Archive for the ‘Basketball’ Category

How To Dribble A Basketball Fast

September 6th, 2010 admin

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of 5 players try to score points against one another by placing a ball through a high hoop under organized rules. Leaning how to dribble in basketball is a skill that is crucial. If you want to learn how to dribble a basketball fast, then here are several tips that you can try doing:

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Practice dribbling during the off season. Dribbling begins by pushing the ball toward the floor, or throwing or tapping the ball in the air with the fingers to bounce on the floor one or more times while controlling the ball and making no more than one step for each bounce except when picking up the dribble and taking a couple of steps in the approach to the basket to attempt a field goal. Get into good basketball condition by running up and down the floor while dribbling as fast as you can to develop stamina and speed.

Use only one hand at a time to dribble. Remember that once you have stopped dribbling, you may touch the ball with both hands but then you must pass or shoot before you can get the ball back and dribble again. However, it is legal to change hands by pressing or clapping the ball with one hand or the other while it rests on either hand. It is also legal to release either hand off the ball as it counts as maintaining a continuous touch or contact.

Never watch your hands or the dribbling ball. Instead, use your peripheral vision without looking. Dribble by touch, by feel, sound, and rhythm. Do not stop your dribble. Practice correct form and techniques to learn not to double dribble, or carry the ball.

Once again, learning how to dribble a basketball fast is crucial in the game of basketball.

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Skillfull Dribbling to Get Yourself out of Any Challenge

August 31st, 2010 admin

Learning to play basketball is a lot of hard work. One of the most basic things a player has to learn is dribbling. Dribbling is the act of bouncing the ball continuously with one hand in a repetitive motion which ends when the continuity is disturbed or when the player touches the ball with both hands simultaneously. The ball must be continuously redirected to the floor so that the dribble isn’t ended. It can also end when the ball is allowed to rest on the hands of the player and when the ball is allowed to be moved parallel or fractionally to the court using one hand.

The following measures are observed to ensure that dribbling is done properly in basketball.

The use of finger pads. The padded part of the fingers is used by the player to control the basketball. Using the palms to dribble the ball should be avoided.  Spread the fingers across the ball when dribbling. The fingers should be spread for better control of the basketball. The forefinger should be in the same direction as the direction the player’s body is facing.  Hand always on top. When dribbling, the player should ensure that the hand is on top of the basketball to prevent the player from committing a violation, which is carrying the ball.  Hand leaves the basketball first before the pivot foot leaves the floor. If the foot leaves the floor before the basketball leaves the hand, a violation may be called, which is traveling.

Both hands should be able to dribble. Practice is needed in order for the player to dribble with either the right or the left hand.

Shield with the other hand. While dribbling with the active hand, the free hand should be used to keep the defender from getting contact with the ball. The body should also be used as a shield.

Keep eyes open and head up. This way, the player is able to see the whole court and take an appropriate action so the player is more effective with the basketball.

Quick stop. When the player wants to end the dribble, it should be done quickly to avoid any violations. Keep it low. The body of the player together with the ball is kept low so that the defender won’t be able to get hold of the ball easily.

Avoid wasting a dribble. This is done by dribbling once or twice and then ending the dribble. This will lead the player in a difficult situation.

Always have a purpose and know the intention. The player should know what action to take next after dribbling.  Avoid dribbling with double teams. Dribbling should be avoided if there are two defenders trying to take the ball at the same time. The ball could easily go to their possession if this is done.  Avoid the corners. Dribbling at the corners of the court would be of advantage to the defenders because the player dribbling the ball can be trapped by the defenders at the corner of the court.

Keep it alive. Dribbling should be done in a full of life manner before the player decides to pass or shoot. This technique makes it difficult for the defender to steal the ball but caution should be observed.

Practice makes perfect. The player should do dribbling drills on his own so the dribbling skills learned during practice can be incorporated in the team play.

Proper stance. The player stands erect. When dribbling with the right hand, the left food should be parallel and in front of the right with the knees slightly bent. Leave it to the hand and wrist. The hand and wrist should be used when dribbling. The arm should be near the upper body and kept close to it.  Let the waist be the basis of the height. The ball should be dribbled not higher than the waist, in front and side of the foot that is on the rear. Learning how to handle the ball is crucial in playing basketball.

Dribbling is one of the ways the player can use to control the game while the ball is in possession. It is definitely one of the skills needed in ball handling. A lot of dribbling practice will pay off if the player has the ball in possession and it is up to this player to ensure that the ball remains in the possession of the team before the player shoots, makes the basket and scores. Learn the dribbling basics first and get the game going.

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Tips on Chip Shots

August 25th, 2010 admin

The chip shot is one of the easiest to learn in the game. Yet, many recreational players have trouble hitting the short chip shot, even after several golf instruction sessions. In fact, they’re so bad, they substitute their putter for wedge, which isn’t always wise, as I explain in my golf lessons.

