Some advice for basketball players

[carpevicis]

Whats up everyone, I just got back from my second session at Point Guard College and this time the director was a women's college player who led the country in assists, was an All-American and was drafted into the WNBA. Like my first session, I learned a lot about basketball but also a lot about life and how it relates to basketball. I figured I'd post about practice and motivation so people like MannyO and others who want to play at the collegiate level can get some insight. Here goes:

Almost everyone already knows how to play basketball. Everyone looking to play at the next level, which for me and many others, already knows to a certain extent how to shoot, dribble, pass and run an offense. But what I didn't know was that skills only take you so far. Here's the statistic I want to share:

About 3.1% of high school basketball players will play at the college level for an NCAA school. Many of you want to get a scholarship to a D1 or D2 school. That number is even lower.

I'm not throwing this stat out to discourage anyone. I'm throwing this out to motivate all of you. The truth is that it is so hard to make it that you really have to spent a good amount of time working on your game. How many of you have ever skipped a workout or went easy on the court? I know I did, but I didn't understand that when people tell you others are working hard, they're not lying.

Now here's the second part of this. All of us basketball players will eventually stop playing basketball. It can be for physical, mental or personal reasons, but the point is that we're not going to play forever. This is why I wanted to share with you all about urgency.

Our windows of opportunity for basketball are short. For those of us who want to play in college it's even shorter. For some we might stop when we're 18 and leave high school, for others 21, and for even others a later date. I'm not sure about you, but I have 2 years left to make my dream come true. People have told me I could always play college ball when I'm in my 20s or 30s but that's not what I want, I want to play it when I leave HS because I feel like returning to college just to play is a waste of time. So if I have so little time left, why waste it by doing pointless things like playing video games and chilling when I should be practicing and lifting?

Let me share why I'm doing this, why I'm sharing this. I want to start a thread where anyone can come and get motivated. I'm 16 and for my whole life people told me I was garbage at basketball. That hurt me but looking back at it I can see where it was coming from, because I didn't care until about 8 months ago. I'd eat so much garbage, waste so much time and play when I felt like it.

I talked to a D3 coach about my aspirations. They told me anything was possible but it would be harder because I was a late bloomer: a person who didn't know their goals until later on in life. But now I know what I want, so I'm going to get it.

Last night was the last night at my Point Guard College session. It was 4 days of the most exhausting basketball activities I'd ever done in my life. Everyday I felt so sore and tired it was a struggle to keep going. Then, this happened in the final tournament we played in.

15 players were chosen as captains to pick players from a group of 63 other athletes to form a team of 5. I sat on the bleachers until there were about 5 players left. 5 players. I was disappointed and angry because I honestly thought I deserved to go higher. So I went out with a chip on my shoulder and I played the worst basketball of my life.

I'm not going to get into details but I shot 0/2. The last shot I took was a 2 on 1 breakaway layup for my team to win. I missed.

That's my motivation.

Please post if you have anything to add.

[dwadefan11]

I only have 2 years also, but I'm hoping to make it 3 if I can repeat or take a postgraduate year at a prepschool.

I'm 5'8 right now, my dad is 6'2" and I'm supposed to be anywhere from 5'11 to 6'1. I've been growing 4 inches a year for the past 2 years so I really hope I can get there.

I think one of the keys is for basketball to be fun. Its just a game, and it should be fun.

At the same time, I love playing with a chip on my shoulder. People telling me I won't make it because I'm too small, makes me go a little harder.

This has inspired me. My season starts november 20 and I truly need a breakout year. I was my teams starting point guard last year but did not do enough in my opinion.

My goal is to average 20-25 ppg this season, with a good amount of assits/steals and rebounds too.

I have around 80 days before my season. Everyday I'm going to post what I did in the day to keep me going, starting tommorow. Join in if you want.

[bobbyflay]

Hmm a very nice thread. Must use a WOW OMG I MUST LOOK AT THIS THREAD title though.

I'm going in 9th grade this year, so I guess I have 4 years.

I'm 5'6 right now, but I'm trying out for point guard.

People always said I sucked. They always said I had no passion. They always said I would always be a watcher standing by while the world goes in a spiral. Now, I'm going to prove them wrong.

I always loved basketball. I loved all games, but the brilliance of basketball is just too great.

I never actually understood the rules of basketball until 3 months ago. I have been playing basketball even though I was 5 though. When I showed them my basketball skills, they said I was naturally talented. I don't know how to take this advice though, because I practiced 5 hours a day from the age of 5 to 8 and 1-3 hours from 11 to now.

I improved my skills 3x more this year than all those years from correct practice techniques.

Alot of people say I can't make it though. They say I would get dominated in a game. They say I can't break through the barrier of limitation, but everyone has no limits.

^^^^ I hope you do man. Also, it would be good if you could post some videos. I need alot of videos to learn(hoping to make JV in 9th grade).

[carpevicis]

Yeah good luck to both of you, I'll definitely try to keep a daily update on my training starting tomorrow.

I'm 5'7" and I hope I can be around 5'10" without shoes but I've seen in my eyes that height and size doesn't matter. I played with this kid who was 5'8" and 130, but you'd never have known by the way he played. He drove in the lane hard and banged with players 10 inches taller while still managing to finish. He wasn't the most athletic but he was fearless.

I need a strong year also. I haven't played legit basketball on a team/in a league before. I was cut year after year after year and there's a possibility I might be moving to the Los Angeles area where I know they're serious about ball there.

And yeah, there's been a lot of negativity. I can count all the people who believed in me on 2 hands. Some of those people I saw once and haven't seen them since, others I still keep in touch with. These are the people I fight for. Other than that, it's always "he's too small, he's too slow, he's too weak or he's too bad". For me, combining the negative aspects with the positive parts really helps push you through.

[Maga_1]

Damn, Carpevicius when i read something about you, you're always negging you, always saying that you did bad things. You have to stop that bro, it's not good for you :s

[Rake2204]

A college basketball spot will be there for you guys if you want it. There are a lot more college roster spots than you think, if you're willing to put in the work. You can look at the 3.2% number (percentage of high school players who play college ball) from a couple of different perspectives. I liked to break it down logically.

3.2% is 3.2% of all high school players. That includes each teams' best player, the last guy on the bench who plays every three games, and everyone in between. If you commit and work hard enough to get to the point of being the best or one of the best players on your team, your chances of playing college ball are actually greatly higher than 3.2%.

In fact, just off the top of my head (completely unsophisticated here) I'd bet the chances of a high school teams' first or second best player playing college ball could be at least 80% (if they were to pursue such an option, many do not). Coaching at an admitted non-powerhouse class B school (the 2nd largest of four state classifications) I've seen some of my best players leave basketball behind at high school while other times I've seen the fourth or fifth guy take advantage and carve out a college basketball career themselves. Therefore, I never felt that 3.2% number did anything but scare people. If you're a great player, you can play college ball. You're not fighting insurmountable odds.

In terms of what keeps me going though, my basketball motivation is to use my skill while I still have it. I've worked under this mindset since I turned 19 or 20. Post high school I assumed my best basketball days were behind me. I realized though, my prime had not yet arrived. Since that realization, I've spent my freetime taking advantage of what I have, enjoying every day on the basketball court, maximizing my ability, dunking like I might blow out my ACL tomorrow.

[dwadefan11]

Yeah good luck to both of you, I'll definitely try to keep a daily update on my training starting tomorrow.

