The Official HoopTactics Newsletter - The World's Most In-Depth Look Into Proven Basketball Strategies

Tips & Strategies – February 2013

HoopTactics — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 20:17:42 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

Inbounding the Ball Under Pressure
Inbounding the Ball: Skills & Principles
Receiving Inbounds Passes
Out of Bound Rules
Rule Knowledge Self-Quiz

Inbounding the Ball Under Pressure

Many of big games and championships have been lost because teams were not able to inbound ball at end of game. It is not easy to inbound ball, especially at the end of a game when the outcome depends on it. Players on all levels, including the professional ranks, need to know and practice the fundamental skills and techniques required in making a successful inbound pass.

Most coaches and players take making an inbounds pass for granted, and rely on individual player skill to get the job done. However, in making an inbounds pass, the passer is facing a five against four defensive advantage and only has five (5) seconds in which to locate a receiver and make a successful inbounds pass. In addition, to this numerical disadvantage, by rule the inbounder cannot move, except after a made shot. This provides the defense with the opportunity to jam or smother the passer very effectively with an active defender on ball. Also, on baseline and endline out of bound situations, the backboard comes into play and becomes a real obstacle in which that the inbounds passer has to contend.

Good inbounders are vital, and a team will not win a championship without one.

Good inbound passers are hard to find. They must be developed & nourished. In additional to the physical skills involved, good inbound passers must posssess a strong commitment to team play since they are taken for granted and very rarely acknowledge for the efforts.

Note: Guy Lewis, who led the University of Houston to five final fours, thought that inbounding the ball was so important that he employed a designated inbounder. Every time Houston was awarded the ball out of bounds, the designated inbounder would enter the game and then leave on the next dead ball.

Techniques and Principles

Inbounder must wait for teammates to be aligned and ready before stepping out of bounds.
Call out of bounds plays prior to stepping out of bounds and receiving the ball from the official. Establish eye contact, and echo the call.
See the floor prior to obtaining the ball. Circle to the official (or ball after a made basket) viewing entire court. Never step out of bounds to inbound the ball with back to the court. This is especially true after an opponent’s successful layup on a breakaway.
Anticipate, read and attack any defensive overplays and errors. If defense switches on a screen look for the screener rolling to be open.
Use sharp, crisp passes. No careless, one-handed or soft bounce passes.
Avoid inbounding the ball into a corner (trap zone) unless an open shot is immediately available.
Pass the ball through, not over, the defender pressuring the inbounds pass. If the defender’s hands are up. Fake high and pass under their arm pits. If the defender’s hands are down, fake down and pass the ball close to their ear.
Be sure to step inbounds after inbounding the ball. Create a lead for return pass, establish offensive rebounding position or maintain defensive balance.
AUTOMATIC: Whenever unguarded, execute a “Give & Go” cut. Inbound the ball and receive the ball back on a basket cut.
AUTOMATIC: When the defender guarding the out of bounds pass turns their back to the passer, the inbounds passer can pass to themselves by throwing the ball off the opponent, stepping inbounds, and retrieving it. This can catch the defense completely by surprise and create an easy shot.

CAUTION: When in trouble throw ball out of bounds off an opponent’s leg or take the five (5) second inbounds violation rather than throw the ball away. When the ball is turned over on the inbounds pass, it immediately creates a five-on-four offensive advantage. However, by taking the five (5) second count, it will allow a team to get set on defense and have better than 60% chance of making a defensive stop.

Inbounding the ball full court

When inbounding the ball, make as deep as an inbounds pass as the defense will allow. This will cut down the time and distance needed to advance the basketball and attack the defense.
Whenever possible, inbound the ball to a player in motion.
When taking the ball out of bounds after a made basket or free throw, take the ball out on one side of the backboard to avoid striking it on long passes.
Never throw a pass directly to a receiver moving away. Since the receiver will be looking back at the ball, the defender can easily establish defensive position resulting in leading the receiver into offensive foul or traveling violation.
On long passes, always lead the receiver to the “Elbow” eliminating the need of dribbling which allows defenders to catch up. If the pass is thrown too far out in front of the receiver, when it hits the floor, because of the back spin, it will bounce straight up allowing the receiver to catch up and gain possession rather than skipping out of bounds.
Employ an “Over the Top” baseball pass or a hook pass. A high arching pass will not only allow the defense to recover, but it also may hit an obstruction hanging down from the ceiling such as the scoreboard or speaker.

Coaching Tip: Executing Long Passes
To be successful, the basic technique of throwing and leading receivers with long baseball passes must be taught and practiced regularly.

Proven Full Court Out of Bounds Plays: Premium Members Click Here >>>

Successfully Receiving an Inbounds Pass

Inbounding the ball requires timing and execution on the part of both the passer and reciever. Timing is crucial. Creating a lead is of little value, if it is too early or too late.

Five basic techniques for getting open to receive an inbounds pass: Premium Members Click Here >>>

Coaching Tip: Press Break
Basketball is a game of habits. When scrimmaging full court in practice, when taking the ball out of bounds after a made basket or free throw the offensive team should execute their press break at all times whether the defense is pressing or not. This will result in the team being prepared and conditioned for presses and eliminate ever getting surprise by an opponent press.

All Players Must Know the Rules

Do not take rule knowledge for granted. A player’s lack of rule knowledge cannot only result in a loss of ball possession, but can also cost you a game.

