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January
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
12/31/2009 ** January 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Treating Your Players Right
=> Shooting - The Guide Hand
=> Passing - Work Together
=> Rebounding - Not Under the Basket
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Only Head Coach Should Talk
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through July 2009. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my new videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Treating Your Players Right
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Happy New Year! I hope your season is going well. My team has
been playing hard and improving, and that has translated into
some more wins. That's the best of both worlds!
Since many of your teams, like mine, are at the midpoint of
their season, let's take a look at how things are going. Is
your team improving? Are you doing as well as you thought you
would? What has been the biggest surprise so far?
One thing I am constantly looking at is the progress of my
players and how am I getting through to them. I see a lot
of coaches yelling and screaming, but does that really work?
In my opinion, it doesn't. Though calling out a player might
help short term, a lot of players will tune you out if that's
all you do is yell and point out the negative stuff.
I make it a point to say something positive to each player,
whether it is at practice or a game. By starting off with
something positive, you get your players attention. Who
doesn't like to hear that they did a good job? Then if I have
something to correct, I will add that. I have found this
approach to work best in keeping my players attention and
getting them to do what I need them to do.
Let me give you an example. Say a player throws a pass into
the post that gets stolen. I like the fact that the player did
look inside, so I will make sure they know that. I will then
correct their mistake, whether they need to throw a better
pass or not force the ball inside.
If you do say something to try to spark your team, make sure
you acknowledge it when they do perform as expected. Think back
when you were young; did you constantly want to hear only when
you did something wrong? Of course not, you want to hear when
you did something right too.
So think about how you are handling your team and what results
you are getting. A change in your method could lead to a
positive change for your team and a more successful season!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - The Guide Hand
We all know that the shooting hand is the hand that actually
shoots the ball, but the opposite hand, also called the guide
hand, is just as important.
The guide hand is basically on the side of the ball, guiding
and balancing the ball as you get ready to shoot it. Notice
that I said on the side of the ball, don't let the guide hand
get in front of the ball or behind the ball. It is only there
to guide the ball as the arm gets ready to shoot and extend.
The shot should be completed with just the shooting hand
pushing the ball out and completing the shot, the guide hand
letting go at that point.
Be careful about the guide hand getting overly involved in
the shot. Some players will put this hand in front of the ball
or behind it and actually shoot using both hands. This needs
to be corrected as soon as possible if you have any players
who do this, as it can be a hard habit to break if let go too
long. The easiest way to break this habit is to get your
players shooting a few feet in front of the basket with just
one hand.
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Work Together
Passing involves both a good pass and a good reception. I
like to work drills on both catching a pass and throwing a
good pass. But you also need to combine the process during
practice to get it to work during a game.
I like to set up game situations to work on this. I put
one line with passers, one line with receivers, and also a
line with a defender. Then I have the receiving line move to
get open and receive the pass. I use this on the perimeter,
and also use it for passing into the post.
This drill stresses the importance of both good passing and
receiving. The passer must make a good pass to an open
teammate, and that teammate must not only move to get open,
but also step to the pass and use their body to receive it.
Getting your players to perform this drill will help when a
team pressures you during a game.
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Not Under the Basket
One thing that can really frustrate a coach is to see their
players standing under the basket when a shot goes up. The
only thing they are going to catch under there is a made basket!
Stress to your players about blocking someone out when a shot
goes up, and not running to the basket. The first reaction
needs to be, who am I blocking out? Going under the basket is
where the other team wants you to be, then they can get any
rebounds.
Talk to your players about the rebounding triangle - the
2 blocks and a spot in the center of the lane. If you practice
having your players control those spots, they will dominate
the boards. Practice this on both the offensive and defensive
end of the court, it will also help you get a lot of 2nd-chance
points.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Only Head Coach Should Talk
One thing I have seen a lot of this year is 2 or 3 coaches
yelling instructions from the bench. How confusing is this for
the players! You don't know who is talking to who or if
contradicting info is being related to the players.
The head coach of the team should be the voice of the team.
If instructions need to be related onto the court, players
should be accustomed to listening for the head coach. If
other coaches see something, they should relay it to the
head coach and he can address it.
Time-outs should be the same way, players focused on the
head coach. If the head coach wants an assistant to diagram
something, that is fine, but don't have coaches all talking
at once. Players can only focus on one thing at a time, just
like us coaches!
------------------------------------------------------------
Happy New Year and Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2009 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
February
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
01/31/2010 ** February 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Breakthrough Basketball site
=> Shooting - Ball Rotation
=> Dribbling - Keep it Low
=> Rebounding - Think Block Out First
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Keep Your Players Motivated
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through July 2009. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Breakthrough Basketball site
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome back! February is upon us, the last month of our
shcool's season. Since we started in November, this is what
I consider the last quarter of our season. Make sure to read
my Coaching Tip of the Month to keep your players interested
and motivated!
This month I wanted to highlight another great basketball
site. Breakthrough Basketball is run by brothers Joe and Jeff
Haefner. They do a really great job of presenting basketball
information, whether it's ebooks, articles, or videos. They
even offer a free ebook of basketball drills and coaching
tips.
I highly recommend that you get this free eBook with
72 basketball drills and coaching tips. It's an excellent
resource provided by Breakthrough Basketball. It includes
full diagrams, step by step instructions, and coaching tips
for some excellent drills. Get the eBook for free right here:
http://www.winningdrills.com
Also, click the link at the bottom of the above page to go
to their Breakthrough Basketball site. You can tell that a lot
of time and effort is put into each of their products. I
highly recommend that you check out the above links and
subscribe to their free newsletter. It will definitely help
you as a coach to help your players!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Ball Rotation
Have you seen a player who seems to always get a good bounce
on the rim and the ball falls into the hoop? And have you
seen a player who never seems to get the shot to fall, it just
spins out? That issue has a lot to do with the rotation of
the ball as it is being shot.
Watch as your players shoot a jump shot. Does the ball have
the correct backspin on it? It should roll right off of the
fingertips. With the correct backspin and rotation, a shot
that catches on the rim will a lot of times go in. But if
the shot has no backspin, like it is being shot from the palm,
or if it has sidespin, the shot will a lot of times spin out,
unless the shot lands perfectly centered in the basket.