I'm 5'7" and I hope I can be around 5'10" without shoes but I've seen in my eyes that height and size doesn't matter. I played with this kid who was 5'8" and 130, but you'd never have known by the way he played. He drove in the lane hard and banged with players 10 inches taller while still managing to finish. He wasn't the most athletic but he was fearless.

I need a strong year also. I haven't played legit basketball on a team/in a league before. I was cut year after year after year and there's a possibility I might be moving to the Los Angeles area where I know they're serious about ball there.

And yeah, there's been a lot of negativity. I can count all the people who believed in me on 2 hands. Some of those people I saw once and haven't seen them since, others I still keep in touch with. These are the people I fight for. Other than that, it's always "he's too small, he's too slow, he's too weak or he's too bad". For me, combining the negative aspects with the positive parts really helps push you through.

Its true it really doesnt matter. But for someone like me the extra inches would really help me look more legit as a baller, and would help my ability to dunk and get shots off. I've always thought that those that could dunk have a much better chance at playing on the next level.

[dwadefan11]

First day down... just lifted legs and then went to the rec center and got up shots with my friend for 2 hours. Not a bad day but I need to keep up the hard work if I want to go anywhere.

[Venom]

I'm sort of in the same position as you. I haven't played organized ball since 7th grade and I'm going to be a sophomore this year. I've been cut since 8th grade and I've tried to shrug it off and keep trying. I've drilled and lifted this summer and if I don't make the team this year, I'm giving up. I love basketball, but not enough to dedicate my entire life to it. I'm probably going to switch sports to body building which I have always wanted to do but couldn't because it would negatively effect my game.

[Swaggin916]

I'm sort of in the same position as you. I haven't played organized ball since 7th grade and I'm going to be a sophomore this year. I've been cut since 8th grade and I've tried to shrug it off and keep trying. I've drilled and lifted this summer and if I don't make the team this year, I'm giving up. I love basketball, but not enough to dedicate my entire life to it. I'm probably going to switch sports to body building which I have always wanted to do but couldn't because it would negatively effect my game.

Bodybuilding will negatively effect your health if you really get into it. Be careful with that if that's what you end up doing.

[Venom]

Bodybuilding will negatively effect your health if you really get into it. Be careful with that if that's what you end up doing.

I'm not going to try to be on of those heavy-weight hulk-like guys. I might just make it a hobby and try to be bigger and more cut up than the average guy.

Edit: To be honest, I'm talking out my ass. I'm probably not going to quit basketball no matter how many times I get cut. I guess I'm just looking for an excuse to be good at something.

[dwadefan11]

Edit: To be honest, I'm talking out my ass. I'm probably not going to quit basketball no matter how many times I get cut. I guess I'm just looking for an excuse to be good at something.

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[carpevicis]

Worked on my 3 point shot for the first time in a long time today. Was airballing quite a bit at first but once I got warmed up and started using my legs I started to hit them.

I'm just going to practice 3s and driving to the rim now. My mid range game is decent but I'm not going to work on it so I can improve on other aspects of my game. My goal is to become a PG with a nasty shot. Steve Nash style.

[dagreatesteva25]

I'm a 14 year old freshmen this season and all the talk is that I'll be playing both JV and Varsity, heres my basketball profile

- 6'1" tall
- 141 pounds(need a weight lifting program)
- Combo Guard(played mostly point my whole life)
- Pretty long with a 6'5" or so wingspan
- Can dunk with ease
- Played varsity and JV all summer league long and played pretty well
- Strengths: Ball Handling, Quickness, Finishing, Athleticism, Length, Rebounding
- Weaknesses: Outside Shot, Midrange Shooting, TURNOVERS(biggest point my coaches have made, Controlling Tempo, Forcing Passes, Streaky Shooting
- I've never came of a the bench for any game till this varsity summer league
- Been playing organized ball since I was 7
- Attending a high school that is all about basketball with a coach who has been there for close to 30 years, always a top 5 team in basketball but no state championship, play in the top class

I'm 99.9% sure I'll be starting at PG on JV this league and coming off the bench as a combo guard and getting a couple minutes here and there on varsity. We're a consensus top 3 team in the state led by 3 seniors who have all been JV/Varsity since freshmen year. This includes an all-state PG.

I've got a little bit of local hype as I've usually been the best player on the court thus far. I've gotten nothing as far as colleges go though but I've played in a couple big name tournaments and camps and did fairly well, I'm hoping this year I can push into 6th man type minutes for our team and help us win a state championship. For my sophomore year I'm hoping I can make a push for all-district as the keys will be handed over to me and Junior and Senior year my goal is to make all-state. I know I'm gifted to be given this size and length. Thus far everything has seemed easy getting by based on pure athletic ability but I know I have to get out there and earn it now.

My coach is kinda old school and in the summer league I got in the doghouse a little bit after committing a good bit of turnovers. My style is basically full speed all the time and I know I gotta control that to not just get to the next level but the division 1 level

[dwadefan11]

Worked on my 3 point shot for the first time in a long time today. Was airballing quite a bit at first but once I got warmed up and started using my legs I started to hit them.

I'm just going to practice 3s and driving to the rim now. My mid range game is decent but I'm not going to work on it so I can improve on other aspects of my game. My goal is to become a PG with a nasty shot. Steve Nash style.

Why are you airballing? Not enough power? Different form?

[Swaggin916]

Well you have good size and hopefully have some more growing to do. You could end up being 6'4... or you could end up being 6'1.5... who knows. Do you know how tall you are supposed to be.

Yea you probably have been able to rely on your athleticism thus farm but generally that's a good thing... it gets you aggressive and attacking the basket from early age. It sounds like you are well on your way to good things so if you can develop a solid jumper and 3 ball... seems like the sky is the limit.

[dagreatesteva25]

well my Dad is around 6-8" or 6'9'

Oldest Brother is 6'3"
Next Brother is 6'8"
Other Brother is 6'5(just graduated)

So I imagine a should have some size but not sure exactly how much

[carpevicis]

Good shooting workout today, got lots of shots from behind the arc up. Starting to get used to shooting 3s, as well as mid range pull ups after stopping on a dime. Goal is to be an Aaron Brooks type player with a passing game.

Side note: tomorrow is my last bulking workout, then I'm going to cut off the fat and hopefully drop to around 135-140 when finished (I'm around 147 now).

[dwadefan11]

Good shooting workout today, got lots of shots from behind the arc up. Starting to get used to shooting 3s, as well as mid range pull ups after stopping on a dime. Goal is to be an Aaron Brooks type player with a passing game.

Side note: tomorrow is my last bulking workout, then I'm going to cut off the fat and hopefully drop to around 135-140 when finished (I'm around 147 now).

Good stuff man I just lifted biceps and back and shot around a little, nothing serious, I did legs yesterday and wanted to give them a chance to rest.

[Swaggin916]

well my Dad is around 6-8" or 6'9'

Oldest Brother is 6'3"
Next Brother is 6'8"
Other Brother is 6'5(just graduated)

So I imagine a should have some size but not sure exactly how much

Well if there is a pattern here... you should be 6'10 :lol Lucky you, you should be at least 6'3, and if you have good length and athleticism, that is tall enough for sure.

