BASKETBALL SECRETS NOTEBOOK

BY FAME BASKETBALL

INDEX:
• Chapter 1: Ball Handling Tips
• Chapter 2: Defense Tips
• Chapter 3: Passing Tips
• Chapter 4: Rebounding Tips
• Chapter 5: Footwork Tips
• Chapter 6: Mental Toughness Tips
• Chapter 7: Shooting Tips
• Chapter 8: Conditioning Tips
• Chapter 9: Great Basketball Tips and Moves
- Basketball Screening Techniques - Scoring Without the Ball
- Basketball Screening Techniques - Scoring Without the Ball
- Secrets of Dribbling a Basketball
- Killer 1-on-1 Basketball Moves You Should Start Doing Today
- The Defensive Key to Lock Down Your Opponent
- Keeping Your "Mental Cool" in Tough Game Situations
- Offensive Rebounding: Easily improve your Scoring Average and make
coaches fall in love you
 Chapter 1

BALL HANDLING TIPS

INTRODUCTORY BALL HANDLING TIP

To be a top-flight ballhandler (which is key to being a great point guard) one must be able to survey the
floor while handling the ball. The ball-handler cannot afford to be concerned with whether he/she is going
to be able to control the ball at high speeds especially while running a break. Everyone on the team relies
on the ball-handler to get the ball down the floor and be the catalyst toward making something happen for
the team.

A classic rule of life applies here: If you can handle two of something, then mastering one thing will be
much easier. In other words, if you can handle two balls at high speeds while keeping your eyes looking
ahead, handling one will be a piece of cake.

Drill: Stand at one end of the court. Hold one basketball in each hand. Begin to walk forward toward the
opposite baseline, bouncing the ball in your right hand first. In the fraction of a second after the ball in your
right hand has hit the floor, bounce the left ball. In the fraction of a second after the left ball hits the floor,
bounce the right ball. Continue in this fashion down the court. As you begin to feel more comfortable doing
the drill, start to pick up your pace. Ideally, you will eventually be able to sprint down the floor, bouncing
both balls with equal skill. Don't underestimate the importance of this ball handling tip! I have seen NBA
and WNBA players STILL performing this drill at the on-set of a practice. It sounds simple, and it is, so
make sure to master ball-handling and you're on your way to a great basketball career!

AROUND THE WORLD

Ball Handling Tip #1: Circle the ball around your head, than your waist, and finally put your legs together
and take the ball around both legs at the knees. Then, bend at the waist, spread your legs, and circle the ball
around one leg, then the other. This exercise will give you a great feel for the ball in addition to hand
coordination and speed.

THE SCISSORS

Ball Handling Tip #2: To start this exercise, place your left foot ahead of your right and bounce the ball
between your legs from your right to your left hand. As the ball gets to your left hand shift your feet so that
your right leg goes ahead of your left and bounce the ball back between your legs. Shift your feet with
every bounce.

CATCH-CATCH-CATCH

Ball Handling Tip #3: This is a drill to work on your ball handling. Hold the ball between your legs, with
both hands on the ball, right hand in front and left hand in back. Quickly switch your hands,(now left hand
in front and right hand in the back), without letting the ball touch the ground. Do as quickly as
possible...this drill is one of the hardest to master... but it just takes lots of practice.

CRAB WALK

Ball Handling Tip #4: This drill can go from baseline to half court. Step forward with your left leg and pass
the ball from your right hand to your left under your left leg. As you take your next step with your right leg,
pass the ball from your left hand to your right under your right leg. Continue this pattern all the way down
the floor.
 FIGURE 8

Ball Handling Tip #5: Spread your legs, bend at the waist, put the ball through your legs, around one leg,
back through your legs, and around your other leg, making a figure eight. This will help you get a feel for
the basketball as you move it around. Keep your head up not looking at the ball and increase your speed.

FIGURE 8 DRIBBLING

Ball Handling Tip #6: This is a drill to practice your ball-handling. Dribble the ball as quickly as possible
in a figure 8 through and around the legs. Use the fingers when you dribble, and dribble very low and
quickly. Switch from the right to the left and back to the right. Example: start with the right hand dribbling
the ball in front and then dribble through your legs with your right hand, switch to your left hand and
dribble from the back, around your left side to the front and back through you legs... then switch to your
right hand behind the body and around the right side. Try to go as fast as possible, and your dribbling skills
will improve with daily practice.

FIGURE 8 DROP

Ball Handling Tip #7: The ball is moved around the outside of the left leg from the back to the front. Then
it is passed in front of your body and around the outside of your right leg from front to back. Now the ball
is between your legs at the back of your body. Bounce the ball, and as it is bouncing, reverse your hands,
bring your right from the back to the front and your left from the front to the back. Catch the ball before it
bounces again. Continue to do figure eights.

FIGURE 8 DROP REVERSE

Ball Handling Tip #8: For this drill, follow the procedure described in the Figure Eight Drop Drill, except
that when you bounce the ball, your movement will be reversed. After the bounce, circle the ball around the
outside of your right leg, in front of your left leg, and around your left leg from the front to the back.

FIGURE 8 RUNNING IN PLACE

Ball Handling Tip #9: Move the ball around your legs as in the Figure Eight Drill, but in addition, run in
place.

ONE ON TWO

Ball Handling Tip #10: A good drill to use to better your dribbling under pressure is to try to advance the
ball against two defenders. This will force you to use a variety of manuevers while being alert to the
defense.

PASS AND CATCH

Ball Handling Tip #11: With 2 hands, make a bounce pass between your legs from front to back and catch
the ball with 2 hands behind you. Then bounce the ball through your legs from the back to the front, and
catch the ball in front of your body. This is a good drill for body awareness.

SIT-UP DRIBBLE

Ball Handling Tip #12: While doing bent-knee situps, dribble up with your right hand as you sit up, and
around your feet, then switch hands to your left as you go back down, and then dribble with your left hand
as you sit up, back around your feet, switching back to your right hand. Continue as quickly as possible.
 SQUEEZE THE BANANA

Ball Handling Tip #13: This is a drill that helps increase the strength in your fingers. Hold the ball in front
of you at eye level with two hands. By squeezing your fingers and thumb together with one hand at a time,
you move the ball from one hand to the other as quickly as you can. More finger and arm strength will
imrove your ball control.

TOUCH-TOUCH-TOUCH

Ball Handling Tip #14: This is another ball-handling drill that seems very difficult at first, but with daily
practice, will improve your handles. This drill is called touch-touch-touch because that is what you do...
while keeping the ball between your legs, you touch the ball once with your right hand(fingers) in front,
then with your left hand(fingers) in front, then with your right behind you, and then with your left behind
you. Continue in this manner as fast as possible. Before long, you will master this skill.

UP THE LADDER

Ball Handling Tip #15: Hold the ball out in front of you and pass it back from hand to hand using only your
finger tips. Go from out in front of your waist to above your head and back. This will help you develop the
finger tip control that you will need to properly handle the ball.
 Chapter 2

DEFENCE TIPS

OFF THE BALL

Basketball Defense Tip #1: BALL/MAN LINE

When you are guarding a player without the ball in man to man defense, it is important to be aware of the
"ball/man line". The ball/man line is an imaginary line between your man, and the man with the ball. You
should be on the basket side of the ball man line and away from your man enough to help your teammates.
This position helps form what is called the "defensive triangle."

Basketball Defense Tip #2: COVER DOWN DEFENSE

Whenever the ball penetrates on a pass or a dribble, all players should cover down to the level of the ball
and force it back out. When the ball is dribbled toward the baseline, the nearest help side defender must
quickly stop the ball before it reaches the lane. If the ball is passed to the post, we keep him from dribbling
by quickly covering down. When we cover down to the baseline from on top. When the ball is passed back
out, all players recover to their man. USE THE CLOSEST MAN TO THE BALL RULE ON RECOVERY.