So take some time and review each player's shot. Make sure
that the shot is coming off of the fingertips and that they
are following through correctly. Make sure the shooting hand
is behind the ball and not on the side, which can cause
sidespin. Work with any players having problems by having
them shoot just a few feet in front of the basket, using only
the shooting hand so that they can see and feel the proper
rotation. Once the muscle memory kicks in, their shot will
greatly improve.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dribbling - Keep it Low
I have seen more steals off of the dribble this year. Not
only at the junior high level, but all levels, including
high school and college. Is it better defense or bad
dribbling?
I believe it has a lot to do with dribbling. The biggest
problem I see is players dribbling the ball high, and a
defender coming from below the ball and tipping it away.
The ball should not be dribbled higher than the waist,
even lower if you are being guarded by a quicker player.
Also, the ball needs to be dribbled strongly. A weak dribble
takes longer to get from the floor back up to the hand, which
gives a defender extra time to steal the ball.
I like to work on this with a 1-on-1 dribbling drill. You
can start by keeping the dribbler and defender in one lane.
The dribbler needs to get down the court using a dribble spin,
crossover, etc. Also, don't just match up players by height
or position. Make guards go against post players, and posts
dribble against guards. You never know when that situation
will arise during a game, so it's best to be prepared!
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Think Block Out First
I have talked a lot about rebounding lately, it seems like
a lot of players just want to jump for the ball and not
block anyone out. Unless your team is very athletic, this can
lead to a lot of over the back fouls.
I keep stressing to our players that the first thing they
need to think about when a shot goes up is, block out my
opponent. If your player's aren't thinking this, they will
just turn and run to the basket. And how many times have you
seen the ball then go over their head and end up in the
other team's hands?
To get this across to your team, it takes repetition and a
change in their mindset. They must focus and know that they
need to block out their player as soon as a shot goes up.
Focus on this during your rebounding drills. One way is to
get your defense to all yell "Block out" when a shot goes
up. keep working on this until your team can do it
automatically, it will amaze you how much your rebounding
will improve.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Keep Your Players Motivated
I know for the teams at my school, the season will finish
by the end of February. Since we started at the beginning of
November, this last month can be demanding for the players.
Trying to keep them motivated and focused on this last
month can be a challenge, especially as it starts to warm up
outside.
So how do you keep your players motivated? Switch things
up a little bit. Add a new twist to a drill, or add
another option to your offense. Teach them something new on
defense. Or add a fun team drill. Set some goals for the last
month for your team, something like improving your free throw
percentage.
Just don't so the same old things. Players love to learn new
skills, so help them improve and keep them focused for the
entire season.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
March
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
02/28/2010 ** March 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - End of Season Talk
=> Shooting - Shoulders Must be Square
=> Passing - Ball Fakes
=> Defense - Palms Up
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Stay Involved Over the Summer
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through December 2009. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, End of Season Talk
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Wow! Can it be the end of the season already? It just goes
by much too fast. We finished our season this past week, and
I know most schools around us will end in the next week or two.
Another season in the books!
One thing I like to do with my teams is to review our season.
At one of our last practices, I will talk to my players about
what we did well and what we need to improve on. I like to
start with what we did well, as players like to hear that and
it gets their attention. Then I can move on and talk about
what needs to improve. I will also give each player an idea of
what they need to work on during the off season.
Will all of the players listen? probably not, but at least I
have given them the information that they need if they want to
take action. Players who are committed and want to get better
will work on the areas that need to improve, and that will show
next season when the players are evaluated and assigned to a team.
So take some time and have an end of season talk with your team.
Tell them how you appreciate their effort and how they can become
even better. It will help your team going into next season.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Shoulders Must be Square
One problem I see players having is that their shot will miss
to the side because they are not squaring their shoulders.
The shot will usually miss to the left for a right handed
shooter. The fix is actually pretty straightforward.
When receiving a pass, a player needs to get into shooting
position. When done correctly, the shoulders should be squared
to the basket and the ball moved off to the side so that the
elbow is straight. Then a player must bend straight down,
keeping their shoulders squared, not turning their shoulders
for additional power. By doing this, the shot will go on a
straight line.
One of my favorite drills to stress this is to be in the
middle of the lane, about 5 feet in front of the basket. The
player needs to focus on keeping the shoulders square and using
legs to generate power. Once they can do this consistently,
they need to work on receiving a pass and going up for the shot.
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Ball Fakes
It can be frustrating as a coach to see your team throw away
a pass, especially when they let everyone in the gym know where
they are going to throw it! It is sometimes like your team
doesn't see that there is a defense on the court.
The thing to stress to your team is to use ball fakes and
not staring at the player you are going to pass to. It is
also important to know where your teammates are going in
your offense, so you don't need to stare them down.
Using a ball fake will get the defense moving away from
your intended target, especially when it is an aggressive
defense. A good ball fake will force the defense to play
honest and not cheat out. It will ulimately help your offense
run more efficiently and find open players sooner.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Palms Up
Playing defense effectively takes a lot of effort. Moving
your feet and having your hands ready to steal the ball are
essential components. Bt having your hands in the correct
position will help limit your fouls.
The best way I have found is to position your hands with
palms up. Or have one hand palms up and the other hand up to
deflect a pass. But by having the palms up, a defender can
pop the ball up when it is in an unprotected area. By doing
this, you are not making contact with the offensive player.
If you reach from the top down, you are almost certain to be
called for a foul.
So play defense smart. Have your hands in the correct
position and be ready for the offensive player to put the ball
in front of you.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Stay Involved Over the Summer
Just as players need to put in some practice over the
summer, you as a coach need to do that too. Whether it's
coaching a summer league, helping out at a clinic or camp,
or watching a video to learn a new drill or play, stay
involved and keep learning.
That is the great thing about basketball, you never know
everything. There are always new techniques and plays that
people come up with. Watching or participating in a summer
league will expose you to different teams. Watch them and
I'm sure you will pick up some new ideas! Then incorporate
what you have learned into your own program to help your
players next season.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
April
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
03/31/2010 ** April 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Practice the Right Way
=> Shooting - Point Feet at the Basket
=> Passing - Head Up
=> Defense - Take an Angle
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Watch the Tournament!
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through December 2009. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Practice the Right Way
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Being a coaches coordinator besides a coach, I spend a lot
of time at our gym. I not only see teams playing during game
situations, but also while they practice. Though players are
usually good about doing things the right way when coaches
are around, what happens when players work out by themselves,
like over the summer?
