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...]
How To Earn More Playing Time
Coach Jacob Yorg, Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, recently shared via Twitter his list for how basketball players can earn more playing time. It is a great list that is important for players to understand if they desire more time on the basketball court! It is also something that, as coaches, we should know so we can help our players know what it takes to get more playing time. Many players simply want to play more but they don't necessarily understand … [Read more...]
Red Holzman’s Ten Criteria to Determine Whether or Not You Are a Complete Defensive Player
William "Red" Holzman (August 10, 1920 – November 13, 1998) was an NBA basketball player and coach probably best known as the head coach of the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1982. Holzman helped lead the Knicks to two NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973, and was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985. In 1996, Holzman was named one of Top 10 Coaches in NBA History. [More via Wikipedia] The following list of 10 criteria to determine whether or not you are a complete defensive player … [Read more...]
10 Tips to Better Shooting
These simple tips and concepts will help you or your players become a better shooter. These aren't tips on form & technique ... if you're interested in how to shoot, check out our article, The Art of Shooting. Here are the tips. Learn them and start improving as a shooter! Stay calm and relaxed. Do not rush your shot. Shoot only when open. When driving in for a layup, keep your eyes on the basket. Don't worry about the possibility of being fouled. When you twist and turn to … [Read more...]
Intangibles of a Basketball Workout
I noticed a lot of players are missing the boat on HOW to workout. Every basketball player works out. But there is a difference in abilities between those who know HOW to work and those that don't. In this video, Coach Springer of Spartan Basektball talks about the 4 intangibles of a great workout: intention, intensity, reps, results. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzxQWR7ygLQ Implement these concepts into your workouts and see improvements in your basketball skills and … [Read more...]
Developing a Basketball IQ
For players of any sport, building skill and agility are keys to mastering their sport. But certain sports require skills beyond physical strength and endurance. Certain sports require a sense of concentration, fast paced decisions and higher thought skill processes. One of these sports is basketball. Basketball is a fast paced sport with many challenges and you must have a diverse mindset to be a good basketball player. Unlike other contact sports, basketball is a combination of speed, agility … [Read more...]