[Deadpool]

Ok well I'm 17 and about 6'0". I never really played basketball for any team I usually just play for the fun of it. I realized that even without committing myself so much I'm better than most people who actually play for their High School or College teams. I first started playing basketball when I was 12 and ever since I just did the usual pick up games at park or just shooting around with friends or playing HORSE, 21 and all the other fun games. It really hit me this year how good I am though. I mean I play with guys who have been playing organized basketball for years and they practice as much as they can and for me it just comes easy. I have really long arms and I'm pretty much able to get my shot off from anywhere against anyone. I can be a lock-down hard nosed defender Artest style.

I was actually thinking about trying to get into organized basketball maybe join my team in HS and then hopefully play in college, but one thing that worries me is that I don't think I'm gonna grow that much, most of my friends are either catching up to me or they are already taller than me. If I ever wanted to make it pro I don't think I could as a 6'0" white male. I also started lifting weight and working out about a year ago. You guys have any advice? Any sort of food that will burst my growth or maybe stretching or less working out?

[carpevicis]

Good stuff man I just lifted biceps and back and shot around a little, nothing serious, I did legs yesterday and wanted to give them a chance to rest.

Definitely a good idea to shoot after you lift though, it keeps your form precise. I stopped lifting muscle groups individually and now am focused on total body coordination and power.


Ok well I'm 17 and about 6'0". I never really played basketball for any team I usually just play for the fun of it. I realized that even without committing myself so much I'm better than most people who actually play for their High School or College teams. I first started playing basketball when I was 12 and ever since I just did the usual pick up games at park or just shooting around with friends or playing HORSE, 21 and all the other fun games. It really hit me this year how good I am though. I mean I play with guys who have been playing organized basketball for years and they practice as much as they can and for me it just comes easy. I have really long arms and I'm pretty much able to get my shot off from anywhere against anyone. I can be a lock-down hard nosed defender Artest style.

I was actually thinking about trying to get into organized basketball maybe join my team in HS and then hopefully play in college, but one thing that worries me is that I don't think I'm gonna grow that much, most of my friends are either catching up to me or they are already taller than me. If I ever wanted to make it pro I don't think I could as a 6'0" white male. I also started lifting weight and working out about a year ago. You guys have any advice? Any sort of food that will burst my growth or maybe stretching or less working out?

Don't worry about your height. Height is one of the most overrated things I've ever heard about in basketball along with athleticism. At 6'0", you'd be a good size for a PG, trust me it's more about IQ and skills.

One thing though, if you don't think you can make it pro then you won't. You have to honestly believe you're good, but never complacent. You know you're better than the HS and college players you're playing with, so college is open for you. Just keep in mind that they might be better in a system with plays and fouls and such.

No, there is no food that can make you grow taller. Height is uncontrollable, despite what many people with pills and stretching exercises might tell you. Don't get down on what you don't have, being shorter is very advantageous in it's own right. Just eat healthy, start lifting consistently and work everyday. It's never too late to achieve any goal.

[dwadefan11]

Ok well I'm 17 and about 6'0". I never really played basketball for any team I usually just play for the fun of it. I realized that even without committing myself so much I'm better than most people who actually play for their High School or College teams. I first started playing basketball when I was 12 and ever since I just did the usual pick up games at park or just shooting around with friends or playing HORSE, 21 and all the other fun games. It really hit me this year how good I am though. I mean I play with guys who have been playing organized basketball for years and they practice as much as they can and for me it just comes easy. I have really long arms and I'm pretty much able to get my shot off from anywhere against anyone. I can be a lock-down hard nosed defender Artest style.

I was actually thinking about trying to get into organized basketball maybe join my team in HS and then hopefully play in college, but one thing that worries me is that I don't think I'm gonna grow that much, most of my friends are either catching up to me or they are already taller than me. If I ever wanted to make it pro I don't think I could as a 6'0" white male. I also started lifting weight and working out about a year ago. You guys have any advice? Any sort of food that will burst my growth or maybe stretching or less working out?

One step at a time my dude... Play some high school ball, then college, then see what happens. 6' isnt extremely tall but still I would kill to be that height and its plenty tall enough if you have skills. Don't worry about the pros yet, take it day by day and see what happens.

[Swaggin916]

Plenty of 6'0 white guys have played in the NBA. Steve Nash is not 6'3... he is more like 6'1, so only an inch taller. Chris Quinn, Stockton, Mark Price, Scott Skiles, Jordan Farmar might as well be white he is not a lanky player at all, Luke Ridonour, Steve Kerr was just a little taller than 6'0... So I mean there have been dudes. The things you have to look at here... with the exception of Farmar (who is very athletic), all these guys weren't great athletes, but they had either great floor vision, were great shooters, or both. If you don't grow another inch, in todays NBA, you could easily be a Carlos Arroyo type. A guy who has good vision, can run an offense, and knock down and open jumper. The only thing he can't do is shoot 3's... if he could, he would have started for Miami no question about it. So... mold yourself into a player who will be successful on all levels if you really want to advance. You aren't going to be able to play like Kobe, or D Rose, or any of the taller more athletic guys and be successful... you have to be smart. Be smart first, and then if you happen to be a pretty good or good athlete, then maybe there are some things you can add to that.

[NY-Knicks]

Good shooting workout today, got lots of shots from behind the arc up. Starting to get used to shooting 3s, as well as mid range pull ups after stopping on a dime. Goal is to be an Aaron Brooks type player with a passing game.

Side note: tomorrow is my last bulking workout, then I'm going to cut off the fat and hopefully drop to around 135-140 when finished (I'm around 147 now).


Wow, we have completely different guard styles. Mainly because I outweigh you by a lot. 6'3, 195 pounds. How tall are you?

[carpevicis]

Wow, we have completely different guard styles. Mainly because I outweigh you by a lot. 6'3, 195 pounds. How tall are you?

Around 5'7", 5'8". What's your style? Tyreke Evans? That's the other opposite side of the spectrum I guess.

[Deadpool]

Alright cool thanks guys I'll just focus on becoming better. Height will either come or it won't but technique and skills are always gonna be there. And yes I'm probably gonna try out for my school basketball team but they're terrible they won like 2 or 3 games lol but anyway it's worth a shot.

[bobbyflay]

oh man 2 or 3 games is bad. I can't really say the team sucks, because the other teams might be really pro. The basketball team I'm joining is average I guess. I'll be honest. I shoot 25% from mid range jumpers/70% for layup/20% for threes/have exceptional ball handling/and I guess that's all..but I'm still one of the best in the team. Even though there are alot of guys in my school who shoot like 20% better from all of those 3 types of shots, they just can't beat the people like me who got the good basketball knowledge :)

[NY-Knicks]

Around 5'7", 5'8". What's your style? Tyreke Evans? That's the other opposite side of the spectrum I guess.

As far as attacking the rim and the ugly-ass jumper, then yeah :oldlol:. Not the worst comparison.

[Swaggin916]

As far as attacking the rim and the ugly-ass jumper, then yeah :oldlol:. Not the worst comparison.

Yea I don't see how Tyreke is going to get that shot to work without changing his form. It's just plain ugly. I can see him shooting no better than maybe Pippen... but I just don't feel like he will ever be a serious threat from the midrange... just someone you shouldn't leave wide ass open.

I could very well eat my words tho.

[Deadpool]

Yea I don't see how Tyreke is going to get that shot to work without changing his form. It's just plain ugly. I can see him shooting no better than maybe Pippen... but I just don't feel like he will ever be a serious threat from the midrange... just someone you shouldn't leave wide ass open.