I stress to my players that they must really focus on proper
technique, no matter if they are practicing with their team,
their friends, or by themselves. Only practicing a skill the
proper way will help you get better. If you shoot 100 free
throws and shoot them all incorrectly, you are actually
making yourself worse! Practicing the wrong technique then
just makes it a bad habit, and the longer that goes on, the
harder it is to change.
This is why I strongly encourage my players to join our
summer league and to go to camps. Supervised instruction
will help insure that you are performing your basketball
skills correctly. I break down any skill into simple parts,
that way my players can focus on each one and make sure they
are performing it correctly. That goes for shooting, dribbling,
passing, etc. Then remind your players that they are only
going to get better by practicing the right way. Once players
see that you are talking about, and the light bulb goes on in
their head, they will improve over the summer and come back
an even better player.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Point Feet at the Basket
I was working with a player last month who was really
having a problem with his shot. It would fall short sometimes,
and others it would miss way to the side. At first glance,
the ball was in the right position and he wasn't turning his
shoulders. But I quickly found the problem once I looked at
his feet - they were pointed to the sideline instead of
pointing at the basket!
This can be a common problem if you don't use your inside
foot to square yourself to the basket. By pointing his feet
to the sideline, he actually had his body twisting. When he
would bend to shoot, his balance was thrown off, and his
body leaned to the side.
Once I got him to suqare up properly, his shot was back
to normal. So review with your players the importance of
all parts of the body working together to make a shot
successful. Keep everything pointed at the basket and you
will be on your way to a great shot.
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Head Up
Just as keeping your head up is essential to be a great
dribbler, it is just as important to keep your head up to
be a great passer. Think about it: you are driving down the
lane and a defender steps into your path. If your head is
up, not only will you see the defender, but you can see where
he came from and who should be open.
If you watch any great passer, they are able to handle the
ball well too, so these things go hand-in-hand. The first
step then is to handle the ball with your head up. Work with
your players on ball handling skills, both standing in place
and dribbling. Have them focus down the court, anywhere but
at the ball.
Once they can do this, it makes the passing part much easier.
Since their head is up, now they can focus on where a player
is most likely to be open in a situation. Knowing where
everyone is moving in your offense will help too. I like to
set up decision drills for players where they have to pass
to a player based on whether a defender picks them up or not.
These drills will pay huge dividends during a game.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Take an Angle
As coaches, we all understand about staying between the
offensive player and the basket. If we don't, we give the
offense a clear path to the basket. But what do you teach
when your defender is guarding a quicker player and starts
to get beat to the basket?
You need to show your players how to drop step and take an
angle to get back in front of the offensive player. You can't
just move straight across, you will run into the offensive
player and commit a foul. By dropstepping and taking an angle,
you are giving up a little bit of territory, but you are getting
back between your player and the basket. And that's where you
need to be to stop the other team's offense!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Watch the Tournament!
My tip this month is very easy - watch the NCAA tournament!
Whether it's the men's or women's tournament, you as a coach
will learn something new. Watch how teams move the ball on
offense. Watch how they play defesne and rebound. Watch away
from the ball and see what's happening on the weak side.
Watch the strategy each coach uses as the game goes along.
Are you going to be able to run these things with your teams?
Probably not the way they are running it, but you can get
some ideas on offensive sets and out of bounds plays. Make
sure to take notes on what you see so you don't forget
anything. What a great time of the year - learning and
enjoying yourself at the same time!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
May
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
04/30/2010 ** May 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Balancing the Summer Schedule
=> Shooting - Being Consistent
=> Dribbling - Work on Weak Hand
=> Defense - Helping Out
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Get Team Into a League
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through December 2009. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Balancing the Summer Schedule
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Spring has arrived! As we enter the month of May, the NBA
playoffs are in full swing, so there is still plenty of
basketball to watch.
With Summer coming up soon, it's time to start thinking
about the sumer schedule for your team. Will you have some
camps? Open gyms? Will your team be in a summer league?
All of these things need to be decided before the kids get
out of school. Plan now to get in on everyone's busy schedule!
I know of some teams that make summer basketball mandatory
for all of their players. If you want to play in the fall, you
need to participate over the summer. That can really limit a
player who wants to particiapate in multiple sctivities. So
where do you draw the line?
I try to keep the summer activities balanced. I may have
some sessions in the morning, but a lot of the league games
will be at night. I also understand if a player has another
commitment. I always tell my players to balance out their
schedule so that they get in a lot of basketball, but it
shouldn't be the only thing they do. There will be plenty of
time for that commitment when they get to high school.
So encourage your players to come to the summer workouts,
but also understand if they must miss sometimes. Make sure
you have at least 12 players on a summer team for this reason.
If you don't have enough to put a team in a league, then get
together for some practices. Summer is the time that real
basketball players are made!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Being Consistent
One reason I like summer basketball is because it is more
relaxed, and you have time to work on issues you might not
be able to during the season. One of those issues is proper
shooting technique.
Whether you are shooting a free throw or a jump shot, the
ball must be in the same position for both. The actual act
of shooting must be the same also, with the knees bending
and the shoulders staying squared to the basket.
Take the time now to become consistent on your shot. Work
with your players so that they can shoot the ball the same
way every time. This is done through repetition. Shoot 10
free throws making sure the same technique is used, then
shoot 10 jump shots. Most of what you want is muscle memory,
so that your body remembers how a good shot feels and can
be reproduced each time. As a coach, you need to watch your
players, encourage them, but also correct their shooting
technique when required.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dribbling - Work on Weak Hand
Another good thing for your players to work on is dribbling.
But don't just get them to focus on their dominant hand.
Make them work on their weak dribbling hand to make that
strong too.
Think about who is harded to guard - a player who can
handle the ball well with just their right hand, or a player
who can dribble with either hand? The one who can dribble
with either their left or right hand is harder to guard.
They can't be overplayed to one side of the court. They are
a real headache for the defense!
There are some simple drills that your team can do. First,
they can dribble sets of lines (ladders) with their weak
hand. They can dribble around the perimeter of the court
with their weak hand. You can even turn that into a race
competition when everyone starts improving! You can have
them dribble around cones, or have them go one-on-one with
a defender. I'm sure there are plenty of others I am
forgetting too. Use your imagination to come up with even more.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Helping Out
I have actually noticed some defense being played in the NBA
playoffs! Though some teams are still run-and-gun, there are
others that are really playing tough D. You as a coach can
learn from this.
