Five Tips For Playing Great Defense

I have always admired the way former WSU grad Kyle Weaver played at the defensive end. He is going to be in the NBA for a long time for the way he plays at both ends of the floor.

Speaking of defense, here are five tips how players can play great defense.

1. Get in the Offensive Player's "Bubble": The bubble is the private area of an offensive player. You know you are in a player's bubble when you can make his or her shot, pass or dribble difficult.

However, you don't want to be too close to your man. Basically, you shouldn't be so close that the offensive player can beat you with one step. But at the same time, you have to be close enough that if you stretched your arms forward, you can knock the ball away.

Bother him...Irritate him...Make him worry!!!

2. Get Low: A good rule to follow is to make sure your head is lower than the head of the player you're guarding. Staying low allows you to move, much quicker.

3. Dictate Where The Ball Goes: The offensive player can either shoot, pass or dribble. You want to make shooting and passing difficult for him/her by being in their bubble...

If they dribble the ball, it'll be with their weak hand. By overplaying to the weak hand, you force him/her to use the weak hand, forcing them to go only in one direction.

The advantage of playing defense in this way is that you know what the offensive players is going to do next...You'll be prepared. By making passing or shooting difficult for him/her, and by forcing them to use their weak hand, You will know the direction the player is going.

Remember, take away the player's options and dictate where the ball is going.

4. Position Your Hands: If the offensive player is in shooting range, you should have one hand ALWAYS up, ready to bother the shot. Always get a hand in the face and see if you can't bother the shooter.

The other hand should be out and low, ready to poke at the ball if the players dribbles or passes.

So one hand up, one hand low...both hands out towards the player, ready to bother and distract a shot, pass or dribble.

5. If You Get Beat Off The Dribble: If the offensive player gets by you, react QUICKLY!!!

Immediately turn around and get super low, staying right behind your man. By getting super low, you'll be in position to poke the ball away from behind. This is an easy way to get a steal.

Mid-Range Game

Most coaches who have seen our teams play in the past three seasons, know that we have had very talented three-point shooters. We worked very hard to become good three-point shooters.

Though I believe in the three-point game, I still feel that great players need a "Mid-Range Game". The Mid-Range Game is free throw line, in the paint, the wing, and short corner. Twelve to seventeen feet.

I was listening to UCONN women's coach Geno Auriemma the other day on a DVD and he was talking about kids lacking in today's game a "Mid-Range Game". If you want to emulate someone with a great mid-range game, study the habits of Richard Hamilton of the NBA Detroit Pistons.

Here are some thoughts on how to work on your Mid-Range Game.

1. Develop Good Habits: Basketball is a game of habits. The players with the best habits are always the best shooters, best ball handlers and play makers. The players with the worst habits, such as poor footwork, will never reach their potential.

2. Work On Your Dance Steps: You don't even need a basketball hoop to practice your footwork. All you need to do is practice the correct dance steps.

For a right-handed player, it takes one dribble and three steps to get to the right elbow for a quick pull-up jumper. Step with the right, dribble, left, right, shoot.

Going to the weak side, a player needs only one dribble and two steps. Dribble, step with the right, step with the left, shoot. These are called dance steps, and they are a great way for players to focus on the quality of the mid-range footwork.

The key word here is quality. To get something out of this kind of practice, you must get low. Drop your hips, bend your knees to 90 degrees, and keep your back straight. When you are taking your first step, you must not stand up. Stay in your stance and take ling, low steps. Finally, once you have mastered the correct form, you must practice this footwork at game speed. If you're going hard enough, you'll get a workout!!

3. Practice Makes Perfect: So players, if you have a basketball court with no drawn lines, you are out of excuses. At least you can practice your mid-range footwork when you are taking your shots. And if you don't have a basketball hoop, grab your basketball, work on your dance steps and shoot the ball in the air to yourself.

Focus on your form, get quality repetitions, and visualize the ball going thru the net. You'll be surprised at how much better your mid-range game will be the next time you hit the court.

The workout below will give you repetition in the area of pull-up jump shots. 125 shots are taken, going left and right and in different spots on the floor. Get your players comfortable at attacking without becoming out of control.

