Have Fun While You Practice - Part III

This is a game I call U-to-32 where you shoot from established spots on the court and you work on multiple aspects of your game - shooting, ball fakes, sweeping the ball, pull-up jumpers, and lay-ups.

• Start with 5 shooting spots along the 3 point arc: each baseline, each wing and the top of the key
• You make 3 moves at each spot: Shoot a 3 pointer, ball fake and sweep with a dribble to a pull-up jumper, and the same fake and sweep but this time you drive to the hoop
• Score each of the shots as follows:

1. 3 pt shot = 3 pts
2. Shot fake and dribble for mid-range jumper = 2 pts
3. Lay-up = 1 pt

• Each spot is worth a total of 6 points
• After you shoot from each spot (15 shots and a total possible points of 30) you then shoot two free throws with each one being worth 1 pt to give you a total possible score of 32

As you work on this game / drill you want to keep a few things in mind:

• If you are in 5th grade or below, avoid the 3 pt shot. Move in closer.
• Set personal goals and compete against yourself trying to improve each time
• Make the moves at game speed! Practice Hard...Play Hard!
• Include dribble moves in with the lay-ups to advance your game!

Remember...Practice Hard...PLAY HARD!!

Have Fun While You Practice - Part II

Here is another fun shooting game called Hoop Golf.

1. Pick 9 spots on the court that are in your range
2. Shoot from the first spot until you make the basket, then move to the next spot
3. Keep track of how may shots it takes to make a basket at each spot
4. Continue until you have made a shot from each spot
5. Work on lowering your score - attempt to "Ace" each hole
6. You can always make the course tougher by moving back the "tees" or by adding moves to the shots or using an opposite hand

This is a good game to play with a partner(s) and after you have had a round or two of serious Hoop Golf you can move to a more relaxed, H-O-R-S-E or mini-golf version of the game with a few crazy shots thrown in to the mix.

Remember...Practice Hard...PLAY HARD!!

Have Fun While You Practice - Part I

A problem that many young players face is the difficulty in staying focused during their individual workouts. There are a lot of distractions and probably, their friends are not as committed as they are to getting better. This isn't their job, they don't have a full-time trainer and they are not on a scholarship.

One way to keep workouts from becoming boring is to add some fun and challenging games to the workout. One game I like to use is a Free Throw contest against Steve Nash. Nash is a career 90% Free Throw shooter so he is a pretty good player to try and emulate.

Nash or Net
This is a free throw shooting game that makes you focus on not only making your free throws but making them cleanly. Also, it sets a high goal that you can work towards. Shoot free throws using the scoring system listed below until you reach a score of 20 pts.

• Nothing but net = 2pts
• Make but not clean = 1pt
• Miss = -2pts

Steve Nash, on average, would take 12 free throws to reach 20 pts. How many will it take you?

Remember...Practice Hard...PLAY HARD!!

2 Ball Dribble Drills

Nothing improves your ball handling skills better than dribbling with two basketballs. You are able to practice with your weak and dominant hand at the same time, since we know you have a tendency to use your strong hand. Also, you increase your hand-eye coordination by using two balls. Increase your confidence and show off your improved handles at your next practice!

Key Points:

1. See the floor. You need to have your head up when you play so don’t have your head down when you practice.
2. Be ball-quick. You need quick hands and quick dribble. Pound the basketballs.
3. Be in a comfortable position with your knees bent and feet shoulder width apart. Think of triple threat. Be low and wide, not narrow and hunched over.
4. As you gain confidence, don’t stop as you switch between the drills

Low Rhythm – Assume the triple threat position, keep your eyes up, and dribble both basketballs at the same time as quickly as possible keeping them below the knees. Two balls - one sound.

Low Non-Rhythm – Same as Low Rhythm, but now you must alternate the two basketballs. One up, one down. Two balls - two sounds.

High Rhythm – Same as the Low Rhythm, but you must pound the ball harder to bring them to shoulder-height at the same time. The balls should be in front of the player, not out to the sides.

High Non-Rhythm – Same as High Rhythm, but now you must alternate the two basketballs. One up, one down. Two balls, two sounds.

On the Go – Walk while dribbling both balls and perform each of the two ball dribbles. Go through each one 5 times.