Player Tips

 - Sandy “Spin” Slade

If you dribble well, you have control out on the basketball court. You don't have to worry about dribbling the basketball because you have confidence. Just believing in yourself and your abilities makes you an offensive threat.

Here outlined are five secrets to effective dribbling. If you start following these suggestions, you'll be headed in the right direction for gaining confidence on the court.  

* Keep Your Head Up. If you're looking at the ball, you can't see the big picture. You will miss precious opportunities to pass the ball to an open teammate. The more you practice dribbling with your head up, the easier it will become.

* Protect the Ball. Get in the habit of dribbling the basketball close to your body, with your opposite hand always up, protecting the ball. This will cut down on the amount of times the defense steals the ball.

* Bounce the Ball Hard Off The Floor. If you bounce the ball hard, that will give you the momentum to make a move to the basket (e.g. crossover, spin dribble). Also, it makes it more difficult for the defense to steal the ball, because the ball is moving faster.

* When Making a Dribble Move - EXPLODE. The first step is crucial in determining if you are or are not going to beat the person guarding you. When you decide to make a move, don't hesitate - explode to the basket.

* Practice Both Hands Equally. You don't want to be labeled by your opponent as the player that only goes to their right or left. Work on both hands equally so the defense has no idea, which way you are going.

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 - From the Coach’s Clipboard
 

In shooting free throws, develop a ritual where you do it the same exact way every time. Position yourself on the line the same way every time. Bounce the ball the same number of times every time, and take a deep breath before shooting every time. This creates muscle and mind memory, and allows you to be successful more often. Think and say to yourself "net" or "swish" before each shot... to focus on the ball going through the net.

Fundamentals

1. Line up with your right toes just to the left of center so that your right arm and ball are lined up with the basket. Place the left foot back just a little. Shoulders should be square to the basket, or if you are more comfortable, you can turn the shooting side a little toward the basket.

2. Put your weight forward on your toes, but keep your back straight... don't lean forward. Keeping your back straight will keep you from stepping over the line. Bend a little at the knees. Your legs will provide the power with an "up motion". Alternatively, some players find it more natural if they first stand up with knees straight, but then initiate the shooting motion by dipping down and bending the knees, and then straightening them as they go up for the shot... a "down then up" motion.

3. Focus on the basket... don't look at the ball or the flight of the ball.

4. Shoot with your right hand (right-handed players), and just use the left hand to help balance the ball. Release the ball from your fingertips to get good backspin (rotation) on the ball.

5. Take the deep breath, and shoot. Use your legs for power and come up on your toes as you release the ball. If your back is straight, you won't cross the line or lunge forward. If you need more power, it's OK to jump a little on your release.

6. Follow-through. Keep looking at the basket and hold your shooting hand in the "gooseneck", follow-through position until the ball goes through the net.

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