Preparing to shoot a basketball
Small Problems at the Free Throw Line
The hardest part of refereeing basketball is not coaching. I watch players make the same mistake over and over, and I just want to help, but it’s not my place. Read more
Problems with Free Throw Practice
Why everyone should shoot like Steve Nash
Originally published in Hard2Guard Player Development Newsletter 4.35. Similar articles available in Brian McCormick’s Hard2Guard Player Development Newsletters, Volume 4.
I believe Steve Nash is the best shooter to play in the NBA, at least since the NBA incorporated the three-point line. While my belief is based primarily on observation, the numbers support the theory. John Hollinger, the creator of the player efficiency rankings, ranks Nash as the all-time #1 shooter based on a combined shooting range (CSR) which adds 2-point percentage, 3-pt % and FT%. Read more
Free Throw Shooting Instruction
Former Washington Wizards’ and Toronto Raptors’ Shooting Coach Dave Hopla explains the basics that he uses when instructing free throws. He keeps the instructions simple rather than over-complicating the shot, which tends to cause “paralysis by analysis.”
- “Toe – Tack – Target”
- “Valve the Basketball”
Who decided that a point guard has to be small? More importantly, what is a point guard?
We expect a point guard to be a leader and have a high basketball I.Q. Why don’t we expect or challenge all players to develop this game awareness? Why rely on only one player?
English soccer academies wait until players are 11 to play full 11v11 soccer; in Italy, youth basketball players participate in skill-oriented clinics at 6-years-old, but start competitive games at 12. In the United States, kids play 5v5 full court games and compete for national championships when they are 8-years-old.
The PBDL emphasizes learning and development. Presently, players and parents have numerous recreation options - leagues based on fun and equal participation, typically for beginners - and numerous competitive opportunities - teams focused on strategy, game preparation and winning. There are few true development leagues - until now.