Summer Time

Now that it is summer I was wondering how many shots I should put up each day?

Ben, that is a good question.

First, you need to ask yourself. How many shots are you willing to put up each day?

No use in planning 400 shots a day, if you're only willing to do 100 shots twice a week.

Second, I think a lot of people, myself included, get caught up in the number of shots taken. We need to focus on the quality of each shot taken. Are they taken with a 100% focus? Are they taken at game speed?

Player A takes 300 shots.
Player B takes 300 shots.

Player A has a precise plan. Player A shoots the shots at game speed. Player A has planned breaks. Player A incorporates free throws and game-like free throws into the workout. Player A works hard and is done with the workout in 60 minutes.

Player B doesn't have a plan. Player B is going at 1/2 speed. Player B takes some shots, then goes over and talks to the girls for about 30 minutes. Player B is shooting wherever he catches the ball and whatever shot he feels like. Player B is in the gym for 2 hours.

Both players took 300 shots.

Hey Ben, its been a long time - how are you doing?

I know that you have great form so that is not a worry.... so I would just take a few minutes and do a BEEF check and then work on your shots.

Start in close and work your way out as you master the first spot... pick a number - say 5 in a row and then move your spots, go from wing to in front to the other wing and then move out. Shoot a lot of free throws because that will solidify your form.....do that until you get to the arc.

How much time are you willing to spend on your shooting? Do you have a partner to work with ( even 2 other kids ) ?? IF its just you shooting you wont get as many shots in just because you will be getting your own rebound - you know - the ones coming out of the net :-)

I had several kids come in early in the morning and shoot for an hour and a half... got in 300 shots..... inside the arc and threes. Then they shot 100 free throws. Had a few that would come in and shoot one thousand free throws every morning during the summer...... took an hour with someone feeding them.... used two balls, he would shoot one and as the ball hit the net the other ball was on the way out. Those kids were like automatic from the line in the season.
Mid 80s and 90s in the 4th quarter.

So, tell me how much time you want to spend each day and I will try to figure out a program for you. You can set a goal that you want to shoot each day..... how many you want to make versus the number of shots taken.

Joe gave you some great advice.

Ok thanks a lot guys

Yesterday I got about 200 shots in about 40 minutes, I was aiming to get 250 shots in an hour but I got asked to play some 2 on 2 games and I couldn't refuse (I'm a nice guy).
But after the two games I got right back to the workout.

My shortened workout yesterday:

60 form shot makes- 30 1 handed, 30 2 handed
10 freethrows
40 1 dribble pullups
10 freethrows
50 shots spot shooting(16-17 ft- Right Corner, Right Wing, Center, Left Wing, Left Corner 10 shots each
10 freethrows
20 fullcourt pullup jumpers at the elbow(10 each hand)
1 and 1

That sounds like a good plan Ben,

Shoot for the 250 shots in an hour - try to keep track of your makes vs the number of shots taken... and as you get comfortable with this - do this at game speed other than form and free throws.

IF you can get a partner to work with it will be more fun and you might be able to get some more shots off in that hour. Its always nice when you can compete with a buddy.

IF I remember correctly, you can shoot the 3 ball..... yes? IF you can, give yourself a couple of weeks in this program and then add shooting the 3. There is nothing wrong with getting some playing in also, heck, its summer, its supposed to be fun! We know your a nice guy and a hard worker too... so enjoy the games with your buddies.

By the way, are you playing in any summer leagues? Going to any camps? Do the high schools in your area offer Bball camps for guys your age? If they do, I would suggest that you attend them..... Just a thought. How did your school team and AAU team experiences end up?

I'm still playing AAU and its been great. I've traveled to Sacramento, Reno and I'm going to Santa Ana. I have 3 more tournaments including Santa Ana. I am not going to any camps this summer because of AAU but last summer I did go to a college camp. Which the coach of the team actually was going to give me a scholarship to go to another of their camps but I wasn't able to go to the other camp.

Also for the spot shooting I went 30 for 50

I'm glad the AAU experience was a good one... you must have impressed that coach for him to offer you a scholarship. I bet its a lot of fun travelling around and playing ball.... get to meet a lot of new guys - you never know where that can too. By the way, how did the college camp go?

How have you been playing in these tourneys? Getting enough playing time? Playing well and shooting well?


30 for 50 is good shooting - great shooting ..... I'd take a guy that ciould hit 60% of his shots any time!

Keep up the good work and enjoy your summer.

I have actually started many games and last tournament the first tournament we've won I lead the team in assists. We are pretty good and we only haven't been in the championship game once.

The camp was good and it was really fun.

I'm glad that things are going well for you.... I remember when things were a little tough... Patience is a virtue... you are young and a pretty good player right now... you WILL get a lot better..... You have a great work ethic!

I'm glad that you are having fun! Every coach that you play for and talk to will be able to give you a few tips that might help you. Even IF its only one thing.

You can pick my brain anytime.

ok thanks a lot

Your welcome Ben, anytime!

Here is something you might enjoy reading Ben.

