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...]
Disruptive Players?
I came across the below article from Positive Coaching Alliance. I know many of you are probably involved with PCA ... or at least have heard of it to some degree. If not, do check them out. This is fairly common sense, however, I wish I had come across these ideas and methods when I first started coaching! Definitely great methods to diffuse those little 'battles' with some players who can't seem to help but disrupt practice. There are 3 principles. I would have attempted #2 personally. … [Read more...]
Secrets to Defensive Success? Big 12 Coaches Discuss Bill Self & Jayhawk Basketball.
Want an idea from opposing coaches what makes a great defensive team? In the below linked article, Big 12 basketball coaches discuss what makes Coach Bill Self and his Kansas Jayhawk basketball team so good at defending. A few takeaways from his fellow coaches as to why Coach Self always has a good defensive team: Limit layups Ability to adjust Hold players accountable Detail-oriented Attitude of competitiveness Fundamentally sound Play defensively as a team Here ... … [Read more...]
Why Every Basketball Player Should Meditate
At first glance, basketball and meditation seem like they couldn't be further apart. One is an ancient practice with roots found in the Eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, the other a massively popular sport played all around the globe. But the truth is that regular meditation can bring a marked improvement in athletic performance. If you are a bit skeptical about mindfulness and meditation, that's understandable. However, recognize that Phil Jackson, one of the NBA's most … [Read more...]
The Hook Shot
[Ed. Note: The following article is borrowed from a 1962 Sports Illustrated "Book of Basketball". Video links within and at the end of the article have obviously been added to use video to show the hook shot.] The great advantage of the hook shot ... is the fact that it is almost impossible to block when executed reasonably correctly. The great drawback of the hook is that it is a very difficult maneuver. It requires utmost precision and concentration, which must be acquired through long … [Read more...]
4 Ways to Motivate Your Players
by Doug Campbell | Dr. Dish Standing in front of your team, you make a promise to your players. You swear to offer something that videogames and a river of texts from their friends can't give them – athletic skills and a showcase for their talents and a team-based work ethic. You make this promise despite knowing most young people will succumb to the adrenaline rush of online gaming and the comfort of their couches. Easy, right? You can successfully compete for attention spans of your … [Read more...]
7 Tips for Motivating Basketball Players
One of the most important things in anything you do is the issue of motivation. When times were tough, one of the greatest conquerors of all time, Napoleon, used to ride in front of his men in order to boost their morale. Still, as a basketball coach, you are not allowed to enter the court and play instead of your center. Luckily, there are many other things that you are allowed to do in order to motivate your players, and here is a short list. Make Them Understand It is a known fact, that … [Read more...]
Basketball Coaching Tips for Beating the Press
Press defenses are generally employed to force the offense out of their comfort zone: to speed them up, to create chaos, to force turnovers. As an offense having to go against a press defense, there are some fundamental tips and guidelines you can follow to help your team beat the press. Attack the press. This goes to how you choose to beat the press but it also goes to attitude. Players often become timid when pressured. Part of that is on developing skills through practice and … [Read more...]
Seven Cardinal Principles of Offensive Play
We are sharing this article, "Seven Cardinal Principles of Offensive Play", from the book Championship Basketball by Adolph Rupp. Though first published in 1957, these principles are quite applicable in today's game. For more plays and coaching concepts from Adolph Rupp, be sure to join Hoops U. today. Enjoy! Let me say, to begin with, that there are no secrets in basketball. There are coaches who, when the principles of basketball are explained to them, do not find the answers sufficiently … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Teaching Shooting with Holger Geschwindner
In this clinic video, Holger Geschwindner, mentor and shooting coach of German NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki, teaches fundamental shooting skills and drills. Take the time to watch this video and be ready to take notes! Coach Geschwindner does a fantastic job of breaking down shooting and scoring by improving upon footwork, balance, finishing techniques, and more. Enjoy! http://youtu.be/3ovdCW6_TQU … [Read more...]