Leave The Basketball Refs Alone

May 27, 2014 By basketballtrainer

Leave the Refs Alone!

Youth basketball players must learn to leave the referees alone.

Somehow complaining verbally, making faces and hand gestures, and even talking back to referees in response to calls has become a part of youth basketball culture. On top of that, players are now deciding to emulate some NBA players by flopping and baiting referees to make foul calls. These practices do much more harm than good, and they should not be a part of your game as a youth basketball player. Although you may not be able to change those around you, you can make the quality decision to stop complaining and flopping today. Here are the reasons to stop complaining and stop flopping, i.e. to leave the refs alone.

Reasons to Stop Complaining

• Complaining is disrespectful plain and simple. Are you going to be able to aggressively complain to your future boss every time he makes a decision you don’t like? No. Or if you do, you may not keep your job for long or leave the door open for promotion and future success. So get in the habit now of respecting the decisions of those in authority over you, even if you don’t agree 100% of the time.
• Referees are human. If you are constantly complaining about calls you don’t get or calls made against you, are you going to get the benefit of the doubt from the ref later in the game? With a lot of refs the answer is no. On the contrary, you may get on a referee’s bad side and create an officiating bias against you, even if it is an unconscious one.
• You risk the chance of a drawing a technical foul when you complain. In youth basketball this means 2 free throws and possession for the other team. In a close game, this is a huge difference maker. Also a technical foul puts you a step closer to being disqualified from the game, whether that comes via ejection or fouling out.
• You start worrying about the refs instead of the opposing team. When you become a complainer, you began to put some of the responsibility of winning and losing on the referees. When you feel like you don’t have control on the basketball court, you begin to get disheartened and may not give full effort for your team. I’ve seen this happen plenty of times. Stay focused on beating the opposition, even if the refereeing IS poor. You can overcome poor refereeing with your play. You can’t overcome a lack of focus or a defeated attitude.
• You give up points in transition. Players who stop to complain about getting fouled spend a second or two complaining to refs and don’t get back immediately on defense. That second or two is all the advantage the opposing team needs to get an easier transition basket.

Reasons to Stop Flopping

• It’s dishonest. Players who flop to draw foul calls are violating the integrity of the game. Integrity is something that players need on the court and in their lives. You should not get in the habit of violating your integrity to gain an advantage, as in many areas of life that can get you into real trouble.
• You leave your success in the hands of the referees. When you are looking for the whistle you are walking by faith in something you can’t control. You want to be in complete control of your game on the basketball court. Leaving YOUR success in the hands of anybody else on the basketball court is essentially weakness.
• Flopping takes energy. And flopping is misdirected energy. It takes work to “create” a foul when there is none there. Players who flop are not using all the energy they can to score a basket, even when the potential to score is there.
• Flopping creates the potential for a turnover or score. What happens when you try to sell a foul call and you don’t get it? More often than not, a turnover is created. This happens when you let the ball drop to the ground while you are acting out exaggerated contact, or the ball sails out of bounds while you are flailing your arms in the air. Flopping is a risky proposition; if you don’t get the foul call, bad things usually happen. On the defensive end, a flop to sell a charge that is not whistled can result in a clear path to the lane for the man you are guarding.
• Have you ever read the Boy Who Cried Wolf? If you are in the habit of trying to sell a foul when it is not there, you are at risk of not getting the call when it is there. When a referee begins to look at your reactions skeptically, you lose the benefit of the doubt when it is not 100% clear to him if you were fouled or not. This can hurt you late in games when you actually are fouled and it is not called. We see this happen frequently at the pro level.

Young players, stop complaining. And stop flopping. It is hurting youth basketball and it is hurting you as an individual. Remain strong in your effort to score the basketball and continue to give full defensive effort on the other end. If you do these things, not only do you build positive habits for yourself, but you remain in control of your success and you make the world of youth basketball a much better place.