On a throw-in the ball must leave the inbounders hands within five seconds from the time the throw-in starts.
For a timeout to be granted during the throw-in, it must be requested before the five second count elapses. Make sure all players know how many time outs they have left in the game.
Except after a made shot, the inbounder is allowed one step in either direction from the designated throw-in spot.
After a made shot, the inbounder can run along the baseline prior to making an inbounds pass.
On the throw-in after a made basket, you do not lose right to run baseline because of an infraction by defense. If the ball is kicked by a defender, the inbounds passer can still run the baseline on subsequent throw-in.
The inbounder cannot touch the ball until it has been touched by another player.
If the defender plays with their back to inbounder, the inbounder can toss the ball off the defender’s back as long as, they must step inbounds prior to picking up the ball and shooting.
Cannot not change the inbounder once an official has designated player for throw-in.
From the front court, an inbounder can safely pass the ball into the back court without an over and back violation being called.
Inbounder cannot throw ball over the backboard or directly into the basket. Note: Prior to rule change, teams with a tall player could simply lob the ball over the basket. Coaches would use their creative ingenuity, including hanging chicken wire down from the ceiling behind the basket, to stop out of bounds lob plays.
After a made basket, if ungarded, the inbounder can pass to a teammate stepping out of bounds on the baseline and receive a pass back after stepping inbounds.
If the defender reaches over the out of bounds vertical plane and touches the ball while in the hands of the inbounder or is in the air behind the vertical plane, it is a technical foul.
When the inbounds pass goes directly out of bounds, it comes back to the original throw-in spot rather than where it goes out of bounds.
When a timeout is called immediately following a made basket, on the subsequent throw-in the inbounder can still move along the baseline.

Test Your Out of Bounds Rule Knowledge

Take the HoopTactics’ Self-Quiz (Printable) - Click Here >>>

Coaching Tip: Give this self -test to your players. Don’t assume that they know the rules. Use the results as a team evaluation. Go over any question(s) missed by multiple players making sure that all players understand the rule. In taking a few minutes to test your players’ rule knowledge, it may save and even win a game or two.

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Advanced Basketball Defense

Tips & Strategies – January 2013

HoopTactics — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 22:39:44 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

“RBP’s” – Really Big Plays
Defensive Recovery (“Wolf”)
Loose Ball Save or Recovery
Taking an Offensive Charge
Offensive Rebound on a Missed Free Throw
Inbounds Pass Interception

RBP’s – “Really Big Plays”

When teams are evenly matched, the outcome of the game can be determined on a single big play. “RBP’s” (Really Big Plays) are the result of just plain determination and hustle. Really Big Plays include: a successful “Wolf” (defensive recovery), taking a charge, a loose ball recovery, and an offensive rebound off a missed free throw. All of these extra effort actions will ignite and inspire teammates, and, as a result, change the momentum and outcome of the game. The nice thing about RBP’s is that they do not require any special abilities or talent on the part of the players. Anyone can make them. However, RBP’s cannot be taken for granted and must be practiced and refined.

“Wolf” – Defensive Recovery

“Wolf” is a term used to describe the action of a defensive player on a break away pursues the dribbler from behind preventing or disrupting a sure lay-up shot. Catching a dribbler from behind to block or disrupt a shot is a RBP. When wolfing and catching a dribbler from behind, players should attempt to block the shot low using the hand closest to the ballhandler. Low blocks not only disrupt the shot, but usually cause the ball to be deflected off the shooter resulting in a turnover. Blocking the ball high can result in contact and a foul being called. Also, when successful high blocks usually go directly out of bounds allowing the opponents to retain ball possession.

When wolfing, the defender should stop and NEVER go under or beyond the backboard. Nothing good ever happens to a defensive player behind the backboard. By exerting strong pressure from behind (wolf), it will force the ballhandler into taking a rushed or hurried shot increasing the chance of a missed shot. Therefore, it is imperative for the defender to assume that the shot will be missed and rebound. Securing a defensive rebound will trigger a counter break and an outnumbered situation going back the other way.

Premium Members learn more: Defending Out Numbered Situations Click Here >>>

Loose Ball Save or Recovery

Going to the floor or out of bounds to recover a loose ball always sets the tone of game. Making a save or recovery that ordinarily would not be made is a RBP. When going to the floor for after a loose ball, players should use a “Volleyball” dive tipping or deflecting the ball to teammate. Always save to a teammate. When ball goes out of bounds, teammates instead of watching should create passing lanes by forming a semi-circle. NEVER save ball directly under the opponent’s basket. Throw the ball out to the sideline or near mid court. That way, if the ball is intercepted defenders are in place. When a ball intercepted directly under basket it will result in an easy basket for opponent.

In teaching players to properly go to the floor for loose balls, seek the the advice and expertise of a volleyball coach. Note: Coaches can be held legally liable if the proper techniques are not taught.

Premium Members learn more: Gaining Possession of Loose Balls & Deflections >>>

Taking an Offensive Charge

Anticipating and taking an offensive charge is a “Really Big Play” (RBP) in basketball. It not only takes away a potential basket and creates an offensive turnover but it also assesses the offensive player with an additional penalty of a personal foul. When taking a charge, it is important to try to establish good defensive position by squaring up before the ball handler can get into a shooting motion, preferably outside the three second area. Officials have a tendency to call blocks rather than offensive charges inside the 3 second area. If a blocking foul is called when the defender is outside the free throw lane, it will be a non-shooting foul (unless in the bonus).

CAUTION: When taking a charge, players should always tuck their chins in and never roll on their neck or head.

In taking a charge it is very important to eliminate injuries. Defenders must be taught and trained in the correct way to absorb the contact. This includes tucking their chins into their neck to prevent their head from hitting the floor, and falling backwards, lowering their center of gravity by sitting down keeping their arms tucked in close to their body. Reaching backwards with an arm to break the fall can result in a serious arm or wrist injury. Also, if the defender remains rigid and does not give on contact, injuries to one or both players are likely to occur.

By knowing how to properly take a charge not only prevents injuries; but, more importantly, players are more likely to take charges during a game.

