Maybe by the first of the Year?

In one of the chapters he talks about the step back move. He was say ing you could get space for your shot everytime. What do you feel about that move. I ve practiced it but I'v never done it in a game. I have gotten better at it though.

You see a lot of Pros using that move... it seem to work fine for them.. and IF you can control your body doing that.. then why not?

Just remember, a little at a time. Better to be GREAT at a few things than so - so at a lot ..... Obviously you are practicing it and when you feel comfortable.. you can try it.... heck, you can always do it when you are playing your friends and when you have it down.. you can try in games... thats the nice thing about playing park / playground ball... you don't have a coach or parent telling you NOT to do this move or that move.
:-)

When I was in high school (many moons ago) I used to see a lot of lefties shooting jumpers and fading back... not sure why, but they did... didn't see many righties doing that move.

My feelings about different moves that kids use are..... IF they can score on a consistent basis, who am I to tell them NOT to do it? Consistency is the key. Remember, you don't get points for style.
:-)

I decided that my goal to score per quarter was 3 points for a total of 12 points.

Do you think that is a reasonable amount of points to score per quarter.

You play 6 minute quarters Ben?

3-4 points per quarter is certainly an attainable goal... the key is to let the shots find you and NOT force things... You might not get any good looks in one quarter and all of a sudden hit for 6-8 points.

Had an 8th grader get zip in the first quarter only to get 21 in the second.... he sat the second half because we were so far ahead.

So, for a 7th grade point guard, YES, I think that is a reasonable goal. Just don't beat yourself up if you don't attain that right away.

Good luck and I hope you are successful with that goal.

Ken

I think we actually play 7 minute quarters for eighth and 6 minutes for 6th and 7th.

Ok, 3 points in 7 minutes is not unreasonable... just take good shots.... AND - IF you can get to the free throw line, that will help YOU and the TEAM.

Be strong with the ball... have some good moves.. like that crossover. Here is something that I was thinking about... that step back move for a shot... IF you hit a couple of those (after you practice this and can do it well) they will want to recover and close out --- then you can use that crossover again - just a thought.

Another thought.... maybe your goal could be X number of GOOD SHOTS ??

So maybe I could do the step back, then the defense lunges and you crossover and blow by the defender.

Yes, but you have to get him to bite on that move first. IF you make a few shots off the step back... he will try to close out hard, then crossover and go by him.

OR, even IF you haven't made any shots off the step back.. just read the defender... he stays back, you have an open look, if he tries to recover hard... go by him.

Kind of like the change of pace - change of direction?

Coach Sars is correct about perfecting those other traits first. The main thing that Ellis does is learns to put his body between the ball and the defender. This can be worked on by driving to the hoop and having someone make contact with you as you make your layup. I wouldn't recommend focusing on it unless you are good and both right and left hand layups and is not really a priority now. Something I would look to master in the summer time between 8th grade and high school (lot more physical game).