In today's world of instant everything, it can be easy for us to forget about patience and focusing on the long-term process.

And I see this all of the time in youth and middle school basketball. It's even prevalent in high school and college basketball.

Most kids want to develop the highlight reel skills. The crazy crossover that makes the defender fall over. The Steph Curry step-back three from 25 feet out. Kyrie Irving switching hands in the air and finishing with the other hand.

There is nothing wrong with any of these elite skills and moves. However, most youth athletes don't realize that these moves weren't developed first.

The foundational skills were developed first. And years were spent doing so. That's why Steph, Kyrie, and other elite players can do all of these crazy things.

Steph Curry almost spent a month during the offseason after his 10th grade season where he didn't shoot outside the paint. He completely overhauled his shot. Yes... the same player that now effortlessly launches 30 foot 3-pointers and is considered one of the best players in the world.

In a previous video, Kyrie talks about how he practiced all of these different finishing moves off the backboard by starting with the basic Mikan drill.

That's why you hear Tim Grover who worked with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and many All Stars say...

"You see all of the highlights and the moves that Michael (Jordan) did, but that was because he mastered the fundamentals first!"

Let me give you a specific example of kids working on the things in the wrong way.

The Crazy Crossover Move That Does Nothing

I can't count how many times I've seen a defender fall over on the court after somebody does a crossover move ("crosses them up"). Then you hear the "oooohhhhssss" and "aaaaahhhhhhsss" and see guys running around on the sidelines laughing.

But then you quickly notice the offensive player went nowhere. There are thousands of YouTube videos out like this.

Being able to do crazy stuff with your body and developing a lightning quick crossover doesn't mean anything if your footwork isn't good.

And to top it off, when they pull up to shoot, both the shot and the shooting technique are pretty bad.

This same player would have been much better off developing great footwork and a simple crossover move. Additionally, spending that time just working on shooting technique every day.

As you develop your foundational skills, you keep adding more and more difficulty. Regressions and progressions are crucial!

Once you have developed these skills, you're ready to add some sizzle to the steak.

How To Develop The Essential Skills For Basketball

The reasons above are exactly why we developed the "Complete Player" Youth Skills Camp. This is ideal for youth and middle school players. I'd say 97% to 99% of youth and middle school players need the skills taught at this camp if they want to be any good.

You learn the skills of shooting, ball handling, passing, footwork, and finishing. You also learn how to play team defense and team offense.

In fact, if you practice these skills taught at camp and have a little bit of athleticism, I can guarantee that you exponentially increase your chances of making the high school team.

Check out the schedule. We're all across North America!

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First

Leave a Comment Name : Email (not published) : Seventeen plus four is equal to?  (Prevents Spam) Answer :  Load New Question Comments : Leave this Blank :