Finishing and getting fouled like Monta Ellis

I wanted to ask if I can get to the rim should I go for the layup.

Definately.... but concentrate on making the shot.. don't worry about drawing the foul.

I have a question. What is the difference between creating a play and forcing a play.

Lets talk about shooting first... forcing a shot is whey YOU go looking for a shot rather than the shot finding you because you were moving without the ball and found yourself open for a good look.

I think that forcing a play is when YOU are trying to do something that you are not comfortable doing.. or maybe just not good enough to do it?
(trying to attack a situation where your odds are not very good for success?)

I saw a freshman play in a high school varsity game.. he was short also... they wanted him to take it to the basket but NOT shy away from the Post Defenders because if they have space they will block your shot... take it to their body and you WILL get some of the calls and get you to the free throw line and your teammates also... since you will be getting the team to the bonus quicker.

Creating a play to me is more the player beating his man off the dribble and forcing someone to help out to stop the ball... that way you can kick it out or dump it to a post player.

Is there a specific example of what you tried to do that didn't work out well for you? OR is this just a general question? What is it that your coach wants you to do? What type of offense do you run?

Ken

well in interviews coaches and players talk about how they want to create shots for themselves and for their teamates.

I would say that as long as it is in your comfort zone thats fine... IF you can do that stuff..... I will use the Chicago Bulls as an example... as a coach I would love to see Derrick Rose attack the rim and create for himself or teammates... but I sure wouldn't want Brad Miller (7'0 center) doing that... its just not his strength.

Play to your strengths.

Clearer?

yes

today I had my second njb game. I was 3-8. 1 for 2 on 3s. I had no ft and had 7 points. I thought I did well knowing that most teams shoot 33%. I only had 1 turnover to 3-5 assists. Our team came back from an 18-2 deficit in the 1st quarter then coming back to win 53-47. I hit the 3 to put us only down 2. Then had a little bank hook to ice the win. I also blocked a shot and had 2 steals.

Congratulations and nice comeback! 1 turnover for a point guard is very good... since you are probably handling the ball a lot.. shooting % is good and hitting the big "3" had to feel good. " A little bank hook " ?????

Are you going to be the next Magic Johnson? :-)

Keep up the good work.

We run a 3 out 2 in. We do a lot of pick and rolls and just cutting to the basket.

When you run motion it does give you more of an opportunity to create by attacking the basket. It gives you several opions.... -going all the way to the rim - jump stop and hit the J - jump stop and kick it out or dump it to the post player depending on who comes over to help out on you.

Today I went 2-4 with 2 layups and the 2nd was the game winner. 44-42. I went 0-2 from the free throw though.0-1 on 3s and i missed a 15 footer.

How many times a week do you practice and how many games a week do you play? How is your overall game? Running the offense the way your coach wants you to? Assists vs turnovers?
The one thing about a point guard is that he doesn't really have to be a big scorer IF he can run the offense and help get others good shots.
On one of my better teams the point guard had the least talent of most of the point guards in my program. He was #1 in the class with all accelerated classes... so he was smart and had good basketball sense.... He ran the team well, got the ball to either one of the two GREAT three point shooters on the team.. he knew his role.
You are a 7th grader running the 8th grade team so you must know what you are doing and have some game! It sounds like when the game is on the line you aren't afraid to do what it takes to get it done.
Keep up the good work and work on those free throws. :-)
Merry Christmas
Ken

On my NJB basketball team we practice once on monday-friday and once on saturday for about an hour and a half. For school we practice twice a school week for 2 hours each practice. We have not started school games yet but for NJB we play once every Sunday. For NJB and school I usually switch off point guard or shooting guard depending on what the coach wants. For njb my dad is the coach. I usually have a good assist to turnover ratio like 3-5 to 1. Even though i sometimes play off guard i am usually have a pass first mindset unless i know i can beat the player. Thanks, Merry Christmas

Ben

Merry Christmas to you too Ben!

You are getting enough practice time... BUT, if you can find time to get in some extra time to practice ball handling and shooting that would be to your benefit. 10-15 minutes of ball handling and A LOT of shooting.... IF you can find someone to shoot with... that would make it a lot easier and more fun.
Remember that your school work comes first [ I know you just love hearing that :-) ] You come across as a very intelligent kid.. so you must be doing well in school.
When does your school games start? You sound like you are serious about the game... so I wish you a lot of luck, keep working hard and let us know how things are going for you. It's always good hearing about your progess.

Ken

I work on my ball handling in my garage mostly everyday. I shoot around outside probably 2-4 times a week. Luckily I have straight As so I have something to fall back on. My school games start late january and we start practicing after the break. I would like to play aau but i also play little league baseball. Well im going to go practive ballhandling now.

Congratulations regarding your GRADES - Straight As is great.... I wasn't a good student until I got to college.. don't ask me why, its just the way it went... Keep up the good work Ben, I bet your dad is very proud of you.

You are putting in a lot of extra time on your game.... that should pay off for you in the long run. What are your goals regarding basketball / baseball (high school varsity?) and career wise? (If you have any career goals right now) Doctor, Lawyer ? j/k

IF you can get into a GOOD AAU program where they TEACH / COACH you the game, that would be great... Baseball, let me guess, shortstop - pitcher?

Ken

Ben,

I wanted to add this before.... why don't you find another guy to shoot with... you can get twice as many shots in with somebody rebounding and passing the ball back out... and its more game like also. Not to mention that its more fun working with someone too.

That way you get to work on stepping into the shot and getting a little quicker release... shoot the ball, hold your follow thru - step back a few steps and move to another spot on the floor giving a good hand target.

As for the rebounder... it will help you with rebounding skills.. and making a GOOD pass to the shooter.... the person passing the ball can make you a good or bad shooter... have your dad make a couple of bad passes and see how well you shoot vs some good passes which allows you to get into your shot quicker and with a more fluid motion.

Is this clear?

Now all you have to do is find someone with your work ethic.

Good luck

Ken

I want to take one step at a time so right now im on the 8th grade team. My next step is i want to be a starter on the highschool varsity team. If basketball doesnt happen i would like to be a sports agent or broadcaster on ESPN.

When I go to shoot around my dad comes or i go with my friend so we can work on our games.So I guess i found somebody.