2 sets of 10 around the horn (8-foot shots)

Kentucky Left side

• 5 - 15 foot jumpers off the catch
• 5 hesitate before catch, 1 dribble pull-up
• 5 hesitate before catch, drive to spin, emphasize control

Kentucky Right Side

• 5 - 15 foot jumpers off the catch
• 5 hesitate before catch, 1 dribble pull-up
• 5 hesitate before catch, drive to spin, emphasize control

Flare off down screen - Right Side

• 5 sweep left to pull-up
• 5 counter sweeps to pull-up

Flare off down screen - Left Side

• 5 sweep left to pull up
• 5 counter sweeps to pull-up

Half Court drive to Pull-Ups

• Left Side, 5 in-outs to pull-up
• Middle, 5 cross-over dribble to pull-up
• Right Side, 5 thru legs to pull-up

2 sets of 10 full-court (side baskets) continuous pull ups

2 sets of 10 Short Corner vs. zone sweep to pull-up - Right Side
2 sets of 10 Short Corner vs. zone sweep to pull-up - Left Side

Shoot 50 Free Throws

Ball Handling Series

Pistol Pete Maravich was the master of ball handling. He was "Magic" before there was a "Magic" Johnson. He was the epitome of "A Boy, A Ball A Dream."

Ball Handling Drills should be done daily for at least 10 minutes. The main teaching point when doing ball handling drills is "TO GO SO FAST, THAT YOU MAKE A MISTAKE!" This will ensure that improvement is being made. Any player who can go out there and go comfortably "through the motions." We want players who want to get better!!

Remember to always keep your head up so that in a game situation you do not have to rely on seeing the ball but instead you can see the floor for an open teammate. Your goal is to be consistent and handle the ball at optimum speed.

Remember to stay in an athletic stance (knees bent) & always keep your head up. Practice seeing the floor.

1. Ball Slaps:

• Place ball in one hand with fingers spread out
• Take ball from one hand and "slap it into the other hand
• This is continuous taking the ball from one hand and placing it into the other
• This is a hard, intense slap from one hand to the other
• Ball slaps will increase fore-arm strength and will also get you hands ready.

2. Step Back

• Take ball around both shins
• Step back with the right leg and circle left shin
• Bring right leg forward and circle both shins
• Step straight back with left leg and circle right shin
• Bring left leg forward and circle both shins
• Keep ball going in same direction

3. Circle Right Shin

• Circle ball around right shin
• Start ball in one direction
• Change direction halfway through

4. Circle Left Shin

• Circle ball around left shin
• Start ball in one direction
• Change direction halfway through

5. Figure 8

• Circle ball around left leg once
• Circle ball around right leg once
• Circle ball around left and right leg continuous
• Change direction halfway through

6. Right Hand - Right Leg

• Dribble ball with right hand only around right leg
• Keep dribble below knee

7. Left Hand - Left Leg

• Dribble ball with left hand only around left leg
• Keep dribble below knee

8. Figure 8

• Dribble ball around right leg once
• Dribble ball around left leg once
• Dribble ball around right and left leg continuous
• Change direction half way through

2 - Ball Series

A. 2-Ball Pound

• "Pound" both basketballs at the same height
• Keep hands on top of the basketball
• Your object is to "put the basketball through the floor"

B. 2-Ball Below The Knees

• "Pound" both basketballs at the same height
• Keep both basketballs below the knees

C. 2-Ball Alternate

• Dribble each ball in an alternating fashion
• Each ball should come only as high as your waist

D. 2-Ball (1 High - 1 Low)

• Dribble one ball as low as possible (below knee)
• Dribble one ball as high as possible (above shoulder)
• Change half-way through

E. 2-Ball Side-to-Side

• Dribble both basketballs in a side-to-side manner
• Both basketballs should be going in the same direction
• You should take the inside hand outside the knee (ex: when going to the left, the right hand should come outside the left knee)

F. 2-Ball Front-to-Back

• Dribble both basketballs outside the knee
• Push basketballs forward and pull basketball backward
• Push out as far as possible and pull back as far as possible

G. 2-Ball Around the Chair

• Place a chair about 15 feet in front of you
• Start with dribbling both basketballs at the same time (below waist)
• Dribble around chair and back to baseline (go continuous)
• Change to alternate

H. 2-Ball Up & Back to the Chair

• Dribble both basketballs at the same height
• When you reach the chair pull both back as you back peddle to baseline (go continuous)
  

10 Essential Rules For Slowing Down & Enjoying Life More

Reading one of my favorite web-sites zenhabits.org and came across this article and I wanted to share it with you.

