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Build the aerobic base, build strength towards the end of the level and further develop overall basketball skills. Build the “engine” and consolidate basketball skills. Early in the level, 60% of the time is spent on individual training and 40% is spent on competition including 5x5 play, special games (1x1, 2x2, 3x3, skill games) as well as team-oriented practices. Later in the level, depending on mastery of skills, the switch can be made to a 50:50 training to competition ratio and positions can be assigned.
Basic Information: The crossover dribble is one of the most effective ways to maintain control of the ball against heavy pressure, or, while attempting to go by your man. It is the primary tool used by the point guard while travelling up the court under defensive pressure. However, it is also a...
I love using the fake crossover (aka inside-out dribble) to create space -- either for a pull up jumper, or to get all the way to the basket. It can also be used to go around a defender in the open court. The fake crossover can be used as a single move to get the job done. Or it can be used with a...
When guarding an opponent who is advancing the ball up the court, do the following: pick-up, lead, and influence. Picking Up As the dribbler approaches, make sure that you are moving at the same speed and in the same general direction. If the dribbler is moving much faster than you, there is little...
Coaches should recruit quickness, not height. - John Wooden It doesn't matter how tall you are if you can't move well. Quickness on the court can help a player cut through traffic and get open on offense as well as be pesky and annoying on defense. Here's how you can do the same: Improve Your...
This drill helps defenders work on their close out move -- get in position before the first move is made.
I love the English language and have always been fascinated by words. While I'm a basketball strength and conditioning coach by vocation, writing and public speaking are two of the mediums I use to disseminate my message of safe, purposeful, and innovative training techniques and concepts all over...
If you've played basketball for any amount of time, this probably has happened to you. You're going up for a rebound. Or you're trying to steal a pass from the other team. Or your dribbling was disrupted by a defender. Whatever the case, the ball was deflected and awkwardly struck the tip of one of...
In order to maximize potential on the court, it is imperative for basketball players to develop healthy eating habits. What a player eats determines their body fat levels as well as how much energy they have for intense workouts, practices and games. Dave Stagnita , the brilliant strength and...
If you asked almost any middle school, high school, collegiate and professional coach to name the one basketball skill or character trait that is THE MOST important to the future success of a player, and most benefits the team that the player is on, many coaches (if not most) will tell you...
Many teams across the country have completed their seasons. I've received hundreds of emails, Tweets, and Facebook messages asking me to outline the offseason and how much time they should take off before they resume training. So this is the first in a series of posts to help you plan your...
Here are a few really simple ways for you to get the MOST out of your basketball camp experience and become a better player... Take Notes During the camp you will learn dozens of useful tips and coaching nuggets. You might learn about a technique to improve your shot, get quicker, become a better...
In addition to working on passing and receiving, this advanced-level drill is also good for building communication skills.
This two-minute passing drill helps players with touch and feel and can be a great way to get players firing on all cylinders before practice starts.
Coaches hate to see players take bad shots when there is a wide-open teammate on the floor. This drill will help your players remember to make that "one extra" pass.
In order to be your best this summer, and again next preseason, you need some rest. Most players will be going hard with individual workouts, regional tournaments, summer league games, and elite camps. I know of several players who haven't slept in their bed at home for more than a dozen times the...
I love the English language and have always been fascinated by words. While I'm a basketball strength and conditioning coach by vocation, writing and public speaking are two of the mediums I use to disseminate my message of safe, purposeful, and innovative training techniques and concepts all over...
If you've played basketball for any amount of time, this probably has happened to you. You're going up for a rebound. Or you're trying to steal a pass from the other team. Or your dribbling was disrupted by a defender. Whatever the case, the ball was deflected and awkwardly struck the tip of one of...
Coaches would prefer their players grab a rebound with two hands, but that doesn't always happen. This drill will help rebounders get one hand on the ball and then bring it down.
The power forward plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of a basketball team. Power forwards must be excellent rebounders--and just as importantly, must be able to take care of the ball after securing it. Power forwards have to be able to hit open shots, since they typically aren't the focal...
Basketball coaches all over are looking for ways to improve and trying to find ways to sure up the things we believe we are weak in. One are that I hear about over and over again is rebounding. There is not a week that goes by when someone doesn't ask me, How can I improve my team’s rebounding? As...
Here's a drill that your players can work on as a team.
Here are five steps that will train your players to spot some of the screening opportunities within the flow of your offense. Step 1: Start with the basics If you have a post player, try this simple 5-on-0 drill. Place four players on the perimeter running though Pass & Cut. Tell your...
Here are several examples of screens your teams can run.
Lots of players would like to be able to increase their shooting range and become a good 3-point shooter. We all know of examples of players, like Robert Horry , who are recruited to join teams mostly because of their ability to make 3-point shots. Big Shot Rob has seven--that's right, seven -- NBA...
YOUTH TIPS: The Basic Jump Shot ADVANCED TIPS: Shooting Routines for Guards Here are three tips that you can implement right now into all of your basketball shooting drills. Whether it's shooting off the dribble, off the pass or from the triple-threat, these tips will serve you well as you continue...
Most parents hang kids' school papers on the refrigerator, but mine were different. Our fridge had some awful looking off-white, lined paper that had corners missing and had less ink on it now than most new paper. It wasn't some A I got on a paper in school or a 100 percent on a spelling test, but...
When guarding an opponent who is advancing the ball up the court, do the following: pick-up, lead, and influence. Picking Up As the dribbler approaches, make sure that you are moving at the same speed and in the same general direction. If the dribbler is moving much faster than you, there is little...
Coaches spend hours and hours orchestrating offenses while saying that defense is mostly hard work. Offense takes talent, goes the coaching saying, defense takes desire. It is true--more can be accomplished on defense with hard work over skill. But that is not to say that basketball coaches...
Every youth basketball coach has his or her own reasons for playing a certain style on the court. Of course, a little guidance from veteran coaches doesn’t hurt. And so, here is this week’s question for the USA Basketball Coaches Network: When it comes to team defense,...
Here's a drill that your players can work on as a team.
Breaking down game film (especially in the offseason) is a great way to chart trends, find correctible errors, and generally understand your team on a more intimate level – there are just some things that you can’t accurately judge (or see for that matter) in the heat of the game....
Here are several examples of screens your teams can run.