How Do You Handle Basketball Criticism?

May 26, 2014 By basketballtrainer

A big part of the growth and development process for players is getting critical feedback from a team coach or basketball trainer. It is sometimes hard for players to accept criticism, but without it they are limiting their potential. We don’t want you to fall into the trap of rejecting or reacting strongly against criticism, so here are some tips on how to accept and grow from criticism.

Four Tips To Handle Basketball Criticism

1. Delay Your Response

Criticism can be very hard to hear. It can shock you. It can hurt. And it can make you angry. Criticism can even rob you of the confidence you’ve built in a certain skill you’ve developed, or on your overall ability as a basketball player. A natural, human reaction to criticism is to lash out at the person giving it to you, or to instantly defend yourself against it. Try delaying your response to the criticism, as this will do a couple of things for you. First, it will give you time to ponder what your coach or trainer is saying to see if it is true. After the initial hurt or anger wears away, did the criticism have any merit? Sometimes with a little time to reflect you may see that it does. Secondly, if a response to the criticism is warranted, a delayed response will allow you to respond without anger. Although you may very well want to express a feeling of anger towards the giver of criticism, that anger may cloud the clarity of the message you want to get across.

2. Ask Questions

Nobody has a perfect command of the English (or any other) language. Maybe your coach is meaning to say one thing, but you are hearing another thing because of how it is communicated. When it comes to criticism, this can happen often. Ask your coach or trainer questions about things you don’t understand or may not agree with. This may give your coach or trainer the opportunity to give examples that can help you see what he is saying, or it may give him an opportunity to change the wording of the criticism such that you can understand it better. Players who deeply care about their development may also ask “how can I improve in this area”, turning the conversation from a hard one to one that ends emotionally positive for the player.

3. Get a Second Opinion

Getting a second or third opinion on a coach’s or trainer’s criticism can be helpful for you as a player. This does not mean to go find someone who is going to tell you that your coach doesn’t know what in the world he’s talking about. It means finding a trusted buddy, a parent, or other knowledgeable basketball person and asking them, “Hey, my coach said [fill in the blank] to me. Do you know why he would say that? Do you see it like that?” Sometimes hearing the same criticism from a different source can help you accept it better. Also, if you are receiving criticism that you simply don’t agree with and can’t understand, maybe hearing someone else validate your feelings can be helpful for you. If you are receiving criticism you don’t agree with, you can simply have a later conversation with your trainer or coach, and ask questions about why it was given.

4. Consider the Source

From the outside looking in, you may understand the value of constructive criticism. But when you are receiving it, criticism may not seem so constructive. And it actually may not be constructive in delivery. For that reason, try considering the source. If you have a coach who you believe both knows the game of basketball and wants what’s best for you as a player, you might be very well be able to trust his intentions. If he gives you criticism that hurts you on delivery, it is likely for your good and will help you in the long run. If you have a coach who is tough and hard nosed but good at heart, you might assume the same. Maybe the delivery wasn’t optimal, but you can see the good in it. However if you have a coach you do not trust, criticism can feel like a personal attack and you might want to disregard it. But the aforementioned tips may help you deal with this. Even if the criticism is not given constructively, you may still take the message and grow from it. Mature players learn how to do this because they know that every team coach they have may not be on their side. For instance if a coach tells you, “I’m not going to play you because you’re the worst shooter on this team. I would hate to have to ever put you in the game” you can internalize a response like “okay, I may not be in a good situation on this team, but I know I can work on my shooting. That will help me in the future whether it’s with this team or not.” Negative criticism has actually fueled the fire of many a great player as they have looked to prove doubters wrong. You can do the same thing with the negative criticism you receive. Criticism is a critical part of youth basketball, player development and life in general.