Basketball Defense Tip #3: DEFENSIVE TRIANGLE

On Defense always be able to see your man and the ball (this is when your man doesn´t have the ball).
When your man is ONE pass away, you can deny the player from getting the ball. You must be in a
defensive triangle position with you, the ball and your man. Flatten out the triangle, with you at the center
point of the triangle. Try to get a hand in the passing lane (straight line between the ball and your man).
Position your head so that you can see both with your peripheral vision. Then slide up and back with your
man, keeping that triangle position.

Basketball Defense Tip #4: DOUBLE DOWN

This is a defensive strategy that is used when a very good low post player gets the ball. When the ball is
passed to the post, the perimeter (outside) player quickly will double team the post player. This will make it
difficult for a good post player to make their offensive move and force them to pass the ball back out.

Basketball Defense Tip #5: JUMP TO THE BALL

Any time the ball is passed YOU MUST JUMP TO THE BALL to play good defense. Make gradual,
quick, immediate adjustments in your stance. You must be in position before the ball is caught. Jumping to
the ball allows you to be in proper position to front cutters, avoid screens (be a moving target), and help
teammates. Any time the ball is dribbled you must make the proper ball side or help side adjustments in
positioning.
Basketball Defense Tip #6: QUICK HELP AND EARLY RECOVERY

There is no such thing as helping too quickly. When your teammate steers the ball into the next gap, be
ready to provide quick help with your rear to the ball. When you help, you must recover on line to your
man as the ball is picked up.In all screening situations you must talk, provide quick help and then recover
early.

Basketball Defense Tip #7: STRONGSIDE LANE CLOSURE

Strongside lane closure is the way you play defense when your man passes the ball and cuts to the basket.
As soon as your player passes, make a quick jump to the ball side of your man, and slide down the lane
with your player, putting yourself in the passing lane, and denying a pass from going into your man.

Basketball Defense Tip #8: WEAK-SIDE DEFENSE

When your man is 2 passes away from the ball, you must learn to play weakside or help defense. Help
defense means just that... if someone else´s man is driving to the hoop and has beaten the defender, you
must leave your man and move to a position in front of them with both feet on the ground, (facing the
player) and stop the drive; then once the ball is stopped, go back to your man. Point one hand to your man
and the other to the ball and maintain a position that allows you to see both your man and the ball. Align
yourself with the center of the basketball floor. Stopping the ball, no matter who is guarding him, is your
first concern. This contributes to good team defense.

Basketball Defense Tip #9: WEAK-SIDE LANE CLOSURE

You are in your weakside defensive stance in line with the basket, pointing to your man and the ball.
Weakside lane closure to how you defend a player on the weakside who cuts to the ball.What you must do
as your player cuts towards the ball is to slide up into deny position, make contact with the cutter, and make
him cut behind you. As he cuts behind you, you then still deny the pass into your man.

ON THE BALL DEFENSE

Basketball Defense Tip #1: CLOSE DOWN

This is a strategy to use when you are coming to defend a player from a distance away, such as sprinting
out to your man on a skip pass after help defense . What you do is sprint half way to your player and then in
a low defensive position, use shuffle steps to assume good defensive position.

Basketball Defense Tip #2: CONTEST ALL SHOTS

Never allow an opponent to shoot the ball uncontested. The problem, however, with players attempting to
block shots is the tendency to commit fouls. Therefore, the proper way to contest a shot is to stay on your
feet facing the shooter until the shooter leaves his or her feet, then attempt to get your hand on top of the
basketball. At the very least, get a hand up so it limits his vision of the basket or he has to shoot over you.
While you may not block the shot, you will put the shooter under a maximum amount of pressure.
Basketball Defense Tip #3: DEFENSIVE SLIDE

The proper way to move when guarding the dribbler is to step and push off. This is accomplished by
stepping sideways with the lead foot (the foot closest to the direction in which you wish to go), then
pushing off with your trail foot to catch up. Always keep your feet in contact with the floor. Stay low and
keep your feet wide. Make quick slides.

Basketball Defense Tip #4: HALF A MAN AHEAD

When guarding the dribbler, your head should be even with the ball, which puts you slightly ahead of the
man you are guarding. Make the dribbler turn and change directions. This will slow him down and make it
more difficult for the dribbler to beat you.

Basketball Defense Tip #5: ON THE BALL DEFENSE

One of the most important defensive concepts is the theory of keeping your body between your man and
the basket. Your defensive positioning should always be between the ball and the man you are guarding. Be
within an arms reach of your man, so you can put pressure on the ball. Focus on his belly button...where it
goes, he will go. You can be faked out by his eyes, head and shoulder fakes. Try to make him go where he
doesn´t want to go. From the middle of the court... force him to the sideline. From a wing position, force
him baseline 12-15 feet away from the basket.

Basketball Defense Tip #6: PRESSURE THE BALL

A key to being a good defender is to always put pressure on the ball. Don´t let an offensive player do
anything with the ball--dribble, pass, or shoot--without having one of your hands trying to get into the way.
Force him to his weakest side. Make him go where he doesn´t want to go.

Basketball Defense Tip #7: STANCE

The proper defensive stance is necessary in order to play good defense. On the ball, feet should be shoulder
width apart, with the knees bent, and your butt down and your back straight. Your hands should be outside
your knees with the palms up. You should be low (your nose to your man´s chest) in "nose-chest" position.
When you are low, you can change directions more quickly, which is a key for playing great defense.

Basketball Defense Tip #8: WALL SITS

A great exercise for increasing the strength and stamina needed in the legs for defense is wall sits. Take a
position as if you were sitting in a chair with your back flat against a wall but with nothing underneath you
to support your weight. Gradually build up the amount of time that you can do this.

Basketball Defense Tip #9: WATCH HIS MID-SECTION

When guarding the dribbler, watch his midsection (waist). He can´t go anywhere without it, and you won´t
fall for foot fakes or ball fakes.
 POST DEFENSE

Basketball Defense Tip #1: DEFENSIVE POST POSITION

If a defender is posting you up (having his back to the basket looking for the ball) try to get in front and
deny him the ball. If you can´t, get a good wide base and don´t let him back you in any deeper. Any contact
with his elbows on your chest should be a foul on him.

Basketball Defense Tip #2: HIGH POST DEFENSE

The basic rule for guarding the high post(post player at the free throw line) is to deny the pass in from the
side. This is a position where the defensive player is at the ball side of the post player, with the forward arm
denying the pass into the post. Use the back of your other hand to maintain contact with your man. When
the ball moves to the other side, go on the basket side of your man and assume the side denial position on
the other side.

Basketball Defense Tip #3: LOW POST DEFENSE-BALL ABOVE THE FREE THROW LINE

If the ball is above the free throw line extended (imaginary line extending from the free throw line to the
sideline), then you should deny on the high side. You should be chest to chest with the post player with
your arm closest to the ball in the passing lane.

Basketball Defense Tip #4: LOW POST DEFENSE-BALL IS BELOW THE FREE THROW LINE

If the ball is below the free throw line try to get around the post player and "Full Front". Your teammates
will need to help you on any lob pass. The post player probably is not going to want you in this position, so
it is a constant fight for position between the post player and defender. Be active and try to AVOID contact.
The post player will have more trouble "pinning" you in a position where they can receive the ball.

Basketball Defense Tip #5: LOW POST DEFENSE-HE'S PUSHED YOU OUT

The low post player might try to push you out after you "full front". If you get out too far you can release
and get behind so that your feet are OUTSIDE of the key. Now you are between him and the basket and
have him 12´-15´ away. This makes it a tough shot for the offense and you have rebounding position.

TEAM DEFENSE

Basketball Defense Tip #1: BLOCK-OUT AND OUTLET

The defensive effort is completed when we have POSSESSION OF THE BALL. When the ball is shot we
must have ALL FIVE PLAYERS fulfilling their rebound responsibility until the ball is CHINNED. The
team will rebound covering the paint in a triangle shape. Then you can outlet the ball and apply your
offensive pressure with the primary and secondary break.

Basketball Defense Tip #2: ECHO SYSTEM

Players should communicate using the ECHO SYSTEM. The coaches tell one player the drill or play, he
calls it out to the team, team echoes it.

