Basketball Motion Offense for Spacing and Movement
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Basketball Motion Offense for kids Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ First and foremost, why is a youth basketball motion offense important?[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kids at that age need to learn spacing and movement. If you are a youth basketball coach you should know exactly what I am talking about. I currently coach kids between 10-12 and sometimes as early as 4 and 5 years of age. Most young players want the ball, so what do they do when their teammate has the basketball? Yup, you guessed it. They scream for the ball and stand right next to their teammate who has the ball in their possession. That's not good offense and young basketball players don't understand the importance of spacing. Therefore, to keep them moving and find opportunities for each other and themselves, that is where the motion offense fits best in your youth basketball offensive coaching scheme. It also keeps the defense off-balance. Let's learn about the fundamentals of a motion offense. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="20px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As I mentioned before, a youth basketball motion offense is a highly flexible offense that forces player movement, passing and cutting, setting screens, and correct floor spacing. If you are a regular reader of my blog, I always try to give some context about my subject, so that you can really learn not only how to play basketball but understand the history of it. The motion offense's origin is credited to coach Henry Iba of Oklahoma State. It was further developed by coach Bob Knight at Indiana, who utilized the screening as an important part of his offense. Instead of running set plays, the players now move within a basic set of rules. This ensures greater flexibility than just running set plays, and is very effective against any kind of defense, whether zone…
Backyard Basketball
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Playing Backyard Basketball Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Have you ever wondered how great NBA players became so talented? If you get a chance to meet one, ask him about playing backyard basketball or street ball. Perhaps you've heard that practice makes perfect, and that practicing a skill for hours a day can make you an expert at it. In basketball, the best way to practice is by playing. Every great NBA player gained a part of their basketball foundation by playing a backyard basketball game. For example, Michael Jordan began playing basketball in his backyard against his older brother. These match ups resulted in him constantly losing for many years. This helped fuel the competitive drive that he is so famously known for. He was determined to beat his brother in the backyard where no one else was watching.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="20px"][vc_column_text]Playing backyard basketball is where young players develop their love for the game and competitive drive. I know I did. Backyard basketball is a controlled chaotic environment and you have to learn certain maneuvers to compete in the backyard. I always felt like if I could beat my cousins in the backyard, I could play against anyone on the court. Imagine playing in the dirt, with no grip on your shoes, a basketball goal that is tilted sideways and a basketball that could hit a hump and bounce out of your hands. You definitely get better if you are able to play with those conditions. Some of the greatest players played pickup games in the streets for hours and hours a day. Playing street ball sculpted the talents of legends like Julius Erving and Allen Iverson. Playing without referees and often with less rules than organized games, backyard basketball is a more freestyle approach to the…
Learn How to Play Point Guard
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] How to Become a Really Good Point Guard Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="20px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Have you ever wanted to learn how to play point guard? Hare are some basketball tips and drills specifically for point guards! I will provide some tips that I learned in college and from other great point guards at the collegiate and professional level. Playing point guard is harder than people may think. Being a point guard is one of the most pivotal positions in basketball. The point guard is the floor general and can be compared to a quarterback in football. A point guard has to be able to be an effective ball-handler, penetrator, communicator, shooter, facilitator and more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I think being a great communicator, facilitator and ball-handler on the court will get you plenty of scouts checking you out. At the high school level, I wished someone would have told me that passing was more important than averaging 27 points per game. If I could have averaged 15 points and 10 assist per game, I would have been viewed as a more effective point guard. College recruits looked at me and saw a small scoring guard and they wouldn't need me to score a lot of points because they recruit shooting guards and post players for that. So, if you are playing point guard, learn to be good at setting your teammates up, scoring when the team needs you and becoming an effective ball-handler. Do you Want to be the best ball-handler on the hardwood? Then practice these easy and most beneficial ball handling drills when playing point guard. Most of these ball handling drills are practiced by both WNBA and NBA superstars. This will greatly improve your ball control and will also help you with creating space against bigger…
Basketball Stretches: Get Loose with Warm Up Exercises
