How to be Better at Basketball : Passing

How to be Better at Basketball 

Passing

"When passing you have to be fast,accurate and consistent"( James Wilson 34). It is important for players to analyze the situation and know what type of pass you should make to your teammate. The type of passes James Wilson covers in his book are :

Bounce Pass , Lob Pass , Chest Pass , Overhead Pass .

Seen here is myself passing the ball to Cerina , with a Overhead/Lob Pass. We use this type of pass during a play called "Line". Best used if the defender is shorter than Cerina. 

Questions ;
Are there any tips you for me on my passing
Are there any passes I missed you think I should Include ?

How to be Better at Basketball : Defense

How to be better at Basketball 

Defense
In the book James Wilson states that different people have different theories on defense so giving advice is limited. 

🏀Defensive Stance 🏀

The few tips he includes on defense is starting out in the defensive stance . 
" Your feet must be spread out wider than shoulder length ... will provide a firm base"
"Back should be straight as possible " 
" Knees should be bent slightly inwards and in half squat position "
" Torso should be leaning forward and arms wide "

The photo below shows me applying these steps to my defensive stance

🏀Boxing Out 🏀

In the book , James Wilson goes over Boxing out. He states that when someone shoots the ball you should not run and go get the ball but to Box Out . You do this by , " pivot around and jam your butt into their leg. This will stop them from getting the ball" (James Wilson 38)

As you can see here I am boxing out JD after Naya had shot the ball(not in the picture). Placing my back on her and having my arms wide so she can not get to the ball .


Questions;
Do you have any tips for my defense ?
What position do you play for your team or sport ?

How to be better at basketball : Shooting

Shooting

How to be better at basketball

Shooting isn't necessarily all about technique , if you look analyze some of the greatest shooters of all time ; Michael Jordan , Ray Allen Reggie Miller. You will notice all of them shoot differently yet they are all great shooters. " There are 3 qualities that will you instantly a great shooter"(Wilson 23).

1. Fast Release : when shooting more than likely someone will be guarding your shot so it is important to be able to shoot before there guard is up.

2. Accuracy : Being able to shoot with accuracy and bank it.

3.Consistency : Need to be able to use and do the same routine to make the shot

Using these 3 qualities will result in a better shot overall , it will not matter if the shot is ugly or not .

Here are the steps James Wilson includes on shooting :

1. Get into triple threat stance to shoot / Shooting Stance 
2. Hold the ball with fingertips with optimal control 
3. Have arms in 90 degree hooks 
4. Rising Up Stay in same position , and stay straight.

Here you can see me using proper form to shoot a free throw.

🏀Long Range Shots🏀

When doing Long Range Shots , like 3 pointers , elbow shots . You have to set up for the shot before you receive the ball . You can try standing in the triple threat stance with one foot back to step into the shot . Like above ^^

One tip James Wilson says in the book , is to always be ready to take the shot. If you are not ready it increases the chance of it being blocked by a defender .

Here we see Alexis not ready to take the shot.

This is a BAD HABIT , When shooting it is important to remember the three qualities

Questions : Are you a good shooter have you used any of these qualities while shooting ?

 

How to get better at Basketball : Dribbling Techniques

 🏀Ball Handling & Dribbling🏀🏀

How to Get Better at Basketball

Ball handling and Dribbling are the foundation to a good basketball career. According to James Wilson , " Good ball handling means you have better control of the ball , which results in having a good foundation in shooting , passing or dribbling" (14)

🏀Triple Threat🏀

A tip James Wilson mentions in his book How to be better at basketball in 21 days is : To understand the triple threat stance

The triple threat position allows you to pass , shoot or dribble (hence the name). The triple threat position is when you are in a "crouched, athletic attack stance you have a firm grip on the ball on your dominant hip and eyes facing forward " (Wilson 14). Once you get this stance down you are a triple threat.

🏀Dribbling 🏀

Dribbling should be a second nature for basketball players especially guards. In James Wilson's book he emphasizes that you should not dribble the ball with your fingertips but with the palm of your hand.

In this clip , Alexis (Point Guard) is shown dribbling with her palm. As you can see it is very difficult for her too have CONTROL over the ball . 

When dribbling with her fingertips and palms the overall control of the ball is greater.

Another example of bad vs. good dribbling

 

As seen with these clips , correct dribbling and using good ball handling techniques can drastically improve your game.

Questions : 

Do you have any dribbling or ball handling tips ? 

Have or Do you play basketball ?

How to be better at basketball : Mental Conditioning

Knowing your Basketball Philosophy 

Before ever playing it is important to set a basketball philosophy that the team can look to and will follow throughout the season . In the book " How to be better at Basketball "it says " every basketball team in the world is led by a philosophy that reflects core ideas that lay at the heart of its foundation. This philosophy guides your decision making as a team ( Wilson, James Basketball ) ". The Kentridge Basketball program includes a packet for all the players before the playing season begins " The plan of a champion ". It includes : Athletic Attitude , Roles of the Coach, Player and Parent. The team commandments and life lessons for players , and in the back the most important section " My Plan of a Champion ". This plan helps me create a motto and goals to set , and a philosophy to follow throughout the season. With this it will help me have a better mindset and dedication while playing basketball. 

DO YOU have to do any mental conditioning before sports or extra-curricular activities?
DO YOU have a philosophy that you apply to your life ?