Basketball is now the most popular sport among American youth, according to the ESPN. Understandably, and as a result, competition to become a basketball player is at an all time high. While there are core competencies every basketball player needs to excel in, to stand out to potential coaches, those passionate about the sport can easily fall into fitness and nutrition scams, which can actually be detrimental to their game. Rise above the hype of false promises with these tips. Be skeptical … [Read more...]
Definitive Guide to Shooting a Basketball
Would you like to learn how to shoot a basketball? Do you need a better understanding of how to shoot a basketball correctly? This article from Sasa Cvetkovic at Basketball Phantom is one of the more in-depth guides to shooting we have come across. He'll give you the basics, the mentality, and the form ... but he also gives you tips for fixing mistakes, shooting drills, and how to track your improvement. Everyone knows the team with the most points at the final buzzer wins the … [Read more...]
Full Court Pass and Catch Drill
Purpose: To teach passing, catching, dribbling, and shooting in a full court, fast break type of situation. Drill: The team should have four players on the court as shown with O1-O4. Half of the remaining players will be under one basket and the other half will be under the other basket. Two balls required for this drill. The first player in each line on the baseline starts by passing the player on his side of the court. The passer will then sprint up the court between the receiver … [Read more...]
Elbow to Elbow Shooting Drill
Purpose: A shooting drill to teach moving quickly, getting into the shot motion quickly, and squaring up to the basket. Players will also work on making good passes and hustling. Drill: 3 players and 2 basketballs per basket. A rebounder is under the basket with a ball. A shooter starts on the elbow. A passer is on the opposite wing of the shooter with a basketball. On 'Go', the shooter sprints quickly across the lane to the opposite elbow. He will receive the pass from 'P' (passer), … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Backdoor Flash Dive Defense Drill
Purpose: To help teach the off-ball defender the responsibilities when applying pressure defense. Drill: A coach or manager or another player will start at the top with a basketball. The offensive player and his defender are on the wing as shown. Because the focus is on applying pressure defense, the defender should denying the pass. When the player with the ball signals, O1 will cut backdoor and through the lane. X1, again overplaying the pass, will pivot through the lane to deny the … [Read more...]
Zipper Top Dribble Drive
Use this zipper action to give a player a quick dribble drive from the top. Potential multiple kick-out pass options will also present themselves. If you like running these plays, check out our other Zipper Set Plays ... for both members and non-members of Hoops U! O1 dribbles to the wing as O2 zipper cuts to the top off the screen from O5. As O2 zipper cuts, O4 is clearing to the ballside corner. O1 passes to O2, who looks to drive right off the catch and looks to score. O3 … [Read more...]
Creating the Perfect Basketball Player
Basketball coaches are always on the lookout for the next big thing, but developing a young talent is not a perfect science. There are many different skills that a top NBA star can bring to the game, and while few players can combine excellence in every department, the goal of coaches and talent spotters is to find players who tick as many boxes as possible. Young hopefuls who want to develop their ability in several areas can learn much by studying the careers of the greats and the particular … [Read more...]
Four Corner Passing Drill
Purpose: To practice and shooting. Also a good pre-practice and/or pre-game warm-up drill. Drill: The drill begins with four lines in the corners of the half court. Lines should have equal number of players. The ball starts in O1's position. O1 passes to O2 with a chest pass. O2 passes to O3 with a bounce pass. O3 passes to O4 with a skip pass, and O4 passes to O1 with a short bounce pass or a flip pass. After O1 makes the pass, he steps towards the middle and then cuts hard, timing his … [Read more...]
Custom T-Shirt / Jersey Key Chain
Now in the Hoops U. Store -- Custom T-Shirt / Jersey Key Chain! Get this t-shirt / jersey key chain customized and personalized for yourself, your coach, your team, your player, your program....any and all fans of basketball!! Our custom t-shirt / jersey key chain makes a fantastic gift for anyone who loves basketball! This is a key chain with the silver metal surrounding the 'shirt' and a clear acrylic plastic on each side to protect and view your custom logo, … [Read more...]
Wall of Culture
Do you have a "Wall of Culture"? Or even a board? Or a paper? I know 'culture' is the 'it' word nowadays ... every coach using it to emphasize the 'culture' they want for their program. Nothing wrong with the word...it's just used a lot :) Basically, it's your philosophy. But culture is so millenial :) Coach Porter Moser has a 'wall of culture' at Loyola-Chicago and, well, it must be helpful as they just made the NCAA D1 Tournament for the first time in over 30 years! Anyhow, I think … [Read more...]