Basketball Defense Tip #3: TRANSITION AND COMMUNICATION

Quick, organized transition with communication by all five players is a must for a great defensive team.
You must STOP THE BALL. You must sprint to the level of the ball, eliminate all cheap baskets, and
make opponents go against your set defense. NO LAYUPS, NO THREES, NO FOULS, NO SECOND
SHOTS...
 Chapter 3

PASSING TIPS

Basketball Passing Tip #1: BAD PASSES

One bad pass can beget another. Whenever a player receives a bad pass, he or she should make sure that
they regain their balance before throwing another pass.

Basketball Passing Tip #2: BASEBALL PASS

The baseball pass is most often used to advance the ball up the floor. The ball is held with both hands on
the ball, one on either side with the throwing hand usually a little higher on the ball. The ball is cocked up
near the ear to aid in a quick release. The passers hand must be BEHIND the ball so the pass doesn´t have
too much side spin, making it hard to catch. The pass is made over the defense, leading the receiver.

Basketball Passing Tip #3: BEHIND THE BACK PASS

One of the most deceptive passes is the behind the back pass. This should become a fundamental pass in
every good basketball players game. Although the pass looks hard it is quite simple. First place the ball in
your dominant hand and hold it there. Then put the ball behind your back. Then you flick your wrist in the
direction the ball should travel. This pass is deceptive and is a great way to build up finger pad control and
to build up wrist flexibility and strength. This should really become a fundamental pass and not a pass used
for "showboating".

Basketball Passing Tip #4: BOUNCE PASS

The bounce pass should travel from your waist to receiver´s waist. The ball should bounce about 2/3 of the
way to the receiver. You should follow through as in chest pass with your thumbs down. The backspin that
this creates slows the ball down when it hits the ground and makes it easier to catch.

Basketball Passing Tip #5: CHEST PASS

The chest pass should go from your chest to receiver´s chest. You should step into the pass with your knees
bent and follow through, with the ball coming off of your fingertips and your thumbs down. This creates
good backspin and makes the pass easier to catch.

Basketball Passing Tip #6: DIFFERENT TYPES OF PASSES

There are several different types of passes, to be used in different situations: The chest pass is used
primarily in the open court and on the perimeter: The overhead pass is used on the perimeter and on the
outlet pass: The bounce pass is a pass that is used anytime under defensive pressure: The baseball pass is
used when you need a long pass.

Basketball Passing Tip #7: ENTRY PASSES

To enter the ball to the wing, the passer and reciever should ensure a proper passing angle. The passer from
the guard spot should attempt to get to, what we call, the "Entry Line". The Entry Line is a line drawn from
the basket THROUGH the corner of the key and the free throw line, on out to half court. The passer should
attempt to get as close to that line with the dribble prior to passing to the wing. This ensures a good angle to
the wing and cuts down on the defense´s chance of denying or intercepting the pass.

Basketball Passing Tip #8: FAKE A PASS-THROW A PASS

When you are prepared to pass the ball while being pressured by a defender, pass fake (which is a fake
throwing the ball in one direction) then pass the ball other way. Fake a bounce pass and throw overhead.
Fake overhead and throw around.This will usually make the defender go for the first pass and clear some
lane for a pass in the opposite direction.

Basketball Passing Tip #9: FEEDING THE POST

One of the biggest problems with passing the ball into the post is passing from bad angles. The passer, the
post player and the basket should all be in a direct line. This forces the defender to pick a side to guard, and
you can get a good angle from which to feed the ball into the low post.

Basketball Passing Tip #10: FOCUS UNDER THE BASKET

In order to be a better passer who gets the ball to the right player at the right time, learn to focus under the
basket. As you develop your peripheral vision, you will learn to see all the players on your team and be
able to pick out who is open without telegraphing your passes.

Basketball Passing Tip #11: KEYS TO PASSING

-Eye contact. -Crisp two handed pass motion. -Pass to the target, if the player is in motion, throw a lead
pass. -Thumbs should be pointing in the direction of the ball after the ball is thrown.

Basketball Passing Tip #12: HAND POSITION FOR THE CHEST PASS

When throwing a chest pass, position your hands on the sides of the ball, both thumbs pointing up. When
the pass is thrown correctly, the hands should rotate so that the backs of the hands face each other and the
thumbs point down.

Basketball Passing Tip #13: KNOW THE DEFENDER

A good rule of thumb when passing is to pass around or under a taller opponent, over a shorter one. These
passes will be more difficult for that particular defender to stop.

Basketball Passing Tip #14: OVERHEAD PASS

The ball is held straight up in the air avoiding any bend in the elbows. The ball should not be put behind the
head. The passer extends a leg toward the receiver and delivers the pass with a snap of the wrists. The ball
should be thrown on a straight line with very little spin.

Basketball Passing Tip #15: PASS UP THE COURT

Put a player at each end line, one at each free throw line and another at mid court. Have those players relay
the ball from one end line to the other and back again. To do so take EIGHT passes. Then take the
FASTEST dribbler and have him try to dribble to the opposite end and back before the group of FIVE
players throw EIGHT passes. The passing team ALWAYS wins (unless, of couse, they drop the ball or
really miss a pass). This demonstration usually enlightens young players as to the importance of passing.
 Basketball Passing Tip #16: STEP TOWARD

When passing the ball, step toward your receiver to put more power behind your pass.

Basketball Passing Tip #17: SEE THE DEFENSE

As important as seeing your teammates is, seeing the DEFENSE may be more important. You are going to
KNOW where your players should be through practice and naturally react to their same color uniforms. It
is better if you have a "soft focus" on the floor and see your teammates through your peripheral vision.
However, you should concentrate on where the defense is, attack their weak areas and pass AWAY from
the defensive player.

Basketball Passing Tip #18: TWO HAND BOUNCE PASS

The pass is made with the ball held close to the chest and the elbows in to the side of the body. Push
forward with a thrust of both arms and a snap of the wrists. In releasing the ball, the player steps or puts
weight on the front foot. The passer assumes a slightly lower position and aims his pass for the receiver´s
thighs. The ball should be bounced about three quarters of the way between the players.
 Chapter 4

REBOUNDING TIPS

CRUCIAL INTRODUCTORY TIP

THE OUTLET PASS

After you get the rebound, you need to make a good outlet pass. A good rebounder who can outlet the ball
to the guard can start a fast break on the way to a score. This is a valuable asset to a team. Get the rebound,
pivot away from the defense, and outlet to your guard for the fast break. It is a skill that is not much noticed
by anyone but the coach knows how valuable you are.

FUNDAMENTALS

Basketball Rebounding Tip #1: ATTITUDE AND DESIRE

Statistically, over ninety percent of all rebounds are taken below the rim. Therefore, rebounding is a
product not of great athletic ability, but attitude and desire. Make up your mind that you want to rebound,
go after each and every one, and master box out techniques, and you can provide your team with a valuable
asset--a dependable rebounder.

Basketball Rebounding Tip #2: EVERY MISSED SHOT IS A PASS TO YOU!

Perhaps the most important key to being a good rebounder, offensive or defensive, is to assume that every
shot will be missed. If you do this, you will always be willing to get in position, ready to be a rebounder.

Basketball Rebounding Tip #3: HANDS UP

Always keep your hands up at least shoulder high when getting ready to rebound. This will allow you to be
ready for the rebound that comes off the rim quickly and low. Remember this: shot goes up-hands go up!

Basketball Rebounding Tip #4: WANT THE BALL

Rebounding is a great skill to have as a basketball player. Those players that really WANT the ball and box
out become the best rebounders. They take pride in rebounding. Lean back on your man and keep him out
of rebounding position. A smaller player can be a good rebounder...Make yourself become good at boxing
out.

Basketball Rebounding Tip #5: WATCH YOUR POSITION

The key to rebounding is positioning and concentration on the ball. Anticipate the flight of the ball.
Remember that most shots rebound to the opposite side of the basket. Next, you need to concentrate on the
ball, until it is safely in your hands or rebounded by someone else.

