Basketball Jab Step
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Learn the Basketball Jab Step in a few Easy Steps Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="20px"][vc_column_text]The basketball jab step can be a devastating basketball move out of the triple threat position. Read further to find out how to jab step so that you can keep your defender guessing and enhance your offensive abilities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Why is the jab step so important? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]If you watch some of the greatest players like Kobe, Lebron, Paul George and KD, you will notice when they receive a pass they don't always start dribbling immediately. They give their defender a jab step, maybe multiple basketball jab steps before they actually try to score or attack. The defender can't cut you off if you are using quick jab steps versus dribbling immediately. Imagine this scenario, there is only 20 seconds left on the clock, you have the basketball and your defender is facing you with tight defense. You've just caught a pass from your teammate, but you have yet to attempt to dribble past the quick defender. You are sure of your ability to make the shot if you can just get a a good look.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="20px"][vc_column_text]What would you do? How would do you create space? The most obvious options are to try to dribble past the defender, pass the ball to a teammate, or simply pull up for a well contested 15 foot jump shot. These scenarios are all options, but neither of these options represents the best option. In your position, your team is counting on you to make a play. However, with the defender in your face, your scoring options are low percentage shots.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="40px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="7/12"][vc_column_text] The Triple Threat Position In this position, you have the advantage because you are in a triple threat position, which means you can effectively…
One-On-One Basketball Games to Improve Skills
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] One-on-One is Beneficial for Basketball Development Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Right off the bat, I can answer that question by saying it is fun for your child and it develops their creativity and one-on-one basketball acumen. Some players become unguardable because of their one-on-one abilities. We don’t want our kids to be ball hogs, we want them to be able to create shots for themselves, beat any defensive set and help their team win. When learning to play basketball there are a lot of different strategies and techniques that a child needs to pick up. Obviously, one of the best ways to do this is through quality coaching, but simply listening to a coach and practicing with a team isn't enough to help your child become a better basketball player. So as a parent, you might find yourself asking, "What does it take to make a great basketball player then?" The answer is quite simple, a step beyond team practice is playing one-on-one basketball with a friend or teammate and in a lot of cases it is an absolutely phenomenal way for a child to get much better at the game. On the surface you might think that one-on-one basketball isn't really a good teaching resource but if you step back and think about it you'll start to see that it actually is quite similar to playing a real basketball game. In a regular basketball game there are 10 players on the court at any time, but in most cases players are essentially paired up with an opponent, so the game is very similar to a one-on-one match up. Letting kids play one-on-one basketball games in practice is a great way to help them develop the skills to deal with a single opponent, which will…
10 Shooting Techniques that will increase your Shooting Percentage by 20%
[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] 10 Basketball Shooting Techniques that will increase your Shooting Percentage by 20% Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ Have you looked everywhere on the Internet for shooting tips and just couldn't find what you were looking for? Like myself, I used to ask, what I am doing wrong in terms of my shot, why can't I be a more consistent basketball shooter. Yes, the shooting techniques below will help you increase your shooting percentage by 20% if you implement them in your shooting mechanics, but no they will not increase your shooting percentage immensely if you do not work at it on a consistent basis. Here are the 10 shooting techniques that you need to incorporate in your shot. 1. Eyes on the Rim Unless your Dirk Nowitzki, don't look at the ball when you shoot, keep both eyes on the rim! Some shooters look at the back or front of the rim when they shoot and others look at the rim's circle. Whatever your preference is, look at one of the three. Keep your eyes on the rim, until the basketball leaves your hand and drops through the net. Note: Have an open window, both eyes should be able to see the rim when your shooting the basketball. When you have your shooting form up, have an open window where your eyes can see between your shooting arms. 2. Hands Ready Great shooters always have their hands ready when they receive a pass. If you have your hands ready, you are in shooting motion and are ready to receive the pass for a quick shot. Note: Learn to shoot from the chest area and up, instead of bringing the basketball down to your waist and then back up to shoot. Good defenders can disrupt…
2-3 Zone Offense
