"Of course I want to improve, Coach."
While examining young patients (e.g. twenty-somethings), I often ask, "where do you see yourself in five to ten years?" I followup with, "what are you doing now to make that happen?" I don't need the answer; they need their answer.
As a young player (e.g. teen), what (specifics) are you doing today to improve to expand your minutes, role, and recognition? Create your program. Write it down. Make it a habit. PICK, STICK, and CHECK.
1. Build athleticism. Coaches evaluate athletic explosion. Defeat your coverage cutting and off the bounce. Contain the dribble, cutters, and rebound through improving CABES:
- Coordination
- Agility
- Balance
- Endurance
- Strength
Learn about Tabata Training. a form of HIIT, high-intensity interval training, alternating intense training (20 seconds) and rest (10 seconds).
Many players do not have access to full court offseason play that combines conditioning, decision-making, and skill building. Playing, including one-on-one and small-sided games is essential but not always sufficient.
You DON'T need expensive equipment. Do HIIT with bodyweight exercises and combine it into your own 15 minute workout (3 minute warmup, 10 minutes exercise, 2 minute cooldown) by picking some of these exercises. Remember it's 20 seconds on and 10 seconds rest.
2. Build skill. Learn to score EFFICIENTLY at all three levels (inside, midrange, and perimeter). With a tie score and seconds remaining, do you want a 35% three pointer or a higher percentage play (drive or midrange shot you can make)? There's a difference between scoring and being a "hun" who makes some.
- Have a warmup shooting routine. I've shared the Villanova Get 50 a bunch.
- Have a basket attack program (from different areas), e.g. from the elbow (e.g. Box drills and wing attack). Focus on footwork, quickness and finishing with variety (with either hand, off both feet, from either side).
- Develop a three-point practice routine (ideally with a partner/rebounder). Catch-and shoot, side step one-dribble moves as a minimum...
- Track your results. "Winners are trackers."
- Make it competitive with a partner or against your PB (personal best).
Include a "base set" of ball handling separating moves... at a minimum hesitation, crossover (on the shoetops), and combinations. You don't have to go behind-the-back or through the legs to become an excellent player. But you need separating moves. Higher level competition exposes those with fewer tools in the shed.
3. Build game knowledge. STUDY video don't just watch it. Who and what are hard to defend and why? Excellent players differentiate themselves by their ability and their mental game.
- Who are the best cutters and how do they execute?
- Why have the pick-and-roll and 'ghost screens' become staples?
- How and why do teams uses staggered screens (including Iverson cuts), "Pistol action" early offense, 5-out, and sets like Spain pick-and-roll and even Flex?
- What themes sometimes emerge with "special situations" like BOBs, SLOBs, and ATOs?
- How do teams use the short roll to set up three point shots?
"But the pandemic." The pandemic doesn't prevent you from becoming more athletic, more knowledgeable, or more skillful. Excellence has NEVER been free or easy.
Lagniappe. "Every day is player development day." Add hard to defend actions (see above) to hard to guard players and "success leaves footprints." Fakes have to move defenders or distort zones.
This two-minute video is a keeper.
Lagniappe 2. I'd practice a "5 percent" shots at the end of my workouts, off balance, fallaways, double pump "emergency shots."
Whatever your discipline, continue to grow our skills.