DEFENSIVE REBOUNDING

Basketball Rebounding Tip #1: BOXING OUT AND REBOUND

If you are real close to the basket when the shot goes up, you must "box out" and create some space to
rebound. To "box out" from your defensive position: Go towards your man and make contact. Pivot so you
“Put your butt to their gut” and just slide with them, keeping them away from the rebound. When boxing
out, keep your man from pushing you in towards the basket, so you can maintain good rebounding position.
(If you let them push you under the basket, the rebound will go over your head). Then go get the rebound!

Basketball Rebounding Tip #2: THE "PERFECT REBOUND"

Rebounding... Most rebounds (90%) are caught below the rim. Try and think out what a perfect rebound is
... The perfect rebound is the one where everyone of your teammates and yourself box out their man so well
that the rebound can be easily caught AFTER it has hit the floor. When one thinks about this "perfect
rebound" concept the team blockouts get better and better.

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING

Basketball Rebounding Tip #1: OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING

In order to get an offensive rebound, you must get the inside position on your defender, who is trying to
box you out. You must out quick him, or make some kind of move to get that inside position. You can try a
jab step and change directions or you can develop a spin move to get to that position.
 Chapter 5

FOOTWORK TIPS

Basketball Footwork Tip #1: PROPER BALANCE

Balance is one of the most important things to remember in the game of basketball. To have good physical
balance you should have a wide base of support by keeping your feet at least shoulder width apart. A good
bend at the knees and the waist will also help. Now, try to keep your head just above the midpoint between
both feet. In this position you have the most physical balance possible.

Basketball Footwork Tip #2: GOOD PIVOTING

The pivot is a fundamental skill that can get a player relief from pressure defense, and can be a great skill to
have to begin an offensive move. To pivot, turn on the ball of your foot. Once you choose your pivot foot,
it must maintain contact with the ground until you dribble, shoot or pass. (You can go airborne to shoot or
pass) If your pivot foot moves and you do not dribble, shoot or pass, it is a violation called traveling, and
the ball is awarded to the other team. A reverse or back pivot is when you turn backwards and when you
turn forwards it is called a forward or front pivot.

Basketball Footwork Tip #3: QUICK PIVOTING

When you are wanting to make quick pivots or fast cuts, and keep your balance at the same time, it is
important to keep on the balls of your feet. Since you have to be on the balls of your feet to move anyway,
by playing on them, you will make your move more quickly.
 Chapter 6

MENTAL TOUGHNESS TIPS

Basketball Tip #1: KNOW THE GAME

Along with all of the individual fundamentals, players need to understand the concept of "relative motion".
That can best be described as realizing how one player fits into the space on the floor, given the "relative"
positioning of the other players, both offense and defense. A player with this understanding will know how
to move to get open, create proper spacing, passing angles, play good on ball defense, and give good team
defensive help.

Basketball Tip #2: BOOST MENTAL TOUGHNESS

1) Always believe in yourself. If you think you can`t do it, you aren`t going to . When shooting, believe its
going in and it will have a better a chance.

2) A shooter needs to have confidence. One good way to give yourself confidence is to remember that two
balls will fit through the hoop at a time. This gives you a large margin of error to work with.

3) Strive to improve everyday... both physically and mentally. Play against players that are better than
you... that´s how you get better. Learn from TV and watch instructional videos to learn even more. Never
stop learning!

4) When playing against teams or players who are not quite as talented, it is important to play at YOUR
best. Do not drop your level of play simply to defeat the opponent. Compete against your own personal best
every time out, and try to achieve that.

5) Mental Rehearsal: This is almost as important as practicing the action itself. The brain patterns during
mental rehearsal of an action are the same as those when preparing for the action before the motor skill is
selected, so the more you mentally rehearse a shot, the quicker and easier it will be to prepare to carry out
the shot.

6) The main reason that players don´t perform well in games is nervousness, and the main cause of
nervousness is lack of self confidence. You have to believe that you can play with the people on the court
and not get intimidated. You must believe that no one on the court is better than you. Have a good attitude.
Believe in yourself.

7) Pay attention to how you prepare for each game, especially when you play well. Competing in athletic
contests can often be a matter of routine, and anything you can do to keep that routine similar from game to
game, especially when you have played well, can help.

Follow the same pre-game routines, think about the same type of things, relax but focus on the game at
hand. Most importantly, learn to visualize what you are going to be doing in the game, always seeing
yourself being successful.
8) Always run on and off the court--for a time out, when you are taken out of a game, or at half time.
Psychologically, you are showing your opponent that you won´t wear down. The Boston Celtics under Red
Auerbach would not even sit down during a time out in order to appear fresh to their opponents.

Basketball Tip #3: PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE

1) Forget about the scouts and the newspapers...they come to see players...make them see A TEAM!! It
doesn´t matter what they write in their columns...Just Win!

2) Don´t change what got you this far...don´t try to be a leading scorer if you´ve never done it before...you
owe it to your team-mates to play within yourself.

3) Enjoy the moment...when you get old, you won´t remember the game...you will remember the
Battle...and the brothers or sisters who stood there with you.

4) Moms and Dads are great...but this is not their time...follow your coaches lead...one voice..one
purpose...one team!

5) The little things you do to help your team...make all the difference in the world...every successful
inbound pass, every rebound, every "dive" for a loose ball...will determine the outcome!

6) Have your mom or dad save newspaper clippings about your team..BUT DON´T YOU READ THEM
UNTIL THE SEASONS OVER...you have to play...not the news people..don´t get poisoned by what you
read.

7) Reputations and rankings don´t mean JACK...on any given night you can beat anyone!

8) Referees make mistakes. It´s part of the game. Captains should learn the ref´s last name, put Mr. or Ms.
before it when you speak to them, and watch things turn your way.
 Chapter 7

SHOOTING TIPS

Basketball Shooting Tip #1: FUNDAMENTALS

1. For shooting the basketball you must have your entire body in the right position to ensure that you have
the greatest chance of making the shot. First you should have your strong arm up and Bent at a 90 degree
angle.

2. Also have your weak arm up along side it as a helper hand. This is a basketball tip OFTEN overlooked.

3. Then flick your wrist and push your arm up to propel the ball towards the net. The first step for you is to
learn these fundamental basketball shooting tips, and then you can move on to the next section below...

Basketball Shooting Tip #2: THE JUMP SHOT

1. Body Positioning - Stand 2 or 3 ft. directly in front of the basket. Assume a jumping stance. Your feet
are shoulder width apart, and parallel to each other; one foot is slightly ahead of the other (you should learn
to shoot with either foot forward). The knees are flexed. Although both feet are entirely in contact with the
court, almost your entire body weight should be on the balls of the feet and distributed equally on both feet.
Your shoulders should be square to the basket and slightly ahead of your hips, which should be directly
over the mid point of your feet. Your head should be erect. Keeping you shoulders squared to the basket is
a CRUCIAL basketball shooting tip.

2. Ball To Hand - Hold the ball in two hands, in front of you, close to the body, and just above waist level.
The fingers and thumbs of both hands are pointing directly away from you; keep the elbows in. The hands
should be on the top half of the ball; The complete inner surface of the hands should be in contact with the
ball. The fingers and thumbs of each hand are spread comfortably. The distances separating the fingers and
the thumbs should be the same. The forefingers should be parallel to each other. To hold the ball, push both
hands towards its centre to create enough pressure to hold it.

To establish fingertip control, apply gentle, but firm pressure with the pads of your fingers, that is, the area
between the tips of the fingers and thumbs and the first joint. Applying this pressure creates a paper thin air
space along the fingers, thumbs, and palms, starting at the first joint and ending at the heel of the hand.
Cock the wrists, making sure they are relaxed, so that you can easily cock and uncock them in a full range
of motion. (To cock your wrists, bring the back of the hands towards the body. Do not lock your wrists!)