It's an irony of our modern lives that while technology is continually invented that saves us time, we use that time to do more and more things, and so our lives are more fast-paced and hectic than ever.

Life moves at such a fast pace that it seems to pass us by before we can really enjoy it.

However, it doesn't have to be this way. Let's rebel against a hectic lifestyle and slow down to enjoy life.

A slower paced life means making time to enjoy your mornings, instead of rushing off to work in a frenzy. It means taking time to enjoy whatever you're doing, to appreciate the outdoors, to actually focus on whoever you're talking to or spending time with - instead of always being connected to a Blackberry or iPhone or laptop, instead of always thinking about work tasks or e-mails. It means single-tasking rather than switching between a multitude of tasks and focusing on none of them.

Slowing down is a conscious choice, and not always an easy one, but it leads to a greater appreciation for life and a greater level of happiness.

Here's how to do it.

1. Do less. It's hard to slow down when you are trying to do a million things. Instead, make the conscious choice to do less. Focus on what's important, what really needs to be done, and let go of the rest. Put space between tasks and appointments, so you can move through your days at a more leisurely pace.

2. Be present. It's not enough to just slow down - you need to actually be mindful of whatever you're doing at the moment. That means, when you find yourself thinking about something you need to do, or something that's already happened, or something that might happen...gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Focus on what's going on right now. On your actions, on your environment, on others around you. This takes practice but is essential.

3. Disconnect. Don't always be connected. If you carry around an iPhone or Blackberry or other mobile device, shut it off. Better yet, learn to leave it behind if possible. If you work on a computer most of the day, have times when you disconnect so you can focus on other things. Being connected all the time means we're subject to interruptions, we're constantly stressed about information coming in, we are at the mercy of the demands of others. It's hard to slow down when you're always checking new messages coming in.

4. Focus on People. Too often we spend time with friends and family, or meet with colleagues, and we're not really there with them. We talk to them but are distracted by devices. We are there, but our minds are on other things we need to do. We listen, but we're really thinking about ourselves and what we want to say. None of us are immune to this, but with conscious effort you can shut off the outside world and just be present with the person you're with. This means that just a little time spent with your family and friends can go a long way - a much more effective use of your time, by the way. It means we really connect with people rather than just meeting with them.

5. Appreciate nature. Many of us are shut in our homes and offices and cars and trains most of the time, and rarely do we get the chance to go outside. And often even when people are outside, they are talking on their cell phones. Instead, take the time to go outside and really observe nature, take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy the serenity of water and greenery. Exercise outdoors when you can, or find other outdoor activities to enjoy such as nature walks, hiking, swimming, etc. Feel the sensations of water and wind and earth against your skin. Try to do this daily - by yourself or with loved ones.

6. Eat slower. Instead of cramming food down your throat as quickly as possible - leading to overeating and a lack of enjoyment of our food - learn to eat slowly. Be mindful of each bite. Appreciate the flavors and textures. Eating slowly has the double benefit of making you fuller on less food and making the food taste better. I suggest learning to eat more real food as well, with some great spices (instead of fat and salt and sugar and frying for flavor).

7. Drive slower. Speedy driving is a pretty prevalent habit in our fast-paced world, but it's also responsible for a lot of traffic accidents, stress and wasted fuel. Instead, make it a habit to slow down when you drive. Appreciate your surroundings. Make it a peaceful time to contemplate your life, and the things you're passing. Driving will be more enjoyable, and much safer. You'll use less fuel too.

8. Find pleasure in anything. This is related to being present, but taking it a step farther. Whatever you're doing, be fully present...and also appreciate every aspect of it, and find the enjoyable aspects. For example, when washing dishes, instead of rushing through it as a boring chore to be finished quickly, really feel the sensations of the water, the suds, the dishes. It can really be an enjoyable task if you learn to see it that way. The same applies to other chores - washing the car, sweeping, dusting, laundry - and anything you do, actually. Life can be so much more enjoyable if you learn this simple habit.