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Basketball Warm Up Stretches Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Do you stretch before you play basketball and after? I remember when I could play basketball all day and not have to stretch. I didn't really understand the importance of stretching until I started playing college basketball. I had to make sure my body was prepared to perform at a high level. I stayed injured the majority of my collegiate basketball career, probably because I never stretched growing up. Stretching before physical activity has been a debate for years, however, many people believe that, stretching before a basketball game will warm up your muscles and prevent injuries. That's why you see teams in every sport warming up before they actually play. In addition, stretching increases the flexibility of your muscles, so that you are much more quicker and have more stamina. Here are a few youth basketball stretches. Its is important to have players stretch their muscles 30 seconds to one minute per stretch, however some reports have shown that 15-30 total minutes dedicated to stretching is a sufficient amount of time to prepare your body for maximum performance. Stretching after you play is equally important, coaches should have players stretch after they play in-conjunction to cooling down. Think about it this way, stretching before you play helps performance and injury prevention. Stretching after you play helps with muscle fatigue. Lactic acid accumulates in your muscles resulting in soreness and fatigue. Stretching after you play helps increase recovery. Shoulder Stretch Shoulders are important to the game of basketball, it would be wise to stretch them before you play. One stretch that would work for youth basketball players is to have players grab there right elbow with their left hand and pull the right arm to the right side…
Top 6 Youth Basketball Programs in Charlotte NC
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Youth Basketball in Charlotte, NC Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="50px"][vc_column_text]Are you searching for a youth basketball program in Charlotte NC? Does your son or daughter need a basketball program to help them develop their scoring and ball-handling? Are you seeking a reliable youth basketball program to build you son’s or daughter’s basketball skills and confidence? Want a basketball program for the winter? The summer? The school year? Want to have your child join a reliable AAU basketball team here in Charlotte? Or attend a basketball camp? Luckily, Charlotte, NC is home to an array of wonderful youth basketball programs, such as; AAU basketball leagues, basketball camps, skills training, basketball clinics and more. While you may first assume that finding the right basketball program is difficult, I have narrowed down the top 6 options so you do not have to do as much work or search all over the web. All you have to do is decide which program fits your child's needs based on what you are looking to get out of the youth basketball program. Here they are! Feel free to go to each basketball program a review and see what they offer.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/12"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="11/12"][vc_empty_space][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text] #1 Pro Skills Basketball The mission of Pro Skills Basketball is to teach young players important life skills that lead to success, whether on the court or not. The program allows players to have fun and learn the fundamentals of basketball, regardless of their skill level. Plus, when your child excels and grows by gaining more experience, Pro Skills Basketball has a great AAU teams for advanced boys and girls. Pro Skills Basketball was started by two of my former college teammates at Davidson College, Brendan Winters and Logan Kosmalski. I'm not being bias here, these guys really understand…
Building Your Basketball Confidence
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] How to Build Your Basketball Confidence Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ The wonderful world of basketball. Basketball players have to build their basketball confidence to excel on the court. Yes, you have to be skilled and understand the fundamentals, but without basketball confidence, you can't become the best player that you want to become. In a different light, for many of us, there's nothing like good old-fashion fun. Sports and exercise compliment a healthier lifestyle. According to Live Strong, not only is playing sports physically beneficial, but athletes are statistically proven to be more social, have higher academic performance, and even have an edge in the business world. Personally, without basketball, the guidance of my family and the man upstairs, I'm not sure where I would be today relative to my social skills, health, intellect and business acumen. Even though basketball helped facilitate a life that I couldn't imagine, it can be both physically and mentally challenging. A game of basketball can be so intense and exhausting for coaches, players and parents. I just coached a 6th grade team yesterday and am mentally exhausted. We lost by 3 points and the game was so fast paced. From a coaches' standpoint, you become mentally exhausted because you are trying to get the players to do what they have practiced. You want them to compete on every play and ultimately win the game. The game is intense for the players because so much is going on and they are trying to do the same things that I just mentioned in the previous sentence. The next statement is true for basketball as well, the better a player is, the longer they will stay on the court and ultimately the more challenges they will face throughout the course of…
How to Get Better at Basketball in the New Year
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Is Improving at Basketball a part of your New Year's Resolution? Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="20px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the new year kicks off, there are so many people that will begin to work on their new year's resolutions. Some resolutions may consist of getting a raise, becoming more organized, becoming happier, or even healthier. How many basketball players are truly working on getting better this year? Not just your ordinary workouts! How many of you are going to push yourself to accomplish something amazing this year? Have you created your vision board? Let me explain the vision board, go to Walmart and buy a decent sized cardboard. Visit Google.com and type in any keyword related to basketball, for example, type in shooting. Print off a player that is shooting a basketball, paste that image on to your vision board. Write next to that image, what you would like to accomplish, like improving your shooting percentage by 20% this year, compared to shooting 32% from the field last season. [caption id="attachment_10888" align="aligncenter" width="275"] Example Vision Board[/caption] That is a real goal that you can visually see and accomplish in the new year! Check at the example vision board above, add different images to the vision board and place it somewhere you can see it on a daily basis. Take this a step further and grab a notebook and document your training reps in the new year. For example, on Monday you performed a shooting drill and you made 50 out of 100 jump shots. The following Monday you perform the same shooting drill and made 60/100 shots, did you have more focus as you were shooting, were you more determined to beat 50 jump shots or what else can you evaluate to determine why you made more…