Offensive Rebound on Missed Free Throw

Obtaining an offensive rebound off a missed free throw is a RBP. Rather than size and strength that is required for defensive rebounding, offensive rebounding requires anticipation, determination, and hustle. Offensive rebounds on free throw situations really become paramount at the end of the game. If behind, an offensive rebound will provide a team with another chance to catch up. If ahead, they will allow a team to run off additional clock, denying the opponents any opportunity to catch up.

Offensive rebounding requires that the offensive players be active and box out the defensive players. In most situations, since players and teams watch the flight of the ball and do a poor job of boxing out, all the offensive players have to do is simply step around the defender to establish inside rebounding position. However, in cases, where defenders do block out, offensive players need to know how to use arm over and spin techniques to get inside. In addition, on free throw situations, players can use stunts and teamwork such as “Duck” or “Cross.”

Premium Members learn more: Offensive Rebounding Techniques & Second Efforts – Click Here >>>

Interception of Inbounds Pass

Intercepting an inbounds pass, especially late in the game, is a really big play. When an opponent takes a time out to set up a game winning out of bounds play, it can all go for naught ifan alert defensive player anticipates and steals the inbounds pass. In most cases, the steal of a sideline inbounds pass will result in an easy layup since the opponent will have no one back to defend the basket.

Defending out of bounds plays, cannot be left up to chance. Coaches spend considerable amounts of practice time working on offensive baseline out of bounds plays, but spend little or no time on ways to defend them. As a result, too many easy baskets are given up during the course of the game on out of bounds plays simply because teams are not prepared to stop them. If you analyze “Out of Bound” situations, they are unique in that it is the only time during the game of basketball where the defense actually has an advantage. Coaches should exploit this numerical player advantage to its fullest. Since the vast majority of out of bounds plays revolve around screens, the various techniques used to defend against screens can be incorporated into an effective out of bounds defensive attack.

Four Effective Ways to Combat the Baseline Out of Bounds. Premium Member’s Click Here >>>

Related HoopTactics’ Newsletter:

February 2011: 15 Nightmares to Avoid That Will Upset Your Championship Dreams and Haunt You the Rest of Your Life.

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Advanced Basketball Defense

Basketball Tips & Strategies December 2012

HoopTactics — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:32:00 +0000

“Hoop-y” Holidays

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HoopTactics Newsletter

Attacking Out Numbered Situations
Breakaways (1-on-0, 2-on-0)
Attacking 2-on-1 Situations
Attacking 3-on-1 Situations
Attacking 3-on-2 Situations
Attacking 3-on-3 Situations
Coaching Tip: Missed Layups

Attacking the Out Number Situations

“You Must Score to be Successful.”

Coaches, on all levels, should not make the mistake of assuming and taking for granted that players are skilled in attacking out numbered situations. In fact, there are very few coaches that actually take the time to teach or reinforce the fundamentals and principles required to successfully attack and score on out number situations. Failure to take advantage and capitalize on these situations will not only make the difference in winning or losing close games, it will also cancel any great defensive effort that created the out numbered situation in the first place.

Breakaways (1-on-0, 2-on-0)

Main Objective: Layup shot and steal

On all breakaways, it is imperative that you score. It is important that the player take as few dribbles as possible to get to the basket in order to prevent any defensive pursuit (wolf) catching up with them from behind. Teammates should attempt to cut off defensive pursuit and/or get into rebounding position to follow any missed shot. A 5-on-0 situation should never occur. The last two players, trailer and safety, should not go beyond half court and assume defensive responsibilities to prevent any counter break if/when the ball is turned over on the break away or ready to apply full court pressure after a successful basket.

Players should be taught to go in hard to the basket and lay the ball up soft staying inbounds after shooting the lay up. Staying inbounds will force the shooter to go vertically on the shot rather than just throwing it up (vomiting) they run under the basket. When coming from a wing angle shooters should also stay above the block so that they can easily use the backboard on the shot.

In most cases, after giving up an easy break away on a solo lay up, the opponents are frustrated and disorganized, and, as a result, are very careless in bounding the ball (taking ball out with back to court, wrong player taking it out, etc). This provides an excellent opportunity for the shooter to curl around and steal the inbounds pass.

Premium Members learn more about breakaways - Click Here >>>

Attacking 2-on-1 Situations

Main Objective: Layup and steal

On any two on one situation, it is important to attack the basket and obtain a lay up. The ball should be advanced by passing between players with little or no dribbling. This will allow the ball to get down the court faster and prevent the defender from focusing on just one player. Once in the scoring area, players should be alert to read and counter the defender’s action. CAUTION: The passer, after making a pass, must always be alert to stop and avoid charging into the defender.

Premium Members learn more about attacking 2-on-1 situations - Click Here >>>

Attacking 3-on-1 Situations

Main Objective: To create a two-on-one situation and obtain a layup shot.

If at all possible, on a three on one situation the offensive players should immediately try to create a break away or a two on one situation by passing the ball ahead. Otherwise, the defender will just take a defensive position near the basket and force a jump shot.

Premium Members learn more about attacking 3-on-1 situations – Click Here >>>

Attacking 3-on-2 Situations

Main Objective: Open jump shot and putback (on miss).

On a three on two situation, whenever possible pass the ball ahead and try to create a 2-on-1 situation for a lay up shot. However, unless the defense is extremely poor or has a breakdown, a lay up shot will not be feasible. Therefore, on 3-on-2 situations the offense should be content with taking an open jump shot and taking real advantage of the out number situation to rebound any missed shot.

Premium Members learn more about attacking 3-on-2 situations - Click Here >>>

Attacking 3-on-3 Situations

Main Objective: Create a 3-on-2 situation or flow directly into early offense

On a three on three situation, whenever possible, the ball handler should try to drive past the middle defender and create a 3 on 2 situation. If not possible, then flow directly into early offense.