9. Single - Task. The opposite of multi-tasking. Focus on one thing at a time. When you feel the urge to switch to other tasks, pause, breathe, and pull yourself back.

10. Breathe. When you find yourself speeding up and stressing out, pause, and take a deep breath. Take a couple more. Really feel the air coming into your body, and feel the stress going out. By fully focusing on each breath, you bring yourself back to the present, and slow yourself down. It's also nice to take a deep breath or two - do it now and see what I mean :)

How to Spot a Winner

Reading a book by Paul Meyer called "Developing Winning Behavior" and wanted to share some excerpts from it.

There are quite a few people who have learned to dress professionally and "talk the talk" of a winner but they haven't chosen to "walk the walk". If you know the signs to look for, you will be able to tell whether you're dealing with a genuine winner or merely spending time with a loser who has learned to "fake" it.

Right out of the gate I'm always looking for THREE signs that indicate whether I'm dealing with someone who has the winner mentality. It doesn't mean they have accomplished all their desires or goals but i can tell rather quickly if they are on their way.

1. Winners are willing to accept responsibility for their life and behavior: Winners admit their mistakes and are willing to learn from them. Losers blame other people or circumstances for whatever happens to them.

2. Winners are willing to play the price to get the job done: Winners get on with whatever needs to be done to accomplish the job at hand or to reach the goals they have set for themselves. Losers talk a great deal about what they are going to do but never get around to doing it.

3. Winners make a personal commitment to themselves and others: Winners mean it when they say, "You can count on me." They do what they say they'll do when they say they'll do it. Losers make idle promises and offer excuses for failing to deliver.

WHAT SEPARATES A WINNER FROM A LOSER?

The two things that control your life are your ATTITUDES and your BEHAVIORS and YOU get to choose both of them. While you may have some negative attitudes and behaviors at the moment, it is YOU who decides whether to keep them or to start the process of change.

When you master both your attitudes and your behaviors, you can pretty much control the destiny of your life. Winners choose to take the necessary steps to re-program themselves to have a positive mindset and to do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals. Winners are willing to PAY THE PRICE!

Losers are lazy and choose to keep their negative attitudes and behaviors, accepting anything that happens as fate rather than the result of their own choices while using all their energy to complain about being victimized by other people and circumstances.

WHY YOU MAY NOT BE WINNING.

If you believe your attitudes and behaviors are generally positive but if you are not winning in life, you might want to consider the following:

• You may have not set high enough goals. When people are not challenging themselves to be the best they can be, they become bored, disappointed and negative. Winners have a well-written plan that is broken down that can be measured and monitored.

• You may be allowing obstacles on the way to your goals to derail and defeat you. There will always be obstacles no matter what you are trying to accomplish. I've learned to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning, as stepping stones to the next level.

• You may be concentrating on your problems and not your power. Winners know they have weaknesses, but they appreciate their abilities far more. They keep doing whatever is necessary to learn, grow, and improve their skills.

Winners have an electric, enthusiastic vibration about them. They refuse negative mindsets, concentrate on their strengths; are committed to grow and improve, and never compromise their principles. You can count on them; they keep their word. They take personal responsibility for their choices. They are willing to pay the price.

The bottom line is you just can't fake being a winner, because a winner is easy to spot! SO......

ARE YOU A WINNER?????

Imagination: Your Ticket to a Dream

Reading a book by John Maxwell called "Put Your Dream to the Test". Here is an excerpt from the book.

How do people discover their dreams? By dreaming! That may sound overly simplistic, but that's where it starts. Imagination is the soil that brings a dream to life.

You have to have it in you to dream. Businessman Howard Schultz, who came from a very humble background, used the fertile soil of his imagination to help him cultivate the idea of Starbucks, the company he founded. Schultz says,

"One thing I've noticed about romantics: They try to create a new and better world from the drabness of everyday life. That is Starbuck's aim, too. We try to create, in our stores, an oasis, a little neighborhood spot where you can take a break, listen to some jazz, or ponder universal or personal or even whimsical questions over a cup of coffee."

Who dreams up such a place?