Using a putter when you need a pitching wedge or a sand wedge is, needless to say, a poor decision. It can add strokes to your overall score or cost you a hole in match play. It’s a problem you must overcome to lower your golf handicap. If you can’t hit a short chip shot well, don’t despair. There’s help.

The inability to hit a short chip shot is as much mental as physical. To overcome these obstacles, you need to simplify both your mental approach and your physical technique. The next time you have a short chip shot, try using an 8 iron instead of a wedge. It’s an approach I sometimes use myself. That’s because it works.

Here are 6 keys to chipping as if you were putting that I recommend in my golf lessons:

• Replace your wedge with an 8 iron
• Take a normal putting stance
• Place hands and weight forward
• Hold the club vertically
• Hit the ball off the toe-end of the clubface
• Rock your shoulders to control roll of ball

First, set-up as if your were going to make a long putt. Use your normal putting grip and play the ball back in your stance, off the inside of the heel of your back foot. The 8 iron is ideal for this type of shot because it’s short enough to deloft without the club’s shaft hitting you during the shot.

Also, keep your hands and weight forward, favoring your front side, as you would if you were hitting a chip shot. Hold the club vertically, so that the club’s heel is raised off the ground, enabling you to stand closer to the ball. And spread your elbows

Moving the ball back in your stance and shifting your weight forward positions the ball off the toe-end of the clubhead when you hit it. Using the toe-end will deaden the ball when you make contact. It will also help control the ball’s roll.

Hit the ball with a gentle rocking of the shoulders, as you would if you were putting. This technique raises the club several inches off the ground in the backswing and forces you to hit down on the ball slightly, chipping it into the air. Concentrate on maintaining the width of the gap between your elbows as you swing thorough. It also ensures a pure arms-and-shoulders motion.

Using the 8-iron approach takes your wrists out of play. Recreational golfers who have trouble making short chip shots often have overly active wrists. With my approach, you’ll eliminate your wrists yet still strike the ball solidly-just keep your head still and focus on making a short, firm follow-through,

You can also use my approach for longer chip shots. Just lengthen your stroke to play the longer shot, as you would if you were hitting a long putt. For extra long chip shots, try using a 5 or 6 iron to get the required roll.

Chip under Target Drill
The key to accurate chipping is keeping the ball low so it runs like a putt when it hits the ground. Here’s a drill I use in my golf lessons designed to teach players to keep the ball low.

Lay a club or bag horizontally across two baskets placed about three feet apart. Then, step back a few feet and try chipping under the obstacle toward the hole, using either a wedge or an 8 iron.

To chip under the obstacle, you must deloft the club, which you can do by keeping your hands ahead of the clubhead when you swing. Having a visual obstacle to hit the ball under forces you to develop your ability to keep the ball low. Keep practicing this shot until it becomes second nature

Hitting the short chip shot well-whether you use a wedge or an 8 iron- is a start toward improving your short game, and chopping strokes of your golf handicap. And aren’t those the real goals?

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Understand Shooting in Basketball

August 19th, 2010 admin

Your party has the leak down and they know how to work with the players. However much your bunch knows, it won’t be the same if they don’t know the basics of shooting the basketball to make the slice. If you want to make surely that your bunch can lacquer what they started with the contest that they are singing, then understanding the basics to shooting the sphere can help them groove.

When one is knowledge how to arrange themselves for necessary shooting, the can system a given stance to help. First, they should be completely aligned with the pursue for the basket. This will help them to aim into the right place. From here, the feet should be still and about shoulder width apart. The knees will neediness to be bent and the back plump. This will help with the alignment and focus towards the basket.

After the basics of shooting have been achieved by the players, then different types of shots can be looked at for the spirited. Usually, you will want to perform with your players on types of shots, ones that are slim and others that are inside. The further shooting will permit the players to film from a longer distance away. If these shots are made, then the squad will make whichever two or three points from the basket. Inside shooting will be when the band is able to make a basket that is quicker to the hoop. Things such as blast dunks are considered part of the inside shooting.

If the shooting doesn’t totally work out, then it will be a foul shot. Generally, there are two types of foul shots, delicate and nominal. A delicate foul is when an opponent from the other party steps over the boundaries of the play by special dealings. A precise foul is when the globe is not handled perfectly while it is being played. Both of these types of fouls will permit the team that is soiled to have a gratis shot or a free toss to make up for the foul.

If you want to make certainly that your team wins, then you will should to edify them how to take. By showing them the crucial techniques and the techniques that are better for them to chart, they will can hit the basket every time they chuck. By practicing the several spacing between the basket and the player, the skills will grow, allowing them to make the points that they want.

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Basketball Shooting – Learn How to Shoot a Free Throw and Become a Good Shooter

August 13th, 2010 admin

Any ball player will tell you that games are won and lost on free throws. A free throw is a shot in basketball that a player gets after they are fouled. It is a direct and unguarded shot from 15-feet away from the hoop. You get two free throws if your shot does not go in the hoop after the foul.

