Coaches Corner

Defending the Screen and Roll

2010-05-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

Defending on-ball screens is one of the toughest principle to defend in today's game. Defending on-ball screens are not just about defending the ball-handler and screener, but how you react and rotate on the weak-side of your defense. Strategies are a big part of how attack the on ball screen, but the tenacity, energy, and knowledge of the ball-handler's defender are extremely important as well. Another factor is the type of team you have as well; short and quick, or big and tall. Here are seven strategies for defending on ball screens (middle and sideline screens).

1. Hedge and Recover - A basic strategy when defending on ball screens; the player can hard hedge or soft hedge. Hedge is where the screen defender shows above the screen and meets the ball-handler on the opposite side. The degree of the hedge depends on the threat of the screener, is he/she a roller or a pop threat. If the screener is more of a roller, you can hard hedge on the ball-handler. If the screener is more of a pop threat, you can soft hedge on the ball-handler.

2. Under 1 - Go under the screen if the ball-handler is not a shooter, but a great penetrator. Also, if the ball-handler is out of his/her range for the shot.

3. Under 2 - If the ball-handler is a great penetrator, but not a great shooter, and the screener is a great spot up shooter, you should jam the screener and have the defender go under the jam, which is 2 players. This strategy can be used against teams that run a lot of pick and pops.

4. Switch - Switch when the ball-handler and screener are of similar size and no advantage will be gained offensively. You can also switch as the shot-clock or game-clock is running down so the offense can not gain an advantage of penetration.

5. Trap - Trap the ball-handler when the ball-handler is not a strong passer or penetrator. You can trap also to get the offense out of rhythm, or end of shot and game clock situations.

6. Turn Down - Make the ball-handler turn down the screen if the purpose of the screen is to reverse the ball to the opposite side or to have middle penetration.

7. Over - Go over the screen when the ball-handler is a threat as a shooter, and the screener is not as big of a threat.

NEXT TOPIC: Transition Offense

Attacking a switching M2M defense

2010-05-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

I think are five simple principles that you could use to attack a man to man defense that switches on screens.

1. Run set plays. Running a set play instead of running straight motion, where you can get a mismatch; for example, a big on a guard, or a big defending a guard.

2. Ball screens. Setting a big screen on a guard will create an automatic mismatch on a switch, or a guard set a screen on a big. At the point, it becomes exploiting the mismatch in your favor.

3. Pass and cut. Passing and cutting will not allow the defense to switch, and will create space for penetration as well as post play.

4. Screen your defender. This is a good strategy because most teams begin to anticipate the switch on the screen, so if you set a down screen, screen your defender while the other player pops. It will create a 2 to 1 on advantage, a quick seal or slip might be available.

5. Slip screens. Similar to the last strategy, there is always a point during the screen when the opposition anticipate the screen or cut off the screen. At that point, look to slip the screen.

NEXT TOPIC: Screen and Roll Defense

To switch or not to switch...

2010-05-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

It seems that switching in man-to-man defenses is becoming more prevalent in today’s high school and college game. Switching man-to-man defenses is a strategic move to disrupt oppositions screening game (ball-screen, down-screen, flare-screen, and back-screens). Many teams switch like screens, such as guard-to-guard screens or post-to-post screens. In addition, teams that lack height, or have players with similar height will switch screens as well to eliminate indecision. It also eliminates indecision when it comes to scouting reports; teams will just tell their players they are switching everything. Lastly, teams will switch in late game situations or end of clock situations where a team needs a 3-point opportunity to tie a game. As you can see, there are many different philosophies when it comes to switching in man-to-man defense.

I think there are great opportunities to use switching in your man-to-man defense scheme, but I think long the way, as more and more coaches have used the strategy, the lack of individual defensive pride has decreased. Man-to-man defense is about defending the ball with five players, and more importantly as a team. But, there is an individualistic component to defending the ball, as well as a sense of pride. The pride element can be demonstrated in pressuring the ball, sliding/moving your feet, defending a player coming off-screens, among other defensive skills. Even something as simple as the offensive player isn’t going to score on me. I think these strategic components that are individualized in a way have been eliminated along with pride because “we can just switch the screen.”

NEXT TOPIC: Attacking a switching man –to-man defense

SMC Fall League Week 5 Schedule Revised

2009-10-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

2009 Santa Monica College Fall League *Week 5 Schedule*
1 - LA Poly		6 - Fundamental Hoops		11 – El Segundo JV
2 - Roosevelt		7 - Palisades		12 – Culver City JV
3 - Channel Islands		8 - Malibu		13 – Conejo Quakes 2
4 - Palmdale		9 - Conejo Quakes 1		14 – Venice JV
5 - El Segundo 1		10 – Santa Monica
Saturday, October 31st
Court # 1			Court # 2	Court # 3
2:00 p.m.	5 v 4		1 v 7	3 v 6
3:00 p.m.	11 v 8		3 v 1	7 v 12
4:00 p.m.	10 v 14		5 v 2	4 v 6
5:00 p.m.	11 v 14		2 v 8	10 v 12
6:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.

SMC Fall League Schedule - Week 4 (Revised)

2009-10-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

2009 Santa Monica College Fall League *Week 4 Schedule*
1 - LA Poly		6 - Fundamental Hoops		11 – El Segundo JV
2 - Roosevelt		7 - Palisades		12 – Culver City JV
3 - Channel Islands		8 - Malibu		13 – Conejo Quakes 2
4 - Palmdale		9 - Conejo Quakes 1		14 – Venice JV
5 - El Segundo 1		10 – Santa Monica
Saturday, October 24th
Court # 1			Court # 2	Court # 3
2:00 p.m.	5 v 8		3 v 10	13 v 11
3:00 p.m.	1 v 13		11 v 14	5 v 3
4:00 p.m.	7 v 10		4 v 2
5:00 p.m.	14 v 13		6 v 1	2 v 8
6:00 p.m.	10 v 4			7 v 6
7:00 p.m.