3. Ball To Body - Now move the ball to the point above and in front of your head from which you will
shoot. You must be able to see the basket under the ball. As you raise the ball, rotate your shooting hand so
that it is directly behind and under the ball by the time it reaches shooting position. As you rotate the
shooting hand, which controls the ball, the non-shooting hand slides over the ball, ending to the side and
slightly under the ball. The non-shooting hand takes no part in the shot. Its job is to help hold and protect
the ball until the moment the shooting action begins.

Hold the ball as high as possible. The higher you hold the ball, the taller you become. Ideally, there should
be only a slight bend in the elbow of the shooting arm, particularly when you are close to the basket. Keep
the ball directly in front of you. Looking from the side, one should see that the forearm is vertical, so that
the wrist is directly over the elbow. From the front, the elbow of the shooting hand should be directly in
front of or slightly inside the shoulder, never outside. Now you are in SET POSITION.

4. The Shot - Your shooting action begins the moment you are in set position. Shooting is a one-piece
action in which you quickly jump and uncock the wrist. This quick jumping action generates most of the
power for the shot. The feet barely leave the floor. As the hand comes forward as the wrist is uncocked, the
ball immediately begins to rise up on the fingertips. Quick wrist action and fingertip control give a crisp
back spin to the ball. For maximum control of the ball, it should come off the tips of the forefinger and
middle finger. To transfer power from the legs to the ball, release the ball just as, or just before, you
complete your jumping action. Make sure the ball leaves the fingertips before the arm straightens in follow
through. As the shooting arm straightens in follow through, the wrist should end up only slightly ahead of
the elbow, which should not be tightly locked. The hand will have completed its full range of motion from
being cocked back to being crisply snapped forward. Throughout the entire shooting action, keep your eyes
focussed on a spot on the back of the rim directly opposite you; stay relaxed so that all the joints,
particularly the wrist of the shooting hand, move very easily. Key Basketball Shooting Tip: The stronger
your legs, the better your jump shot.

The farther you are from the basket, the more power you need. To get more power, increase the flex or
bend in the knees. If necessary, you can lower the shooting position of the ball, but never so low that you
cannot see the basket from under the ball. When you get to a distance from the basket at which you begin to
force the shot, you have reached the limit of your shooting range.

When shooting, you can make yourself taller by jumping higher. However, in doing so, you will not be able
to get as much power from your legs. So, you should jump high only when you are fairly close to the
basket. Again, it is very important that you release the ball as or just before you reach the peak of your
jump. Falling or fading away as you shoot will result in a great loss of power. You should not attempt
learning the fade-away until you have mastered the basic jump shot. Usually only gifted athletes are able to
become proficient at this shot.

Basketball Shooting Tip #3: LAY UPS

A layup is simply a short range shot that usually hits gently off the backboard. Most of the time layups are
preformed while running towards the basket.

To shoot a proper layup you must have your hands and in the correct position. If you are shooting on the
left side of the basket, you would shoot with your left hand, jumping off your right foot and vice versa. If
you are dribbling towards the basket you stop dribbling until you are about 2 feet from the basket. You then
pick up the ball, take one or two more steps and gently bounce the ball against the square on the backboard
before you take your third step (that would be a violation). It is not the ordinary shooting method because
you do not have a helper hand there to guide, it is more of a one handed shot. The way you would do it
would be to have your palm underhand and then with the speed and momentum that you have collected
from dribbling let it hit off the backboard.

Lay-ups are definitely a part of basketball shooting tips, and they are extremely important for you to
become good at...

Basketball Shooting Tip #4: FREE THROWS

1. Line the foot that corresponds with your shooting hand—if you’re right handed, your left foot—up with
the nail that is nailed into the center of every free throw line in every gym, across the country. If you are
shooting outside, try to guess where the center of the foul line is. This guarantees you a level of alignment
with the rim, helpful to your success. Though there are exceptions to the rule, most great free-throw
shooters follow this line of thinking (even if they won’t admit it).

2. Fix your eyes on the front of the rim. Do not use the back of the rim, or, even worse, the white square on
the backboard as your point of reference. Doing so means that you are looking towards a place on the
basket where, if you hit them, you will most probably miss. Whereas, if you aim towards the front of the
rim, your mind automatically tells you to shoot the ball at this point with a trajectory conducive to a
friendly bounce. And even if you hit the front of the rim, if you have the rotation that you should as a
shooter, the ball will roll into the basket.

REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT!! Key Basketball Shooting Tip: Practice free throw until they become
automatic.

Basketball Shooting Tip #5: THE JUMP HOOK

In the jump shot, your shoulders and body are square to the basket. In the jump hook, you protect the ball
by keeping your body and non-shooting arm directly between the ball and the opponent guarding you.

1. Getting set for the jump hook is the same as described in jump shot tip above. Stand 2 or 3 ft. directly in
front of the basket. To get set, go through the steps explained in the Jump Shot Tip above UNTIL you get
to shooting, then read the instructions here.

2. Once set, rotate your body ninety degrees so that the shoulder of the non-shooting arm is pointing
directly at the basket. While rotating the body, slide the non-shooting hand along the surface of the ball so
that it ends up directly between the basket and the ball. The shooting hand continues to face the basket. If
you are shooting with your right hand, your forearm should be vertical and the ball should be directly over
your right shoulder. To make yourself as tall as possible, your shooting arm should be fully extended, with
only a slight bend at the elbow. This is the stance for the jump hook.

3. Once set for the jump hook, jump and shoot as explained in the Basic Jump Shot. To protect the ball,
keep the non-shooting hand fully extended, until the ball is well on its way to the basket. Learn to shoot the
jump hook with either hand.

After shooting from a stationary position, work on shooting by stepping on to your non-pivot foot and
raising your pivot foot off the floor (see my tip the Stride Stop Lay-up in the shooting category). For
example, if you want to shoot a jump hook with your right hand, then establish your left foot as the non-
pivot foot. Then, take a step with it, jumping vertically and shooting as you complete the step. To avoid
traveling, make sure your non-pivot foot does not come down to floor until after the ball leaves your hand.

To practice the jump hook with a step-in, do the following. On the left side of the basket, stand at a 45-
degree angle to the backboard about 4 or 5 ft. from the basket. Get set to shoot the basic jump shot. Instead
of shooting the jump shot, step into the paint with your left foot on a line that is parallel to the baseline. As
your left comes to floor, execute the jump hook.

Return to the starting position. Get set. Then step with your right foot toward the baseline on a line that is
parallel to the sideline. Execute the jump hook with your left hand. After several repetitions of each shot,
do this exercise from the other side of the hoop.
Practice executing the jump hook after receiving a pass or ending a dribble near the basket from a lay up
position on the court. Use the jump hook when your opponent denies you from shooting a lay-up.

The jump hook will help you against taller defenders, so don't under-estimate or under practice it ... Study
the jump hook basketball shooting tips carefully.
 Chapter 8

CONDITIONING TIPS

INTRODUCTORY BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIPS

1) Everyone knows that running is an essential part of playing basketball and it helps you get in shape.
Most people just jog or do sprints but why not dribble when running? This will help you get in shape and
with your dribbling at the same time.

2) The game of basketball requires running. If you can´t run, you can´t play. The most horrible loss you can
have as a team is when you just get outlasted by the opposing team. You must get in shape for basketball,
in which the game is full of sprints and stops; this is how you must train... lots of sprints and lines, resting
in between. Remember, "no pain, no gain"!

3) This common conditioner has many different names. The player starts on the baseline and sprints to the
free throw line, touches the line then sprints back to the baseline. The player repeats this to half court, the
opposite free throw line, then the opposite baseline.