The one thing that stands out to me so far has been the
help defense. When a player has gotten beat on top, I have
seen players rotating over to pick up the offensive player.
Another player then rotates to pick up the open offensive
player.
When you get together with your team, walk through some
of these situations. Show how the first rotation has a defender
picking up the player with the ball, then show another
rotation where someone picks up the open player who doesn't
have the ball. After walking through these, try running them
at full speed. Switch players around so that they can see this
on both the offensive and defensive sides. It will really
help your team if they can get this concept and react quickly.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Get Team Into a League
Though I really like practicing and improving over the
summer, the players really enjoy some games too. It's fine
to scrimmage amongst yourselves, but it's also good to play
someone different. This is why I encourage you to get your
team into some type of summer league.
Leagues are different depending where you are at. You can
find school leagues, travel leagues, mixed leagues, etc.
Try to find one where your team will be competitive, yet
challenged. I as said before, make sure that you will have
enough players. Keep your team together as much as possible,
keep them playing, and your team will be toiugh to beat in
the fall!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
June
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
05/31/2010 ** June 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Summer Basketball
=> Shooting - Go Straight Up
=> Passing - Give a Target
=> Rebounding - Height Doesn't Matter
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Be Positive
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through December 2009. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Summer Basketball
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Well, June is almost here my players will be getting out of
school shortly, and Summer basketball will start too. Though
the purpose of summer basketball is to get your players ready
for the fall season, summer basketball must be handled a little
different than the regular season. I wrote a little about this
last month, but let's take a closer look at it.
First, I mentioned last month about there being a balance.
Unless a player only plays basketball, they will have other
committments too. You as a coach need to be understanding of
this fact. Make your players aware that you do understand
what they are going through, and encourage them to attend
your sessions and give their best effort when they are there.
Second, don't get carried away with a lot of new things. I
do like implementing some new things during the summer, but
you need to realize that differenet players could be attending
on different days. Work more on the basics of shooting, ball
handling, defense and rebounding. Players always need to improve
in those areas, so the more individual time you can give each
of them, the better they will get.
Third, be relaxed! The quickest way to get your players not
to come back is to be all over them. If they are making the
commitment to come to summer basketball, they want to improve!
Work with them, correct them when they are doing something
incorrectly, but keep it light.
As I have said before, summer is the time that players will
make the most improvement. Keep them interested, and keep a
baksetball in their hands, and you will see a big improvement
both individually and as a team in the fall.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Go Straight Up
Watching the NBA can be both a good thing and a bad thing
for your players. Though there are some great shooters in the
game, your players can also pick up some bad habits. One of
these is fading away from the basket when taking a shot.
NBA players practice hours at a time on their shooting. So
a fade-away jump shot is a repetitive process that they can
do naturally. Your players will have a difficult time
duplicating their shots. So the key to stress to your players
is to go straight up on their shot. Using the same technique
each time will make them a better shooter. Picking up a bad
habit like fading away will not only lower your shooting
percentage, but take you out of rebounding position.
So work with your players on going straight up on their
jump shot. Make their technique consistent and correct, and
they will become much better shooters. They can worry about
shooting fade-away jump shots when they make it to the NBA!
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Give a Target
One of the things I do like about the NBA is the passing.
Seeing how a player gets the ball to another player in a sea
of people in the lane is just amazing. Though our players
don't need to throw no-look passes, we can learn to hit the
open player for an easy basket, just like the pros do.
The key to this is both the passer and the receiver. Not
only must the passer know where their teammate is going, the
receiving teammate must move to an open spot. They must also
perform one other vital item: They need to give the passer a
target. That may seem very basic, but I see most grade school
having players cut and their hands aren't ready. Giving a
target, so the passer knows where you need the ball low, high,
or on one side or the other, will make both players better.
Once again, it's a form of communication, and we know that's
important for our team.
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Height Doesn't Matter
Do your players like using the excuse, "The other team is
bigger, that's why we can't get any rebounds." Have them watch
the Celtics. Rondo has been everywhere, including outrebounding
taller players. How does he do that?
This just goes to show that positioning and knowing where the
ball is going are both more important than height. The people
that Rondo is outrebounding are usually just standing there and
not blocking out. That let's him slip in, get position, and
come up with some rebounds. If they want to be like an NBA
player, this is one way to do it!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Be Positive
As you coach your team this summer, remember to be positive.
You don't want summer basketball to be a job for your players.
You want it to be a good experience where they can all improve.
That doesn't mean you want players goofing off though. As
long as they are trying, be patient, encourage them, build up
their confidence, and your entire team will benefit when the
season starts in the fall.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
July
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
06/30/2010 ** July 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Passing of John Wooden
=> Shooting - Game Situations
=> Defense - Don't Play Behind Post
=> Offense - Work on Execution
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Try Different Combos
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through December 2009. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Passing of John Wooden
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
UCLA has always been one of my favorite college teams, and
John Wooden one of my favorite coaches. As I was just getting
involved as a youngster in watching basketball, John Wooden
was getting ready to retire. But I can still remember his
ways on the sideline. I think a lot of that is what lead me
into coaching.
Coach Wooden had many memorable quotes. One that I like was:
"There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile results come
from hard work and careful planning."
I try to instill this in my players every year. Successful
results in any sport, or anything in life, is not by luck, but
by giving a good effort. Having a roadmap on how to get to
your success is also essential.
This is also true for any of us coaches. Being a coach and
reading my newsletter, you are looking for new basketball
ideas and tips. You are carefully planning how to make your
team and its players the best they can be. That's what
being a coach is all about! Show your players the skills, get
them to work at it and become better, and they will become a
success. If your player's take that and apply that to their
life as they grow up, they will have a lot of success.
So if you get a chance, read some of John Wooden's stories
and quotes. They will not only help you as a coach, but help
you to help your players, just as Coach Wooden did for many
years. We can continue what he started!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Game Situations
As your player's get older, it becomes fairly easy for them
to hit an open shot. With no defense in their face, they can
relax and drain the jump shot. But how often does that happen
during a real game?
For most teams, the answer is "Not often". Defensive players
move pretty quick, and a hand is usually up in a shooter's
face. Unless there is a complete defensive breakdown, an
offensive player isn't going to have a lot of time to measure
their shot before taking it.