I could very well eat my words tho.
Tyreke is exceptional. Boy do I love that guys game if he develops a reliable jump shot then that's great but yeah his form on his shot looks a little awkward. Do players actually change the form on their jumpshots throughout their careers in NBA?

[carpevicis]

As far as attacking the rim and the ugly-ass jumper, then yeah :oldlol:. Not the worst comparison.

Damn that sounds like how I'd used to play, until I decided recently that I'd be better off developing a shot if I were to play against bigger players.


Yea I don't see how Tyreke is going to get that shot to work without changing his form. It's just plain ugly. I can see him shooting no better than maybe Pippen... but I just don't feel like he will ever be a serious threat from the midrange... just someone you shouldn't leave wide ass open.

I could very well eat my words tho.

His shot seems alright though, what is particularly wrong with it? To me it just seems like he leans back a little, puts the ball behind his head and doesn't jump that high. But are all those that detracting?

[NY-Knicks]

Damn that sounds like how I'd used to play, until I decided recently that I'd be better off developing a shot if I were to play against bigger players.

Don't really play against guards who are taller than me.



His shot seems alright though, what is particularly wrong with it? To me it just seems like he leans back a little, puts the ball behind his head and doesn't jump that high. But are all those that detracting?

It's just plain hideous. :oldlol:

[Swaggin916]

Damn that sounds like how I'd used to play, until I decided recently that I'd be better off developing a shot if I were to play against bigger players.



His shot seems alright though, what is particularly wrong with it? To me it just seems like he leans back a little, puts the ball behind his head and doesn't jump that high. But are all those that detracting?

Yea the ball is behind his head, his elbow is flared out, and that elbow is practically at a 90 degree angle :lol

[lilojmayo]

Worked on my 3 point shot for the first time in a long time today. Was airballing quite a bit at first but once I got warmed up and started using my legs I started to hit them.

I'm just going to practice 3s and driving to the rim now. My mid range game is decent but I'm not going to work on it so I can improve on other aspects of my game. My goal is to become a PG with a nasty shot. Steve Nash style.

Wrong. and big mistake. Everyone ( apparently not) knows you should never never start a workout by shooting 3 pointers. Not even the best NBA shooters like Dell Curry, Stephen Curry, Steve Nash do. They don't wake up go in the gym and start burying 3s from 24 ft out like its nothing.

You know where they start 2 feet from the basket, and they miss also, but they quickly find a rhythm. You honestly shouldn't even attempt a 3 pointer until at least 10-15 minutes into your work out. They start in and slowly progress out, that's how you find your touch and most importantly build confident. I don't know how much, but there is no question some of the game is mental.

There are 3 types of shooting workouts i do right when I enter a gym. This is what I call it


The Steve Nash/Dell Curry/ I basically took their drills and combined them.

start out with Mikans layups
then 2-3 feet all around shooting get nice form and release.
10 ft out baseline to baseline
in the paint- mid fadeaways
banks shots short- just inside high shool 3 point line. 40 degrees
elbow to elbow shots
hestitation pull ups mid range- just inside 3 point line
step back pull ups mid range-just inside 3 point line
free throws 10-15 makes in a row
pick roll situations to pull up ( try to pull up around ft line area)
HS and college 3 point line shooting
NBA 3 point shooting.

IDK how long it takes me since I have never timed myself but it takes Steve Nash 20 minutes to do. This is the warm up btw, then you can do whatever you eel you want to work on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejTrZOkFXtk Steve Nash doing this workout.

Then at the end of my workout I try to do the Kevin Durant drill, which is kinda like aroudn the world, but you move very very slowly. You want to do this just inside the HS 3 pt line so about 18-19 ft. KD says he wants to feel like he can make it from every angle on the court, that's why he does this.




You have the right mindset to play college ball, but you just need to work on how you practice and play, but your halfway there. Remember anyone can play college ball if you really want to there are sooooo many colleges in the states it not even funny NAIA lower division teams you can see every guard on a team between 5-9 and 6'0 and like 165 lbs max and none of them that athletic or explosive. I have seen it with my own eyes.

However if you want to play "real" college ball at a good D2 school or mid major D1 or better you need to start practicing and playing the right way.

[carpevicis]

Wrong. and big mistake. Everyone ( apparently not) knows you should never never start a workout by shooting 3 pointers. Not even the best NBA shooters like Dell Curry, Stephen Curry, Steve Nash do. They don't wake up go in the gym and start burying 3s from 24 ft out like its nothing.

You know where they start 2 feet from the basket, and they miss also, but they quickly find a rhythm. You honestly shouldn't even attempt a 3 pointer until at least 10-15 minutes into your work out. They start in and slowly progress out, that's how you find your touch and most importantly build confident. I don't know how much, but there is no question some of the game is mental.

There are 3 types of shooting workouts i do right when I enter a gym. This is what I call it


The Steve Nash/Dell Curry/ I basically took their drills and combined them.

start out with Mikans layups
then 2-3 feet all around shooting get nice form and release.
10 ft out baseline to baseline
in the paint- mid fadeaways
banks shots short- just inside high shool 3 point line. 40 degrees
elbow to elbow shots
hestitation pull ups mid range- just inside 3 point line
step back pull ups mid range-just inside 3 point line
free throws 10-15 makes in a row
pick roll situations to pull up ( try to pull up around ft line area)
HS and college 3 point line shooting
NBA 3 point shooting.

IDK how long it takes me since I have never timed myself but it takes Steve Nash 20 minutes to do. This is the warm up btw, then you can do whatever you eel you want to work on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejTrZOkFXtk Steve Nash doing this workout.

Then at the end of my workout I try to do the Kevin Durant drill, which is kinda like aroudn the world, but you move very very slowly. You want to do this just inside the HS 3 pt line so about 18-19 ft. KD says he wants to feel like he can make it from every angle on the court, that's why he does this.




You have the right mindset to play college ball, but you just need to work on how you practice and play, but your halfway there. Remember anyone can play college ball if you really want to there are sooooo many colleges in the states it not even funny NAIA lower division teams you can see every guard on a team between 5-9 and 6'0 and like 165 lbs max and none of them that athletic or explosive. I have seen it with my own eyes.

However if you want to play "real" college ball at a good D2 school or mid major D1 or better you need to start practicing and playing the right way.

I think I worded it wrong, what I meant was that once I got warmed up shooting 3s they started to drop. I stretch first then I shot shots right next to the basket so I can get form down, then I slowly move out and spend a good amount of time at the mid range really working the form and my jump. If I tried to shoot 3s when I first enter a gym cold I'd be airballing every single one of them.

Thanks for the workout, I'll definitely check it out tomorrow since I'm about to sleep right now. Right inside the HS 3 point line, or deep mid range is really my comfort zone. I can pull up, spot up or come off a screen there and feel absolutely confident in my shot. Hopefully I can adjust quickly and get used to the longer range of 3s.

My goal right now is D3 because I don't have the time or commitment to travel and practice with a D1/D2 squad, but I'm still training max out because I'd rather be safe than sorry on getting better.

[lilojmayo]

I think I worded it wrong, what I meant was that once I got warmed up shooting 3s they started to drop. I stretch first then I shot shots right next to the basket so I can get form down, then I slowly move out and spend a good amount of time at the mid range really working the form and my jump. If I tried to shoot 3s when I first enter a gym cold I'd be airballing every single one of them.

