Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Basketball: Simple, Sustainable Truths to Advance Performance

"Little things make big things happen." - John Wooden

Good players want coaching. They want to be better, more effective. Here are a few ideas:

1. Foul less. "If it looks like a foul, expect it to be called a foul." Swatting down on attempted blocks, reaching in, and bodying instead of moving your feet get you in foul trouble. "Show your hands." 

2. Be the best communicator on the floor. Make communicating a priority. Great defenses talk, "talk intimidates." 

3. Improve shot quality. The quickest path to better shooting is better shot quality. ROB - in range, open, balanced. And situationally appropriate...

4. Become more explosive. Sport rewards speed, quickness, and power. There is no shortcut to athleticism.  

5. Be a tracker. Learn how to use spreadsheets such as those on Google Drive. "Winners are trackers." Track your free throw percentage. Strive for personal bests. If you play "Around the World" or "Around the Key," compete the 'course' in the minimum shots. Then do so in less time. 


6. Use cellphone video. Self-study your shot, your fakes, your athleticism. Monitor your progress. Seeing is believing. 

7. Get a jumprope. Jumping rope improves coordination, speed, and conditioning. 



8. Get more sleep. Studies of college basketball players showed better performance with more sleep. Really. 


9. Do well what you do a lot. Even if you play at all three levels, invest more time refining skills at your preferred site. If you're a small guard, don't invest a lot of time in the post. 

10.Play more basketball. Compete against better players. If you're a girl, think about playing with and against boys. UCONN and other women's college teams have a men's scrimmage team to practice against. It's not a new concept. Our twins' AAU team (2004) sometimes practiced against boys. 

Lagniappe. Too much for my level, but maybe you can make it work. 
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