Learn how to deal with and accept criticism to better yourself as a basketball player. Whether it is given constructively or not, we’ve given you methods here to either validate or qualify criticism, understand criticism, as well as considering using some negative criticism for your own good. Take everything in stride, and don’t let any piece of criticism steal your love for and drive in the game. Allow criticism to be one of the things that helps you become great in this great game of basketball!

Basketball Psychology Cheat Sheet

May 25, 2014 By basketballtrainer

Tips for Psychological Growth

Basketball training works. When you’re dealing with a quality professional basketball trainer, you’re not dealing with someone who is just going to take your money because he has a decent playing or coaching resume. We can tell you stories for days of the players we’ve worked with and how they’ve achieved increased success back with their school or club teams. When we work with a player, we truly help them develop. But part of that development is, and must be, psychological. That means taking those new skills and concepts you’ve learned in training and implementing them back in your home basketball environment, where your reputation may be that of a lesser player. Players who improve must break through the mental hurdles of how they perceive themselves, and how others perceive them, to truly function as the players they’ve developed into via training. That being the case, here are some tips for psychological growth.

Personal Perception Tips

Get It In Writing. Your basketball trainer is probably already vocally recognizing and affirming your basketball development, but ask him to put it in writing. Ask your trainer to rate you on a scale in various areas and to give you a general scouting report. Seeing positive things about you written down can do wonders for the psyche, and it is something you can revisit often to give yourself a boost.

Challenge Players in Your Area. Challenging players in your area in pickup games, or in 1-on-1 games is a good way to test yourself and flex your muscle. Performing well against players in your normal playing environment will really build your confidence. In your head you may not be “better” than these players until you prove it to yourself by playing against them again.

Play Basketball Outside of Your Normal Area. If you’re not fully comfortable with challenging other good players in your area, take this step first. Go outside of your normal playing area to a place where nobody really knows you. You don’t have to go by yourself; you can go with a friend. Showcase your new skills in this pickup or rec league environment to really start feeling what it’s like to be an improved, more skilled and more aggressive player. Being around people who don’t have a previous perception of you will make it easier for them to accept you as the new player you are, and the acceptance here can help you accept your improved self as well.

Outside Perception Tips

Go On a Challenge Tour. Challenging players around you is good for your outside perception as well. Identify some of the key guys in your area – guys who are the leaders of the school team, the social leaders, and the good players who play your position and challenge them outside of the confines of team practice. If you can generate respect from key players by playing them hard or defeating them in a 1-on-1 or pickup setting, they will spread the word about your new status as an improved player.

Perform In Front Of Your Coach. If it’s tough for you to gain respect from players around you, make an effort to perform in front of your coach. This could be in a gym period at school, at an open gym session after school, or just shooting around when he is in the gym. If you can catch the coach’s eye and make him realize that you’ve improved, he can be one of the most powerful advocates you can have. Since coaches have power on teams, even if your teammates haven’t caught on yet, the coach can do things like change your position or run new plays for you, almost forcing your teammates and other observers to look at you differently.

These are just a couple of tips to help change the personal and outside perception of you as a basketball player. Don’t let your mental hold you back while you develop your skills and understanding of the game. Get with your trainer to aid you with the psychological process of becoming a better basketball player inside and out. We can’t to see you moving and playing like a brand new player.

Three Underutilized Basketball Scoring Methods

May 24, 2014 By basketballtrainer

3 Underutilized Ways to Score the Basketball

Everyone loves to score. It’s the most fun part of the game for many. And since the team with the most points wins 100% of the time, scoring is at the core of what competitive basketball is. When players score points, they feel good about themselves because they are helping their team win. And frankly, it just feels good to put the ball in the basket. While a lot of us would love to be 20 point per game scorers, scoring is not always easy. That being the case, players need to learn how to score and help their teams in various ways. Here are 3 underrated ways to score the basketball.