The key to a successful early push is a team’s ability to make the transition to offense and bust out faster than the opponent can make a defensive transition and get back. If executed to perfection early push usually ends up with an easy shot off an out numbered situation. However, gaining an out numbered player advantage is not the only benefit from an early push. Easy baskets and/or defensive fouls are also a result of the defensive players not having enough time to set up, and often end up out of position unable to make a play. Easy baskets and defensive fouls off player mismatches are another benefit to the early push, since the defensive players do not have ample amount of time to assume their desired matchups.

To learn more about Early Offense: Free Area - Click Here >>>
Premium Members - Click Here >>>

Coaching Tip: Missed Layups

Basketball is a game of habits. Missed layups during a game can be traced directly back to practice. Do not ignore or tolerate missed layups in practice. Good rule: anytime a layup is missed in any drill, the player has automatic 10 pushups. If a passer is involved on a missed layup, they too have 10 push ups. Players will quickly understand the importance of finishing and start concentrating in making their layups which will carry over to games.

Coming Next Month: RBP’s (Really Big Plays)

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Advanced Basketball Defense

Basketball Tips & Strategies – November 2012

HoopTactics — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 20:55:52 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

Rebounding (General)
Flight Time
Rebound Location
Desire and Determination
Defensive Rebounding
Shot Blocking
Offensive Rebounding

Rebounding

You Can Over Shoot, Over Dribble, or Over Pass, but You Can Never Over Rebound!

Most coaches have a tendency to look at rebounding in terms of total rebounds, and view rebounding as a single endeavor. In fact, until 1973 rebounds were kept as a single statistic and not broken down into offense and defense. However, offensive and defensive rebounding are entirely two distinct basketball skills. Defensive rebounding relies mainly on positioning and strength while offensive rebounding requires agility and movement. Defensive rebounding also requires a total team effort while offensive rebounding is mainly an individual effort. Therefore, defensive and offensive rebounding skills and techniques must be addressed and perfected separately. However, offensive and defensive rebounding do have four things in common:

Assuming all shots will be missed

Anticipating rebound location

“Flight Time” effort

Determination

Anticipation “Flight Time” Flight Time is the time it takes for the ball to leave a shooter’s hand until it gets to a position where it can be rebounded. This normally takes 2 to 3 seconds. What players do, or do not do, during this Flight Time period will determine their success or failure in rebounding. Flight Time is when the great players excel. Instead of watching the flight of the ball, much like a great outfielder, they assume that the shot will be missed and move into proper position for the rebound.

Rebound Location. Before you can rebound the ball, offensively or defensively, you need to know where to rebound it. Rebound location is dependent on three factors.: 1) The angle from the basket, 2) the shot distance, and 3) the shooter’s touch.
Premium HoopTactics’ Members learn more: Flight Time and Rebounding Location

Must Want the Ball. Being in the right place at the right time is not enough when it comes to rebounding. To be highly successful, players must also want, and be very determined, to get the ball. This mental aspect of rebounding is just as important as the actual physical techniques. Desire and determination is also what allows players with lesser physical abilities to out perform players with greater talent.

Defensive Rebounding

“Defense is not over until you get the rebound!”

The importance of rebounding defensively cannot be over emphasized. A rebound on defense is equivalent to a made shot on offense. A team can play tremendous defense and force a bad or rushed shot, but this defensive effort will be wasted if the offense is allowed to rebound the missed shot. For any defensive effort to be successful it must end in a turnover or defensive rebound (defensive stop).

Defensive rebounding is a coordinated team effort, and every player must realize that it is just as important to box out and prevent their opponent from getting the rebound as it is to obtain the rebound. Therefore, defensive rebounding is one of those situations in basketball where it’s not the number of times you do, but it’s the time you do not that counts. This means that the defenders block every offensive player’s path to the basket and ball on every shot during a game. This is especially true for the shooter since they know where the ball is going as soon as it leaves their hand.

Boxing Out: Do not leave boxing out up to chance. Boxing out defensively is not a single technique or endeavor. On the countary, players must possess a working knowledge of how to box out a shooter, from a ball side pass denial, from a sagged off helpside position and from a post denial position. All of which require different techniques.
Premium HoopTactics Members learn more: Defensive Rebounding Techniques

In boxing out players must develop an attitude as well as an instinct for the ball. They must play mentally strong and want the basketball. Rebound by grasping the ball with two hands. Protect ball by chining ball with elbows out. If possible, players should make a quarter turn before landing so that you can see the court without pivoting prior to making the outlet pass.

CAUTION: Avoid making a bad outlet pass or throwing the ball away after obtaining the rebound. There is nothing worse than turning the ball over on a careless outlet pass after a defensive rebound.

Premium HoopTactic Members learn more:
Common Rebounding Errors, Special Rebounding Situations (Free Throws, Last Shot, Exceptional Offensive Rebounder)

Shot Blocking. Stay down and rebound. Players should not attempt to block shots, unless they have the physical size and ability to block shots. Instead they should stay down and establish good rebounding position. If a player does have shot blocking capabilities, be sure to block the shots to themselves or a teammate. A blocked shot that goes out of bounds is of no value. Shot blocking is usually a result of a defensive error on the part of a peripheral defender. Therefore, poor defensive teams will have a tendency to have higher shot blocking numbers.

NOTE: It is much more wiser to take a charge than it is to block a shot.

Rebounding Offensively

The importance of offensive rebounding is vital to the outcome of the game. Simply stated, even if you shoot well, it is going to be very difficult to win if you get only one shot. Rather than size and strength that is required for defensive rebounding, offensive rebounding requires anticipation, determination, and hustle. Players must develop an attitude as well as an instinct for the ball. They must be aggressive and determined, and 3rd and 4th efforts should be common place to offensive rebounding.