Now, that doesn't mean that an offensive player just takes
the ball and throws it at the basket either! What you must
work with your players on is shooting in game situations.
First, work with them receiving the pass and getting into
correct shooting position without a defender on them. Once
they get this, then add a defender. Work with drills where
either a player or coach is playing soft defense, then add
aggressive defense. By working on this in practice, your team
will be prepared during the game.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Don't Play Behind Post
As a defender on the perimeter, you want to stya between the
player you are guarding and the basket. But inside the post
area, you can't play behind the player you are guarding. If
you do, it will allow an easy entry pass and a score.
As a defender, have your players either half-front or
completely front the offensive player when they are in the
post. By doing this, you are stopping an entry pass. This is
something you must work on with your team, as your inside
defenders will have to move quickly to block out when a shot
goes up, chnage position if the offensive player leaves the
post, and your weak side defense must help out if you are
fully fronting the post.
------------------------------------------------------------
Offense - Work on Execution
A great strategy to use during the summer is to work on
your offensive execution. Whether it's a summer league game
or just a scrimmage, get your players working on making the
good passes. Show them what is open and where to look, then
make them go through the execution.
By working on this now, your players will become accustomed
to the offensive sets. The "light bulb" should hopefully
go on then, and things will flow much better for your team
come fall.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Try Different Combos
One nice thing about playing in a summer league is that
you can try different things. I like to try different
combinations of players for short stretches, just to see how
they will work.
For instance, I might try playing 2 post players together,
or putting 2 point guards in at the same time, but moving
one to a wing position. You never know what you might
discover by doing this! Make sure to take notes after any
games so you know which combinations to pursue and which
ones didn't work out.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
August
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
07/31/2010 ** August 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - It Takes a Team to Win
=> Shooting - Know Your Player's Range
=> Defense - Overplay Ballhandler
=> Rebounding - Use 2 Hands
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Plan Ahead
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through June 2010. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, It Takes a Team to Win
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Everyone has an opinion on the NBA free agency story of
Lebron, Bosh, and Wade. Will it be a super team that dominates
for years to come? Will the get along on the court? Will the
ball get to each of them enough to keep them happy? Will they
succeed of will they fail?
Well, no one knows for sure right now, but this upcoming
season should be interesting. The one thing we know for sure:
it takes a TEAM to win at any level of basketball! Are the
Heat going to just play with 3 people? Of course not! So
they need to add some more pieces to the puzzle. And they
need to be the right pieces to round out their team.
One or two players can't make a team. You need all 5 players
on the court being on the same page. You need players that
compliment each other's talents. That's what we as junior high
coaches need to accomplish. We must get a group of players to
work together as a unit, with everyone filling a role on the
team. That's how you become successful!
So don't fall into the trap of having the ball in only 1 or
2 players who dominate the game. Develop all of your players
so that they can all contribute. Once you have 5 players who
can work well together, along with players off of the bench
who can also contribute, you will have a very strong team
that will be able to compete against any opponent.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Know Your Player's Range
Many players think their shooting range is anywhere from
midcourt and in. But as a coach, you have a pretty good idea
of who can shoot and make a shot from different spots on the
court.
This is something you and your assistant coaches should
monitor. Who can shoot the ball accurately from how far out?
This is important, especially depending on how a team plays
you defensively. There might be games where a team sags in
and lets you shoot from the outside. it's important to know
who can hit the corner shot consistently, or the shot from the
top of the key, or from the wing position.
It's also important to see who can hit the tough shots on
the inside. If a team is cheating out on you and you can get
the ball into the post, you need a player who can hit those
inside shots and not be intimidated.
Now there is no magic formula to let you know a player's
range. It's something that the coaching staff needs to watch,
both during practice and games. By doing this, keeping a shot
chart, and taking notes after each game, you'll know pretty
well the range of each of your players. That can also come up
big for your team when you need a 3-pointer on the last play
of a game!
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Overplay Ballhandler
One way to stop an opposing team's best ballhandler is to
force them to go the opposite way. If the player is strong
with their right hand, you want to force them to the left.
How do you accomplish this? By overplaying them slightly.
What this entails is setting up in your defensive stance so
that your defender's foot and hand on the dribbler's strong
side are slightly forward, and you are a shade toward that
side of their body. By doing this, we are discouraging the
dribbler from going to that side, forcing him to go to his
weaker hand where we can either stay between them and the
basket or possibly even make a steal.
To do this correctly, a lot of practice is involved. The
defender must be quick to move, able to dropstep and stay
between the offensive player and the basket. Spend some time
on this during the early part of your season, it will really
pay off!
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Use 2 Hands
I have lost track of how many big guys I have seen going
after a rebound with 1 hand this summer. Unless you have huge
hands, which most junior high players don't, you can't grab
a rebound with 1 hand! Unless you have glue on them!
Stress to your players about the importance of going up for
a rebound with 2 hands. By doing this, you can grab the ball,
and even pull it away from your opponent if necessary. The
only thing you can do with 1 hand is to tip the ball away. We
want to grab the ball and control it.
You can do a simple drill with your team by lining them up
and bounding a ball off of the backboard. make them go up with
2 hands, grab the ball, then power up and put it back in off
the glass. Once your players learn to get position and grab the
rebound with authority, your team will control the boards.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Plan Ahead
Now that we are at the beginning of August, it's not too
early to start your planning. If you know your team and who
will be on it, that makes the planning part easier. But even
if you don't, make some general plans for the upcoming
season.
Things that I am talking about include: when will our
practices start? How many practices until our first game? Then
I will lay out what I want to work on, including some of the
drills. By doing this, I can make sure I cover the important
things before our first game. I will also diagram our main
offense and defense and how I want to teach it.
Take the time now to plan ahead. It will save you time
by doing it now, and you won't be rushed. After all,
basketball season is just around the corner!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
September
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
08/31/2010 ** September 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - A New Season
=> Shooting - Start With the Basics
=> Conditioning - Use a Basketball
=> Ball Handling - Focus on Dribbling and Passing
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Be Enthusiastic
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through June 2010. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, A New Season
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
September has arrived, it's time for a new basketball season!
The kids are back in school, college football is starting and
it's time to get ready for our season. I can't wait!
As you start preparing, focus on what level you will be
coaching. What will you need to teach your team this season?