1. Setting Screens

When you think about screening, you might naturally think about one player sacrificing his body to help his teammate get open. But smart players know that screening does more than that, and that setting a screen is a great way for the player who screens to get open. The reason for this is that when you set a screen, the defense has to figure out how they’re going to defend the two offensive players involved. This requires good communication and quick decision making between the defenders. In many cases, the time it takes for the defense to figure out what to do is time enough for you the screener to make a strong play for the basketball. After setting an off-ball screen, the screener can make a cut to the rim for a layup or a flash to the ball for a potential catch-and-shoot or catch-and-drive opportunity. After setting an on-ball screen, the screener can make a hard roll to the rim for a finish at the basket or pop to the side for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. Smart players know that setting screens can get them easy scoring opportunities in one of these ways.

2. Beating Your Man up the Floor

This sounds simple, but do you know a lot of players who put this into practice? There are probably not as many as you would think who are doing this effectively. When you beat the player defending you down the floor on a change of possession from defense to offense, you can get easy shot or layup opportunities. This can happen off either a made or a missed basket. On a missed basket, the big man who did not secure the rebound can “run the pipe” to get up the middle of the floor quickly. If he beats his defender up the floor, he can receive a pass from a teammate for an easy layup. This is one of the reasons why big men who run the floor are so valuable. These are easy points to get, but they require hustle. Guards and wings who run the floor hard and wide during the fast break can get layup opportunities as they cut in towards the basket and look to receive a good pass from the ball handler. And outside of the fast break, the simple practice of beating the defender down the court can lead to pass-ahead wing and corner three point shots for guards and wings.

3. Offensive Rebounding

This can really pay off for players of all positions. An offensive rebound is a rebound secured on a shot at your basket, shot by someone on your team. Coaches love offensive rebounds because it extends offensive possessions for their team and usually leads to another shot attempt. Players who secure offensive rebounds many times have free license to shoot the ball, especially if the rebound is secured in the paint. If you really want a shot opportunity that your coach won’t be mad at, go grab an offensive rebound. When you shoot the ball afterwards, remember that it’s a free possession for your team, so it’s like a bonus shot. Also, shots taken off of offensive rebounds are usually high percentage looks because of the proximity to the rim and the position of the defense. I recommend big men having a goal of grabbing three offensive rebounds per game, and guards and wings grabbing at least 1. And as you’re fighting for these, remember that these are like your golden ticket for another shot attempt.

Scoring is a beautiful thing. It’s fun for individuals and it helps teams win. Put some of these habits into practice the next time you’re playing and see the positive results. If you need help developing and refining some of these skills, contact your local basketball trainer. We can help you find one that would love to help you. Have fun scoring!

5 Basketball Shooting Must Haves

May 23, 2014 By basketballtrainer

What Qualities Must A Shooter Have?

Are you a shooter? Do you want to be a game shooter? Well, here are 5 must-have qualities you must train to develop.

1. The ability to make shots!

This sounds silly because it is so obvious, but the ability to make shots in games is a must-have for shooters. I’ve heard a coach say “There’s nothing worse than a shooter who can’t shoot.” If you’re a shooter, your job is to not only make shots, but to carry at all times the threat of making shots on your person to space the floor for your team’s offense. If you can’t make shots in games, you’re hurting your team in two ways; your team misses out on points when you miss, and the opposition can play a more compact team defense against your team. Players who want to be shooters should practice shooting in game situations, while fatigued and in high intensity situations. Shooters should also know their range so they know from what distance their shooting opportunities should come in games.

2. The ability to catch and shoot.

Catching and shooting means being ready to shoot as soon as you catch a pass from your teammate. No dribbles. No getting your hands and feet together after you catch the ball. Your hands and feet must already be ready on the catch. If you’re a shooter, the defense knows you’re a shooter, and they will rarely leave you open. If you do find yourself open, it won’t be for long. You need to be able to capitalize in the limited amount of time you have an open window to shoot.