The following tips will work on your quickness, agility, hand-eye coordination, and physical
conditioning:

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #1: ENHANCING MOVEMENT

The ability to change direction quickly and move laterally or backwards with minimal loss of speed is
contingent upon two factors: (1) an athlete´s ability to send a message from brain to the body about how
and when to react; and (2) how well an athlete can coordinate upper and lower extremities while
maintaining balance and speed of movement. Incorporating agility drills that focus on coordination and
reaction time will help in enhancing movement efficiency.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #2: 17'S

A 17 is a very common conditioning practice . You start behind one of the sidelines. You run to the other
sideline counting as 1 then you run back to count as 2. You do this until you reach 17. (Always ending on
the opposite side from which you started). To be in very good basketball shape you should be able to do
this in under 1 minute.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #3: BALL BOUNCED

Hold the ball in front of you with your legs spread wide. Bounce the ball hard between your legs so that it
will come up behind you. Quickly move your hands behind your back to catch the ball. The harder that you
bounce the ball, the more quickly you will have to move your hands.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #4: BALL JUMPS

Stand next to a basketball with your feet together. Jump back and forth (sideways) over the ball as quickly
as possible. Go for thirty seconds, counting the number of times that you return to the starting point. Try to
better yourself every day.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #5: BENCH JUMPING

Either face a bench that is about one and a half feet high or stand beside it. You can either jump over and
back or sideways. Feet should be kept together. Go for thirty seconds and count the number of times that
you return to the starting point. Attempt to increase the number every day.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #6: CLAP HANDS

Hold the ball behind your knees. Release it, clap your hands in front of your knees, then return your hands
behind your knees and catch the ball before it hits the ground.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #7: COBRA

When you are practicing with a partner, you can work on your hand quickness with this drill. Both of you
stand inside the jump circle in a defensive stance. Try to hit the inside of each other´s knees while
remaining inside the circle. Whoever touches the inside of the other´s knees an agreed to number of times is
the winner.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #8: FOUR SQUARES

Find a place on the floor where two line intersect. These create four areas that are numbered one through
four. Jump 1-2-3-4, then 4-3-2-1. Count the number of times you return to square #1 in thirty seconds. Try
to better yourself every day.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #9: FRONT-BACK-CATCH

Pass the ball from in front of your body to behind it between your legs. Move your hands quickly to behind
your body to catch the ball before it hits the ground. Once you have caught it, pass it back to the front of
your body through your legs and catch it again.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #10: HAND CLAPS

Start holding a basketball. Toss it up, clap your hands twice, then catch the ball. Repeat, clapping twice.
Continue to increase the number of times that you clap your hands. See how many times you can clap your
hands and still catch the ball.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #11: JUMP ROPES

One of the most important pieces of equipment a basketball player can possess is a jump rope. Daily use of
a jump rope will develop stamina, leg strength, agilty and coordination, timing, quickness, and hand-eye
coordination. All of these are extremely important to becoming a good ball player.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #12: LANE SHUFFLE

The lane shuffle is a progressive drill that is outstanding for developing body control and coordination. You
shuffle across the foul lane from one line to the other, first touching the line with your outside hand, the
second time touching the line with the inside hand forcing a crossover step, then, the third time, touching
the line with both hands. The drill can be run for a set time period with players counting the number of
times they touch the lines.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #13: LINE JUMPS

Stand beside any line on the floor. With your feet together, jump forward and backwards over the line, then
sideways back and forth (two separate exercises). Repeat for thirty seconds, counting the number of times
that you return to the starting point. Try to better yourself every day.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #14: MIMIC MOVES

A basketball player´s quickness and agility program would include drills which emphasize lateral
movement, change of direction, and sudden starts and stops (with or without ball) because these movement
patterns are specific to the sport of basketball. By implementing these drills, inevitably, a basketball
player´s skill acquisition is enhanced.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #15: REDUCE GROUND TIME

To develop quicker movements for various drills, a basketball player should strive to reduce the amount of
time spent on the ground when performing drills. Whether a player is fresh or fatigued while performing a
drill, the goal should be to move the feet quickly and forcefully while constantly spending the least amount
of time possible on the ground.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #16: SIDE CATCH

Place the ball between your legs with one hand holding it in front of your body and the other behind. Let
the ball go and switch the position of your hands, front to back and back to front, and catch the ball before
it hits the ground.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #17: WALL PASSING

A good way to increase both hand quickness and hand-eye coordination is with wall passes. Stand in front
of a wall and pass the ball hard against the wall, catching it upon its return. As you improve your hand
coordination, decrease the distance you stand from the wall so that the ball will come back more quickly
and you have to react more quickly.
 Chapter 9

GREAT BASKETBALL TIPS AND MOVES

Basketball Screening Techniques - Scoring Without the Ball

One of the most important things a coach looks for in a player is

their ability to set quality screens.

Yeah, it's true, to a coach, screens are extremely important.

Their entire offense revolves around setting good, solid screens.

Also, realize that not just coaches love screens. Players too
really notice when they run off of a good screen that enables them
to get a wide open shot.

So many times we've seen players that have a really good skill set,
but simply lack the basics and fundamentals needed to get playing
time on the court.

Setting proper screens is something so basic, that most players

simply choose to ignore it and focus their efforts and energy on
other things.

Unfortunately, this is a mistake all too common.

Players fail to realize that, more often than not, the person setting
the screen is normally the player that ends up with the ball in great
scoring position.

So, to help our players improve their screening ability, and

therefore improve their overall game and scoring average; we have
devised a two-part mini course on the fundamentals of screening.
We've spent a long time putting this mini course together and we
really are proud of it.

In part 1 of this course, we'll breakdown the key elements of

setting quality screens and explain in detail the different types
of screens a player can set.

Part 2 of the course will cover how to maximize each screen and
also discusses the important concepts about moving without the ball.

So, let's dive right into part 1 of this course...

Like we said earlier, screens are the fabric of any offense. And if
a player can demonstrate to a coach that they already have mastered
the fundamentals of setting screens, this will surely leave a great
impression.
This also shows a coach that you're a player who is fundamentally
sound, and that you can be an effective player for him right away.

Ok, so the first thing you need to know about screen setting is
that there are basically two types of screens, "on-the-ball
screens" and "off-the-ball screens". Both require the same
techniques and skill sets:

The Stance -

You need to stand with your feet wide and planted firmly against
the ground. Try to picture yourself as if your a mountain that
cannot be moved. Also be sure to have your arms tucked into your
chest so the refs can see that you're not committing a foul with
your hands and also to help protect yourself as your setting the
screen.

Positioning -

You must also maintain proper positioning. As your teammate runs

off of your screen, make sure that they rub shoulders with you. The
person coming off of the screen needs to be very close and tight
with you. The closer the player is to you, the closer you will be
to cutting off your teammate's defender.

Timing -

This is mainly a problem for the player running off of the screen.
A lot of times the player is too anxious and ends up moving before
the screener has time to get set. This really makes it easy for
the defender to avoid to the screen altogether. So, try your best
to get set as soon as possible. Take some time outside of practice
if you can and work on your timing with your teammates.

Angle -

Also, when you're setting the screen, you need to be in the correct
angle so that you will be directly in the way of the defender.
Improper angles will cause you to be either "too wide" or "too
high" allowing the defender to slip underneath your screen, or "too
low" in which case the defender can easily fight over the top of
your screen. All of which makes the screen useless.

Now, the angle that the screen is set is going to be determined by

the type of screen being used. So let's talk about the different
types of screens that are commonly used:

Front Screen -

This is a basic screen that's usually used "on-the ball". In this

case, you will need to stand perpendicular to your teammate, so
that you will be directly facing the defender.
Back Screen -

This type of screen is usually used "off-the-ball". Here, you need

to stand parallel to your teammate so that you will be facing the
defender's back. Try to get close enough that you're setting the
screen on the defender's back side, not allowing the defender to
turn their body.

Down Screen -

This type of screen is usually used "off-the-ball" and is normally

a screen used to get players open down on the block. Similar to
the back screen, you need to be parallel to your teammate and you
should get really close to the defender and set the screen on the
defenders back side.

Diagonal Screen -

This is where you would start from the elbow and move to the
opposite low block of the lane or vice-versa. Here, you need to
come towards your teammate at a 45 degree angle and try to screen
the defender on their shoulder area.

This completes part 1 of this course. Take the time to go over the
material one more time...

Basketball Screening Techniques - Scoring Without the Ball

Players that don't know how to move without the ball will never get
quality minutes on the floor.

