Those who followed the story of Larry Sanders, the once promising NBA star whose career came to a sudden end at 26, can attest to the fact that mental wellness is of extreme importance to basketball players. For him, the end of his career began with anxiety followed by depression which led him to marijuana addiction and being kicked off his team. The pressure to constantly deliver, especially in big championships, with the average viewership of finals being over 17 million, can be overwhelming … [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...]
What is the Secret Behind Becoming a Better Finisher?
The NBA has quite a few effective finishers. These are the kinds of players that defenses dread seeing since they know they have the power to get to the rim and then make something happen. Derek Rose and Tony Parker were feared in their prime, and guys like LeBron James, John Wall, and Russell Westbrook still drive defenses crazy. These offense-focused players can score at the rim on their own, but they can also create open shots for their teammates. When they're on the floor, the entire … [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...]
8 Ways to Shock Your Basketball Coach
Hey basketball player, want to learn how to impress and even shock your basketball coach? Here are ways you can shock your coach: Show up to practice early (extra shooting, skill work, etc). Stay after practice (extra shooting, skill work, etc). Ask questions (shows initiative). Ask for advice on your game. Use it and then thank your coach. Speak well of your coach in front of your teammates, parents, friends, etc. Do more than what is required. Show up ready to work … [Read more...]
The 3 Most Difficult Shots In Basketball
If you can make these 3 shots at a high percentage then you will go down as the hardest player to guard of all time. Yes, these shots have an extremely high level of difficulty, but they also are very difficult to stop. Especially the first one that certain players have built an entire career off of. So with that said lets discuss what these shots are and how to execute each of them. The Hook Shot This is a shot that most post players practice on a regular basis. To execute this shot … [Read more...]
The Power of Respecting Officials
The Duke Basketball program has mastered the art of respecting officials for many years. You will rarely see a Duke player complain or disagree with an official about a call. Simply put, they have learned how to groom officials in a way that typically results in favorable calls later in the game. 3 Reasons you should NOT complain to officials: It Doesn’t Help: Officials don’t have anything against you or your team, until you give them a reason. Reputation: You are creating a … [Read more...]
How Psychology Affects Athletic Performance
The infographic and content below comes to us courtesy of the Ohio University Online Master's in Coaching Education program. While many people may not think it has that much of an impact, it’s been proven that psychology plays a central role in athletic performance. Studies show that over ten psychological factors can affect performance in either a positive or negative way, depending on the situation itself. Things such as goal setting, personal awareness, routine, concentration, meditation, … [Read more...]
10 Defensive Commandments For Basketball
We will Master our Footwork. Use quick feet to stop ball penetration. Trust the reach step. Stop penetration with feet and NOT the hands. Having ready and active feet will eliminate fouls. We will be Disciplined. Do not bite on shot fakes, jabs, or pass fakes but check all shots. Control the eyes…watch the ball handler’s midsection, stay in a stance, and always see the basketball when off the ball. We will Communicate Everything. Shot, loose, dead, screen…nothing will be assumed. You … [Read more...]