Be Brilliant at the Basics
We are quickly approaching that time of year when summer camps, clinics, and leagues are going to start springing up, giving players of all ages the opportunity to improve their skills. If you are a young player or the parent of a young player how do you know if you are getting “good” coaching while participating in these programs?
According the Rookie Basketball Coaches Guide, the following instructional goals are a good place to start:
- Players will be able to assume and maintain the ready position
- Players will be able to dribble with either hand
- Players will be able to shoot a layup from both sides of the basket
- Players will be able to make accurate chest and bounce passes to stationary and moving teammates
- Players will be able to catch passes while stationary or moving
- Players will be able to dribble while running
- Players will be able to set effective screens on the ball and away from the ball
- Players will be able to position themselves and slide their feet to guard an opposing player
- Players will be able to position themselves correctly to guard opponents away from the ball
- Players will be able to shoot the ball using correct shooting technique
- Players will demonstrate knowledge of basketball rules
- Players will demonstrate knowledge of basic offensive and defensive strategies.
Notice how just about everything mentioned above is centered around the basic fundamental skills of basketball and that only the last thing mentioned has to do with team offense and defense. These same skills are taught over and over in high school, college, and even in the NBA and WNBA. Remember, during the spring and summer, your main focus should be improving your individual skills and the best way to do that is to be brilliant at the basics!