Coaching a young group that is just starting out will need
all of the basics. So take some time and select drills that
will be appropriate for that age. Whether they are drills that
you create, ones you found on the internet or DVD, or ones
that you have gotten from another coach, write them down so
you don't forget about them. I like to put them in categories,
like shooting, dribbling, passing, etc. That way when I need
a drill, or another coach asks about a drill for a specific
skill, I can find it quite quickly.
If you are coaching a junior high or high school age team,
your preparation will be a little different. Besides the
basics, you will also need to add some more advanced skills.
Just how advanced will depend on the skill level of your
current team. Review basic skills first, then start adding to
it. Just as above though, write things down and diagram them
for easy access later. Also at this level, you should get
together with your assistant coaches so that everyone is on
the same page. A good brainstorming session will always bring
up some new ideas that will help your team.
So take the time now to prepare. If you know when your first
game will be, you can plan backwards from there to make sure
you review all necessary items. Either way, start with the
basics and add more advanced drills, sets, and skills as your
team can handle them.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Start With the Basics
Don't get caught in the trap of thinking that your players
shooting has improved because they practiced over the summer.
Tak some time and and have you and your coaching staff look
over each player's shot, evaluating what they are doing well
and what needs work.
Also, review the shooting basics with your team. Go over
the shooting process step by step and even do a few simple
drills. This is a refresher course for your players and can
help get everyone back in the groove. The longer you let an
improper shooting technique go, the harder it is going to be
for the player to break. Catch it early in the season and
encourage your players to practice shooting outside of
practice using the proper technique.
------------------------------------------------------------
Conditioning - Use a Basketball
Basketball is a fast moving sport, and I agree with coaches
who say every player needs to be in shape. To get up and down
the court quickly and over the period of 4 quarters, your
players must build up their endurance. So a lot of sprints
and full court running are usually done at the beginning of
the season.
The thing that I don't like is running just to run. As a
player, I think you need a purpose. I will have my teams do
some sprints and ladders, but I like to do most of my
conditioning drills with a basketball in their hands. This
I have found gives the players not only something to focus on,
but also accomplishes 2 things with 1 drill. For example, if
I have them doing sets of lines, I will have them dribble to
the line with their right hand, then back with their left.
Or if I am having them shuffle up and down the court, I will
pair them up and have them throw passes to each other. So not
only are we performing our conditioning, but getting an
added benefit of other drills. Plus, the players are focusing
on the other skills they are performing and not being bored.
So take a look at your conditioning drills and see where
you can add a basketball. With how precious gym time has
gotten, it will really help your team get in shape and
improve their skills!
------------------------------------------------------------
Ball Handling - Focus on Dribbling and Passing
As we all rush with our teams to get prepared for the season,
some skills don't get the attention that they deserve. Those
skills include dribbling and passing.
When players are young, coaches seem to spend a lot of time
on these 2 areas, which is a good thing. But as players get
older, they seemed to get pushed to the side. That's not a
good thing, as players need practice on these 2 skills to stay
sharp. As players get older, dribbling and passing are just
as important!
Build time into your practice schedule to do some dribbling
and passing drills, even it's only 1 drill per practice. Also,
look at adding dribbling and passing to other drills. For
example, do full court lay-ups so you get some dribbling
practice, and have players throw passes to other players
during shooting drills instead of having coaches throw the
passes.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Be Enthusiastic
Players will look up to you and your coaching staff. They
will also develop your attitude toward things. If you act
like you don't want to be there, how do you think they will
act?
Be enthusiastic when you are on the court. Act excited as you
demonstrate a drill. This will rub off on your players and
help them relax and perform better. Players that are tense
tend to make mistakes. Let them know it's OK to make a mistake
and to learn from it. Just keep a balance, as you don't want
players goofing around. You want a relaxed group that is
learning and improving. That's your challenge as a coach!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
October
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
09/30/2010 ** October 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - The FIBA Champions
=> Shooting - Less Movement is Better
=> Defense - Short Quick Steps
=> Passing - Have Hands Ready
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Keep Everyone Informed
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through June 2010. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
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"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** Get some new coaching info at: www.scoremorehoops.com
*** There only a few more days for my Subscriber Special.
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------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, The FIBA Champions
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Did you get a chance to watch the World Championships this
past month? The U.S. really looked good, and hopefully we
will be back on top of our game. The rest of the world
seemed to have caught up and passed us in the past few years,
but between the last Olympics and these Championship, I think
we have re-established ourselves in the game of basketball.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. When I originally
saw the roster, I thought, "This may not be good". I mean,
Tyson Chandler as our only center? The rest of the roster
seemed less than spectacular too. A lot of top NBA players
weren't there. This team was even referred to as a B team.
But did these guys come together and play well. That is
the key point I want to make here: they played as a team.
Sure, Kevin Durant got a lot of points, but everyone else
did their job. That's the key no matter at the professional
or at the youth level, everyone needs to work together and
perform as a TEAM.
So as you start your season, remind your players about this.
It doesn't matter what you did in the past. Work hard, work
together, and your team will be successful!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Less Movement is Better
Having coached for 27 years now, I have seen many different
shooting techniques. Some of them have been very good, and
some of them have been very creative.
I have found that the less movement in the shot, the more
likely the correct form is being used, and the more likely
that the shot will go in. So I always say the less movement
that is involved, the better.
So what should and shouldn't be moving during the shot?
First, the ball needs to be put off to the side with the
elbow straight. From that point on, the only movement from
the shooting arm/hand if when the ball is being pushed up
and released for the shot. Don't let your players try to
get extra power by pulling the arm back, or by turning the
shoulders. All that does is add extra movement, and the more
movement, the more likely something is going to go wrong.
Second, let's look at what should move. Your power source
should move, which is the bending of the knees. Everything
else should be squared to the basket. As you are going up for
the shot is when the arm should extend up and out, sending
the ball on it's way.
So focus with your players on keeping things simple.
I have found that is the best way to produce a consistent
shot that will be on target and go in more often.
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Short Quick Steps
As the season is just starting, players always need a
refresher course on defense. It's much more fun to shoot
than to guard someone, right? But we know as coaches that
we must play good team defense in order to be successful on
the court.
In order to guard a player driving to the basket, our
players need to work on shuffling to stay between them and
the basket. So no matter what type of shuffling drills you
want to run (shuffling back and forth across the lane,
going diagonally between sidelines, guarding a player that
is dribbling, etc.), make sure your players are taking short
quick steps. This is key to playing great defense!
