop or split step moving backwards. I want the player to be balanced and forward oriented with their body position. This exercises is a great exercise to teach them to load correctly.
Try these drill/skills out with light bands and see what happens. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: Don't forget to share this information with a buddy. Send them to www.BasketballSpeedInsiders.com so they can get quality information each month as well.
I just did a great interview with David Schmitz. He is known as the the Band Man. The reason being is he works with elastic bands during his training sessions. Obviously it is more than just working with bands- David designs programs and training protocol off band training.
The reason I am talking about this today is because I am a big fan of using band and other forms of resistance training to increase horizontal, rotational, and gravitational forces. But of course it has to be done correctly.
After a basketball player has learned how to move correctly in all directions under his or her own body wt and mechanics. I will introduce resistance training in order to increase the neurological response and adaptation. I want the athlete to be able to apply more force more quickly. This is where we want all athletes at some point- FASTER! Let me share with you a few great resisted drills for bball players:
1. Resisted lateral shuffle- when I want to increase the ability to absorb forces and decelerate better I will have the athlete start away from the attachment point and shuffle a couple steps and decelerate moving toward the attachment. The athletes must stay "In the Tunnel" and create a good angle to decelerate. This should be done under control and gradually increase speed. If I want to increase speed and power I have the player shuffle away from the attachment. This increase force production.
2. Forward Acceleration- I will have the athlete accelerate powerfully for 3-4 steps away from the attachment point. Use proper arm and leg action an stay low and forward.
3. Crossover Acceleration- The player will now accelerate using a crossover step/directional step for 2 steps. This move is KEY for a basketball player.
4. Reverse jump stop- I think it is important for players to be able to jump stop or split step moving backwards. I want the player to be balanced and forward oriented with their body position. This exercises is a great exercise to teach them to load correctly.
Try these drill/skills out with light bands and see what happens. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the results.
Play Hard,
Lee
PS: Don't forget to share this information with a buddy. Send them to www.BasketballSpeedInsiders.com so they can get quality information each month as well.
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