Do You Have The Basketball Skills To Drive Defenses Nuts?
Most youth basketball players that are good scorers have only one maybe two skills that lead to most of their points. Most kids can shoot, attack the rim and finish, or score using post position. Basketball trainers and coaches love kids that do all of these things and coaches are constantly frustrated by trying devise defensive schemes that stop each of these scoring methods. If players can add the skills discussed below to their offensive games they will increase their playing time and frustrate all the defenders they face.
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Master shooting 3’s, pull up jumpers, and catching and shooting from all locations:
Be willing to put in the time needed to be a good 3 point shooter not just from one spot but any on the three point line.
Pull up jump shots are a dying skill accept in the NBA. Why is this? Probably a few reasons players don’t put in the time to master the skill, coaches only each 3’s and layups, or lack of understanding of when to shoot them. If you put time and focused development into shooting pull up jumpers they can help you score when driving to the basket isn’t an option (against taller/longer defenders or shot blockers).
Learn to shoot off of screens or flashing against zones. The key to this skill is setting up the screen/cut and then having hands and feet ready for a quick release shot. Watch Ray Allen, JJ Redick, and Steph Curry away from the ball and their footwork as they catch and shoot. Also understand great shoots don’t just have long distance range they have great touch 15 feet and in
2. Master scoring with your back to the basket:
Try not to automatically think playing with your back to the basket means you have to always be in the post. Yes, being able to catch the ball inside and score is always a good thing but back to the basket scorers can use their body to gain position in other areas as well. The high post is one area where you can use your body to seal defenders and catch the ball with a winnable advantage to score. Also creating a position in the short corner/European post can allow you to catch the ball and score within 10 feet of the basket. These are two spots on the court that can give you great scoring opportunities but you must be ready for contact and indicate contact to gain the position.
3. Master attacking the rim:
The reason I saved this one for last is because I think being good at the first two can set you up to be great at attacking the rim. Understand that if you can’t shoot then defenders can play off of you and limit your opportunities to attack the rim. On the other hand if all you can do is shoot then defenders will pressure you outside of your range. If you’re good at both then they will limit your touches, play you very physical, and deny you the ball that is why you need to be able to great space using your body.
When you become a good shooter shot fakes become your best friend when it comes to attacking the rim. Once you get an opportunity to attack the rim you must be ready to finish with both hands, using the backboard, not using the backboard, and absorb contact. Finally once you can get past your defender and they know you can finish the job around the rim you can set up the pull up jump shot and find this will be the easiest way to get your shot off as a scorer.