I'd say that the more uninspiring your origins, the more likely you are to use your imagination and invent worlds where everything seems possible.

Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born. It' never too late to dream.

If you're wondering whether the dreams of you imagination are likely to take root in the soil of reality, then start by asking yourself the following Dream Test Questions:

1. The Ownership Question: Is my dream really my dream?

2. The Clarity Question: Do I clearly see my dream?

3. The Reality Question: Am I depending on factors within my control to achieve my dream?

4. The Passion Question: Does my dream compel me to follow it?

5. The Pathway Question: Do I have a strategy to reach my dream?

6. The People Question: Have I included the people I need to reach my dream?

7. The Cost Question: Am I willing to pay the price for my dream?

8. The Tenacity Question: Am I moving closer to my dream?

9. The Fulfillment Question: Does working towards my dream bring satisfaction?

10. The Significance Question: Does my dream benefit others?

I believe that if you really explore each question, examine yourself honestly, and answer "Yes" to all of them, the odds of your achieving your dream are very good. The more yeses you can answer, the more on target you are to fulfill your dreaming. I truly believe that everyone has the potential to imagine a worthwhile dream, and most have the ability to achieve it. And it doesn't matter how big or how seemingly outrageous your dream appears to others if your answers are "Yes" to the Dream Test Questions.

26 Winning Basketball Principles

Was reading a great basketball newsletter this morning by Sean Miller, the new coach at the University of Arizona, and he has an interesting piece about 26 winning basketball principles.

Success in basketball is dependent upon 26 principles. These winning principles are fundamentally sound, simple to teach, easy to remember and apply to any style of play or age group.

1. Protect the Ball. Bad passes and low-percentage shots are trademarks of a poor team.

2. Be Careful on a Lay-Up. More games are won on lay-up shots than on any other, and more games are lost because of poor lay-up shots than by any other shot.

3. Basketball is a Game of Motion. Motion on the court is vital. Too many players stand still and beg for the ball. Players should always pass and move. This action will take their defenders away from the ball and open up the court for a teammate.

4. Always Fake Direction. Faking is important because it tricks opponents into making mistakes.

5. Move to Meet the Pass. Moving and meeting the pass is the stamp of a good ball player. Players who move and meet passes make it easy for teammates to get them the ball.

6. When in Trouble, make a V-Cut. (i.e., "clear-out"). A player in the wrong position on the floor should make a V-cut. This will open up the floor.

7. Don't think for the Opponents - Be Yourself. Play your game and do not spend time trying to figure out what your opponents are thinking.

8. One Player Cuts at a Time. Always remember - only one cutter at a time. Two players cutting at the same time allows the defense to be in a position to either double-team the ball or stop the play.

9. Grab it - Don't Tap It. Effective rebounder's grab and secure the ball rather than tapping it.

10. Never Force a Shot. Never shoot a shot if closely defended. Before attempting a shot, make sure you have teammates in rebounding positions.

11. Dribbling is an Emergency Measure. 9 out of 10 players dribble or bounce the ball before they do anything else. This is a bad habit because it limits a player's opportunities.

12. Talk to your Teammates. Talking on offense and defense builds team play. Talking encourages teammates. Talking on defense is vital when picking up loose opponents.

13. Never Turn Your Head on Defense. Players should never turn your heads to watch the ball when playing man-to-man defense. When players change from offense to defense, they should backpedal so that they can locate their personal opponent or help in case of a fast break.

14. Don't Cross Your Feet on Defense. Successful defensive players move their feet in short steps when playing defense.

15. Hands Up on Defense. Tight-rope walkers use their hands for defense, and the good defensive player does likewise. Movement of the hands and feet discourages passing and shooting and shows that the defensive player is on the ball.

16. Watch the Opponent's Belly-Button. We like our defensive players to keep their eyes glued to a part of the offensive ball-player that can't fool them - the belly-button.

17. Pick up the First Man. When you are back or coming down the floor ahead of the rest of your teammates, pick up the first offensive player down the court, whether it's your assigned player or not.

18. Don't Leave Your Feet on Defense. Good defensive players keep their head up and their feet on the ground.

19. Get Position for Rebounds. Instinct and sensing direction of the shot and the angle of the rebound enables the players to move into the correct rebounding position.