Thanks for the workout, I'll definitely check it out tomorrow since I'm about to sleep right now. Right inside the HS 3 point line, or deep mid range is really my comfort zone. I can pull up, spot up or come off a screen there and feel absolutely confident in my shot. Hopefully I can adjust quickly and get used to the longer range of 3s.

My goal right now is D3 because I don't have the time or commitment to travel and practice with a D1/D2 squad, but I'm still training max out because I'd rather be safe than sorry on getting better.

To play at the next level ( in college) you have to be committed. A lot of guys are good enough to play at a college level, but one of the reason they don't is they are committed to it. You pretty much have to be in the gym playing or practicing almost everyday to get at that level, so you can't really use practice as an excuse, because your doing it already. Travel can be an issue, but most teams in your conference are from the same region so it doesn't usual take more than 2 hours to get there.

Lastly, NCAA D3 doesn't give athletic basketball scholarships which is part of the reason the lower teams in this division are so bad. NAIA D1 is way way better than NCAA D3. However, they do give " academic scholarships" though so most people on sports teams are on that.

[carpevicis]

To play at the next level ( in college) you have to be committed. A lot of guys are good enough to play at a college level, but one of the reason they don't is they are committed to it. You pretty much have to be in the gym playing or practicing almost everyday to get at that level, so you can't really use practice as an excuse, because your doing it already. Travel can be an issue, but most teams in your conference are from the same region so it doesn't usual take more than 2 hours to get there.

Lastly, NCAA D3 doesn't give athletic basketball scholarships which is part of the reason the lower teams in this division are so bad. NAIA D1 is way way better than NCAA D3. However, they do give " academic scholarships" though so most people on sports teams are on that.

Yeah I have no problems right now being in the gym everyday but I'm not sure how my schedule will look when college comes around so I can't say yet. It does bug me though that lots of kids I know say they want to play in college and that they had a hard workout which consisted of shooting around for half an hour after playing pickup, when they only go play basketball maybe once or twice in the summer. I haven't seen anyone on any of the levels of my HS team playing ball seriously let alone practicing this entire summer.

I might try and get an academic scholarship. School and academics comes naturally to me so it gives me more opportunities to work on basketball.

[HeatWITNESS]

I am 22 and about 6'0" with shoes, and i can touch rim if i try hard. I weighed about 188 lbs last time i checked. I am trying to increase my vert, with an overall goal of dunking (who isnt). ive been doing alot of leg workouts, squats, burpees, etc, but i was seeing if anyone has any insight into what i should be doing, how often, and for how long.

[carpevicis]

I am 22 and about 6'0" with shoes, and i can touch rim if i try hard. I weighed about 188 lbs last time i checked. I am trying to increase my vert, with an overall goal of dunking (who isnt). ive been doing alot of leg workouts, squats, burpees, etc, but i was seeing if anyone has any insight into what i should be doing, how often, and for how long.

Yeah check out the "By next year I will be dunking thread", it's got a lot of info on increasing vertical, proper workouts and maintenance. Probably more info than anyone would ever need but definitely a good read.

[carpevicis]

School just started and it's getting tougher to get to a gym, my local rec center's closed for 2 weeks, my parents won't drive me to the Celtics practice facility (even though I got a free membership there), the town tore up the courts for rebuilding, so I've been doing some shoot around on my hoop outside. It's pretty crap, the backboard's plastic and too forgiving and the rim is pretty forgiving as well. I'll definitely hit up the Celtics facility this weekend though, tomorrows my last day of school before a long weekend.

One thing I wanted to remember to share was something I got from Point Guard College and I remember thinking about it as I was wrapping up my summer reading before school started.

LIFE ISN'T FAIR.

That was the truth they tried to pound into us by deliberately making terrible calls, cutting no slack and making us do stuff we'd think was pointless. And in reality, I'd probably still be on my couch trying to read a book and complaining at the same time. Here's what I mean:

A lot of people really just don't care about your basketball dreams and goals. I know for a fact my teachers and parents don't care that all the work they assigned bit into my time in the gym. Kids who want to run a pickup game and take up the only baskets at your local court don't care that you want to shoot around and actually improve.

Life isn't fair but you have to accept that. Try and stop complaining about anything: just like in a basketball game, complaining about something that happens WON'T change the call. What happened just happened and the best way to recover from that is to stay on your grind.

Don't waste time and energy complaining or trying to feel sorry for yourself, take action and make it happen. Learn to be unstoppable so that no matter what happens, whether it's pouring out or you have to read 50 pages by tomorrow that you do it and you still have time to train. No one is going to tell you you're free from working and you can knock yourself out training for basketball. You have to do that yourself!

[bobbyflay]

yes yes we just need to focus on our goals and have the right state of mind.

By the way, what do you think is the ultimate basketball training program to do in 1 hour? My time is getting used up by school now. First day of school and I'm aleady coming home at 4 pm without any extra classes(joining basketball prob next week). I could stretch it to a max of 2 hours though.

[Swaggin916]

Yea I know I need to work on my attitude. I am kind of a toot to my own horn kind of guy... so I like doing things myself. Obv I don't know everything tho. I also have a bad attitude if I'm missing shots in practice. I feel like I should make dam near everything if nobody is guarding me. Life indeed isn't fair and when things go array it's all about how you respond. It's better to have a good attitude and move on.

[carpevicis]

Update from yesterday: Shot 50 3's. I was planning to make 50 but I realized it would've been counter intuitive because after a while I was getting fatigued and form was getting sloppier. I had just lifted so I focused on getting good form in and if the shots went in, great.


yes yes we just need to focus on our goals and have the right state of mind.

By the way, what do you think is the ultimate basketball training program to do in 1 hour? My time is getting used up by school now. First day of school and I'm aleady coming home at 4 pm without any extra classes(joining basketball prob next week). I could stretch it to a max of 2 hours though.

1 hour: What are you trying to get better at? I'd pick one or two skills you feel you really should improve and just hit those hard. It's alot more efficient than trying to do everything for too little time.

For example, if you chose shooting and passing, I'd spent 35-40 minutes shooting and 20 minutes passing, emphasizing the left hand. Have an 80/20 split working your offhand for passing/ball handling because when you work your left you also work your right subconsciously.

Don't forget to warm up and stretch when finished.

[Swaggin916]

Ya know it's hard to say with practice cus I'm still trying to find out how to do it best. I'm still not practicing, but with my friend, it seems like just working on 1 or 2 things for about 60-90 minutes works the best. He's not the most natural player so he really has to do things over and over again if he doesn't get the move from the beginning. For example, on Thursday I showed him this move: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y580jXnbp4I and it wasn't coming naturally to him at first.... Quite a few times he went behind his back instead cus that's what felt natural. It took him about 20 minutes to get it where I felt like it would actually work... then for the next 20 he just kept practicing that move and pulling up for a jumper... then I had him do that move, go under his legs again, go right, and then finish with a layup... then the move and cross over left and finish with either pull up jumper or a lefty layup. That took up about 65 minutes, and then for the next 15 minutes he just did the move and then did whatever he wanted to ... so either pull up, cross over, cross over to spin... anything.

So yea that took about 80 minutes... and the whole time he was doing one move and then counter moves based off that move... and to me it was necessary and a great practice session. Now he has a new move that he can continue to practice and then use in games.

So yea I honestly think that just getting in some warm up shooting and ball handling, and then picking 1 or 2 moves that you really want to hit hard might be the best way to do it. Once you feel completely comfortable with the move, then you can take it to 1 on 1 with a buddy, and then a game.

