So you know my case better, I'll give you some of my background info. I'm a 14 year old girl in 8th grade who plays for the JV basketball team. I have played youth league before and my team is about to play our 4th game. So far, (including scrimmages) we have lost every game we have played, but I truly think we are continuing to get better.

As far as my problem, I can handle the ball better than anyone on my team, but for some reason, when I get the ball in the game my first instinct is to pass it up. I'm not sure if it is my confidence, I mean, I'm not really nervous or focused on the crowd, it's just that I have never really had the opportunity to drive to the basket before and now that I have the chance, I don't really know what to do. Our opponents, have put strong pressure on the ball, and deep down I know that I am capable or driving past them, but something in me is holding me back.

So what I'm after is a solution to my problem. I know I can do it, but why don't I? I have never done it before, and I know I should start practicing it. But how am I gonna practice it before I even know how to do it? I love this sport and I really do want to be great at it. I have the mindset and the potential is there- I just need to let it loose. Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant, and any advice will be much appreciated! Thanks again!

-Taylor

You can start by practicing outside of games. Find someone to play you 1v1. Practice driving by them and scoring. Then see if you can find someone to play 2v2. Then 3v3. Consciously look to drive and score the ball. This might help with your confidence and get you comfortable driving.

I always tell players, if you have an opening to the basket, you should drive and try to get a lay up. If the defense is in good position (there are several defenders in help position), you should pass and try to get ball reversals. That is good decision making for a player. If you have a lane.... take it!!! If defense is in good position, move the ball until something opens up.

Jeff has some great suggestions on the 1v1, 2v2, etc. I'd add, don't be too hard on yourself here, you're 8th grade playing JV, that's awesome!

On the 1v1, I'd start with someone who will let you practice driving to the basket. They need to let you fake them out and drive. Then add some contact and make it harder to drive to the basket. You just need to practice it enough to feel comfortable. If you make it harder during those sessions, it will be easier in a game. One key that will help with your confidence is getting the defender off balance with a jab or shot fake. I've thrown in a couple of videos that might help below.

Here's the deal, just like anything in life that's relatively new to us, the normal tendency is to be afraid of making a mistake. Once you start driving to the basket in a game, it will become more natural for you. And? Coaches love it as it's usually either an easy basket or potential foul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKyw7iVYgOc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NY94zkKmi0

Let us know how it goes! GL!

So I tried what you guys said, and after I finally mustered up the courage to just tdo it, I tried it at practice. I drove past one defender (one of the best on our team) and then a second! I was pumped I ended up flinging the ball in the air. But, hey, baby steps right?

Now that I seem to have a tad bit of confidence, do you have any tips to help me control my adrenaline? To just slow down, square up, and shoot? And again, I thank you guys soooooooooo much for helping me. I finally have the confidence I need to become a better player.

-Taylor

Good for you!! Congrats on trying the drive. See? The world didn't stop turning, the sun came up the next day and you lived to tell about it.

Best thing you can do is really practice that drive to the basket until you can do it in your sleep. The more you practice, the easier it will be to execute in a practice or game. In other words, the more you do it, the less nervous you'll be when it comes time to execute. That is true for anything in basketball or life really.

Don't overthink this deal, just drive when you feel the time is right and you'll see that one drive will become two, two will become three and three will become the WNBA. Just remember us when you're rich and famous!!