Shot selection also plays a vital role in offensive rebounding. Not much can be done in the way of offensive rebounding when the shooter takes a bad shot. In situations where good shots are taken, a missed shot will result in a good pass to an offensive rebounder. Although, shooting percentages do reflect shot selection tendencies, it really does matter how many shots it takes on a possession as long as you score.
Premium Members learn more: Four Basic Offensive Rebounding Techniques

Second Effort Points. In order for offensive rebounding to be successful you must score. Points scored on second efforts is an important statistic. You can get all the offensive rebounds you want, but it you do not convert them to points they are of little value. Easy putback shots off missed shots not only puts points on the scoreboard, but are also very demoralizing to the opponent as well.

Premium Members learn more:

Tips, Putbacks & Rebound Shots, Maintaining Defensive Balance, Team Offensive Rebounding Techniques.

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Advanced Basketball Defense

Basketball Tips & Strategies – October 2012

HoopTactics — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 21:11:18 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

Fostering a Team Atmosphere
Persistence a Key To Success
Demanding Best Efforts
Establishing Significant Player Roles
Competitors & Team Leaders

Fostering a Team Atmosphere

“The whole (team) is greater than the sum of its parts (players).”

On every level of basketball, one of the most important aspects of coaching is creating and fostering a total team atmosphere and commitment. It is the difference between success and failure. Insure your players that they are going to play in a team atmosphere. Inform them that you are not going to tolerate anyone on the team that keeps others from learning, you from coaching or any other misbehavior. Get rid of the non-workers. Great teams are a result of the best players being the hardest workers. No one steps on the floor without full hustle attitude. Insist on a team effort at all times.

Persistence a Key To Success

There is an old adage that is often times quoted: “Great teams play hard, play smart and play together.” However, there is one other very important ingredient that is missing and that is “persistence.” Persistence is what enables players and teams to reach their full potential and goals. It is what separates the great ones from the mediocre ones. Most teams can play hard, play smart, and together for short periods of time. However, to be successful, they must be able to sustain this high level of effort over the course of the entire season which is no easy task.

Demand ”Best Efforts” at All Times

Habits do not change in a game (See last month’s newsletter). Never tolerate or ignore a player’s laid-back or apathetic attitude and efforts. All great players have one thing in common. They have great work ethics and will not be outworked by anyone. They pay attention to detail. Too much attention and recognition is paid to records and accomplishments, and not enough to the long, hard, hours, days, and years great players put into developing and refining the skills and techniques that make them so successful. In tolerating or ignoring a lack of effort and selfishness, coaches are not only cheating the team, but just as importantly, they are cheating the player and depriving them of any future opportunity to play on a higher level of the game.

Establish Significant Player Roles

Guarantee players that they will receive equal opportunities, but not equal playing time. Develop and establish significant roles and assignments for every player on the squad such as 6th Person, Defensive Stopper, Designated Inbounder, etc. Championships are never achieved without the unselfish play of the complementors on the team. Rather than scoring themselves, these role players make it possible for others to score. These supporting roles, which are vital to a total team effort, must be constantly acknowledge and reinforced by the entire coaching staff throughout the season. Premium HoopTactics Members learn more:

The Vital Importance of the 6th Person Role
Developing a Defensive Stopper
Inbounding the Ball Under Pressure

Real Competitors

Real competitors are those special players that come to play every time they step on the court. They are a team’s hardest workers constantly battling and competing. They are not the type that scream at their teammates or officials or kick trash cans after the game. They rely on their brawn more than their brains. They dive for loose balls, take charges, fight for rebounds, etc. They just plain enjoy playing and never give up. Competitors are those players that players love to play with not against, spectators love to watch, and coaches love to coach. You cannot win without them.

Premium Members Learn more about “Real” competitors. Click Here.

Team Leaders

Every team needs at least one leader. The coach on the floor. One that plays with intelligence and poise. They sacrifice and surrender “me” to “we.” This unselfish play makes their teammates better. Leaders play in the future constantly anticipating ahead of the current action. As a result, the game is actually played in slow motion to them. In thinking ahead, their heads are always in the game which allows them to play through adversity. They rarely get upset or loose their poise. On the other hand, players playing in the present, or worst yet, playing in the past, such as arguing about a bad call or upset about a teammates turnover, the game becomes more difficult and actually speeds up dramatically as they lag behind and attempt to catch up with the action.

Leaders also know their strengths and weakness and play within their limitations. Often times, a player’s lack of discipline and their ego’s get the best of them scoring at the expense of their teammates.. They will shoot three point shots when then effective range is inside the three point line. Relying on “hope” or luck rather than skill to make the shot. Selfish play is often times the result of outside pressures and influences such as parents, personal coaches and agents. However, what ever the reason, no one likes to play with a “Ball Hog.”

Changing a “Me” to “We” attitude is a real challenge in coaching, and is the utmost importance to success.

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Advanced Basketball Defense

Basketball Tips & Strategies – September 2012

HoopTactics — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 17:22:57 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

Importance of Player Development
Basketball a Game of Habits
Changing a Bad Habit
Team Habits

Coaching Tips: The Magnitude of Developing Players

Basketball is unique in that it is a game within a game. It is both an individual game and a team game. However, we coaches often have a tendency to spend more time on introducing and refining plays or defenses rather than developing and improving individual player skills and techniques that determines their success or failure. Basketball is not a game of offenses and defenses, but a game of effort and execution. Therefore, coaches must coach their players. The players make the system. The system does not make the players.

Every player must possess the basic skills of shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding and defending. Players must be taught and drilled in these fundamentals long before they can master the finer points of the game. In mastering these fundamental skills and techniques, players will discover their strengths and weaknessess that will ultimately determine their specific roles on a team.