Steve Nash Advice for Point Guards
Words of wisdom for point guards (presented by Steve Nash at the Nike Point Guard Academy

“You should always want your coach to be critical. It gives you an opportunity to learn and to overcome adversity.”

“You maximize your potential by being humble develop a work ethic, strive to be a good person, and to be the best teammate you can be.”

“Use your scoring ability to be a better passer, and your passing skills to become a better scorer.”

“You can’t be a point guard who gets into the lane and always passes. Capitalize on the real estate you have gained.”

“Point Guard must be able to pass with both hands equally off the dribble.”

‘”I am always thinking how can I get myself better.”

“On the fast break, after 2 or 3 hard dribbles you should see the whole floor and know where all your teammates are.”

Ben,

Here is one of our games that a friend of mine put on his site - the team was #8 at the time and we played very well. The kid that is playing point guard came into high school at 5' tall.... had all the tools then, just like you do, you can handle the ball well, shoot it and are a smart player.... the big thing you have over him is that you are an A student.

Try this site, if it doesn't work at first, click out and back again, that usually does it for me. He is the point guard, let me know what you think of his game. You will like the way he plays.


http://www.ihigh.com/school5105/video_886382.html

The first 10 minutes is enough to watch unless you are bored and want to see the entire game.

Ben, I know that we talked about shooting "floaters" in the lane. I just got this information that you might be interested in.

The runner or extended layup shot is used when you are further from the basket and a quick shot is needed off a drive or cut. It is often used when you have driven by your defender and are being picked up by a taller opponent in the lane. The runner enables you to get the shot off quicker than a jump shot and therefore the shot is less likely to be blocked by a shot blocker.

Learn to control your speed on your approach. The step before your takeoff should be short so you can quickly dip your takeoff knee to change forward momentum to upward momentum. Pick the ball up with your shooting hand on top of the ball in front of your shooting side knee. Lift your shooting side knee and the ball straight up. Eliminate swiveling the ball to the side which can cause the ball to be stolen or put sidespin on the shot. Shoot the ball with a soft touch over the reach of a shot blocker. Keep your balance hand on the ball until the release for protection. Land in balance.

Follow through by keeping your arm up and fully extended at the elbow, your index finger pointing straight over the front of the rim. When you shoot the ball outside the lane be ready to get back on defense. When you shoot the ball inside the lane be ready to rebound the ball.

A common error when shooting the runner is to float forward. Make certain to dip your takeoff knee and pick the ball up at your shooting side knee with your shooting hand on top to change forward momentum to upward momentum.

Another common error is to pick the ball up with your hands on the side of the ball causing sidespin. Pick the ball up in front of your shooting side knee with your shooting hand on top of the ball and bring the ball straight up so you can release it with backspin.

To see a video clip of shooting the runner click the following link:
http://www.coachwissel.com/basketball-videos/shooting-the-runner.html

This is perfect a lot of times I get blocked when I get to the lane.

Thanks,
Ben

Your welcome, how are things going this summer? Going to any camps or playing in any leagues?

The more I thought about your situation, the more I thought that your firsts posts were better for you..... Sorry it took so long for me to see the light.

I'm just playing aau because were going year round

How are you doing? Playing well?

Creating Jump Shot Off Dribble - Hope this helps you Ben -

Creating Shot Off Drive to Strong-Hand Side


When creating a jump shot off the dribble, it is easier for most players when dribbling to the strong-hand side. Make an aggressive shot fake to get your defender to straighten up. Make your shot fake look like a shot. We like to say, "A shot fake is a shot not taken." Bring the ball to a triple-threat position and be a threat to shoot first with the ball high and your shooting hand facing the front of the rim. Keeping your weight on your pivot foot, create space away from your defender by pushing your dribble out to your strong-hand side with your outside (away from defender) hand. Protect the ball with your inside hand and body. When dribbling, always keep your eyes on your target just over the front of the rim. Align your shooting side knee with the ball as you jump behind the ball. Pick the ball up in front of the shooting side knee with the shooting hand on top and the non-shooting (balance) hand under the ball. When your shooting hand is on top of the ball your shooting hand will face the rim when you raise the ball to shoot. By picking the ball up at your shooting side knee, you are able to change sideward momentum to upward momentum and jump straight up on your shot, rather than floating to the side. Shoot a jump shot and land in the same spot. Exaggerate your follow through until the ball reaches the basket.

To see a video clip of Creating Shot Off Drive to Strong-Hand Side click the following link:
http://www.coachwissel.com/basketball-videos/creating-shot-off-drive-to-strong-hand-side.html
Creating Shot Off Drive to Weak-Hand Side


When creating a jump shot off the dribble, it is more difficult when driving to your weak-hand side, because you will have farther to go in order to pick up the ball in front of the shooting side knee. Make an aggressive shot fake to get your defender to straighten up. Make your shot fake look like a shot. We like to say, "A shot fake is a shot not taken." Bring the ball to a triple-threat position and be a threat to shoot first with the ball high and your shooting hand facing the front of the rim. Keeping your weight on your pivot foot, create space away from your defender by pushing your dribble out to your strong-hand side with your outside (away from defender) hand. Protect the ball with your inside hand and body. When dribbling, always keep your eyes on your target just over the front of the rim. Align your shooting side knee with the ball as you jump behind the ball. Because you have further to go in order to pick up the ball in front of the shooting side knee, you can make a crossover dribble to the front of your shooting side knee on your last dribble. Pick the ball up in front of the shooting side knee with the shooting hand on top and non-shooting (balance) hand under the ball. When your shooting hand is on top of the ball your shooting hand will face the rim when you raise the ball to shoot. By picking the ball up at your shooting side knee, you are able to change sideward momentum to upward momentum and jump straight up on your shot, rather than floating to the side. Shoot a jump shot and land in the same spot. Exaggerate your follow through until the ball reaches the basket.

