Skills Video Clips
We recently came across a terrific video of Coach Bobby Knight while he was at Indiana. 6 hours in length, it describes nearly every element of basketball: practice preparation, game management, skill development, the importance of REPETITION, drill sequences and many other aspects of the game. Please take a look at this 1 MINUTE CLIP below, ripped from this much longer video. Basketball Basics TEACHES the game, a necessary and critical component to competitive play. Coach Knight discusses teaching versus coaching in this 1 minute clip
Please find below Video Clips of key fundamental basketball skills. We will gradually add new clips of different skills over time.
Basketball Basics has built a reputation for terrific fundamental instruction. At a recent college coach's conference (BCAM: Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan), many college head coaches were in attendance and talked about their styles, their practice habits, game strategies and other issues. (DePaul, St. Joseph, Michigan, MSU, Utah, George Mason among others) One common theme among many coaches was that athleticism in basketball can be negated by strong skills. Some of these basic skills are noted below in these video clips.
While strong skills may negate athleticism, athleticism PLUS strong skills is a powerful combination. Whether you or your son/daughter have these skills, one fact is clear: building the muscle memory by sheer repetition of these drills will lead to a more competitive player.
These drills and others are part of the instruction we offer. The skills you see here are primarily for older players, we generally do not introduce these skills until the 5th/6th Grade level, although we demonstrate these drills for all players.
PLEASE NOTE: the vast majority of players, even those players who consider themselves competitive already, will choose NOT to do these drills. This is very good news for the players who work hard and consistently at these drills.
I hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon.
Coach Jim McGannon
2:24 seconds
Self Shooting: Reps, ball position, extension
The Mirror Drill: visual feedback and reps, ball position and extension
The Metronome Drill: rythm, visual feedback and reps, ball position and extension
The Line Drill: diagnoses poor releases and how to repair
1:33 seconds
LOW TECH, HIGH CONCEPT
Tons of reps, visual feedback, the ball stays up, leg flex required
Follwed by Short Shooting. See the ball go in. Builds confidence
The Mikan Drill:
This may well be the most important and practiced skill drill. After reading the basic elements of the drill below, click on the link to see the skill properly executed.
1. The ball remains head high or higher throughout the drill
2. The player ALWAYS jumps off the insdie foot (the fooot closest to the hoop)
3. The player shoots with the appropriate hand: Right hand on the right side of the hoop and Left hand on the left.
4. The ball should NEVER HIT THE GROUND in this drill.
5. The player elevates off the inside foot, he does NOT PIVOT and jump off of two feet (Slower witrh less spring)
6. PLEASE NOTE: The player only takes TWO steps each time he rebounds the ball.
Mikan Drill Clip
The Reverse Mikan Drill
Identical to Mikan Drill above except the player is now facing the court, with his back to the baseline. Watch the player's feet and the spin off the board. This skill permits a player to make hoops with ease from under the basket with either hand. Terrific skill for players who drive hard to the hole and challlenge the shot blockers.
PLEASE NOTE: The player only takes TWO steps each time he rebounds the ball.
Reverse Mikan Drill Clip
The Catch and Shoot Drill
This drill teaches a player to catch a pass and shoot the ball in 1 motion. Key elements are:
1. JUMP TO THE BALL. Do not wait for the pass to arrive and do not walk into the pass. Jump to the ball.
2. While the ball is being caught by jumping to it, DO NOT BRING THE BALL DOWN. Rather, extend as well as you can and release the shot as high in the stroke as possible. Younger players should release the shot at least head high, older, stronger players as fully extedned as possible.
3. Continue to move with out the ball, and the rebounder will feed the shooter again and again in this drill.
Shooting EXTENSION Drill
This drill is similar to the Catch and Shoot, only the primary purpose is to develop strong extension when shooting. Most players bring the ball down to shoot, this drill eliminates that bad habit.
1. Rebounder feeds the shooter with a pass as high as possible.
2. Shooter catches the pass and fully extends.
3. Similar to Catch and Shoot but the focus isn't so much on jumping to the ball as it is on a FULL and LONG Release.
Defensive Slide Drill
This is one of many drills devised to teach players to properly position their feet defensively.
1. A good defender is always in a low and wide stance.
2. Maintaining the width of the feet is important, allowing quick directional changes, strong and aggressive pivoting and great space creation defensively.
3. Slide Wide, Go Low. DO NOT CROSS your feet.
4. A player who understands this skill can often take advantage of his defender. Most players stand straight up and down, and they do not slide their feet. They often simply run with their player on the defensive end of the court. A smart offensive player will simply change directions quickly (back door cuts) as his defender is crossing his feet. The athleticism and quickness of the defender is nullified as he is vulnerable defensively with his feet out-of-position.
5. The demonstration in this drill is average. While the player is sliding his feet well, the width is not maintained in this clip. Study it and TRY AND MAINTAIN FOOT WIDTH DEFENSIVELY.
Defensive Slide Drill with Chest Pass Catch
This is another drill similar to above that encourages players to slide their feet, stay low and maintain good foot width defensively. Coupled with this skill is the basic skill of catching the ball with fully extended arms, a key skill. Players must learn the habit of extension in every area of the game, none more important than extending to catch the ball. This drill combines good foot preparation with teaching the habit of catching the ball with extended arms and hands.
Free Throw Shooting
2 key elements to great free throw shooting (BEYOND SOLID MECHANICS):
1. Get off the line between free throws. Incorporate receiving the ball from the ref as PART OF YOUR ROUTINE. This mainatins good rythm and allows shooter to control the free throw sequence, which varies every time a free throw is shot (time outs, subs, delays, etc).
2. Develop a 1 PIECE STROKE. No stops, starts or hesitations. The best shooters get the ball from the ref, toe the line as part of their routine and shoot the ball with NO STOPS OR STARTS. A 1 piece stroke.
NO DRIBBLES in the Lane
This is a terrific skill, and one that must be developed by all players. Most players have the habit of catching the ball near the hoop and putting it on the floor. This is unnecessary in many instances, and gives the advantage to the defense.
As the player catches the ball, his feet should be in a good position to take 2 full strides and jump off the inside foot with out putting the ball on the floor. In this video, this drill is shown with the player only going left and using his left hand. It should be executed as well on the right side of the court. This skill is important for players who cut to the basket and get the ball prepared to score and also for fast break opportunities where there is a 3 on 2 or 2 on 1 advantage. In many instances the ball does NOT need to hit the floor if the players have good foot skills and can anticipate the pass.
2:29 seconds. Most players have no clue how to play position defense in relation to the ball. All that really matters is the BALL if we are appropriately positioned to it (BALL-YOU-MAN). This drill teaches players to understand what the Line of the Ball is, how to be aware and anticipate the ball's movement and then to position themselves appropriately BELOW THE LINE and in a FAVOR THE STRONG SIDE position.
2:57 seconds