Coaching Strategies: Basketball is a Game of Habits

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

Habits are not instincts. They are conditioned reflexes created by repetitive acts over a period of time. They are embedded in the brain. Since the brain cannot decipher good habits from bad habits, bad habits cannot simply be erased. They must be changed and replaced which is no easy task. It can take years. You cannot achieve success just by thinking about what is correct. A player can listen and read about every aspect of successful shooting. However, the only way for that player to develop good shooting habits is by repeated shooting. “Perfect practice makes perfect.” Since our habits are the result of repetition over time, following the coach’s instructions, when a player makes their first shot it is probably luck. After repeated practice, if a player makes the thousandth shot and follows it up with the thousandth and one shot, it is a result of a good habit.

The Metamorphous of Changing a Bad Habit

Correcting bad habits is by no means an easy task, and not all efforts will be successful, since it comes down to the individual player’s willpower. In correcting bad habits, players will progress through the following three stages:

Stage 1:

A coach notices the hand of a player, with a pretty good shot, is moving out to one side on their follow through. The coach explains, demonstrates the correct position and tells the player to visualize the follow through. At first the corrected follow through will feel awkward and unnatural to the player. The shot becomes unsuccessful with the player missing almost all of their shots. At this point, despite understanding what’s right, those players without patience and determination, will revert back to their old habits and comfort zone and continue to shoot the same way as always.

Stage 2:

With repeated practice and determination, the body starts to respond to the brain. The follow through begins to assume the correct positon more readily and the shot becomes more fluid. The shot starts to gradually climb back to the previous level of accuracy. However, the shooter still has to think about the correct follow through movement.

Stage 3:

With stilll more hours of practice, the shooter thinks less and less about the shooting mechanics. Their form adjusts to the new position. Neuro-muscular systems are working together in unison. Shooting has signifiicantly improved and the corrected follow through motion “feels” right. The correction is accomplished.

In the correction of a bad habits, coaches must also persist. Making corrections requires extra hours, days and even years of the part of coaches. They just cannot point out bad habits and assume players have the ability and fortitude to make the changes on their own. However, all of the time and effort spent on player development is well worth it.

Coaching Tip: When correcting mistakes, such as having their head down when dribbling, just asked the player, “Is this a good or bad habit?” No other explaination is needed.

Coaching Strategies: Team Habits

“Habits do not change during a game.”

This is true with team habits as well as individuals. Team habits are fostered and reinforced daily in practice. If a lack of effort, execution and discipline are tolereated or ignored in practice, they become bad habits. Therefore, the importance of paying attention to the smallest details cannot be over emphasized. If missed lay-ups, careless passing and bad shot selection is allowed in practice, it will definitely carry over into games. Coaches must persist and insist on proper execution and effort at all times.

As a coach, you may not reap the immediate rewards of the hours put into player development. Since players develop at different rates and ages, be sure to develop all of your players to the best of their capabilities. One of the greatest players in the history of the game, Michael Jordan, was cut from the team as a high school sophomore.

In helping all your players in developing and refining their individual skills, it will not only provide them with the necessary training and habits that will afford them, along with the team, the best opportunity to be successful, but more importantly, have a great experience in this great game. Coaching great players is easy. Where great coaches excel is in getting the most out of every player on the squad regardless of physical abilities and skills. Individual player development, on and off the court, is by far the greatest satisfaction of coaching.

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Advanced Basketball Defense

Basketball Tips & Strategies – August 2012

HoopTactics — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 20:58:22 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

What it takes to be an Athlete
Teaching and Learning
Motor Skill Learning and Conditioning
Coaching Staff Gear

Player Development: What it Takes to Be an Athlete

Being a true athlete does not imply merely wearing the uniform and being just a member of the squad. Players should not wish to participate in sports, they should wish to become successful in sports. There are many important phases to think about if they want to be a champion, not only in basketball but in life as well. Being a true athlete is by no means an easy job. Throughout the course of the season they will be pushed and trained hard to become the best that they are capable of becoming. To undergo such an athletic endeavor, they must prepare themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. This requires a change of life style and new, dedicated friends. Ones that have similar goals and work ethics. Ones that will lead by example and push them in their pursuit of greatness.

As athletes, they must realize that they are in the public spotlight at all times. Their conduct, what they say and do, makes news. This imposes a great need for self control. They should never risk destroying a whole career because of an off the court mistake. It is a cinch to find someone to lead them down the wrong path in life. It takes strong determination to resist the temptations that exist. Just as one works for years to become a top athlete, they should work just as hard to develop their image as a person, their pattern of conduct, and the standards by which they are known and respected.

Caution: Despite all the time, dedication and work required in becoming a top notch athlete, there are no guarantees. There is some risk involved in that they may not achieve their goal of playing on the highest levels of the game. However, no matter what, they will become, to some degree, like the best in the world. To learn more – Click Here

Coaching Strategies: Teaching & Learning

To be successful players must gain a working knowledge of the game. What, when and why should be very clear and specific. Learning is best when it includes activities using as many senses as possible. Learners remember 10% of what is read, 20% of what is heard (75% is forgotten after 2 days), 30% of what is seen (majority of learning), and 50% of what is heard and seen. Different players learn in different ways and rates. Encourage players to learn individually, in pairs and in teams. Learning is further enhanced when it is relevant and fully understood by the learner, such as the importance of boxing out on rebounds.

Be sure to teach players to listen. Demand and get eye contact of all players prior to speaking. It is imperative that any time a coach talks everyone listens (including assistant coaches). Also, make sure that the entire coaching staff is well coordinated and uses the same offensive and defensive terminology. Do not over coach and keep instructions simple. Talk to players’ level. Whenever possible use short descriptive terms. Clarify rather than confuse. Tell players what you are going to teach them, teach them, and tell them what you taught them.