[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] Effective Tips for a 2-3 Zone Offense Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Here are some 2-3 zone offensive tips that will help your team become more effective when facing the traditionally 2-3 zone defense. Having a 2-3 zone offense is very important because it will create opportunities for your team to score. The 2-3 zone defense (2-1-2) is the most common zone defense used in basketball. It's set up so that the team can pack it in and stop the opponent's inside presence. The 2-3 and the 2-1-2 zone defenses are pretty much the same thing, except for the fact that middle-low defender is placed a little bit higher in the paint in the 2-1-2 zone defense. The downside of any zone defense is that it can be ripped open by good high percentage outside shooting. To get quality looks from the outside you have to get the basketball in the teeth of the zone defense. When playing against a 2-3 zone defense, play inside-out. What that means is, have your players get the ball to their bigs in the paint. This will force the zone defense to shrink even more, which will result to kick outs and open shots. So from a coaches' perspective, how do you teach younger players the 2-3 zone offense? Well the basics still apply. You should always ask yourself, is the simple 2-3 zone attack the best way to go? You as a coach will know your team better than anyone, but yes, in most cases it is. Teach the players the 2-3 zone and then address more plays as the season progresses. So why should we start off with the basics, such as the 2-3 zone? Well the main reason is because we want to get the ball in the…
2-3 Youth Basketball Zone Defense
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Different Types of Basketball Zone Defenses Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ There are a few different basketball variations of a basketball zone defense, one constant, regardless of its structure is the zone’s advantage over a man-to-man defense. A basketball zone defense allows you to rely on players guarding specific areas versus guarding actually players, where a man-to-man defense can single out a weaker player and exploit that weakness. There are quite a few different zone defenses that are effective against a potent offense. The first and most common zone defense is a 2-3 zone. This consists of two guards at the top of the key, positioned at the elbows and three forwards down in the paint; 2 post players are on the blocks and 1 player guards the middle. This zone defense is critical when trying to protect the paint. This is often used late in the game to protect your team from giving up an easy basket or lay up. If your team isn't a great man-to-man defensive unit, then the zone defense should utilized throughout the course of the game. Having three big men down low in the box enables your team to better secure rebounds in late game situations. If you talk to any coach, they will tell you that any zone defense takes great communication and constant chatter between the players. To understand who will be grabbing the rebound, to understanding which player needs to close off the lane to the hoop, players have to be hyper active and great communicators within the zone. Without constant communication the zone will collapse and your team will be forced in to a man-to-man. The second basketball zone defense is the 3-2 zone defense which involves a similar approach but for the opposite reason.…
2014 NBA Finals Championship Predictions Infographic
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Who is your pick as the 2014 NBA Finals Champion? Does Miami Heat 3-Peat? Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+ Here is a 2014 NBA Finals Predictions Infographic. Who are you picking to win the NBA Finals this year? Here are my 2013-2014 NBA Finals Projections, check out the cool 2013-2013 NBA Finals Projections Infographic. The Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets are the two teams that are projected to face each other in the NBA Finals. Despite the emerging force of the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James will still be able to lift the Heat over any other opponent in the East. Miami Heat will meet the Indian Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Houston Rockets will be able to win it all in the West in the first year of Howard’s arrival. More chemistry will be built within the team and James Harden, Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons will find a way to roll past any opponent in the West. In the NBA Finals, the Heat will find a tough resistance against Dwight Howard and the Houston Rockets. However, they will beat Houston Rockets in Game 6 and win their third championship in a row. Here are some key statistics that will help you forecast your NBA Finals predictions. Indiana Pacers Currently rank 1st in the league in points allowed with 84.4 10th in rebounding with 44.3 per game Paul George is performing like a true superstar, averaging 25.7 points per contest and 8.3 rebounds He is shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from three-point range. Lance Stephenson is also performing exceptionally well with 19.0 points per contest, 6.7 rebounds and a team-high 4.0 assists The twin tower of Roy Hibbert and David West are surging in the paint The Pacers…
Basketball Rebounding Tips & Techniques
[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] Proper Rebounding Techniques Written By: Lamar Hull @ Inspirational Basketball AND Google+[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="30px"][vc_column_text] The job of the rebounder in basketball, is as you may have guessed, getting offensive and defensive rebounds for their team. The proper rebounding techniques can you make anyone an effective and improved rebounder. It really doesn't matter whether the athlete is tall or if they are a quick jumper, a shorter athlete can be a great rebounder by utilizing the right rebounding tips and techniques. Its obtaining the proper skills and techniques that make a rebounder good at securing the basketball off the rim or backboard. Keep in mind there are four fundamental aspects of becoming a good rebounder. Players need to anticipate that every shot will be a miss and then set themselves up in a rebounding position. A skill that is hard to teach, the player needs to be determined and assertive. Below, we will dive into some rebounding tips and tricks to improve as a complete player. I will repeat this again, having good rebounding technique consists of having great determination and confidence. Remaining motivated and working hard will make you better at grabbing those boards. The 4 major keys to rebounding are: positioning, proper rebounding stance, tipping the ball, and preventing steals. [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/12"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="11/12"][vc_empty_space height="40px"][vc_raw_js]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[/vc_raw_js][vc_empty_space height="40px"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text] Positioning - Positioning is incredibly important because you need to be able to know where the ball is going to land if it is missed. Being in the correct position to get the ball will prevent you from having to fight a player from the other team for the ball. Keep an eye on how the ball is going to be thrown and be ready to get it by knowing where its going to go. The biggest thing here is reading angles and reacting. Be agile and…