Why must they do this? Well, taking short quick steps keeps
your defenders low to the ground. If they take long steps,
they will end up hopping more than shuffling, and their
entire body will come up. Trying to keep up with an offense
when standing up is almost impossible. Staying low gives
you the ability to change direction quickly, keeps your
body balanced, and enables you to stay with the offensive
player.
So make sure that you add some shuffling to your defensive
drills. If you keep your opponent on the perimeter and don't
let them penetrate, your odds of winning are greatly
improved.
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Have Hands Ready
I have had a few open gyms with my team already. One thing
that I noticed right away was that their hands were at their
sides for a lot of drills. That can't happen if you want
to catch the ball!
One thing I stressed to them about this is to think as a
team how many turnovers we had last season because we didn't
catch a pass. Most times it was because our hands weren't
ready to catch the ball. If your hands are ready, you don't
need to have to move them up when a pass is on it's way.
I tell my players to expect the ball anytime they are on
the court. You never know when a teammate will spot you open
and throw a quick pass to you. Having your hands ready gives
you time to catch the ball and do something with it quickly,
whether that is shooting it, passing it, or driving to the
basket.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Keep Everyone Informed
I can't stress enough how important this is! Get your team
off to a good start by meeting with both your players and
their parents to get everyone on the same page. Make sure
they understand what to expect, what team rules you have, and
what you expect from them.
For communication between you and the team, make sure to
get updated phone numbers and email addresses. If you are
going to communicate by email, remind parents that they
need to check their email on a regular basis. Phone numbers
are needed to notify for any last minute changes.
Be as open as you can to both parents and players and
answer any questions. The more they know at the beginning,
the less likely there will be misunderstandings as the
season goes on. We know some will occur no matter what, but
the more we can cut down on, the better the season will go
for everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
November
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
10/31/2010 ** November 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - Keep Players in Line
=> Shooting - Use Correct Hand on Lay-ups
=> Defense - Weak Side Must be Ready
=> Rebounding - Work on Free Throw Lane
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Team Rules are for Everyone
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through June 2010. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** If you have any questions, email me at:
steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, Keep Players in Line
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
One of the toughest things with being a coach is getting
your players to listen and follow instructions. I think we
have all had a player or two who just wants to be a rebel
and do their own thing. To be successful as a team, everyone
must be on the same page and following the same instructions.
Now, you don't need to be a military leader out there, but
you want your team to be under control, and everyone needs
to be listening and following directions. There is a time to
fool around, and there is a time that your players must pay
attention. I tell my team that they can talk and be silly
(within reason) before they step on the practice floor. But
once they are between those lines, they need to behave,
listen, and follow what they are told for the length of the
practice. if they listen and we get everything done, and
everyone is having a good practice, I will throw in a fun
drill at the end.
So take control of your team. Players can't be listening to
you if they are talking to each other. They can't be learning
the new offense if they are gazing off into space. They can't
get better if they don't follow your instructions. A few laps
or sets of lines will usually get everyone back to focusing
on basketball.
What do you do if you have a player who won't listen and
is constantly misbehaving? I'll cover that next month, so
stay tuned!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Use Correct Hand on Lay-ups
As players get older, they must shoot lay-ups with the
correct hand. That means shooting it with the left hand on
the left side of the court, and the right hand on the right
side of the court.
When players are young and just starting out, many are not
strong enough to shoot with their weak hand. Plus, defenders
are usually not balanced enough to block a shot without
knocking the offensive player down.
But once you get into junior high and above, players can
block shots better, and referees let a little more contact
go. So it's much easier for them to block your shot or
knock the ball away if you shoot a lay-up from the left side
with your right hand.
However, if you shoot the ball the correct way on the
lay-up, you will be protecting the ball with your body.
By doing this, it's much harder for the defender to block
the shot cleanly, and you will most likely be fouled. Get the
defense playing on their heals, and either they will get into
foul trobule or just let you drive down the lane. Both are
great for our team!
------------------------------------------------------------
Defense - Weak Side Must be Ready
In order to play team defense successfully, everyone on
the court must be alert and ready to move. So no matter
whether you are guarding the player with the ball, or
guarding a player on the weak side, you must pay attention
and ready to anticipate where the ball is going.
Players have a tendancy to relax when the ball is away
from them. Your team can't do this and be successful!
If a player is on the weak side, and they start moving, the
odds are that they are coming across the lane to receive a
pass. Your players must be ready to cut them off. So they
must be on their toes, and have their hands out and ready
to deflect a pass.
One drill I use a lot is called the Shell Drill. I line
up 5 offensive players around the perimeter, then match up
5 defenders. We start by moving the ball around, getting the
defense to understand where we want them, and get them to
make sure they know where the ball and the player they are
guarding are both located. We then add some movement, paying
close attention to our defenders. This drill has really
helped our team when it comes game time.
------------------------------------------------------------
Rebounding - Work on Free Throw Lane
Coaches all realize that rebounding is an important element
on both offense and defense. But one area that doesn't get
enough attention is blocking out and rebounding when free
throws are shot. There is nothing worse than watching your
opponent miss a free throw, then get their own rebound and
score. Now instead of giving up 1 point, your team has given
up 2!
What I do with my teams is very simple, yet very effective.
When you are practicing your free throw shooting, line up
players in the spots around the lane. I see some teams line
eveyone up single file behind the shooter, waiting their turn,
but what good is that doing anyone?
So line your players up, assigning whether they are on
the shooting team or defenders. Have one coach watching the
shooter and their form, and another coach watching the players
go for the rebound. Make sure they are using the proper
technique and getting correct rebounding position. This drill
will really help your team, especially in those close games
where you really need the ball after a missed free throw.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Team Rules are for Everyone
We talked before about having team rules and making sure that
everyone knows them. The next step is to apply them to the
entire team! If you say that being late to a game means you
won't start the game, then that needs to go for everyone,
whether it's a better player or the 10th man on the bench.
The quickest way to lose the respect of your players and
parents is to apply rules to only certain players. So save
yourself a lot of headaches, and apply any rules fairly
and equally. Even do it with your own children. If you are
late, for whatever reason, then your child shouldn't start.
Treat everyone fairly, and your season will go much smoother.