SMC Fall League Week 3 Schedule Revised

2009-10-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

2009 Santa Monica College Fall League

Week 3 Schedule

1 - LA Poly

6 - Fundamental Hoops

11 – El Segundo JV

2 - Roosevelt

7 - Palisades

12 – Culver City JV

3 - Channel Islands

8 - Malibu

13 – Conejo Quakes 2

4 - Palmdale

9 - Conejo Quakes 1

14 – Venice JV

5 - El Segundo 1

10 – Santa Monica

Saturday, October 17th

Court # 1

Court # 2

Court # 3

2:00 p.m.

11 v 10

12 v 6

13 v 14

3:00 p.m.

12 v 13

9 v 7

1 v 5

4:00 p.m.

4 v 2

6 v 10

11 v 14

5:00 p.m.

7 v 3

8 v 4

5 v 9

6:00 p.m.

3 v 8

2 v 1

7:00 p.m.

SMC Fall League Schedule - Week 2

2009-10-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

2009 Santa Monica College Fall League *Week 2 Schedule*
1 - LA Poly		6 - Fundamental Hoops		11 – El Segundo JV
2 - Roosevelt		7 - Palisades		12 – Culver City JV
3 - Channel Islands		8 - Malibu		13 – Conejo Quakes 2
4 - Palmdale		9 - Conejo Quakes 1		14 – Venice JV
5 - El Segundo 1		10 – Santa Monica
Saturday, October 10th
Court # 1			Court # 2	Court # 3
2:00 p.m.	12 v 14		5 v 10	11 v 13
3:00 p.m.	11 v 12		14 v 13	5 v 8
4:00 p.m.	2 v 6		4 v 9	1 v 7
5:00 p.m.	8 v 10		6 v 3	9 v 2
6:00 p.m.	3 v 1		7 v 4
7:00 p.m.

2009 SMC Fall League - Week 1 Schedule (Revised 9/28)

2009-09-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

2009 Santa Monica College Fall League

Week 1 Schedule

1 - LA Poly

6 - Fundamental Hoops

11 - Santa Monica JV

2 - Roosevelt

7 - Palisades

12 - El Segundo JV

3 - Channel Islands

8 - Malibu

13 - Culver City JV

4 - Palmdale

9 - Conejo Quakes 1

14 - Conejo Quakes 2

5 - El Segundo 1

10 - Girls Got Game

15 - Venice JV

Saturday, October 3rd

Court # 1

Court # 2

Court # 3

2:00 p.m.

15 v 14

13 v 12

5 v 6

3:00 p.m.

7 v 8

10 v 11

1 v 4

4:00 p.m.

12 v 14

13 v 15

6 v 8

5:00 p.m.

2 v 3

5 v 7

1 v 11

6:00 p.m.

2 v 10

3 v 4

7:00 p.m.

Weightlifting - Can it really help my game?

2009-06-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Just as important as improving your skill and intelligence is improving your body, which includes strength, flexibility, power, quickness, and speed. The greatest impact on your game, strength training for basketball should aim to develop explosive power. And that takes a little more refined than just lifting heaving weights alone. Your weight training program should focus on three aspects of your game:

1.) your acceleration and speed around the court
2.) your range on shots, passes, and ballhandling
3.) your explosive power -- in particular your vertical jump

There are three types of basketball weight/strength training:

1.) Maximum Strength
Maximum strength is the force that a muscle group can exert in a single, momentary contraction. In terms of basketball relivance, your maximum strength is should be executed as quickly as possible.

2.) Muscular Power
Power is a combinationof both maximum strength and speed of movement. You want to increase your maximum strength or speed of movement would losing the other, and this will increase your muscular power. The most effective power training is plyometrics, which combines the elements of both speed and strength in a single movement patterns.
3.) Muscular Endurance
Muscular endurance is your ability to perform repeated, high-intensity without fatigue is a reflection of your muscular endurance.

In terms of your strength training program there should 4 segments during the year/season:

1.) Off-Season - build functional strength
During this phase, the athlete wants to prepare joints, ligaments, and tendons for more intense work in the next training segments. In addition, you want to strengthen stabilzer muscles, balance the right and left side of the body, and correct any imbalance between flexors and extensors. This is the most important segment of strength training.
2.) Early Pre-season - build maximal strength
During this phase, your goal is peak strength. The athlete wants to convert into muscular power through plyo training.
3.) Late Pre-season - convert to muscular power
Using the plyometrics you developed in the previous stage, you want to convert that strength into basketball specific power. Your plyometric training is about to get your form and concepts almost perfect -- don't challenge your self to hard because it doesn't help you.
4.) In-Season - maintain muscular power
During this stage, the athlete wants to maintain the levels of muscular power that they have worked hard to attain.

NEXT TOPIC: Ball-handling Skill Development

Post Player Skill Development

2009-06-16T21:51:00.001-07:00

Post Player Skill Development

Great post players must be able to score efficiently in 3 areas; on the blocks, in the high post, and in the short corner. He/she should always work on their hands, footwork, position, ability to score with both hands, passing, and rebounding. Versatility is the key.

WARM UP SHOOTING DRILLS

(50) 2 Ball Regular Mikans

(50) 2 Ball Reverse Mikans

(50) Form Shooting with strong hand (w/ heavy ball if possible)

(50) Form Shooting with weak hand (w/ heavy ball if possible)

(50) Set lifts from middle of the key (w/ heavy ball if possible)

(50) Bradley drill w/ 5 jumps (w/ regular ball)

(50) Set lifts from free throw line (w/ regular ball)

(25) Rim finishes from opposite side of basket on each side (w/regular ball)

(25) Step thrus from opposite side of basket on each side (w/ regular ball)

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING SERIES - Need a partner or a coach; each move will begin with a toss off the backboard.

