Six Keys to Quality Shooting Work

Working on your game is not an easy thing, but below are tips from Boston Celtics assistant coach Kevin Eastman to help you work on your overall practice habits as well as some shooting drills that can help you become an improved shooter.

The general theme of these drills is to work hard and at game speed, while also maintaining form to your shot. Work on these skills and we have no doubt that you will become a better player.

1. Catch & Shoot: Catch and shoot is the best way to start a good shooting workout. It allows you to get a rhythm and work on form with minimal movement. Simply pick a few spots, usually five going around the horn, and shoot ten shots from each spot. Have a rebounder give you good outlet passes and remember that although you're not moving at a rapid pace around the floor, it is important to shoot shots at game speed.

2. Cut - Catch - Shoot: Now that you have a good sweat and rhythm going, it is time to move to cut-catch-shoot. In this drill you will need a passer at the top of the key to give you the entry pass. Start foul line extended and use a V-cut (running to the low block and cutting back out towards the wing) to get yourself open. Remember to set the defender up when making the V. You want to walk the defender down to the low block, then quickly cut back out. After receiving the entry pass, square up and shoot your shot. Do this drill on both sides of the court at game speed.

3. Shots off the Dribble: This drill is similar to #2, but this time after catching the entry pass, take a few dribbles right and pull up for your shot, then repeat going to the left. As always, make sure you go game speed.

4. Perfect the Form on all Shooting Drills: Another key to a good shooting workout is using proper form on each drill. That's why we want to go game speed, so we are used to using perfect form in game conditions. If you don't go at game speed, when you do get into a game, your form will be off.

5. Contest all Shots: These drills will be much more productive if you can find a partner to contest your shots. In game situations, you most likely will have a hand in your face when you shoot, so practicing that way will allow you to adjust to game situations. If you cant find a partner, use a chair or trashcan to shoot behind.

6. Game Shots From Game Spots At Game Speed: Game speed has been a theme throughout this workout plan. Practicing at game speed is vital to your workout regimen. If you don't work on game situations at the same speed as you would in a game, then your practice will not translate to games, and you are basically wasting your time.

Coach Eastman has a basketball web-site and is full of great information. Check out his clinic called Coaching U Live, that is held in Las Vegas, July 20 & 21. A must for the basketball coaching junkie...

Sean Miller and his 5 Keys to Winning Road Games

I was reading an article in the Arizona Basketball newsletter that Coach Sean Miller puts out. Coach Miller talks about key to winning games on the road. I think Coach Miller is one of the top coaches in the country.

I started following Coach Miller when he began his head coaching career at Xavier. You might remember he was the young kid doing 2,3 and 4 ball dribbling drills on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

If you are interested in a great basketball newsletter, contact Ryan Reynolds in the basketball office at the U of A and he will get you on the list.

Knowing that they have many tough road games on their schedule, here is what Coach Miller's 5 keys to winning on the road:


1. BE A FAMILY!

Develop trust in each other, the staff and the system. Work together to win as a team.

2. BE A PLAY MAKER!

Always play to win - do not play not to lose. Be aggressive in your approach. What do you have to lose?

3. WORK HARD AND CONCENTRATE!

Be willing to prepare to win. Know the scouting report and your teams game plan. How can you win when you don't know what you are doing?

4. SILENCE THE CROWD!

Enjoy the atmosphere and the challenge of doing it. There is nothing more fun than winning on the road. Have fun doing it.

5. BETTER THAN ANYONE!

To win on the road, you must Defend, Rebound and Communicate at the highest level.

BE ROAD WARRIORS!!!

Lou Holtz - 10 Keys to Excellence

1. The Power of Attitude:

The attitude you choose to assume toward life and everything it brings you will determine whether you realize your aspirations. What you are capable of achieving is determined by your talent and ability. What you attempt to do is determined by your motivation. How well you do something is determined by your attitude.

2. Tackle Adversity:

You are going to be knocked down. I have been on top and I have been on the bottom. To achieve success, you are going to have to solve problems. If you react positively to them, you will be stronger than ever. If you react to setbacks more quickly and positively, you gain a distinct advantage. I have never encountered a person who achieved anything worthwhile that did not require overcoming obstacles.

3. Have a Sense of Purpose:

Understand what you are trying to do. Stay completely focused on your primary purpose. Do not get sidetracked. Give a first rate performance every day.

4. Make Sacrifices:

You can not be successful without making sacrifices. Most losing organizations are overpopulated with people who constantly complain about life and their difficulties. They will drain your enthusiasm and energy. Take pride in making sacrifices and having self - discipline.

5. Adapt or Die:

Things are always changing, so embrace the fact that your life and career are always in transition. Yes, you will achieve goals, but do not fall into the trap of not thinking you do not need to go further. Even when you reach the top, remember to stay focused on the fundamentals.

6. Chase Your Dreams:

All great accomplishments start with a dream. Dreams fuel your enthusiasm and your vision. They will give you the burning desire to get up and achieve.

7. Nurture Your Self-Image:

A positive self-image grows out of having strong character. To be trustworthy, committed to excellence and to show care for others are the underpinnings of a successful person.

8. Foster Trust:

Relationships are based on trust. Many people have ruined tremendous opportunity because they did not have the discipline and decency to do what is right. Continually ask yourself, Is this the right thing to do? Do what you feel is right regardless of peer pressure or personal desires. Success and confidence will follow close behind.

9. Commit to Excellence:

Do everything to the best of your ability. Everyone wants to be associated with people who set and maintain high standards. When you lower your standards, you only invite mediocrity.

10. Handle With Care:

Treat others as you would like to be treated.