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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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 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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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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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.

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

Premium Members to view/print Free Throw Self-Analysis Check List – – Click Here

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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Join the HoopTactics’ Team and Gain a Competitive Advantage

 HoopTactics is a comprehensive resource designed to greatly enhance your basketball knowledge and expertise. It is comprised of a multitude of in-depth, easy to understand, graphical presentations that take you through the inner-workings of hundreds of proven strategies in great detail. Whether you are looking for new ideas or just looking to refresh your memory, you will not find a better basketball resource. Guaranteed! Learn more about Premium Membership – Click here to visit HoopTactics

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Basketball Staff and HoopTactics gear. Visit the HoopTactics online store to see what is available that will meet your basketball needs. Free shipping on orders over $60.

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Advanced Basketball Defense