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
December
2010
------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter
"A newsletter of proven tips for youth basketball coaches"
11/30/2010 ** December 2010 Issue **
Steve Pavlovic, Editor, Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
By subscription only! Welcome to the current issue of
"Coach Steve Pavlovic's Coaching Basketball Newsletter".
You are receiving this newsletter because you
requested a subscription. Unsubscribe instructions
are at the end of this newsletter.
** Feel free to forward this ezine to any coaches that you
think this would benefit, or direct them to:
www.scoremorehoops.com
so that they can sign up for this newsletter! **
Welcome to all new subscribers! This ezine is published
monthly, usually sent out on the first of each month.
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> Sponsorship Notice
=> Feature Article - What to do With a Problem Player
=> Shooting - Follow Your Shot
=> Passing - Know Where to Throw It
=> Dribbling - Adjust your Moves
=> Coaching Tip of the Month - Make Notes After a Game
=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORSHIP NOTICE
------------------------------------------------------------
** Are you coaching your own child? Make sure to check out my
"Coaching Your Own Child" ebook for some helpful tips!
** I have updated the newsletter archives with issues up
through June 2010. You can go all the way back to 2002!
** Have you had a chance to check out my videos? Go to
http://www.scoremorehoops.com/DrillVideos.htm and check
them out. Let me know what you think!
** If you have any questions, email me at:
steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE ARTICLE, What to do With a Problem Player
by Steve Pavlovic
------------------------------------------------------------
Well, the basketball season is in full swing. My team has
started off pretty well, but as always, there is room for
improvement. This group has a great attitude and works hard,
so I am confidant that everything will come together.
As I started with last month, what do you do with a problem
player? This is a player who wants to do their own thing on
the floor, or just doesn't listen or wants to goof around.
These players are distracting for the ones who really want to
learn and get better.
The first thing I do depends on the age of the player. If the
player is younger than junior high, I will ask the parents to
come in and sit down with myself and another coach. I will
explain the situation and how their child is disrupting things.
If they want to stay on the team, they need to listen like
everyone else. If not, their playing time will not be the same
as the other players. Parents usually get the message.
If the player is junior high or above, myself and another
coach will sit down with that player and explain this to them
directly. I will also make sure that they understand they are
growing up, and they need to act in a mature manner. If that
doesn't work, then a meeting with the parents is in order.
If these meetings don't help the situation, it is time to get
a league or school rep involved. Each school and league has
their own rules, so I won't try to cover that here.
There are also some things you can do at your practices and
games. First, if 2 players are always talking and not paying
attention, make sure they are separated. Put them at the front
of a line to make sure you and the other coaches can keep an
eye on them. Some players do this because they get bored, so
you can pull them out to demonstrate a drill. Just make sure
that as you correct this player or reprimand them when they
do something wrong, make sure you compliment them when they
do something right.
I never give up on a player. Sometimes a player
who is goofing around at the beginning of a season will change
their attitude and turn into a good player by the end. Work
with all of your players, but teach them there is a time to
laugh and joke around, but also a time to get serious and learn
basketball skills. Get your players to understand this and
you will have a successful group!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Shooting - Follow Your Shot
An average shooter makes around 40% of their shots. That
means that about 6 out of 10 don't go in. This fact alone
should be enough to convince players that they need to
follow their shot.
As players watch older players on tv, especially the NBA,
they think they can shoot fade-away jump shots, or stand there
and pose after they take a shot. But you must get through to
your players that they need to crash the boards after they
put up a shot. If the shot goes in, that's great! But if it
doesn't, we need to have players hitting the boards trying to
get an offensive rebound.
So make sure you as a coach emphasize this during practice
and games. Make sure your players are going straight up when
they are shooting their jumpshot and not fading away. Then
make sure they are following their shot after they come back
down. Just a few rebounds like this, along with an easy
putback, can mean the difference in a tight game.
------------------------------------------------------------
Passing - Know Where to Throw It
We talk alot about throwing a good pass. But it is just as
important to know where to throw the ball. It can't be a good
pass if no one is there to receive it!
First, your players need to know where their teammates are
on the floor. So they need to know all of the positions in
your offense, and where their teammates will be going. This
can be accomplished by repetition (going over your offense),
and by moving players into different positions.
Second, besides knowing where your open teammate is, you
need to know where to throw it to them. By this I mean, if
a player is cutting toward the basket, lead them a little
so they can go right into their shot. If your post player
has a defender sealed off to one side, throw them the ball
on the open side where they can receive it.
Both of these points are important. During practice, go
over your offense, with and without a defense on the court.
But also set up some drills where you can work on passing,
and how to get the ball to your teammates. Teaching the proper
passing technique, as well as stepping to receive the ball,
will cut down on turnovers during a game.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dribbling - Adjust your Moves
There are a number of dribbling techniques that can be used
to get past a defender. There is the quick step, where your
player fakes one way, takes a quick step the other way and
dribbles past. There are also the crossover and dribble spin,
which are used quite frequently during games.
But be prepared to adjust your moves during a game. Why?
Well, if you do the same thing every time, the other team is
going to catch on. They will eventually have someone come up
and either double team your point guard, or just have a
defender waiting there as you come out of a dribble spin.
By having more than one move that your players can perform,
the defense is kept off balance. The best way to get your
players to handle the ball well is setting up drills during
practice. Set up cones at different spots on the court, then
have them dribble around them, then come up to them and perform
a dribble spin. Then match each dribbler with a defender and
perform a crossover dribble, etc. Protecting the ball is
important during a game, so the quicker you get your team
comfortable handling the ball, the more successful your team
will be.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Coaching Tip of the Month - Make notes After a Game
Do you play the same team more than once a year, or will you
face the same players a few years in a row? Do you sit there
before the 2nd time you play a team and say, "I can't
remember what defense they play?" Then make sure you take
notes after each game, while it's still fresh in your ming.
The notes don't have to be every detail of the game. Put
down what the score was, what offense and defense your
opponent played, what you ran successfully or unsuccessfuly
against them, and what players stood out, both from your
team and your opponent. Also, if you think of something you
would want to try against that team, put that down too. Then
before you meet the next time, read through your notes and
make the necessary adjustments. Try it, this helps a lot!
------------------------------------------------------------
Good Luck to everyone! Merry Christmas to all!
------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Pavlovic
Send any questions, comments, or ideas to me at:
Steve@scoremorehoops.com
------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 2010 by Stephen Pavlovic. All rights Reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------
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