20. If you can't Rebound, you can't Win. Good rebounding limits the opponent's shots and this is the key to winning basketball games.

21. The First Fast-Break Pass must be Perfect. The fast break must get started with a quick outlet pass. If the first pass is a good one, the fast break is underway. After it's started, it's hard to stop.

22. You must make 70% of your Free-Throws. There is no excuse for being a poor free-throw shooter. Practice, confidence, and the proper technique are the keys.

23. Keep the Defense Busy. If all five offensive players keep moving, their opponents cannot afford to sag or float. Moving with or without the ball forces the defense into making mistakes.

24. Don't Cross the Backboard to Shoot. A player should learn to shoot from both sides of the basket and with both hands.

25. Never Underrate an Opponent. Be ready to play every game. Overconfidence can affect a team's play. It is wise to remember that it is only the underdog who can do the upsetting.

26. Practice does not Always Make Perfect - If you Practice the Wrong Thing. Players often work long and hard and make little progress because they are practicing incorrectly.

Taking Breaks To Get More Done

Reading the book "Reclaim Your Dreams" and saw some interesting points on getting more done by taking breaks and found it very interesting.

By taking a relaxing break at least every 90 minutes, you increase your capacity to do more work. Just like your muscles need to relax after they tense up, you need to relax after short bursts of focused work.

In short, when you don't take breaks and allow yourself to recover, you're less than 50% there. 50% you = 50% work.

It is obvious that taking short, rejuvenating breaks is the more effective way to work. So what are some examples of these type of breaks?

• Change Channels. Most of us do a lot of work on the computer, so doing some kind of physical activity for 10 to 15 minutes can be a great way to change our state. Body Weight exercises, a brisk walk, or yoga can be a great way to get your body moving and put yourself in a different state.

• Breathe. Do 10 to 15 minutes of meditation, focused on breathing

• 30 second Head-Stand. Support your feet and legs against a sturdy wall or tree.

• Juice it. Stop by your local health food store and get a wheat grass shot or vegetable juice.

• Re-fuel. Eating some kind of snack or small meal every 90 minutes is a great way to keep your glucose and energy levels steady. Go for fresh, organic fruit or a salad to get a quick pick-me-up.

• Power Nap. A 20-minute nap in the afternoon feels awesome and rejuvenating.

• Motivate. Take a time out and listen to a Paraliminal session, guided meditation or personal development video on YouTube.

• Flood Your Body with Consciousness. Take 10 minutes to lie on your bed and flood your body with consciousness. Focus your awareness first on your toes and feet, then gradually move your focus up through your body, into your legs, pelvis, torso, chest, back, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers. Then back up through your arms into your neck, up your throat and into your face and your head. Really focus on feeling the energy in your body and only move your conscious awareness up your body after you've really felt it in the last part.

• Total Relaxation. This is a follow up to flooding your body with consciousness. After you've completely immersed your body in awareness, focus on relaxing each muscle in your body. In the same way previously, start with your toes and work your way upward through your body. Really let go and relax.

These are just a few ideas for ways that you can really relax, recover, and rejuvenate your body. Once you do that, you'll be re-focused, recharged and ready to work at 100% capacity.

Perfecting Perimeter Play

Talking to Coach Kevin Sutton about player development this last week. Coach Sutton does a lot of individual development work for Nike. He talked to me about developing perimeter players and gives us 11 skills needed for success on the perimeter:

1. Understanding the Game: An understanding of the game means a perimeter player knows about spacing on the floor, how to move without the basketball, taking good shots and making the correct decision based on time and score.

2. Ball Handling/Dribbling: Your perimeter players must have a fundamental knowledge of how to execute and effectively use a variety of dribbling techniques, including the crossover, spin, between-the-legs, pound, around-the-back, and below-the-butt. Plus, there is a difference between dribbling in the open, full-court setting and when the defense is closely guarded in the half-court.

3. Passing: Knowledge and proper execution of the following passes are critical to your perimeter players'' success as well: chest, bounce, overhead/outlet, one-hand-push, and around-the-back. Also, guards must realize they aren't the only ones who need the ball, so knowing how and when to feed the post is important.