This is one thing that coaches simply will not tolerate.

Why?

Well, because these type of players simply ruin the flow of the
offense and make things extremely difficult for their teammates.

They allow the defensive players to easily focus on your teams

primary scorers and enables them to use their energy for blocking
out, getting the rebound, and scoring on the other end.

Sometimes players simply focus too much on their one-on-one game

that they fail to realize that in a game setting, the majority of
the time, the ball will not be in your hands.
That's why being able to effectively play without the ball is so
important. Often times it is the difference between averaging 3-7
points a game to averaging 10 - 15 points per game.

And to help you master the art of playing without the ball and
therefore help you become a more complete player, we've created
Part 2 of this mini-course.

Part 1 focused on the fundamentals of setting screens, and now Part

2 will cover how to maximize each screen and the important concepts
of moving without the ball.

So what is the way to maximize every screen?

Well, the answer lies in the ability of the offensive players to

read and react to the defense.

The success of any screen not only relies on the ability of the
screener to set a solid screen, but also on your ability to
properly "set up" your defender to get screened.

Now, there are a few keys to keep in mind when you're trying to
properly "set-up" your defender.

The first thing you should keep in mind is to make it difficult for
your defender to predict where you're going to go. Make sure to
perform short, but strong jab steps in the opposite direction
you're going. This will help place the defensive player in an
optimal position to get screened.

You also have to learn how to react to your defender.

For example, if your defender tries to over play the screen and
slide over the top, then you should make one step over the top of
the screen, and then quickly cut backdoor towards the basket.

Also, if the defender is right on your tail, then you should

perform a curl over the top of the screen. This will allow you to
stay open, and not let your defender recover, keeping the defense
on their heels.

These are some of the ways you can maximize every screen.
But, realize that you don't need screens to get open. Simply by
taking advantage of various cuts, you can get open looks at the
basket.

So, let's talk about some of the commonly used cuts to help get you
open:

Front Cut -
The front cut is made between the defender and the ball. This cut
works really well in a "give and go" situation. You should start by
making pass, then fake to the opposite side, and then quickly cut
to the basket keeping your defender away from the ball.

Backcut -

The backcut works really well when your defensive player is

overplaying the passing lanes. Simply make one strong cut away
from the basket, and then sharply change directions and cut towards
the hoop

V-Cut -

This is one of the most simplest off-the-ball moves your can use to
break free from the defender. Simply start by taking a few steps
towards the basket, and then quickly dart away from the basket to
receive the pass. 9 out of 10 times your will be open for the pass.

L-Cut -

This cut is primarily used along the baseline or in the lane.

Here, you need to take a few steps parallel to the baseline, and
then quickly flash up away from the basket.

Button-Hook -

This is a combination of the V-cut and the curl. You simply perform
a quick cut towards the basket, and then pivot away from the hoop
while sealing off your defender to receive the pass.

Shallow Cut -

This cut is primarily used to promote proper spacing on the floor.

If the guard dribbles towards you on the wing, then you should cut
towards the basket, and out; ending up at the top of the key.

Deep Cut -

This is a cut made from the perimeter all the way towards the
basket and then continued to the opposite corner.

Flash Cut -

This is a quick cut, where you start from the low block, and then
quickly cut towards the opposite elbow to receive the pass.
 Secrets of Dribbling a Basketball...
,

We don't really care what position you play - guard, forward, or

center...

If you wanna be a good basketball player, then you gotta be able

to dribble a basketball, period.

Dribbling doesn't mean awesome ankle-breaking moves, it simply means

the ability to handle the ball.

So, what are the secrets to handling a basketball?

There are 3 secrets, and once you understand these, you really can
become better at ball-handling, pratically overnight.

Ok, so here are the secrets:

1) You must dribble to protect the ball - This means avoiding turning
the ball over (getting stripped, stolen, etc.)

2) You must dribble to create space - This means creating room between
you and your defender, so you can get off a shot or pass.

3) You must dribble to get past your defender - This means getting
one-step ahead of your defender so you can be in front of him/her.

The above 3 points may not seem like secrets, but they really are...

Most players think that the purpose of dribbling is to "show off"

and "shake the defender".

This is wrong! Once you know the REASON you are dribbling the ball,
once you know WHY you're dribbling, only then can you become a good
ball-handler. And thats why the above secrets are important, because
they help you mentally identify the goals of ball-handling.

Think about the 3 points carefully, and you'll begin to realize that
handling the ball isn't complicated...its simply about meeting a goal.

So, now that you know the goals, how do you achieve them? How do
you improve your handles?

Well, here are some tips to work on your handles:

> Dribble with your fingers first. Keeping the ball on the fingers
helps maintain better overall control. To develop better finger control,
work on strengthening your grip, stengthening your forearms, and
stetching out your fingers one by one by pulling them back towards
your body.

> During a strong dribble move, slightly palm the ball. For example,
when you're crossing the ball over from one side the another, you have
to slightly palm the ball so you don't lose if off your fingers. Be
careful, because over-palming can result in carrying the ball. Same
with the behing-the-back dribble, you have to slightly palm the ball.

> Always keep the ball low. The ball is fastest when its low to the
ground, and its easier to control as well. Bend at the knees to get
low, as if you're crouching a little bit.

> Trick your defender. This means dribbling in a way that your
defender doesn't know what you're gonna do next. Using head, shoulder,
and leg fakes can help you trick your defender. Also, constantly
switching the ball between your left and right hands also keeps the
defender guessing.

> Ofcourse, learn to dribble with both hands. To follow the above tip,
you need to be good with your left and right hands.

Once you start improving your handles, you're ready to put down
some strong dribble moves. All one-on-one moves, such as "the drive",
require decent ball-handling skills...

This is why its important that before you try fancy one-on-one
offensive moves, you work on improving basic ball-handing
fundamentals.

Killer 1-on-1 Basketball Moves You Should Start Doing Today...

Hi Ball Player,

Right now, imagine that you're on the court playing a tough game...

You get the ball in your hands, you're close to the hoop, and
there's just one defender in front of you ... Are you ready to put
down a strong move and score?

Today, we're going to help you perfect one of the most powerful moves
in basketball, and show you how to develop many more moves in your
offensive game...

Even though team-work is essential in basketball, awesome one-on-one

moves are what separate you as the great basketball player, the go-to-guy,
the scoring machine.

You're gonna find this newsletter to be one of your favorites, as

you read every word below.
There are 3 key points to know before attempting any move:

1) You don't have much time or space in a

basketball game. You HAVE to make a strong move and either score or
pass with 2 to 3 dribbles. You need to get in scoring position or
in a passing position without wasting time, space, or energy.

2) Quickness and footwork are very important. You don't have to be

fast, but you need to move quick. This means that in a small area,
you gotta move quickly. This doesn't require strong muscles, it
requires quick reaction time in the brain.

3) You have be in proper basketball positioning. This means that

you turn and face the basket - feet shoulder width apart - feet
pointed towards the basket - knees flexed - both shoulders pointed
towards the basket. If you're right-handed, keep the ball on your
right hand side; if you're left-handed, keep it on the left-hand
side. (Re-read this tip, proper positioning is very important)

>> Ok, the move we wanna help you perfect today is "The Drive". Good,
strong driving ability can help you break-down defenses, score more
points, and get more assists...

*The Drive*

Basically, when you drive, you get past your defender and move
towards the basket with speed & quickness. Being good at driving
has many advantages. You can get easy layups or find your teammates
in a good position to score. Half the time, you'll even get fouled.

To help you understand the drive, lets take a look at what Sidney
Moncrief, a true basketball legend, says about it:

"When I receive the ball I can set my man up for a drive by using
ball, shoulder, or head fakes. Depending on the position of my
defender, I can also fake a jump shot, get my man in the air, and
go around him."

"When my man does go for one of my fakes, I push off my pivot

foot, take a long quick first step toward the hoop, as I put the
ball down hard on the floor just past the hip of the defender. When
the ball is put down, I lift my pivot foot, push past the
defender's shoulder and go for the hoop."