Pogo - Coach will toss the ball off the backboard; player will jump and rebound the ball as high as he/she can. Once the player touches the ground he/she will go up as quick as possible without droping the ball below his/her shoulders. (FOCUS: rebound, keep ball high, quick jump, use outside hand) (10 shots rightside/10 Shots leftside)
Pump-fake and put-back - Coach will toss the ball off the backboard; player will jump and rebound the ball as high as he/she can. Once the player touches the ground he/she will pump fake with knees flexed; after the pump fake the player will explode and finish the shot. (FOCUS: rebound, keep ball high, knees flexed, quick jump, use outside hand) (10 shots rightside/10 shots leftside)
Pump-fake and powerslide - Coach will toss the ball off the backboard; player will jump and rebound the ball as high as he/she can. Once the player touches the ground he/she will pump fake with knees flexed, take a quick power dribble to outside foot, and powerslide to the opposite side of the basket, and finish. (FOCUS: rebound, keep ball high, knees flexed, power dribble, quick jump, use outside hand) (10 shots rightside/10 shots leftside)
Tip-in - Coach will toss the ball of the backboard; player will jump and catch and shoot at the highest point while in the air. (FOCUS: rebound, quick catch, concentrate, finish) (10 shots rightside/10 shots leftside)

BLOCKS - FRONT PIVOT - Need a coach at the wing to pass the ball in the post. All passes should be received on a jump stop; once pass is received glass over your middle shoulder to occupy weak side defenders.

Jump Hook - 1 rhythm dribble, and then on next dribble drop step middle and shoot a jump hook with your outside hand. (FOCUS: rhythm dribble, drop step middle, follow through on jump hook) (10 shots on the right block/10 shots on the left block)
Up and Under - 1 rhythm dribble, and then on next dribble drop step middle and ball fake, and then step through with outside foot and shoot a lay-up with outside hand off the backboard. (FOCUS: rhythm dribble, drop step middle, good ball fake, step thru w/elbows high, finish) (10 shots on the right block/10 shots on the left block)
Crab and Reverse - 1 rhythm dribble, and then on next dribble drop step to the baseline, and shot jump hook off the backboard with your outside hand. (FOCUS: rhythm dribble, bring defender middle, drop step baseline, finish high off backboard) (10 shots on the right block/10 shots on the left block).
Up and Under - 1 rhythm dribble, and then on next dribble drop step to the baseline, pump fake and step thru with outside foot, and shoot a hook shot over the front of the rim. (FOCUS: rhythm dribble, bring defender middle, drop step baseline, good ball fake, step thru w/ elbows high, finish high off backboard) (10 shots on the right block/10 shots on the left block).

BLOCKS - REVERSE PIVOT - Need a coach at the wing to pass the ball in the post. All passes should be received on a jump stop; once pass is received glass over your middle shoulder to occupy weak side defenders.

Reverse and Shoot - Reverse pivot with your inside foot (attacking middle), and shoot a jump shot (off the backboard if angle is available) (10 Shots). Reverse pivot with your outside foot (attacking baseline), and shoot a jump shot (off the backboard if angle is available) (10 Shots). Repeat on each block.
Reverse and Go - Reverse pivot with your inside pivot (attack middle), rip ball thru tight to your stomach, and shoot over the front of the rim or opposite side of rim. (10 Shots). Reverse pivot with your outside foot (attacking baseline), rib ball thru tight to your stomach, and take a power dribble and finish with a power lay-up (10 Shots). Repeat on each block.
Reverse and Cross - Reverse pivot with your inside pivot (attack middle), jab hard middle, cross step, power dribble, and power lay-up off the backboard. (10 Shots). Reverse pivot with your outside foot (attacking baseline), jab hard baseline, cross step, and finish over the front of the rim (10 Shots). Repeat on each block.

SHORT CORNER and HIGH POST SHOOTING - Need a coach at the wing to pass the ball or penetrate the ball.

Block (working on creating space on middle penetration) - Coach will penetrate middle from wing, post player will space to the short corner for catch and shoot jumper. (15 Shots on each side)
High Post (working on x-cut to short corner in zone offense) - Start at the high post in H position; cut to the short corner looking for the ball from the coach for a catch and shoot jumper. (15 shots on each side)
Block (working on creating space on baseline penetration) - Coach will penetrate baseline from wing, post player will space up the lane line to the third dash for a catch and shoot jumper. (15 shots on each side)
Short Corner (working on x-cut to high post in zone offense) - Start in the short corner; cut to the high post in H position looking for the ball from the coach at the wing for catch and shoot jumper. (15 shots on each side)

SCREEN AND ROLL SHOOTING - Need a coach/partner to dribble penetrate off the screen set by post player.

Roll from Wing to Block - Coach will use side line screen looking for middle penetration; post will roll for a lay-up. Coach will hit the post on the roll/dive. (10 Lay-ups) (FOCUS: setting wide screen shoulder width, hard aggressive roll/dive). Repeat at each wing.
Roll from Wing to Post Up - Coach will use side line screen looking for middle penetration, but the defenses switches; coach will hit the post on the post up off the roll (10 Shots) (FOCUS: setting wide screen shoulder width, aggressive roll/dive, good post up). Repeat at each wing.

SCREEN AND POP SHOOTING - Need a coach/partner to dribble penetrate off the screen set by post player.

Pop to Elbow - Coach uses step-up screen on sideline, and penetrates baseline; post will pop to the elbow area look for catch and shoot opportunity (15 Shots) (FOCUS: setting wide screen shoulder width, pop to wing) . Repeat at each wing.
Pop to Short Corner - Coach uses sideline screen, and penetrates middle; post will pop to short corner area look for catch and shoot opportunity (15 Shots) (FOCUS: setting wide screen shoulder width, pop to short corner). Repeat at each wing.
Butt Screen - Coach uses butt screen set at the middle of the floor; post will pop to opposite elbow area of coach penetration for catch and shoot opportunity (15 Shots) (FOCUS: setting wide screen shoulder width, pop opposite penetration). Repeat each side.

NEXT TOPIC: Weightlifting: Can it really help my game?

Post Position

2009-06-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

What makes a great post player? Great hands, footwork, position, ability to score with both hands, passing, rebounding, and strength to name a few. In order to be a great post player, you need to be able to score with both hands on both blocks. If you want to be a versatile post player, you need to able to score from the high post and short corner areas of the floor. Do tall players just learn post moves? All players should be encouraged to master all skills; guards that can post are great assets to a team's offensive structure. In order to play effectively in the post, one must be able to play in traffic and understand how to use their body to score in conjunction with the defender's body position.

All great post players develop an attitude that they are un-guardable and have a nastiness to their game. Great post player begins with position on the blocks; regardless if a player is right handed or left handed, players should be comfortable playing on the right and left block. When you look at post players in the NBA, different players have different go to moves and counters to their go to moves. Being a good post player is playing to your strengths; don't be something that you are not. For example, the first move every post player is taught is the drop step, but what if you aren't the strongest post in your league or conference. Utilize moves that play to your strengths, and your opposition weaknesses; play smart! Ideal post position is the first dash above the block area, this allows the post player space to operate in the pivot. Position is important on the blocks, but possession of the ball is critical. The position you receive on the pass will also dictate your back to the basket or face up game.

Post players should be comfortable playing with their back to the basket as well as facing up towards the basket. The ability to play with your back to the basket begins with utilizing front pivots, and the ability to play facing the basket begins with reverse pivots. Today, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs does a great job of utilizing his back to the basket game as well as his face up game, which makes him nearly un-guardable. Duncan can post smaller, weaker 4's and 5's, and face up bigger post players. In addition to playing on the blocks, post players must able to be effective shooters from the high post and short corner areas. Those are areas of the floor that must be utilized when guards and wings penetrate the middle of the floor, as well as the baseline to create proper spacing. These areas are also scoring areas when teams play zone defenses, such as 2-3, 1-3-1, or 1-2-2.

A good post player must be able to get good position, play with their back to the basket, and play facing the basket, but the essential part of the position is being to able to play in traffic and score effectively on both blocks.

NEXT TOPIC: Post Player Skill Development

Key Traits to Success

2009-06-10T18:36:00.001-07:00

A sign of a good teacher/coach is the ability to inspire and motivate his/her students or players. This motivation lasts beyond their time spend on the court or in the classroom. I think its great to hear from former players and their invite you to their college graduation, weddings, or other important life events. I got the following key traits to success from one of my instructors in graduate school, Dr. Rich Cellini. One of the best teachers that I ever had because he constantly pushed you and challenged you to be better and to get it done!

KEY TRAITS TO SUCCESS

13. HARDWORK pays off, there is no substitute. No way under, around, or over it.

12. PASSION is the difference between making a living and living a life.

11. KNOWLEDGE - you have to know the game better than anyone else.

10. DETERMINATION - I will not be denied.

9. CONFIDENCE - be secure in yourself and your skills.

8. REPRESENT yourself in a good light.

7. RISK-TAKING - winners take calculated risks.

6. TEAMWORK - you can not do it by yourself; no matter how good you think you are.

5. ORGANIZATION - first things first. One step at a time.

4. HAPPINESS - have fun!

3. INTEGRITY - morals, values, ethics -- everything you pursue within a conduct of ethics.

2. COMMUNICATION - all forms. All conflicts are from miscommunication!

1. GET IT DONE! - make a play, think outside the box.

NEXT TOPIC: Post Position

Shooting Guard Skill Development

2009-06-01T20:29:00.001-07:00

Shooting Guard Development is crucial to be an effective, consistent scorer, penetrator, and facilitator for your team/program.

WARM UP SHOOTING DRILLS

(50) 2 Ball Regular Mikans
(50) 2 Ball Reverse Mikans
(50) Form Shooting with strong hand (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Form Shooting with weak hand (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Set lifts from middle of the key (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Bradley drill w/ 5 jumps (w/ regular ball)
(50) Set lifts from free throw line (w/ regular ball)
(25) Rim finishes from opposite side of basket on each side (w/regular ball)
(25) Step thrus from opposite side of basket on each side (w/ regular ball)

Jab Step Series - as you go through the jab step series, it is important to be able to jab and pivot off of both feet. Most players today are taught just pivot off their dominate foot (i.e., right-handed player is their left pivot), it is crucial to feel comfortable to jab and pivot off your right and left feet. The Jab Series will cover 3 basic elements: Jab and Shoot, Jab and Go, and Jab and Cross.

1. Jab and Shoot: (right wing) self-pass and catch with right foot as pivot; jab w/ left foot and shoot (15 Shots - FOCUS: on good stance, short/quick jab, and re-balance/shoot). (left wing) self-pass and catch with left foot as pivot; jab w/ right foot and shoot (15 Shots - FOCUS: on good stance, short/quick jab, and re-balance/shoot)

2. Jab and Go: (right wing) self-pass and catch with right foot as pivot; jab w/ left foot and attack middle of the floor; shoot 12 foot jumper/floater/rim finish (15 Shots - FOCUS: on good stance, short/quick jab, and explosive first step). (left wing) self-pass and catch with left foot as pivot; jab w/ right foot and attack middle of the floor; shoot 12 foot jumper/floater/rim finish (15 Shots - FOCUS: on good stance, short/quick jab, and explosive first step).

3. Jab and Cross: (right wing) self-pass and catch with right foot as pivot; jab w/ left foot and cross step/attack the baseline; shoot 12 foot bank shot/runner/rim finish (15 Shots - FOCUS: on good stance, short/quick jab, and quick cross step). (left wing) self-pass and catch with left foot as pivot; jab w/ right foot and cross step/attack the baseline; shoot 12 foot bank shot/runner/rim finish (15 Shots - FOCUS: on good stance, short/quick jab, and quick cross step).

Down Screen Shooting - as you go through the down screen shooting series you will notice the importance of using your inside pivot. When utilizing screens, the defense will dictate how you use the screen; thus, it is important to use the right footwork. If the defender is on your hip you will catch and go coming off the down-screen. If the defender gets caught up on the screen, you will pop to an open area behind the screen and catch and shoot. If the defender anticipates your pivot on the catch, you will crossover step and attack the area they came from. If the defender begins to cheat and meets you on the opposite side of the down screen you will fade to the corner.

Catch and Go: (right block) back-cut defender come off the screen at mid post area (cone/chair); receive the pass with your inside foot and attack the middle of the floor; floater/rim finishes (FOCUS: inside pivot - big step with your right foot on catch - 15 Shots). (left block) back-cut defender come off the screen at mid post area (cone/chair); receive the pass with your inside foot and attack the middle of the floor; floater/rim finishes (FOCUS: inside pivot - big step with your left foot on catch - 15 Shots).
Catch and Shoot: (right block) back-cut defender come off the screen at mid post area (cone/chair); receive the pass with your inside foot and catch and shoot (FOCUS: inside pivot - big step with your right foot on catch/follow through - 15 Shots). (left block) back-cut defender come off the screen at mid post area (cone/chair); receive the pass with your inside foot and catch and shoot (FOCUS: inside pivot - big step with your left foot on catch/follow through - 15 Shots).
Catch and Cross: (right block) back-cut defender come off the screen at mid post area (cone/chair); receive the pass with your inside foot and cross step/attack the baseline with a jumper (FOCUS: inside pivot - big step with your right foot and quick step with left/jumper - 15 Shots). (left block) back-cut defender come off the screen at mid post area (cone/chair); receive the pass with your inside foot and catch and shoot (FOCUS: inside pivot - big step with your left foot and quick step with your right/jumper - 15 Shots).
Fade to Corner: (right block) back-cut defender come off the screen at mid post area (cone/chair); at the screen step with your right foot and backpedal to corner to receive pass (FOCUS: inside pivot - big step with your right foot and backpedal creates separation from cheating defender - 15 Shots). (left block) back-cut defender come off the screen at mid post area (cone/chair); at the screen step with your left foot and backpedal to corner to receive pass (FOCUS: inside pivot - big step with your left foot and backpedal creates separation from cheating defender - 15 Shots)

Flare Screen Shooting - as you go through the flare screen shooting series you will notice the importance of using your inside pivot. When utilizing screens, the defense will dictate how you use the screen; thus, it is important to use the right footwork. If the defender is on your hip you will catch and go coming off the flare-screen. If the defender gets caught up on the screen, you will pop to an open area behind the screen and catch and shoot. If the defender closes hard on the catch, you will crossover step and attack the area they came from. If the defender begins to cheat and go under the screen, you will pop behind the screen for a catch and shoot.

Catch and Go: (right wing) w/ cone setting a screen in wing area, catch the ball with your inside pivot and attack the baseline w/ 12 foot jumper/runner/rim finish (FOCUS: set up defender before coming off screen, catch w/ inside pivot - 15 Shots). (left wing) w/ cone setting a screen in wing area, catch the ball with your inside pivot and attack the baseline w/ 12 foot jumper/runner/rim finish (FOCUS: set up defender before coming off screen, catch w/ inside pivot - 15 Shots)
Catch and Shoot: (right wing) w/ cone setting a screen in wing area, catch the ball with your inside pivot and shoot the 3 (FOCUS: set up defender before coming off screen, catch w/ inside pivot - 15 Shots). (left wing)w/ cone setting a screen in wing area, catch the ball with your inside pivot and shoot the 3(FOCUS: set up defender before coming off screen, catch w/ inside pivot - 15 Shots)
Catch and Cross: (right wing) w/ cone setting a screen in wing area, catch the ball with your inside pivot and quick cross step w/ left and shoot the jumper (FOCUS: set up defender before coming off screen, catch w/ inside pivot and quick cross step w/left- 15 Shots). (left wing)w/ cone setting a screen in wing area, catch the ball with your inside pivot and quick cross step w/ left and shoot the jumper (FOCUS: set up defender before coming off screen, catch w/ inside pivot and quick cross step - 15 Shots)
Pop Behind Flare: (right wing) w/ cone setting a screen in wing area, as you using the screen you notice your defender is going under the flare; you will stop directly behind the flare looking for the catch and shoot (FOCUS: mental awareness, catch and shoot behind screen - 15 Shots). (left wing) w/ cone setting a screen in wing area, as you using the screen you notice your defender is going under the flare; you will stop directly behind the flare looking for the catch and shoot (FOCUS: mental awareness, catch and shoot behind screen - 15 Shots).

Ball Screen Shooting

Use Screen: (cone at free throw line extended at right wing) - start w/ ball below screen, dribble to screen, then probe dribble, and the attack the elbow for jumper (FOCUS: keeping ball outside of your left foot, change tempo on probe and attack dribble) - 15 Shots). (cone at free throw line extended at left wing) - start w/ ball below screen, dribble to screen, then probe dribble, and the attack the elbow for jumper (FOCUS: keeping ball outside of your right foot, change tempo on probe and attack dribble) - 15 Shots)
Behind Screen: (cone at free throw line extended at right wing) - start w/ ball below screen, as you dribble to the screen you recognize that the defender is going under the screen and their is no show by the screener's defender; you will pull up directly behind the screen and shoot (FOCUS: keeping ball outside of your left foot, mental awareness of defender going under, and square shoulders and shoot - 15 Shots). (cone at free throw line extended at left wing) - start w/ ball below screen, as you dribble to the screen you recognize that the defender is going under the screen and their is no show by the screener's defender; you will pull up directly behind the screen and shoot (FOCUS: keeping ball outside of your right foot, mental awareness of defender going under, and square shoulders and shoot - 15 Shots).
Turn Down Screen: (cone at free throw line extended at right wing) - start w/ ball below screen, as your dribble to screen, their is a hard hedge by the screener's defender and your defender anticipates you using the screen, you will change direction and turn down the screen and attack the baseline w/ 12 foot jumper, runner, or rim finish (FOCUS: keeping ball outside your left foot, mental awareness of hedge, quick change of direction, and separation dribble - 15 shots). (cone at free throw line extended at left wing) - start w/ ball below screen, as your dribble to screen, their is a hard hedge by the screener's defender and your defender anticipates you using the screen, you will change direction and turn down the screen and attack the baseline w/ 12 foot jumper, runner, or rim finish (FOCUS: keeping ball outside your right foot, mental awareness of hedge, quick change of direction, and separation dribble - 15 shots).

NEXT TOPIC: 15 Key Traits for Success

Shooting Guard Position

2009-06-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Typically, the team's shooting guard is the best all-around shooter (3 point shooting and mid range shooting). The shooting guard must have exceptional ball-handling skills, which allow him/her to create their own shot; whether that that is on the wing, high post, or low post. Included in their exceptional ball-handling skills, a proficient ability to pass the ball is a must because it allows the shooting guard to create for his/her teammates. Just like any scorer, the shooting guard must learn how to create space to shot efficiently, as most shooting guards are keyed on by the defense.

All great offensive player develop an attitude that want to be unguardable. This starts with being able to play in the triple threat position on the catch. The triple threat position allows you to size up the defender, and makes you quicker to attack a defensive mis-step. Kobe Bryant does a great job of utilizes the triple threat position, and his ability to knock down the 3 point shot makes him unguardable. Most defenders will allow Kobe a cushion, which gives him airspace to get off his shot. His ability to knock down the 3 point shot makes his jab step and his first step that much more explosive. Most right hand players are taught to use their left foot as their pivot, and left hand players are taught to use their right foot as their pivot. It is always a good practice to be comfortable pivoting off both pivot. There are three basic elements to the jab step series: (1) jab and shoot, (2) jab and go, and (3) jab and cross.

In addition to being able to play from the triple threat, a good shooting guard must have be able to get open using different cuts. The three basic cuts are (1) v-cut, (2) L-cut, and (3) back-cut. The v-cut is the simplest way to get open; it is a hard fake to the rim, and hard cut back to the ball. If you are having a hard time getting open off the initial v-cut or if you have a physical defender, sell your cut to the basket, and reverse pivot into the defender and have your outside hand as a target for the passer. The L-cut is another way of getting open; start at the block, and walk up your defender to the elbow. Once you reach the elbow explode and pop out to the wing. When you pop out to the wing, push off your inside foot. The third way to get open is the back-cut; most defenses are geared to stopping the best offensive player. Usually the best way to stop a good scorer is preventing him/her from getting the ball in their favorite spots on the floor. If your defender is overplaying make a sharp cut to the ball with your hands as a target, once your defender jumps to the ball line, make a hard cut to the basket looking for the ball. To sell the cut, the shooting guard might want to use a auditory cue to get the addition of the ball-handler and defender.

A good shooting guard must be able to get open as well as play from the triple threat, but the essential part of the position is to be able to shoot efficiently from different spots off the floor in a variety of ways.

NEXT TOPIC: Shooting Guard Skill Development

Point Guard Skill Development

2009-04-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

Point Guard Skill Development is crucial to be an effective, consistent scorer, penetrator, and facilitator for your team/program.

Shooting

WARM UP SHOOTING DRILLS

(50) 2 Ball Regular Mikans
(50) 2 Ball Reverse Mikans
(50) Form Shooting with strong hand (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Form Shooting with weak hand (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Set lifts from middle of the key (w/ heavy ball if possible)
(50) Bradley drill w/ 5 jumps (w/ regular ball)
(50) Set lifts from free throw line (w/ regular ball)
(25) Rim finishes from opposite side of basket on each side (w/regular ball)
(25) Step thrus from opposite side of basket on each side (w/ regular ball)

1. Transition Shooting for a point guard is important for proper spacing and execution for the team's primary and secondary break. The PG must be able to pull-up for the 3 point line and free throw line in a transition situation.

10 pull-up threes from top of the key with right and left hand before pull-up
10 pull-up threes from free throw line with right and left hand before pull-up

If the PG has the ability to knock down the 3 pointer and free throw line jumper in transition, it will allow him/her to penetrate the paint. Change of pace and speed is crucial to be an effective penetrator.

(10 with each hand) Attack the 3 point line; hesitate and change direction attack the elbow looking for pull-up jumper.
(10 with each hand) Attack the free throw line; hesitate and change direction attack the basket looking for a lay-up or driving hook shot.

2. 3 Point Shooting

The PG needs to have the ability to shoot the 3 point shoot efficiently in catch and shoot situations, as well as off the dribble. We will concentrate on 5 spots on the floor: both corners, both wings, and the point position at the top of the key.

CATCH AND SHOOT
Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the right hand corner (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)
Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the right wing (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)
Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the point position (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)
Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the left wing (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)
Self-pass and shoot 15 shots from the left hand corner (FOCUS on proper footwork; left-right)

OFF THE DRIBBLE
Start at hash on right side of the court, (alternate right and left hand dribble before pull-up) shoot 15 3's from the right wing off the dribble.
Start at half court, (alternate right and left hand dribble before pull-up) shoot 15 3's from the right wing off the dribble.
Start at hash on left side of the court, (alternate right and left hand dribble before pull-up) shoot 15 3's from the right wing off the dribble.

3. Mid-range Shooting for a point guard is crucial to their ability to score as well as create for their open teammates off dribble penetration. It is extremely important to have the ability to shoot off the dribble, as well as shooting runners/floaters off the dribble. We will set up a cone or chair at both wings and the point area.

RIGHT WING
Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and pull-up jumper off the backboard (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and pull-up jumper at the elbow (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and shoot a runner of the backboard (15) (FOCUS: follow through on the floater as if you were giving a high five to the backboard).
Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and shoot a runner of the backboard (15) (FOCUS: follow through on the floater as if you were giving a high five to the backboard).

POINT
Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and pull-up jumper at the right elbow (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and pull-up jumper at the left elbow (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).

LEFT WING
Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and pull-up jumper off the backboard (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and pull-up jumper at the elbow (15) (FOCUS: on inside pivot, good balance, and hold follow through).
Attack the cone and change direction (right to left) and shoot a runner of the backboard (15) (FOCUS: follow through on the floater as if you were giving a high five to the backboard).
Attack the cone and change direction (left to right) and shoot a runner of the backboard (15) (FOCUS: follow through on the floater as if you were giving a high five to the backboard).

4. Around the Basket moves are important for the PG so they are able to get their shot off in traffic. We will focus on jump stops around the painted area so we can use step through moves and incorporate are Mikan shots from warm-up. We will work on around the basket moves starting from the wings with 4 cones in a shape of a diamond.

RIGHT WING (4 Cones)
Attack the first cone left to right, the second cone right to left, and the third cone left to right take 1 dribble and a jump stop just outside the block area. Once you pick up your dribble off your jumpstop, you will step through with your right foot and shoot a floater or hook shot over the front of the rim. (15) (FOCUS: change of directions at each cone low and quick, good balanced jump stop, and good step through)
Attack the first cone right to left, the second cone left to right, and the third cone right to left take 1 dribble and a jump stop inside the paint. Once you pick up your dribble off your jumpstop, you will step through with your left foot and shoot a floater or hook shot off the backboard. (15) (FOCUS: change of directions at each cone low and quick, good balanced jump stop, and good step through)

LEFT WING (4 Cones)
Attack the first cone left to right, the second cone right to left, and the third cone left to right take 1 dribble and a jump stop just inside the paint. Once you pick up your dribble off your jumpstop, you will step through with your right foot and shoot a floater or hook shot off the backboard. (15) (FOCUS: change of directions at each cone low and quick, good balanced jump stop, and good step through)
Attack the first cone right to left, the second cone left to right, and the third cone right to left take 1 dribble and a jump stop outside the block area. Once you pick up your dribble off your jumpstop, you will step through with your right foot and shoot a floater or hook shot over the front of the rim. (15) (FOCUS: change of directions at each cone low and quick, good balanced jump stop, and good step through)

NEXT BLOG: Shooting Guard Position

Point Guard Position

2009-04-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Next to starting quarterback for a football team, the point guard position is next most important/challenging position in team sports. There are so many crucial elements to the game that the point guard must analyze, understand, and operate.

The point guard must have an infectious attitude and demonstrate proper leadership at all times (practice, games, meetings, film, etc...). The leadership traits of the point guard translate through his/her work ethic; they must be the hardest worker on the team. The point guard brings everyone together, understands each other's differences, and makes the right decisions for the team, not the popular ones. He/she must also have an aggressive attitude because the point guard operates the offense, and is usually the one that sets the temperament of the defense.

Another important characteristic of the point guard is the ability to communicate with the coaches and players. A good point guard is an extension of the coaching staff, and should be able to discuss and understand strategies. In addition, the PG must understand the roles of each player on the team, and utilize each player's strengths in the context of the team. The point guard must be able to communicate (verbally and non-verbally) with the team; he/she unifies the team towards the team's goals.

In terms of offense, a good point guard can control the tempo/flow of the game that is dedicated by the coach's style of play. Tempo/flow is determined by the (1) team's strengths/weaknesses, (2) oppositions strengths/weaknesses, and (3) in-game situations. In-game situations are usually dictated by some of the following factors: personnel, score, time, and momentum.

A point guard must be able to operate in a half-court and full-court situation, and make the correct decisions. In basic terms, a good point guard puts their teammates in situations where they can succeed; they make their teammates better. As the quarterback of the team, all coaches want their PG to focus on three objectives: (1) manage the game, (2) take care of the ball, and (3) make the simple play. In order for an offense to run efficiently, the point guard must be able to (1) create his/her own shot and (2) create shot opportunities for his/her teammates. The point guard must also be able to execute and handle full-court pressure defense. He/she must embrace these types of situations with aggressiveness, confidence, and patience/poise. The point guard must understand how to attend full court man to man defenses, full court zone defenses, as well as run and jump defenses.

All long with understand all of these elements, the point guard must have the attitude of getting better each day. All point guards must have exceptional ball-handling, 1 on 1 moves, passing, conditioning, and shooting skills.

Intelligence/Basketball IQ

2009-03-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

According to dictionary.com, intelligence is a capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity. I think many coaches use the term basketball IQ, but really don't understand how to relay the characteristics that constitute basketball IQ. It is our responsibility to spend the time and dissect the elements of how to develop good basketball IQ. Through my experiences there are seven elements:

1. Self-Realization of Skills/Role
A player's basketball IQ starts with their analysis of their skills in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Then taking their strengths and weaknesses, and what role does that fit within in their program/team.

2. Styles of Play
I think understanding different types of defenses (half-court, 3/4 court, and full-court) and offenses (transition to half-court). The differences between man to man and zone defenses, and how to execute and exploit both styles of defense.

3. Court Awareness
A player's court awareness comes down to the understanding the location of three elements: the ball, the player, and his/her teammates.

4. Game Situation Awareness
One of the biggest areas that is overlooked and most importantly under-taught to today's player, and especially at the point guard position is game situation awareness. Game situation awareness is broken down into score, clock, fouls, time-outs, and game flow.

5. Floor Situations
Understanding floor situations come through practice repetitions, film work, and then implementation in a game situations (i.e., real game, pick-up basketball). Basketball is a game of match-ups, and understanding where your strengths are in comparasion to the other team is crucial for proper strategy and execution. In addition, understanding the importance of freedom of play, and reading/reacting to what the situation calls for. Also, the player needs to have knowledge of number situations in transition, as well as positions on the floor.

6. Rules and Game Protocol
Rules and game protocol are important in understanding the basic elements of the game. This is usually developed at a younger age, and as the players move up in levels there are minor changes to game protocol But, it is also surprising how many players don't under the simplicity of an over and back call.

7. Terminology
Terminology can broken down in several elements, such as; goals, team/program expectations, and universal understanding of offenses/defenses.

Mental Toughness

2009-03-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

As a coach, one characteristic that I think is really missing in today's player is mental toughness. Mental toughness is the ability of someone to perservere and have an inner drive to accomplish goals when someone or something is challenging them. For example, two teams are in the midst of highly competitive game, the team that is the toughest will push through the adversity and challenge to win the game. Of course, there are certain factors that one team might overcome like hostile crowd, poor officiating, travel, or illness/injury. When it is all said and done, the the team or individual that can cope through pressure and tough situations will ultimately be successful in accomplishing their goals/tasks. It is important to be determined, focused, confident, resilient, and remain in control when faced with those situations.

