Don't Lose Site of the "AHA" Moments

When coaching youth sports, it is easy to get caught up in the winning and losing.  Why do you coach?  To get the trophy?  To get another medal for your kids?  Are you getting paid?  Is there a real national championship on the line?  If you are like me, then these are not the reasons.  I have spoken before about coaching to develop instead of coaching to win.  It's easy to forget that when each weekend you are playing to be a "champion."

This year, I have a new team that is mostly made up of inexperienced players in comparison to the three players that I have coached previously.  While I knew up front that this would be a year focused on teaching and developing players, I lost sight of that fact as we began our tournament season and the competitive juices caused me to feel the pressure to win. 

As our season is nearing an end, I think about our 17-5 record and am pleasantly surprised.  However, I am more pleased with the progress of all of our players.  Watching kids shoot the ball with their opposite hands.  Seeing a kid utilize a move in a game that we have worked on time and again in practice.  Being able to give a big squeeze to a kid that finally executed what you have asked from him and seeing that feeling of pride on his face.  Being able to give playing time to all of the kids even in crucial situations.  Sitting back and watching your kids share the ball, help each other off the ground, congratulate each other on a good play and smile as they walk off the court.

That is why I coach.  For those moments when a young athlete says "AHA" and they just get it.  That is coaching to develop and when you do that, winning will take care of itself.

Attack & Retreat Dribble

Young athletes and even more experienced players seem to struggle against a press or trap.  Too often players over react in an attempt to secure the basketball and pick up their dribble which often leads to a turnover or at a minimum a breakdown in the offense.  It is important for a player to maintain their dribble until they are ready to pass.

The Attack & Retreat dribble drill is a good way to reinforce the maintaining of the dribble by backing away from the trap and then attack again.

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

Spider Dribble

Another advanced dribble drill is the Spider Dribble.  While not necessarily a move you want to use in a game, it is a great ball control drill that can help you improve speed and control in tight spaces.

2 Ball Dribble Video

Last week we looked at some basic dribble drills.  This week, we will increase the complexity by utilizing two basketballs so that you can improve your ball control of both hands and also improve your basic hand-eye coordination.

Basic Dribble Drills

This video reviews some basic dribble drills that you can do on your own to improve your control of the basketball.

Chris Paul Cross Back

This move is used by Chris Paul to take the defender off of the dribble and pull up for a jump shot.

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!!