Learn all fundamental and basic basketball-specific skills, establish building blocks for overall basketball skills. 70% of time is spent on individual fundamental training and only 30% of the time is spent on actual game competition. Teach position concepts, but DO NOT assign player positions at any point in the level. Divide actual competition between special games (1x1, 2x2, 3x3, skill games) and 5x5 play, trying not to focus on actual 5x5 competition until later in the level.
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...
With the growth in popularity of 3x3 Basketball, here's a good practice to run. As described, the ball handler must choose between give-and-go or pass-and-screen.
In this move, it's not as much about the crossover dribble as it is about the jab. Use your legs and shoulders to lead the defender one way so you are free to drive in the other direction.
USA Basketball Celebrates Kobe Bryant - Photo Gallery Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is known for his five NBA championship rings and, more specifically, his amazing scoring ability. But it's his tenacity on the defensive end that sets him apart. Defense has always been one of Bryant's...
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...
As a basketball coach, your players will take on your values. If you do not value passing in your practices, they will not value passing in their games. Here are six tips to improve your team's passing and reduce turnovers in the process: 1. Drills to Build Speed and Strength Using two-ball passing...
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...
In addition to always finding new exercises, drills, and training techniques, a good portion of my professional development is focused on leadership. I have dozens and dozens of books, have binders full of notes and handouts, and read several weekly blogs all focused on the topic of effective...
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...
With the growth in popularity of 3x3 Basketball, here's a good practice to run. As described, the ball handler must choose between give-and-go or pass-and-screen.
As a basketball coach, your players will take on your values. If you do not value passing in your practices, they will not value passing in their games. Here are six tips to improve your team's passing and reduce turnovers in the process: 1. Drills to Build Speed and Strength Using two-ball passing...
If the passer can't see you're jersey number, then you're not open. Here's a look at what an open player looks like -- and how that player should receive a 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...
With the help of Kenneth Faried and Greg Monroe, Coach Don Showalter demonstrates the fundamentals of rebounding.
The defense hasn't finished its job until the rebound is secured. Here are some of the fundamentals that will make you a better rebounder on the defensive side of the ball.
With the need for good screeners on the offensive end, this drill will help your players focus on the details that make a good screen.
When the defense tries to break the screen, the offense must react accordingly. This drill will help your players read what the defense is doing and make the right shot.
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...
Here's a drill named for one of the greatest basketball players who ever lived -- George Mikan. While it certainly is meant to improve a player's layup skills, the Mikan Drill also helps develop rhythm, timing for rebounding, and scoring in the paint.
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...
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,...
The defense hasn't finished its job until the rebound is secured. Here are some of the fundamentals that will make you a better rebounder on the defensive side of the ball.
With the growth in popularity of 3x3 Basketball, here's a good practice to run. As described, the ball handler must choose between give-and-go or pass-and-screen.
This Foundational-level video will help show two concepts in which your players camn drive to the basket off layers.