To see a video clip of Creating Shot Off Drive to Weak-Hand Side click the following link:
http://www.coachwissel.com/basketball-videos/creating-shot-off-drive-to-weak-hand-side.html
Drive from Top Off Pinch Post Jump Shot


Start at the top of the circle. Toss the ball in the air, catch it with a one-two stop, and see the rim. Drive step and drive to the right with your outside (away from defender) hand. Change of pace dribble off an imaginary pinch post screen, and then create space away from your defender with one or two dribbles to a 45 degree angle within your shooting range. Square to the basket by jumping behind the ball or pivoting on your inside (left) foot. Pick the ball up in front of the shooting side knee with the shooting hand on top and the non-shooting (balance) hand under the ball. When your shooting hand is on top of the ball your shooting hand will face the rim when you raise the ball to shoot. By picking the ball up at the shooting side knee, you are able to change sideward momentum to upward momentum and jump straight up to shoot a jump shot, rather than floating to the side. A left-handed player will have farther to go when going to the right in order to pick up the ball in front of the shooting knee. If you are a lefty, you can use a crossover dribble to the shooting side knee when dribbling toward your weak-hand side. Shoot a bank jump shot aiming for the top near corner of the box on the backboard. Jump and land in the same spot. Exaggerate your follow through until the ball reaches the basket.



Go back to the top of the circle, and again toss the ball out, catch it with a one-two stop, and see the rim. It is more difficult to shoot off the dribble when you are going to your weak-hand side. This time, drive step and drive left using your outside hand. Change of pace dribble off an imaginary pinch post screen, and then create space away from your defender with one or two dribbles to a 45 degree angle within your shooting range. Square to the basket by jumping behind the ball or pivoting on your inside (right) foot. Pick the ball up in front of the shooting side knee with the shooting hand on top and the non-shooting (balance) hand under the ball. A right-handed player will have farther to go when going to the left in order to pick up the ball in front of the shooting side knee. If you are right-handed, you can use a crossover dribble to the shooting side knee when dribbling toward your weak-hand side. Shoot a bank jump shot aiming for the top near corner of the box on the backboard. Jump and land in the same spot. Exaggerate your follow through until the ball reaches the basket.

To see a video clip of Drive from Top Off Pinch Post Jump Shot click the following link:
http://www.coachwissel.com/basketball-videos/drive-from-top-off-pinch-post-jump-shot.html
Drive from Top Off Pinch Post Reverse Jump Shot


Start at the top of the circle. Toss the ball in the air, catch it with a one-two stop, and see the rim. It is more difficult to shoot off the dribble when you are going to your weak-hand side. Drive step and drive to the left with your outside (away from defender) hand. Change of pace dribble toward an imaginary pinch post screen. Imagine that your defender is going over the top of the pinch post screen. Reverse dribble to the middle, pivoting on your inside (right) foot, and square to the basket. Keep outside the foul lane on your reverse. Keep the ball in the same hand as you pull the ball close to your body on your reverse dribble. Pick the ball up between your knees with your shooting hand on top of the ball and your non-shooting (balance) hand under the ball. If you lose balance on your reverse dribble, make a head and shoulder fake to regain balance before taking your shot. Shoot a jump shot. Jump and land in the same spot. Exaggerate your follow through until the ball reaches the basket.
Go back to the top of the circle, and again toss the ball out, catch it with a one-two stop, and see the rim. When shooting a jump shot off the dribble it is easier for most players when dribbling to the strong-hand side. This time, drive step and drive to the right with your outside (away from defender) hand. Change of pace dribble toward an imaginary pinch post screen. Imagine that your defender is going over the top of the pinch post screen. Reverse dribble to the middle, pivoting on your inside (left) foot, and square to the basket. Keep outside the foul lane on your reverse. Keep the ball in the same hand as you pull the ball close to your body on your reverse dribble. Pick the ball up between your knees with your shooting hand on top of the ball and your non-shooting (balance) hand under the ball. If you lose balance on your reverse dribble, make a head and shoulder fake to regain balance before taking your shot. Shoot a jump shot. Jump and land in the same spot. Exaggerate your follow through until the ball reaches the basket.

To see a video clip of Drive from Top Off Pinch Post Reverse Jump Shot click the following link:
http://www.coachwissel.com/basketball-videos/drive-from-top-off-pinch-post-reverse-dribble-jump-shot.html