Does Basketball Camps Really Help Your Child’s Long Term Development?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] What are the Benefits of Your Child Participating in Basketball Camps? Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]First and foremost, HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Now, let's jump right in to the topic of the day. How important is it for your child to participate in basketball camps? This should be a no-brainer if your child likes to play basketball, but does basketball camps really help your child's long term development? There is no doubt that basketball is a team sport. Every player has a unique and important role to play for the team to be successful. For the kids that are fortunate enough to be involved in a basketball camp, they are preparing for other lifelong lessons besides learning how to become better basketball player.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]So, let me say that again, your child is preparing for OTHER lifelong lessons besides learning how to become a complete basketball player. Let's take a look at a few of these benefits. Physical Benefits Participating in a basketball camp is hard work. I remember at a young age some camps were all day events and I spent most of my time working on the fundamentals and playing a lot of full court basketball. After the end of the camp, I was exhausted but felt that I got better. Basketball is a physically exerting sport. Basketball camps should definitely test your child's endurance and skill play. Through my experiences, your child can expect to participate at his or her pace; run laps, work on constant fundamental drills, and develop hand-to-eye coordination. These are great activities for a developing person to be exposed to. The importance of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are lessons learned that will serve your child well the rest of their life. Basketball camps allowed me to see comparable talent…
How to Teach Leadership in Basketball
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 5 Tips to Teaching Leadership in Basketball Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Before I get in to this post, just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all of my readers and the people across the world!!! Are leaders born or made? Are you a leader or a follower? Do you want to be yourself or a copy? Do you want to make the impossible seem possible? [caption id="attachment_10881" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Larry Bird Basketball Leadership Quote[/caption] Most kids are taught at a young age that if you are not a leader then you are a follower. That is a statement that is a fact because it can only be one of two ways. To be a leader, you need to carry attributes such as honesty, loyalty, respect and responsibility - just to name a few. It is not easy to be a leader, that is why there is not that many out there. Not to give you a dictionary class of the word leadership, but leaders speak up when no one else will. Most people are followers because it is easier to lay back and let someone else take charge. Being a leader is a heavy burden, but it comes with its rewards. These fundamentals of leadership are spoken through ones actions. In basketball, a leader would be a team player, the guy everyone would come to and rely on. In turn, the leader would rely on everyone else. It is a team effort. Young players watch too much NBA basketball and they want to be the showboat of the team or score every single bucket in the game instead of being the leader. No one wants to play with a showboat and no one wants to play with a ball hog. Coach Mckillop, the head coach…
Should Girls Play Basketball with Boys?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Pros & Cons of Girls Playing Sports with Boys Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ A lot of parents face this issue with their daughters, many girls want to play basketball with the boys for any number of reasons and there just isn't a single easy answer to the question. Some of the questions that I'm asked or hear a lot are; should boys and girls play sports together, should girls be allowed to play on boys teams, and should girls play basketball with boys. In most cases the recommended solution is to let your daughter try it out and if she likes it then you should let her continue, but some parents want to have a little more input than that. The reason I ask this question is because I know there are a lot of parents out there whose daughter loves basketball and wants to play at the next level. I will eventually face this situation as my daughter is starting to like basketball! One question that you may want to ask as a parent is, does playing with boys give her an advantage over other superstar girls?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]So, now that your daughter has asked about playing basketball with the boys it is time to determine what you need to do. The most important thing to ask yourself is, do you think she is ready for this? and if you simply don't think she is, then it probably isn't a good idea. Odds are if your daughter is asking to play basketball with the boys because she is already feeling very confident in her basketball abilities. This is already a very good sign and will likely help her in the future, obviously you don't want to crush her spirit by saying no but it is important…