[carpevicis]

I'm going to start training with the pro I met who plays in Germany. It's going to be hard cause I got to pay for the sessions myself but whatever, it's not like that money will be spent on a better purchase.

Still trying to save for a car though, my parents hate driving me to the gym and I need to go.

Side note: is there a reason why every time I try to jump higher when I shoot, I put more arc on the ball and subsequently lose range? It's pretty annoying because I can't add range. It seems like the higher I jump the more I lean back. My normal shot is pretty low, I jump around 4 inches I'm guessing. I use my arms more on my shot than my legs, because my range w/o jumping is around the same as it is jumping. Any ideas?

[bobbyflay]

I'm going to start training with the pro I met who plays in Germany. It's going to be hard cause I got to pay for the sessions myself but whatever, it's not like that money will be spent on a better purchase.

Still trying to save for a car though, my parents hate driving me to the gym and I need to go.

Side note: is there a reason why every time I try to jump higher when I shoot, I put more arc on the ball and subsequently lose range? It's pretty annoying because I can't add range. It seems like the higher I jump the more I lean back. My normal shot is pretty low, I jump around 4 inches I'm guessing. I use my arms more on my shot than my legs, because my range w/o jumping is around the same as it is jumping. Any ideas?

alright good luck, tell us how it goes. Even though you're probably better than me, I think it's supposed to be all about your legs. I used to use 50% arms and 50% legs. Now I use 25% wrist, 5% arm, 65% legs, 5% everything else. I think you should just train to get more vertical jump, so you can naturally jump higher. I'm 5'6 and I can touch the rim of a 10,0 hoop I'm guessing(just need about 5 more inches on my vertical TO DUNK YEA and hopefully basketball training can do that).

[carpevicis]

alright good luck, tell us how it goes. Even though you're probably better than me, I think it's supposed to be all about your legs. I used to use 50% arms and 50% legs. Now I use 25% wrist, 5% arm, 65% legs, 5% everything else. I think you should just train to get more vertical jump, so you can naturally jump higher. I'm 5'6 and I can touch the rim of a 10,0 hoop I'm guessing(just need about 5 more inches on my vertical TO DUNK YEA and hopefully basketball training can do that).

Damn dude you get up there. I'm 5'7" and have around a 30" max vertical but still can't even touch 9'6", it's because my standing reach is under 7'.

It's not my jumping ability that's a problem, but something else. My jump shot utilizes almost no jump and when I try and add some I end up adding more arc for some reason.

Definitely try and improve your athleticism, but remember not to over-emphasize dunking. I remember you said you were pressed for time so do what I do: instead of buying a vertical jump program, just incorporate some basic strength exercises in your workout. Squats, deadlifts at max effort and some box jumps.

[bobbyflay]

Damn dude you get up there. I'm 5'7" and have around a 30" max vertical but still can't even touch 9'6", it's because my standing reach is under 7'.

It's not my jumping ability that's a problem, but something else. My jump shot utilizes almost no jump and when I try and add some I end up adding more arc for some reason.

Definitely try and improve your athleticism, but remember not to over-emphasize dunking. I remember you said you were pressed for time so do what I do: instead of buying a vertical jump program, just incorporate some basic strength exercises in your workout. Squats, deadlifts at max effort and some box jumps.

What the hell man. When I jump straight up as hard as I can, it only seems like my vertical is 2-5 inches. When I jump with my knees to the chest
it becomes like 45-50 inches.

Hmm, I don't know what the problem, because I'm not a pro in basketball experience. Right now though, I'm training in using more arc. I shoot 2 feet away from the basket and emphasize the basketball going up 4 feet over the rim. I'm slowly going out(at 5 feet lol. hopefully by winter will be close to 3 point line).

Yeah, I stopped going to my local gym because school started. The basketball practice involves hitting the gym every practice(2 practices a week for now, will probably increase.) It exhausts my legs(practiced yesterday and still sore like crazy, I couldn't shoot right today and had to use my arms which lead to a lot of hitting the backboard then the rim and going out).

Well the goodluck to you

[carpevicis]

What the hell man. When I jump straight up as hard as I can, it only seems like my vertical is 2-5 inches. When I jump with my knees to the chest
it becomes like 45-50 inches.

Hmm, I don't know what the problem, because I'm not a pro in basketball experience. Right now though, I'm training in using more arc. I shoot 2 feet away from the basket and emphasize the basketball going up 4 feet over the rim. I'm slowly going out(at 5 feet lol. hopefully by winter will be close to 3 point line).

Yeah, I stopped going to my local gym because school started. The basketball practice involves hitting the gym every practice(2 practices a week for now, will probably increase.) It exhausts my legs(practiced yesterday and still sore like crazy, I couldn't shoot right today and had to use my arms which lead to a lot of hitting the backboard then the rim and going out).

Well the goodluck to you

We're talking box jumps right? Where you tuck the knees and it measures the height from floor to landing spot? Because I got a little doubt when you said 45" vert.

For me, the further I go out the less arc I have to use. It makes it trickier because you have to be more precise but it gives me more power.

How did you season start already? For my school it's fall sports season and basketball doesn't start until late November/early December. 2 practices a week is great, it gives you more time to focus on individual development. The school team for me practices 5-6 times a week. The local rec center closed so I've been moving around going to every court available in town. It's pretty cool to shoot on different hoops and really see the differences.

Good luck to your season, and definitely keep us informed on how it goes!

[scm5]

Side note: is there a reason why every time I try to jump higher when I shoot, I put more arc on the ball and subsequently lose range? It's pretty annoying because I can't add range. It seems like the higher I jump the more I lean back. My normal shot is pretty low, I jump around 4 inches I'm guessing. I use my arms more on my shot than my legs, because my range w/o jumping is around the same as it is jumping. Any ideas?

Don't try to jump higher on your jump shots unless it's absolutely necessary. It makes for a less consistent shot.

It looks impressive to get higher off the floor on jumpers, but it's not needed. Watch Paul Pierce or Manu. They both have no hops but get any shot they want.

[carpevicis]

Don't try to jump higher on your jump shots unless it's absolutely necessary. It makes for a less consistent shot.

It looks impressive to get higher off the floor on jumpers, but it's not needed. Watch Paul Pierce or Manu. They both have no hops but get any shot they want.

Makes sense, but how do you get that extra range? I tried shooting some 3's today and as much legs as I used I couldn't get that kind of range. My shot efficiency drops as soon as I step past the 3 point line, the percentage drops significantly whereas right in front of it I can hit pretty consistently. Any idea how to add some range? Besides the legs?

[carpevicis]

Just got back from the Y, that was pretty cool. It was only the 2nd time I've ever been to a Y.

Did some drills involving spot up shooting and some finishing moves using pads, where someone hits me with the pad and I have to finish. Then did some cutting and screen work with some dude. He was D3 and was looking for people to train and it was great to have someone who wanted to do drills in a pickup environment. His shot was fire too.

My range wasn't too nice today though, I'll try scm5's advice tomorrow on the court.

[bobbyflay]

We're talking box jumps right? Where you tuck the knees and it measures the height from floor to landing spot? Because I got a little doubt when you said 45" vert.

For me, the further I go out the less arc I have to use. It makes it trickier because you have to be more precise but it gives me more power.