Coaching Strategies: Motor Skill Learning & Conditioning

Basketball skills require active learning. The best way to learn basketball is to practice BASKETBALL. However, to be effective, basketball skills and techniques must be learned and practiced at game speed. Pay attention to detail. Precise execution and footwork are vital. Repetition is a must for motor learning. Motor learning also requires visualization and mental practice.

Motor learning is dependent on physical conditioning. Superior conditioning does not just happen nor is it acquired quickly. It is the result of a well planned and executed program of exercise, rest, and diet. Rest and diet is just as important as exercise. Training is exacting and the responsibility is heavy. What is done off the court is as important as what is done on it. To be successful, each player as well as the team collectively, must be possessed with the desire and determination to develop superior physical condition. Throughout the course of the season the team will be pushed and trained hard. However, it is going to be up to each individual to see that their maximum physical condition is achieved and maintained. Anything less is a violation of a trust. To learn more – Premium Members Click Here

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Advanced Basketball Defense

Basketball Tips & Strategies – June 2012

HoopTactics — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 03:26:24 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

Luck vs. Skill
Mastering the Fundamentals
Defensive Fundamentals
Coaching Staff Gear

Coaching Strategies: Luck vs.Skills

How much does “LUCK” really play in the outcome of your games? Luck does play a role in the outcome of basketball games. Luck is a convenient way to refer to good or bad things that happen that are beyond one’s control. Luck is unpredictable and, therefore, cannot be exploited. As all gamblers know, there is no reliable system, lucky charms, or habits to be lucky. Because of its random distribution, luck should even out over a period of time.

On the other hand, unlike luck, skill leads to predictability. The better you are, the less luck you will need. Skills and techniques put you more in control of the outcome. An example of this would be during a halftime contest: If a half court shot is made by a fan, selected at random, it is considered to be a “lucky shot.” However, if the same shot is made by a NBA or WNBA player, it still would be considered lucky, but not as lucky as the fan’s shot. The reason being is that the professional player has more control over the shot. Therefore, the more skilled players are the less luck is involved.

Bad luck, such as lucky opponent shots, unlucky bounces, bad calls, injuries, tournament draws, etc. are sometimes referred to as the “Breaks of the Game.” They are part of the game. However, breaks of the game tend to go more your way when you are highly skilled and prepared. After a loose ball scramble, a game winning shot at the buzzer by one of the opponent’s best shooters may be considered lucky. However, in analyzing this situation, the loose ball possession may have been a matter of luck, but the shot certainly was not.

“Hoped Shots” rarely end up in the basket. Players need to practice and employ their best shots. Some good practice shooters may become only average game shooters, but there are no poor practice shooters who are excellent game shooters. They must know their ability and shooting range. During a game, players should work hard to create an open shot within their range and don’t let their ego or outside pressures take them outside their range.

Player Development: Mastering the Fundamentals

Basketball is unique in that it is both a team game and an individual game, “a game within a game.” Basketball, more than any other sport, requires integration of individual talent and skills into unselfish team play. Therefore, improving player skills are vital to improving the team. Sound individual fundamentals are synonymous with sound habits of team play. Players must possess a thorough, working knowledge of the fundamentals of the game, not just a general understanding of them, but a complete mastery of their details.

Despite, size conditioning and talent of today’s basketball players, who succeeds and who fails is determined by who possesses fundamental skills. Developing and mastering basketball skills is not easy task. It is a never ending process requiring countless hours of individual practice and refinement. Work hard to overcome weaknesses. It is easy to practice something you already do well, and that is exactly what most players do. However, the best way to get better is to work on your weaknesses and turn them into your strengths. With proper practice players not only improve their basketball skills; but just as important, increase their level of confidence and success.

With the current emphasis and pressures of playing on select teams and “personal trainers” during the off season, it has taken away the onus and individual responsibility of skill development. Since games only reinforce and show case current abilities, player skill development is suffering. How many shots does a player get during a off season full court game? How many rebounds? It is said that it takes ten thousands of shots to become a proficient shooter. Likewise, it takes thousands of rebounds to become a rebounder. It’s called half court three-on-three!
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Player Development: Individual Defensive Skills and Techniques

Since basketball players spend most of their time and efforts developing and refining their offensive skills, they are usually very ill prepared defensively. Yet, despite having little or no defensive skills, coaches still expect their players to be able to go out and guard outstanding offensive opponents. However, to be successful, players must first possess a working knowledge of the defensive fundamentals.

Like their offensive counterparts, defensive fundamentals must be broken down and practiced constantly on all levels of basketball. Players need to know and practice how to guard the player with the ball, how to guard a player without the ball, how to guard a cutter, how to guard a player in post area, and how to box out and rebound on shots.

CAUTION: If you are not spending adequate practice time teaching and improving defensive fundamentals, then you are setting up your players and team for certain failure.

Learn more about developing defensive skills:
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Advanced Basketball Defense

Basketball Tips & Strategies – May 2012

HoopTactics — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:33:12 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

The Neglected Shot
Improving Free Throw Accuracy & Confidence
Free Throw Common Errors
Practicing Free Throws
Coaching Staff Gear

Player Development: The Neglected Shot (Free Throw)

In a recent game, a NBA player shot “Air Balls” on two consecutive free throws??? In a NCAA DI conference tournament game, a player missed four straight, end of game free throws resulting in the team losing the game and its NCAA tournament bid??? On the other hand, Kentucky’s strong free throw shooting, 35 of 37 against Louisville, made them invincible in winning the NCAA Men’s Championship.

Free throw shots are unique in that the shooter has complete control of the shot. Free throws are shot from the same spot and distance from the basket with no defense to worry about. The shooter also has the choice of the type of shot to shoot. Since free throws account for approximately 25% of scoring, and a single free throw can make the difference in winning or losing, the ability to shoot free throws should be taken very seriously.

What is your current free throw percentage?