4. Footwork: Guards must be balanced in their footwork and have the Triple Threat (pass/shoot/dribble) position mastered so they are ready to attack the defense. Pivoting also is key for perimeter players so teach them about front, reverse and jab series pivots.

5. Shooting: Most players want the opportunity to shoot the ball. Be sure your guards are ready for this responsibility by stressing the importance of the shooting game. Guards must understand how to catch and shoot, how to create their own shot, and how to use ball screens.

6. Shooting Part II (Free Throws): More than just getting to the line, guards must knock down their free throw attempts. Made free throws puts pressure on the defense and allows the individual guard to boost his or her point total. Great perimeter players strive to attempt at least 10 free throws a game.

7. Learning: Being a student of the game entails understanding the opponent, as well as knowing the spots on the floor where you have a better chance of successfully knocking down a jumper. Plus, being a student of the game knows how to get to that spot as well.

8. Versatility: Coaches love players who are versatile and have the ability to be plugged into a number of different positions. Instruct your players to be more than a point guard or more than a shooting guard. You want players who can play multiple spots.

9. Physical & Mental Strength: Perimeter players never should tire of moving without the ball. And, they should not fatigue when under heavy pressure, even if that means dealing with tight defense while running the offense. On the mental side, perimeter players must understand every pass is not coming their way, even if they are open. Guards must also possess "clarity of thought", meaning pressure situations do not rattle them.

10. Playing at Different Speeds: By moving from fast to slow and slow to fast, guards place a tremendous amount of pressure on the defense. For example, guards are fast to their spot in the offensive set, then slow as they come off the screen. Playing slow off the screen enables that perimeter player to have more control, allow the play to develop and eventually explode after making the proper decision.

11. Involving Teammates: Teammates work hard to get open for passes, so guards must be ready to reward them, which leads to greater team success. By being a great passer, guards force teammates to move intelligently without the ball as they expect a pass when they are open. Great guards also know how to communicate with everyone on the floor. Their voices provide either positive or negative reinforcement based on what the situation requires to get the maximum performance out of the entire team. Finally, great perimeter players know how to involve teammates by using them properly and timely as screeners.

America Needs More "Teaching" From It's Coaches

Was reading an old article the other day from ESPN College Basketball analysis Jay Bilas who was discussing that he is worried about the game in America.

Pete Newell, the legendary coach & teacher has often said that basketball is "over-coached and under-taught". He is absolutely right, and it is finally catching up with us, as is the rest of the world.

Bilas gives his reasons why American coaches, at all levels, have gotten away from teaching, and have gravitated more to coaching.

Immediate Gratification of Coaches: Coaches, especially at the grassroots level and high school levels, seem more interested than ever in winning rather than developing well-skilled and fundamentally sound players. They are impatient, and too focused on winning games instead of developing players.

High school coaches get less floor time than ever to teach, and less and less access to their players. Players now play an excessive amount of games over the summer in AAU competition, which means that they play many games and have far fewer practices.

While young kids are busy traveling the country to play AAU games, they are spending hour upon hour running up & down the floor in a helter-skelter atomsphere where 95% of the time, they do not have a ball in their hands. What this does is cement bad habits - and habits, good or bad are what players revert to under stress.

If these players were in focused practice environments instead of so many games, they would spend the majority of the time with the ball in their hands, working on their skills and their footwork.

Increased Specialization: Basketball in this country has become over-specialized, and players have become "systematized".

Kids are identified by size and body type into positions way too early in their development and are "coached" differently.

In Europe, players are encouraged to work on the same skills, whether small guard or big forward. European programs approach teaching differently. Players are not limited in how much they can practice, and therefore spend from 60-90 minutes in the morning on footwork, shooting and ball skills. The same players in the afternoon then practice another 60-90 minutes on more team-oriented concepts. There is no seperation of big guys and guards, every player works on the same skills. As a result, European players are generally more well-rounded and more fundamentally sound. And they are more coveted by coaches at all levels.

Bilas then goes on to talk about the necessary skills players need to have such as:

• Ballhandling

• Shooting

• Passing

• Footwork

To read the entire article go to:

http://espn.go.com/ncb/columns/bilas_jay/1488688.html