How did you season start already? For my school it's fall sports season and basketball doesn't start until late November/early December. 2 practices a week is great, it gives you more time to focus on individual development. The school team for me practices 5-6 times a week. The local rec center closed so I've been moving around going to every court available in town. It's pretty cool to shoot on different hoops and really see the differences.

Good luck to your season, and definitely keep us informed on how it goes!

Oh man, I didn't know you were talking about that. I thought you meant vertical as in how high I jump. I didn't know you were talking about the distance I jump. Maybe I got vertical testing wrong :O I thought it was your actual vertical jump from the height of your feet to the ground. I believe mine is around 30-35 if we're talking about that though.

Yeah, I'm still learning also. I believe they're are perfect angles for every situations, so I'm trying to learn them.

It's been pretty hard. A rush of freshmen have joined who only know how to shoot(1/4 of them are only good at shooting..and out of those 1/3 have handles and it gets lower and lower). The training coach pushes us too hard though. He makes us completely exhausted to the point of where we can't move at all for 30 seconds to minute.

Edit:Can you clarify for me again? Just tried testing what you said. It's between 48 inches-56 inches. I guess I was wrong again.

[SourPatchKids]

Don't try to jump higher on your jump shots unless it's absolutely necessary. It makes for a less consistent shot.

It looks impressive to get higher off the floor on jumpers, but it's not needed. Watch Paul Pierce or Manu. They both have no hops but get any shot they want.
I agree, you dont need to jump higher to add range, just put some more legs into it

[carpevicis]

Oh man, I didn't know you were talking about that. I thought you meant vertical as in how high I jump. I didn't know you were talking about the distance I jump. Maybe I got vertical testing wrong :O I thought it was your actual vertical jump from the height of your feet to the ground. I believe mine is around 30-35 if we're talking about that though.

Yeah, I'm still learning also. I believe they're are perfect angles for every situations, so I'm trying to learn them.

It's been pretty hard. A rush of freshmen have joined who only know how to shoot(1/4 of them are only good at shooting..and out of those 1/3 have handles and it gets lower and lower). The training coach pushes us too hard though. He makes us completely exhausted to the point of where we can't move at all for 30 seconds to minute.

Edit:Can you clarify for me again? Just tried testing what you said. It's between 48 inches-56 inches. I guess I was wrong again.

I should clarify: when I say box jumps and "measure the height from floor to landing spot", I meant the height of the box. When testing vertical you don't measure height of feet to ground, which is a box jump. This is because like you said, you can tuck your feet in and technically add a couple inches to your jump. To get a true test, measure your standing reach, then measure your maximum reach point off any kind of jump, running or standstill (a true vertical is off a standstill). The highest point you get off that jump with your hand is the number you take, then subtract your standing reach.

How many teams does your school have? Mine has freshman, JV and varsity so rarely do freshman move up levels. I kind of prefer it that way.

[ghettoracer]

Makes sense, but how do you get that extra range? I tried shooting some 3's today and as much legs as I used I couldn't get that kind of range. My shot efficiency drops as soon as I step past the 3 point line, the percentage drops significantly whereas right in front of it I can hit pretty consistently. Any idea how to add some range? Besides the legs?

first, practice 3's more. sounds like you're just not used to it. and when you do practice, think and try to feel the connection between your arm down to your leg. they need to be in sync for the better range. when you release at the ideal moment there should be an increase in range. lot of times when a shooter don't shoot long distance shots often enough they tend to release it slightly too late and miss the benefit of the leg power. it should be in one smooth motion.

ps, i think it should be helpful to practice right where your range threshold is and build it a one feet at a time. keep on doing it until your body/brain has a good imprint of the body mechanic needed...

[carpevicis]

Worked out with the dude yesterday and his friend who did work with the Celtics, got some shots up and did some work on entry passes and cutting.

Best part was probably that I now have a plan I can follow for the next couple of weeks and see some improvements.

Also went over my desire to play in college with my parents, they kind of went with it so a great day overall.

[bobbyflay]

Worked out with the dude yesterday and his friend who did work with the Celtics, got some shots up and did some work on entry passes and cutting.

Best part was probably that I now have a plan I can follow for the next couple of weeks and see some improvements.

Also went over my desire to play in college with my parents, they kind of went with it so a great day overall.

Nice, care to tell us the workout schedule? :D/ Yeah man! Follow your dreams.

Yeah, same for my school, Freshmen/JV/Varsity. I guess I'll just stay with the freshmen team. They need alot of help...

It also turned out that I'm 5,7(guess I grew an inch). Well, I don't know about my vertical. When I do touch the 10,0 rim, my calfs just get pulled and I fall back down, because it hurts. It only works about 3/4 of the times too. When I don't strain myself, I get about 9,0 in the air. Oh yeah, strange this is that I can touch a 10,0 rim at a 24 gym/ school gym but I can't dunk a 8,0 rim(my basketball hoop at home is stretchable between 7,0 to 10,0).

[carpevicis]

Went back to the gym today with the plan to stop leaning back while shooting. The guys I worked with said it'll help with range if I stopped leaning so I focused on shooting straight up and yeah, range improvements just like that. I started dropping major threes, without worrying about jumping high. This is very good.


Nice, care to tell us the workout schedule? :D/ Yeah man! Follow your dreams.

Yeah, same for my school, Freshmen/JV/Varsity. I guess I'll just stay with the freshmen team. They need alot of help...

It also turned out that I'm 5,7(guess I grew an inch). Well, I don't know about my vertical. When I do touch the 10,0 rim, my calfs just get pulled and I fall back down, because it hurts. It only works about 3/4 of the times too. When I don't strain myself, I get about 9,0 in the air. Oh yeah, strange this is that I can touch a 10,0 rim at a 24 gym/ school gym but I can't dunk a 8,0 rim(my basketball hoop at home is stretchable between 7,0 to 10,0).

Yeah I'll post the workout tomorrow, I'm about to go to bed for school tomorrow then I got driver's ed afterwards so later in the night.

I'm 5'7" but I can't get rim (yet). I can dunk on 8'6" but I've been laying low on jump training to get some strength. That's weird though, you can't dunk on 8' but you can get rim? Something must be up.

[carpevicis]

Basically the workout was some ball handling, followed by 2 ball Mikan drills.

Then spot up shooting from 7 spots close range, then mid range, making sure I hit at least 6/10 from each spot or I had to shoot all of them again. Afterwards move out to mid range and repeat.

For passing we did 2 ball passing and entry passes, then entry passes with a cut followed by a layup or a shot.

Then back to spot up shooting, except this time I would run into the pass, 7 spots make 5 each.

End workout with a full court spot up catch and shoot drill followed by 5 free throws made in a row.

In between each drill I'd have to shoot free throws and they had to be perfect swishes, normal makes didn't count and misses were -1. They set a number I had to get to and I'd have to reach it.

I'm doing this everyday, I might do it twice a day but my schedule is pretty full after school with driver's ed and a job so I'll probably just do it once before school and twice once I have more time.

[bobbyflay]

Basically the workout was some ball handling, followed by 2 ball Mikan drills.

Then spot up shooting from 7 spots close range, then mid range, making sure I hit at least 6/10 from each spot or I had to shoot all of them again. Afterwards move out to mid range and repeat.

For passing we did 2 ball passing and entry passes, then entry passes with a cut followed by a layup or a shot.

Then back to spot up shooting, except this time I would run into the pass, 7 spots make 5 each.

End workout with a full court spot up catch and shoot drill followed by 5 free throws made in a row.