3. The ability to use screens.

Shooters have to be able to get themselves open via straight cuts, curl cuts and fade cuts off of screens. If you’re a shooter who cannot effectively use off-ball screens, you are truly at the mercy of a ball handler to get you an open shot. Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick and Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver are NBA shooters who use screens well to get open. Using off-ball screens well takes practice, as you must catch and get into your shot quickly without traveling. But once you’ve got this, you can use the threat of you shooting to get your screening teammate a good shot as well.

4. The ability to understand spacing.

Shooters must understand spacing to be truly effective. When a teammate is driving, a shooter needs to know how to drift down into the corner or up towards the wing to be in position for a great kick-out pass. Shooters also need to know how to move off of post entry passes, as this can be another way they get open for shots. Shooters who don’t understand spacing bring over an extra defender to double a driving or posting teammate, or they clog driving lanes altogether. These are not good things. Shooters must understand spacing.

5. The ability to make contested shots.

Remember that as a shooter, the defense has tabs on you. When you are able to get free, defenders will close out and contest hard on you. A real shooter understands that he will get only a handful of really open shots, and that he must be comfortable shooting with a hand in his face. If you are a shooter and only shoot when you are “wide” open, you are not capitalizing on all the opportunities that are there, and you could be hurting your team. When you do shoot those contested shots, you still have to convert them at a decent percentage. Making contested shots takes practice, so spend the necessary practice time developing this skill

Shooting is a scientific art form, and shooters know these five things are important for them to be effective weapons in games. To develop your shooting artform, contact your local basketball trainer today. We look forward to seeing you knocking down big shots for your team.

How To Get Out Of Your Basketball Funk

May 22, 2014 By basketballtrainer

How to Get out of a Basketball Funk

If you’ve been playing organized basketball for a while, you’ve probably been through periods where you’re not playing so well. It can be for a quarter, a half, an entire game, or a couple of games. These things happen from time to time. We call these periods “funks” or “shooting slumps”, as we’re usually talking about performance on the offensive end. While a slump can be hard to shake off for youth basketball players, here are some things you can do to help.

Get to the Free Throw Line

When your shot is not falling from the outside, and you also seem to be missing finishes you usually makes at the rim, one of the best things you can do is get to the free throw line. This means getting fouled of course. The best way to get to the free line is to drive hard to the basket and brace for contact as you attempt to score at the rim. After you’re fouled, you get to take a moment to relax and shoot a couple of uncontested shots at the line. Shooting free throws is good for getting out of a slump because it’s a chance for you to see the ball go through the rim. Seeing the ball go through the basket is good for your psyche and can restore a little bit of shooting confidence.

Hit the Boards

Players who are struggling to score can look to get some high percentage opportunities off of rebounds. On the offensive end, snagging a board right in the lane might give you an opportunity for a putback at the rim. Seeing that ball go through the net will help you. On the defensive end, you can get a good opportunity as well. When you get a rebound, try pushing the ball up the court aggressively for the coast-to-coast layup opportunity. You can catch defenses off guard a lot of times and get a less-contested shot at the rim. If you don’t make the shot and instead get fouled, there is still the opportunity to see the ball go through the rim at the free throw line.

Get Out in Transition

The highest percentage shot in the game is the layup. Or for those who are able to do it, the dunk. And the best time to get yourself an uncontested layup or dunk is on the fast break. For this reason getting out in transition is one of the best ways to get an easy score and get yourself going. When you see a teammate grab a defensive rebound, turn and sprint up the floor towards your team’s basket. Even if you don’t have other teammates running with you on the other wing, if you beat the man defending you up the floor you might get a long pass that leads you right into a layup. The transition layup might be just the thing you need to help you break out of your funk.

If you’re in an offensive slump or funk, these are some of the things you can use to get yourself going. If your slump is caused by you playing against a new higher level of competition and you’re having trouble keeping up, you may need some skill development. Either way, contact a local trainer to help you develop some skills and know-how. We can’t wait to see consistently performing on the offensive end.