Beautifully said Sidney... Now, you shouldn't OVERUSE the drive.

When you start driving too much, you become predictable. Your
defensive man can read you and he starts backing off, and the rest
of the defense can read you and start trapping...

You have to be DECEPTIVE, or in other words, the defense should

never know what you're gonna do next. Thats why you need to have a
decent outside shot. When you drive past your defender a couple of
times, he'll start backing off. When he backs off, you take an
outside shot. After hitting a few shots, the defense will play you
tight again, and you can go back to the drive.

The key is to keep switching between the drive and layup, drive and
pass, and taking the outside shot... and the defense will always
stay confused.

Many players get the ball stripped and stolen from them when they
drive. This is because they don't protect the ball with their body...

Here's how to protect the ball:

- Turn your trunk, or your abs, away from the defender.

- Move the ball from the front of your body to the side of your
body, and repeat this cycle as long as you have the ball on the
floor.
- When you pick up your dribble, and you're ready to take your two
steps, flare your elbows out and hold the ball strongly with your
palms.

Okay, so to recap, here's the main points that you need to remember
about driving:

1) Square up with the basket (Your feet and shoulders should

point towards the basket)
2) Keep low with your knees flexed (This helps you stay quick)
3) With the ball in your hands, push hard off your back foot and
take a long, quick 1st step towards the basket.
4) Take your dribble before you leave your back foot and make it a
hard dribble that you can control.
5) Protect the ball by using your body and your elbows (without
swinging the elbows)

Keep working on this over and over and over again. This helps you
develop a quick first-step and good footwork, both of which are
very important in basketball.

Practice these mechanics and techniques in your off time, with or

without a defender. Practice it often!

Now, when you start becoming good at driving, then the next thing
you need to focus on is scoring and passing...

Always concentrate and keep your eyes on the defense. Often times,
as you drive, another defender will pop in front to stop you, and
there's someone on your team thats open. Here's where you can start
picking up assists.

Good court-vision starts with keeping your head up and eyes open.
You always have to concentrate on either scoring or passing, and
nothing else...
Most of the time, however, you should committ to the shot. So, you
need to work on scoring first and passing second. The only time you
wanna pass is when another defender steps right in front of you,
and you're double-teamed. Otherwise, its better to committ to the
shot and CONCENTRATE on scoring.

The Defensive Key to Lock Down Your Opponent...

It doesn't matter how good your offense is, if you're not
defensively sound, you WILL be the "bench warmer" for
your team.

Believe it or not, coaches do care about defense more than offense.

Coaches know that the key to winning is slowing down and stopping
the other teams' star players.

Now, you don't need to constantly steal the ball from them, or
block all their shots to be an effective defensive player.

Simply being able to stay infront of him/her and force them into
tough, low percentage shots does the trick.

The key here is to make your man work extremely hard to get off a
shot. Your mind set should be to wear him out and make him tired.

Even if he/she starts out hitting those tough shots, it doesn't matter.
As the game progresses, the amount of work, and energy they had to
use will show its effects.

Now, realize that all this is only possible if you're able to stay
infront of your man.

Let's take a look at some of the defensive tips presented in Part 2

of the Elite Basketball Improvement System: "All-Star Basketball Skills"

TIP: Keep your eyes on the defender's abs.

=> No matter what fake the offensive player performs, they can only
go where their abs take them.

TIP: Play defense with your feet not your hands.

=> Don't be lazy, you need to move your feet. Reaching aimlessly
with your hands will only lead to pointless fouls.

TIP: Go for the steal on the up-bounce.

=> This is when the ball is moving the slowest, and when your
player has the least control.
TIP: Get low.

=> When in your defensive stance make sure to get low and wide,
while staying on the balls of your feet. This will maximize you
ability to stay in front of your defender and not let him blow past
you.

By practicing the defensive TIPS presented above, you will

instantly see improvements in your defense.

Keeping Your "Mental Cool" in Tough Game

Situations...
It's really a shame, but time and time
again, we've seen quality basketball
players get taken out of their game.
Not by the opponents quickness, strength,
or physical talents, but by the opponents
mouth.
If you want to be a top "go to" basketball player,
you can't let the trash talk get to you.
To help ensure that you never fall victim
to these psychological games, let's take a
sneak peek at one of the TIPS, Strategies,
and Keys provided in Part 4 of the Elite
Basketball Improvement System: "Become A
Mental Warrior"
Key: Understand that you control your own
actions.
=> Realize that no one can enter into your
head unless you let them.
=> TIP: Remove self-consciousness from
your emotions and have the confidence to
concentrate on your game.
=> TIP: Don't let the need for recognition
ruin your game. Understand that all trash
talking and psychological tactics are
based on this principle.
It's powerful Keys and TIPS like this one
that will help train and strengthen your
mental game.
The mental aspect of the game is truly
what will set you apart from everyone
else.

Offensive Rebounding: Easily improve your Scoring

Average and make coaches fall in love you...
Do you know the easiest way to improve your scoring average and
make coaches fall in love with you?
Second chance points...Getting an offensive rebound and having a
second chance at scoring.
Today, we'll help you become a better offensive rebounder, which will,
in turn, allow you to score easy points off put-backs.
Unfortunately, most players fail to realize the importance of
offensive rebounding. They simply give it no importance, which is
really sad considering how it really helps win games.
A lot of times we hear players complaining that crashing the
offensive boards requires too much energy, and it starts affecting
their offensive and defensive game.
Yeah, it's true; it is a dirty job that requires lots of energy and
effort on your part. But you have to ask yourself "How much is
winning worth to you"? "How much is adding 4-6 EXTRA points per game
worth to you"?
Its worth a LOT, and let us show you how to make grabbing that
offensive board a little "easy-er":
> Anticipation
You need to be able to anticipate when and where the shot will be
taken. So, you have to keep an eye on the person with the ball and
try to anticipate whether he/she is looking to shoot or pass...
..the key to getting the offensive rebound is being able to
beat your defender to the spot. If you know that your teammate is
going to shoot, then you can start setting up for an offensive
rebound. Know your teammates, study them well, and know when they
like to shoot.
=> TIP: 70% of the shots end up on the opposite side of the
shooter. Also, make sure to follow your shots. This is something
so simple, yet often times over-looked. If you're the one shooting,
simply run in for the rebound right away, every single time.
=> TIP: Look at the ball in the air, and determine if it's going to
be short or long. With enough practice, you'll get really good at
predicting where the ball will end up. Typically, line-drive shots
with little arc tend to come off the rim "strong", and high arcing
shots come off the rim "softer".
> Attitude & Focus
Rebounding is 75% desire and 25% physical. You need to have the
passion and desire to grab the rebound. Remember, the player that
wants it the most will get the rebound.
=> TIP: Assuming that every shot will be missed will help get you
in the right frame of mind. If you think the shot might go in, you
won't even begin setting up for the rebound.
=> TIP: Focus on keeping your hands active. Only good things can
happen if get your hands on the ball. Keep your hands up, palms open,
ready to grab or swat the ball as needed.
> Counter-Moves
You're not always going to guess right, or be in the right position
to get the rebound. That's why you must have great counter-moves
to get around your defender.
=> TIP: Fake and Go -- Before the defender makes contact, step as
though you are going to go in one direction and then quickly step
in the opposite direction to gain position.
=> TIP: Spin Move -- Try to make the defensive player overplay one
side, and quickly spin in the opposite direction to gain the
advantage.
So, as you can see, quickness plays a big role in getting the
offensive rebound.
Players that can make quick moves, and get off the ground quickly,
definitely have the advantage.
Many times, it's not the tallest player that gets the rebound;
rather, it's the one who gets off the ground the quickest.
And, being able to jump high is also a big advantage...

Thank you for reading this free e-book, we hope you have learnt a lot from
and we wish you all the best in your basketball journey. Also visit
ZZZIDPHEDVNHWEDOOFRP for more free tips and moves and other great e-
books.

With help from - www.basketball-drills-and-plays.com