Let's say you're a rising freshman and you want to make the varsity. What are you doing today to fulfill that dream? If you answer, "I'm watching television and texting my friends," then I know that you're not that serious about your dream.
Offensive forces create for themselves and others. They have a catalog of scoring actions, appropriate to situation. Tiny guards won't pile up points in the post. Offensive rebounders finish at the rim AND at the free throw line.
In 2005, Disney CEO Bob Iger met with Pixar majority shareholder Steve Jobs pitching a merger. Jobs went to the whiteboard, penning two columns "Pros" and "Cons." Go to your tablet and write out two columns "Myself" and "Others". It's for illustration; these aren't stone tablets.
Have 'solutions' in your game. As a young player, I lacked the sophistication to develop a breadth of offensive skills. But your framework, will, and work might get you there, depending on your aptitude, athleticism, size, skill, and commitment. Take ownership of your game.
Or organize your lists differently, such as inside, midrange, perimeter or inside, outside, and transition. When practicing, track your results. Challenge yourself with time limits, percentage made, and practicing with a teammate.
Break down each element...catch-and-shoot requires getting open, coming off screens, pre-shot preparation, targeting, shot mechanics, and more.
Set up 5 to 7 spots for catch-and-shoot. Set a time limit (e.g. one minute) to score from each spot or score twice from each spot. Score to move to the next spot. Can you score from all in a minute? How many in a row? What's your record for scoring in a minute (or two)? Move the spots in or out depending on your age and ability. Challenge yourself to be ready on the catch and develop a quick, consistent release. The possibilities are endless.
Learn to score at the basket on one dribble from the elbow and the arc. "Good players need two dribbles, excellent players need one, and elite players don't have to dribble."
Learn to finish at the rim with either hand off either foot, with either hand, from either side. "But it's hard." Get past hard.
You'll never take ten consecutive free throws in a game. Break them up at 3-4 with other shots or running (e.g. free throw line to sideline and back).
Play one-on-one with constraints, like two dribbles. You're not James Harden. Play two-and-two pick-and-roll. Learn to hedge (fake trap), beat the pick (get over the top), trap, go under, or through. Communicate with your teammate.
Only your imagination and your desire to succeed limit you.
Lagniappe: Track hustle plays. Hat tip: @Coach_DeMarco