Beginner Passing Basketball Drills to Practice
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Passing: An Important Skill in Basketball Written By: Lamar Hull[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="17px"][vc_column_text]Passing the basketball is, next to dribbling and shooting, the most important skill for a basketball player to develop. It is the only thing other than those two that can be done with the ball. The rules of the game also requires a player to pass the basketball if he stops dribbling it; once you pick up your dribble, you have to pass the basketball. This post will elaborate on one of the most important passing drills in the game for beginner players and coaches. If you are an inspiring point guard, you have to be an exceptional passer. In high school, I wish someone would have told me as a point guard that I needed not to focus on having not only a high scoring average, but also a high assist average. Growing up, it was all about scoring. You have the opportunity to utilize passing to your advantage. Below is a three-man passing drill, that will help your coordination as a great passer. The Three-Man Passing Drill The three-man passing drill involves three players and two basketballs. The players line up fifteen feet apart, with this distance adjusted to fit their skill level, and labeled by positions left (L), center (C) and right (R). At the start, L and R should face toward the center and C should face R. L and R each hold the ball. Then R makes a sharp “chest pass” to C, who immediately passes the ball back to him. C pivots as soon as this pass is made so that he is now facing L, who turns while passing the ball to him. C catches the ball, passes it back to L and turns around so R can make the pass to…
Basketball Offseason Workout and Dedication
[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] Basketball Workout in the Offseason Written By: Lamar Hull[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]I know we are not currently in the basketball off-season, but I thought I would talk about what players do to prepare for the regular season. Some players do not understand how important preparation, conditioning, and skill development is in the off-season. My first question for young basketball players is, did you take the off-season off to rest?[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Did you simply sit on the couch, playing video games, munching down on chips while waiting until next season? While some might view the off-season as a time to rest and relax, this time is almost more important than the actual season. While the season provides competition and your chance to play against others who love the game of basketball, you are going to have some of the most improvements during the off-season. This is because you have the time to work on areas you need to improve upon, train your body, improve your shape and go over every single aspect of your game. During the season there just isn't much time for that. In fact, during the season you are working on drills to make the team better. During the off-season you are working on basketball drills to make yourself better. Several professional basketball players have shared their off-season schedule and workout habits, and you will find that it might actually be more extreme than what takes place during the season. In the off-season, Amar'e Stoudemire eats an early breakfast and then goes straight to the gym to lift weights. During the season it is important to not go overboard with weight lifting, as it can fatigue the muscles for days and end up reducing the performance on the court. However, during the off-season, it is possible to gain the most strength. After…
Basketball Dribbling Drills: Learn How to Dribble
[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] Basketball Dribbling Drills for Beginners [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When trying to improve a team, youth basketball dribbling drills can be an important element, but unlike passing skills, learning to dribble effectively is something that is important to individual play. Whether a player is bringing the ball up to the front court, driving to the hoop or simply attempting to get away from a defender without the opportunity to pass, dribbling skills are important. Many drills can be learned, so a player can practice on their own at their own pace. The following are four basic examples that I use to utilize at a young age. High-Low Ball Handling Drill The player begins by dribbling the ball waist high. As the balls moves downward, the hand follows the ball to the floor, and the player attempts a low and fast dribble. You repeat this type of dribble until your arms start to burn. I used to count 100 bounces in my head. This drill helps build skill in dribbling a low bouncing ball. It is a skill that is used in many situations during a game. Circle Dribbling Drill Dribble the ball around each leg with the same hand. First, put the left leg forward and with the left hand, dribble around the foot including inside the leg to make a complete circle. Do this also with the right foot and hand. This helps a player learn to control the ball while dribbling. Perform 20-30 circles around each leg without messing up. Figure 8 Ball Handling Drill Same as the circle dribbles but make figure eights around both legs and switch hands as you dribble through both legs. The trick here is to learn to do this without looking down at the ball. After practicing this, a player will learn to do this…