The 3 C’s – The Keys to Successful Free Throw Shooting

“Consistency, Concentration & Confidence” Anyone can be a successful free throws shooter regardless of age, sex and physical attributes. Shooting a free throw, similar to a golf swing, is a single, fluid action consisting of a minimum of moving parts. Proper free throw mechanics include stance, finger grip, wrist and elbow position, eyes focused on target with a straight release and follow through. Once the smooth, repetitive action of a free throw is learned and acquired, it becomes a natural reflex that is seldom lost. In fact, players will be able to make free throws with their eyes closed. Learn how the “3 C’s” can greatly improve free throw accuracy and success immediately – Premium Members – Click Here

Common Free Throw Errors to Avoid

Poor free throw shooting percentages are mainly the result of improper mechanics. However, not focusing and concentrating entirely on making the shot can spoil good free throw form and technique.

Unsure or not confident about making the shot. Probably going to miss.
Being distracted or having multiple thoughts rather than concentrating on a single thought of making the shot.
Not taking a deep breath and relaxing on every free throw.
Holding palm on the shooting hand on the ball. If the palm is involved you cannot hit the rim softly.
Holding off hand on top of ball. This will result in blocking the shot. Hold the off hand to the side of the ball.
Not clocking your wrist back, your shot will be flat and tend to nose dive.
Holding elbow out rather than under ball. Results in ball traveling a curved line to the basket rather than on a straight line.
Dropping arms immediately to waist rather than keeping them up high on follow through. Usually results in short or flat shot.
On follow through, bringing your shooting arm across your body to the opposite side rather than keeping in line with the basket.
Holding the ball behind the head, like a soccer pass. Hard to control and usually results in a hard sling shot.
Poor physical Conditioning plays an important role in shooting, especially during big play-off games. You are as only as good as your legs.
Changing your free throw routine during the season. Refine and reinforce the mechanics of your shot instead.
Not putting ample time and effort into practicing.

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Free Throw Shooting a Vital Part of Every Practice or Workout.

If you want to win a championship, don’t leave free throw shooting up to chance. Over 25% of the points scored come from the free throw line. Great free throw shooters are not born. They are the result of proper mechanics and eons of practice. Since free throw shooting is a repetitive, neuromuscular skill, the more you practice, the more accurate you will become.

Practicing free throws does not have to be tiresome or tedious endeavor. In fact, on the contrary, improving your free throw shooting can be challenging and a lot of fun. Premium members see: Fun drills and competition to improve your free throw accuracy – Click Here

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Advanced Basketball Defense

Basketball Tips & Strategies – April 2012

HoopTactics — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:45:29 +0000

HoopTactics Newsletter

Importance of Setting Goals
Total Program Evaluation
Off Season Player Skill Development
Player Responsibility for Improving Skills
Value & Benefits of Playing 3-on-3

Coaching Tips: Setting Goals is a Key to Success

After a long season, coaches need to take some time off to recuperate and re‐charge their batteries. However, before doing so, while it is fresh in your mind, review, analyze and evaluate the past season. Examine exactly what was accomplished, what was successful, and what needs to be improved in the coming year. Then use this information to set goals and objectives for the coming season. Caution: Setting goals, like potential energy, is useless until action is taken to implement and achieve them.

Total Program Evaluation Invaluable to Successful Goal Setting

Basketball coaches, just like any other member of the teaching profession, need to evaluate their own program and personal performance. Personal evaluations are something that is generally disliked. However, they are vital to the improvement of any coach and basketball program, especially the self‐evaluations.

To view/print HoopTactics’ Total Program Evaluation (Program Review, Coach Self-Evaluations, Player Evaluations, Support Staff ) forms - Click Here

Player Development: Off Season Training

From October to April, teams are made. From April to October, individual players are made. This is the time of the year that players must develop and improve their individual basketball skills and techniques along with their physical attributes. However, to be successful, they must first take the time to do a self‐evaluation.

Players should compile a list of the things they did well this past season, and the things they must or could improve. Things that they can do to make themsellves more solid, stronger, aggressive and intelligent when they take the court this coming season. They should also seek input and specific recommendations for off season improvement from their coaches . Then use this self‐evaluation to plan and execute their off season workouts and skill development.

Player Development: Do It Yourself Program

Baba Watson’s recent winning of the Masters’ Golf Tournament is a prime example of self motivation and development. He won the most prestigious professional tournament in golf without ever taking a golf lesson. He has learned and perfected the game of golf on his own initiative.

Basketball is like a savings account at a bank. What you put into it, is exactly what you will get out of it. Players must prepare for the best. They should work individually on the things they need to improve, not just their strengths. Players do not need to depend on coaches, parents or personal trainers to be successful. They must be self-motivated and rely on themselves. Individual improvement is not all fun and games. Much of off season skill development is repetitive, monotonous and tedious. Bad habits can be practiced as well as good. However, remember: “If it’s going to be. . . It’s up to me.” – George Raveling.

Player Development: Playing Three-on-Three

Players should organize and play a lot of three-on-three half court competition during the off season. Since 3-on-3 provides for much more shooting, passing, rebounding, screening, and defensive repetitions, it is by far, the most efficient and effective use of their time in practicing and improving their fundamental skills.

In a full court game of approximate a hour and a half, How many shots does a player take? How many rebounds do theygrab? How many passes do they make? How many screens do they set and use? How many times do they guard a player with the ball? How many times do they defend against dribble penetration? How many times do they guard a player without the ball? Compare these figures with the totals that they would receive in playing the same 1 1/2 hours of three on three half court and you will instantly see the importance and value of 3-on-3 in improving and developing individual basketball skills to their fullest.

In addition, after a long, hard season, 3-on-3 also saves additional wear and tear of players legs. Playing full court only reinforces current abilities. It also will help eliminate burn-out.

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