In between each drill I'd have to shoot free throws and they had to be perfect swishes, normal makes didn't count and misses were -1. They set a number I had to get to and I'd have to reach it.

I'm doing this everyday, I might do it twice a day but my schedule is pretty full after school with driver's ed and a job so I'll probably just do it once before school and twice once I have more time.

ooh it sounds like a nice schedule. it would be great if you had videos of you playing(I must find people to model my game after. I only have tony parker, steve nash, and maybe a couple more. I don't know any overseas ones but I'm finding them out.) Oh yeah, I finally found my final shooting form. I just have to get used to it, so I can automatically do it without thinking.

[carpevicis]

ooh it sounds like a nice schedule. it would be great if you had videos of you playing(I must find people to model my game after. I only have tony parker, steve nash, and maybe a couple more. I don't know any overseas ones but I'm finding them out.) Oh yeah, I finally found my final shooting form. I just have to get used to it, so I can automatically do it without thinking.

Yeah it's alright but it's kind of tough to get boards cause it makes repetition shooting harder. Sorry I don't have any videos though, I don't have any kind of filming device and for the most part, I practice alone so unless someone's secretly posting vids of me on youtube, you probably won't see me.

Good work on the shooting form though, once you pick it just stick to it. In all honesty it's probably easier to master shooting the way you do instead of always tweaking it. I'm quite form conscious so it bothers me but for the most part I've been getting my form down.

What's your playing style by the way? I think you might've said but I forgot.

[bobbyflay]

I don't know who I play like anymore though. I'm trying to find a person that plays like me in the nba but having a hard time(maybe a person overseas plays like me). They all pretty much have unique styles.

I like focusing on primarily one area before switching to another one. Some games I might just have about 10 alley oops to someone if they're able to beat the person guarding them easily(Most people call it cheap lol. Most of them are assists and several jump shots.). Some games I might just stand at the 3 point line and be a sort of last option(if my teammates are doing their thang, I'll just shoot 3 pointers if they have to dish it out). If I know I could beat all the other players in speed, I sort of become semi derrick rose and penetrate through all of them(just sprinting and a bunch of offensive moves including behind the back/crossover/spin/and the usual stuff).

Edit: I guess I'm just trying to find myself in basketball. The good thing is that I'm finding myself out before it's too late(A lot of people I knew that are older and play basketball started to find themselves in sophomore and junior).

[carpevicis]

I don't know who I play like anymore though. I'm trying to find a person that plays like me in the nba but having a hard time(maybe a person overseas plays like me). They all pretty much have unique styles.

I like focusing on primarily one area before switching to another one. Some games I might just have about 10 alley oops to someone if they're able to beat the person guarding them easily(Most people call it cheap lol. Most of them are assists and several jump shots.). Some games I might just stand at the 3 point line and be a sort of last option(if my teammates are doing their thang, I'll just shoot 3 pointers if they have to dish it out). If I know I could beat all the other players in speed, I sort of become semi derrick rose and penetrate through all of them(just sprinting and a bunch of offensive moves including behind the back/crossover/spin/and the usual stuff).

Edit: I guess I'm just trying to find myself in basketball. The good thing is that I'm finding myself out before it's too late(A lot of people I knew that are older and play basketball started to find themselves in sophomore and junior).

Same here. For the most part I'll stay around the perimeter and either make a quick move to the basket or get the ball off me. It's not that I don't like the ball on me, but I try to be as efficient as possible without wasting time. Usually if I'm with better players, I get them the ball hopefully after drawing an extra defender and let them make a move using the extra time I gave them. Then if the ball comes back to me I'll either spot up or drive and finish/dish.

It's the same for me. I found the passion mid-sophomore year. I always loved to play, but I never thought about working at it. I'll probably tell the whole story another time.

[Birmingham1955]

Basically the workout was some ball handling, followed by 2 ball Mikan drills.

Then spot up shooting from 7 spots close range, then mid range, making sure I hit at least 6/10 from each spot or I had to shoot all of them again. Afterwards move out to mid range and repeat.

For passing we did 2 ball passing and entry passes, then entry passes with a cut followed by a layup or a shot.

Then back to spot up shooting, except this time I would run into the pass, 7 spots make 5 each.

End workout with a full court spot up catch and shoot drill followed by 5 free throws made in a row.

In between each drill I'd have to shoot free throws and they had to be perfect swishes, normal makes didn't count and misses were -1. They set a number I had to get to and I'd have to reach it.

I'm doing this everyday, I might do it twice a day but my schedule is pretty full after school with driver's ed and a job so I'll probably just do it once before school and twice once I have more time.

It really goes to show you in basketball you really need the "it" factor to be a very skilled or great player. I know many people who do drills like this. It goes to show you even the the best like your coach all did the basic fundamentals to get where they are.

[carpevicis]

It really goes to show you in basketball you really need the "it" factor to be a very skilled or great player. I know many people who do drills like this. It goes to show you even the the best like your coach all did the basic fundamentals to get where they are.

So true. A quote I like is "People don't differ in their desire for success. People differ in the price they're willing to pay to be successful."

Everyone does basketball drills, and many people do the same ones. I know people who exclusively do workouts they see pros doing. But to me, I don't think just doing the drills is enough. My view is if I'm going to commit to getting better, I better go all out. So I just try and do as much as I can, learning and applying. Small things, like maybe walking up stairs at a time to improve balance, maybe use my offhand when I brush my teeth.

Then just doing more than other people. Waking up before school to workout, having a strict diet, getting studying done, I'm not sure if that's why you mean when you say the "it" factor, but the way I interpreted it is the desire to improve no matter what. In all honesty, it's not even as painful as people make it out to be. If you get used to waking up early and eating healthier foods, they seem pretty normal after a while. But yeah, I agree with you in that there's a certain characteristic of successful players/people compared to the common person.

[carpevicis]

Does anyone know where I can get some game tape of select NBA players? I don't watch the games but I'm trying to find some game footage of point guards so I can try and note their habits.

If anyone has clips of people like Kyle Lowry, Russell Westbrook, Jameer Nelson, Monta Ellis, Rondo, Derrick Rose, George Hill or others, could you share them?

There's lots of highlight videos on youtube but those only show highlight plays (obviously), so I'm looking for more actions over the course of a game.

[Maga_1]

Does anyone know where I can get some game tape of select NBA players? I don't watch the games but I'm trying to find some game footage of point guards so I can try and note their habits.

If anyone has clips of people like Kyle Lowry, Russell Westbrook, Jameer Nelson, Monta Ellis, Rondo, Derrick Rose, George Hill or others, could you share them?

There's lots of highlight videos on youtube but those only show highlight plays (obviously), so I'm looking for more actions over the course of a game.

http://forum.rojadirecta.org/showthread.php?68145-Indice-NBA-%28Playoffs-All-Stars%29

http://www.mixmakers.net/forums/f15/

[bobbyflay]

yes always so helpful :D Does anyone know where to get full game basketball clips though? Just like you said, only highlights on youtube and other websites.

[Maga_1]

yes always so helpful :D Does anyone know where to get full game basketball clips though? Just like you said, only highlights on youtube and other websites.

In the sites that i posted you can find full games, :confusedshrug:

[LA KB24]

http://forum.rojadirecta.org/showthread.php?68145-Indice-NBA-%28Playoffs-All-Stars%29

Thank you! :bowdown: :cheers: