Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Basketball: Don Kelbick Clinical Pearls

"There are no extraordinary players. There are ordinary players that do one or two things extraordinarily well." - Jerry West

Many great trainers like Don Kelbick share the game. One article can't get a bite of his knowledge or contributions to the game. A core Kelbick belief is to focus on your strengths. But I share other nuggets of his wisdom:

1. "In a game situation, sometimes slumps are created not by flaws in shooting but by shot selection."

2. "To become a better 3-point shooter...practice a lot...close to the basket (12 feet)...take the same shot every time." 

3. "Have a routine that you use every time to take a foul shot."

4. "There is a difference between dribbling and ball handling. Ball handling implies effectiveness."

5. "Do you practice or think about where your skills fit in game situations?"

6. "Stretch your comfort level and don't worry about losing the ball (in practice)."

7. "Visualize yourself playing well."

8. "Most players...don't take the time to understand what is important to the coach.

9. "Getting your shot off quicker depends on what you do before you get into your shot."

10."Catch and shoot the ball when you are open; move the ball when you are not."

11."While shooting, your only thought should be, "Make the shot.""

12."Defenses are designed...to make you do things you are not good at."

13."Shrink the court." Don't give your defensive assignment room to operate. 

14."Don't turn your back to the defense." 

15.Unselfishness begets unselfishness.

16.There's a difference between practicing and playing. Developing individual skills demands a commitment to practice. 

17."Explosiveness can't be developed without conditioning and strength."

18.You can't weight train well until your body is prepared (puberty).

19."Lift until faulty form, not exhaustion."

Lagniappe:


Kelbick goes 'old school' teaching hook shots. 

Lagniappe 2:

Players. Separation is skill. Ask yourself:
1. Do I understand what it takes to separate? 
2. Do I read the defender's eyes, hands, feet, actions? 
3. Do I work off the ball every possession?