There are four key psychological characteristics associated with mentally tough athletes and teams:

1.) SELF BELIEF
The individual/team needs to have the confidence in their skills that they can achieve those goals that are set out.
2.) MOTIVATION
The individual/team need to be instrinsically moviated to succeed at any cost; must want it more than anyone else. They also are prepared to push through or bounce back from any negative situation/result.
3.) FOCUS
The individual/team must have the skill to focused on the task at hand and block out any unnecessary distractions. They also must be able to play through tough stretches in their performance. For example, poor shooting performance, but doesn't effect the other parts of their game.
4.) COMPOSURE/HANDLING PRESSURE
The individual/team must embrace competition, and have a high desire to be challenged by competition. They know that NO ONE will roll over and die for them. They also must control their emotion through any event or distraction.

According to Dr. David Yukelson, Coordinator of Sports Psychology Servrices at Penn State University, there are seven steps in the development of mental toughness:

1. The team/individual needs to have the right attitude and state of mind.

2. The team/individual must program their mind to succeed ahead of time with positive affirmations and expectations.

3. Routinize your behaviors. Develop a systematic pre-competition routine that clicks on desired mental-emotinal state of mind.

4. Poise and Composure. Learn how to let go of mistakes quickly if things do not go the way you want.

5. The team/individual must take control of negative self-talk; reframe "stinking thinking" into positive task oriented suggestions.

6. The team/individual needs to look at failure as a stepping stone for future achievement.

7. Thea team/individual must be a difference maker, step up and have a great performance when it matters most.

Character

2009-03-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

In today's athletic arena, where everyone is looking out for themselves and how to get theres, the issue of character is undervalued and under-appreciated. Character is the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. As an educator, there are six steps in developing good character in your student-athletes:

1. Understand the Quality - you need to illustrate a clear understanding of the character quality you are trying to reinforce.

2. Grasp Its Actions - describe the character quality in term of thoughts, words and behaviors that are representative of those that result when a person possesses this quality.

3. Realize Its Benefits - you need to show the student what are the benefits of good character. For example, help individuals reach their full potential, increase productivity, improve relationships, benefits and encourages others, and contribute to success.

4. Practice Its Actions - put your student-athletes in positions on a daily basis where they must exhibit the character qualities that you are teaching. Tackle enthusiastically a task that you typically dislike doing. On occasion, implementation of the desired end action may be too demanding to accomplish in a single step, and may have to be approached in a sequence of smaller steps.

5. Encourage It in Others - encouraging the character qualities in others is beneficial to others when everyone is encouraging, not only the teacher or coach. Encouraging others will keep sharp your awareness of the character quality itself, keeps you actively communicating about it and possibly gaining a new understanding of the quality, and encourages you to keep actively developing the quality in your own life.

a. Model - demonstrate the character quality

b. Remind/Emphasize - remind the importance of developing the quality

c. Expect/Require - by attitude, actions, and words make expectations clear

d. Recognize - affirm and bring attention to good character and decisions

6. Be Encouraged - invite your fellow coaches/educators to encourage you in developing character qualities, and keep yourself accountable. You are a leader!

Discipline

2009-03-05T18:03:00.000-08:00

Year in and year out, how many times do you hear a coach or commentator say so-so can be a really, really good player. Many players today will tell you that they want to be a good player and that that they want to be successful, but it takes a tremendous amount of discipline to maximize one's potential. Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience. Many coaches today don't put in the time and effort to teach discipline to their student-athletes. It takes a tremendous amount of hard-work and focus to do so, and in the end it will tremendously help the student-athletes maximize their potential as a player and more importantly as a person. There are some things that coaches can do to promote self-discipline in their players:

Make your expectations clear.
Praising initiative and self-discipline when the athlete demonstrates it.
Treating your athletes as adults.
Applying all team policies to all athletes.
Making your practice a safe place for all your athletes to try new things and make mistakes.
Spend time meeting with players and coaches on a regular basis.
Knowing what is going on with your players and coaches.
Encouraging open communication with the players and coaches on the team. Honest is crucial to growing.
All coaches and players are human, and they will get away with as much as you allow them to get away with.

Respect

2009-02-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

Respect is a a feeling appreciative, often deferential requard; esteem according to dictionary.com. Respect is a trait that is saddly missing in many students, student-athletes, coaches, and teachers today. Respect is lacking in today's society because people don't take the time to appreciate and understand each other whether it is in the a social setting, classroom, or on the court.

I think players today don't respect the game of basketball and what it truly has to offer them. For many coaches and former players, basketball has given them a tremendous amount wealth; mentally, psychologically, financially, and physically. From the middle school level to the professional level, we have a big issue with sportsmanship because of the lack of respect with have for each other when we step on the court. There are players today that don't respect each other enough they don't compete hard against each other. I think comes down to that players don't have enough pride in themselves.

Personal Accountability

2009-01-18T21:07:00.000-08:00

In today's world of sport and academia, personal accountability is a trait that has been lost along the way, and in my opinion starts in the home. Accountability is being responsible towards someone or something. Parents allow their children to get away with so much at an early age, and it carries on throughout the child's life. It becomes extremely difficult for an educator to hold their student or athlete to be personal accountable for their education or basketball career if it is not reinforced in the home.

Even though some parents don't hold their children accountable, successful educators can teach their student-athletes accountability through discipline and hard work. In my opinion, the best educators inspire their student-athletes to strive for excellence in their lives far beyond the court or the classroom. They teach life skills. Whether they admit it or not, a high majority of student-athletes thirst for discipline. It is our responsibility as educators to inspire our students to be the best they can possibly be; not every student-athlete can be a super-star, but in their own way can be a game changer.

In order for our student-athletes to be accountable for their actions, we need to be accountable for ourselves. We need to make sure we are improving our knowledge, our skill set, and our ability to communicate clearly to our students so they can comprehend our expectations. If things are not going accordingly to our plan, we need to look in the mirror, and see how can we do things better. Do our players fail to execute the simple fundamentals? Do our players understand your mission? Do our players not play hard/compete? If these things are happening, we need to look at ourselves and become better educators. We need to get better before our student-athletes can.