As coaches we are always looking for ways to improve our craft. We continue to search for insight on several basketball topics. We may be experts in X's and O's, but struggle with skill development. We may know all the in and outs of the Flex Offense, but may not be as strong in coming up with defensive schemes. In this article I am going to discuss two mentors every coach should have. I truly believe having a mentor can hold you accountable, challenge you, and most importantly make you a … [Read more...]
How To Put Together a Skill Development Workout: Part 2
In my last post [read Part 1], I discussed 3 ways to put together a skill development workout. In this post I will go more in detail about conducting a skill development workout. When I first started putting players through workouts I had no idea of how to properly construct a skill workout. Through trial and error and picking up tips from other coaches, I have come up with a system that works for me. Every coach does things a little bit different, but the objective (teach and improve each … [Read more...]
How To Put Together a Skill Development Workout: Part 1
It's that time of the year where players are back in the gym trying to improve their skill set. The great players are always critiquing their game and trying to find ways to improve. Players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are always trying to add something to their repertoire. It could be a post move, a dribble move, improved shooting, finishing around the basket, or anything that can make them a more complete player. As a skills coach I have the responsibility of making players better. Some … [Read more...]
3 C's for Improved Free Throw Shooting
It's the part of the season where coaches and teams prepare for the post season. You should have your eyes on the ultimate goal of making a run in the playoffs and winning that championship. If you are not in a position to make post season play, then you want to be able to finish the season strong and try to develop some momentum for next season. With teams battling for playoff position it becomes more and more important to limit turnovers, control the boards, play great defense, and make your … [Read more...]
In-Season Competitive Skill Development Drills
Basketball season is in full swing. This means coaches have been implementing game plans to take on the next opponent. Players don't have the opportunity to get in the skill development needed during practice as they should. So, it's very important for players to find time on their own to work on their skills. I believe coaches should have some competitive drills for their teams to build competitive spirit and that would make players want to get in extra work. The drills should be short, but … [Read more...]
5 Tips To Beating Someone Off the Dribble
Players like Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, and Derrick Rose have the uncanny ability to beat defenders off the dribble. They are great athletes, but they are also very skilled at ball handling and having good footwork. Below I have 5 tips on how to make a dribble move to beat someone off the dribble. Stay low When I'm taking players through drills I am constantly telling them to get low. Players that are learning this technique for the first time really struggle with this concept. I start them in a … [Read more...]
Tips for an Effective Basketball Skill Development Workout
In order for players to get better they must have an effective skill development workout. I see a lot of players in the gym that say they are working on their skills, but they are really just wasting time and energy. A lot of players are never really taught how to workout on their own. Listed below I have some tips on how to make your skill development workout effective and efficient. Keep workouts short and intense. There is no need to be in the gym for 3 hours when you can get done what you … [Read more...]