Free throws are an important part of playing basketball. I believe everyone can become a good shooter. To be a good free throw shooter, you have to make sure that you’ve mastered certain techniques with correct instruction on the fundamentals of basketball shooting, combined with drills and practice. This page will discuss the fundamentals of good basketball shooting form and instruct you in the best methods to sink your free throw. The principles are discussed below should be used as guidelines and may be helpful in correcting a player who is struggling with his/her basketball shooting, or is just learning to shoot.

1. Stance: Have your feet about shoulder width apart. Your knees should be bent a little as your thigh muscles will provide power for your shot. If you shoot right-handed, your right foot should be slightly forward. Your shoulders and body should be square to the hoop or find out which is most comfortable for you. Probably the important thing here is that when you jump to shoot, jump straight up but not sideways or backwards. Stay balanced.

2. Holding the ball: Use both hands to hold the ball, but only your basketball shooting hand which will actually propel the ball forward. Don’t shoot two-handed. Your shooting hand is the platform and should be underneath the ball with your wrist cocked back. Your other hand helps support or balance the ball, but does not enter into the actual shooting of the ball. Your non-basketball shooting hand should actually come off the ball just before you release the ball, so that you are shooting with one hand. Use your fingertips, not palms, to hold and release the ball.

3. Set Point: The set point is where you position the ball just prior to releasing the shot. If you are right-handed and shoot with your shoulders and feet square to the hoop, have the ball to the right of your face, a little toward the right shoulder. Don’t line the ball up in the center of your face, as this may result in your basketball shooting elbow flying away from your body, and could actually cause your wrist to turn sideways when you release the ball, imparting a side-spin. On the other hand, if you are more comfortable shooting with your body turned in toward the basketball shooting side, and then the set point can be more in front of your face. You will have to find which method works best for you. Also, it is best that the ball is as high as your forehead, or even higher in order to keep your basketball shooting from being blocked.

4. Upward Force: Most of the power in your shot should come from the upward force of your jump or the upward force from your thighs moving upward. You should not try to power up longer shots with your arm. Let the big muscles in the legs do the work. Release your shot on the upward force of the jump, not on the way down.

5. Aiming the ball: Pick out a spot to aim at either the back of the rim, or just over the front of the rim, or the backboard. Concentrate on this spot, and don’t look at the ball, or the flight of the ball.

6. Releasing the ball: Take the deep breath, and shoot. Use the shoulder as a “hinge”. Your basketball shooting arm extends forward toward the hoop, the elbow extends and then you release the ball with a snap of the wrist, with the ball rolling off your fingertips. This will impart backspin that all good shooters have. Backspin makes the ball land softly on the rim, and often creates a favorable “shooter’s” bounce, resulting in a score even though the shot was not perfect.

7. Follow Through: Make sure to follow through with your shot! This will help you get arc, rotation, and consistency. Keep looking at the basket and hold your basketball shooting hand in the “gooseneck”, follow-through position until the ball goes through the net.

This is important in getting the proper rotation (back spin) on the ball. Your fingers should be pointing toward the hoop, and your wrist bent forward, in a “goose neck” fashion. Hold this release after your shot until the ball hits the rim. You will notice that with a proper follow-through, the palm of your hand will be facing downward toward the floor. If it is turned sideways with the back of the hand facing outward, then you are incorrectly twisting your wrist during the release. Remember to keep your eye on the target… don’t watch the flight of the ball.

Tips

1. It is important for you to concentrate. Block out all the factors and just focus on your technique and making the shot.
2. Get into a routine. Take a few dribbles or take a deep breath- whatever makes you feel comfortable before you take the shot. Make sure to stick to the same routine every time. A routine helps program your body and mind and that will help with your consistency.
3. Don’t think too much. Even if you are in a slump, approach the line with the same routine and believing that you will make the shot.
4. Practice makes perfect! Repetition is the key to success in basketball shooting free throws. The more you shoot the more comfortable and confident you will become!

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How to Pratice for Basketball Improvement

August 7th, 2010 admin

With so many drills and different ways to practice to improve your game, you could very easily get confused and frustrated trying to compile a perfect practice plan. Some of the main components I have always stressed with all my private basketball clients, whether they are beginners or a NBA Veteran, is to try and train smarter and just harder.

A major component you have to consider when trying to design a Basketball Improvement system is to leverage your time wisely and work on the areas that are most important to you and your game. To use an example, if you are a point guard, your main job is to be able to handle the rock under control and pressure, control the pace of the game, make sure all your teammates are doing their job correctly and be your coaches on the court general.

Why it would be great if you were a great rebounder, it is not something that you should spend alot of time practicing. You should focus the majority of your time practicing and improving the areas that are most required. Try not to get caught up in trying to work on every aspect of basketball, there just is not enough time to work on every thing in one practice.

I have outlined a Practice plan that I use to structure all of my Pro Clients workouts,they are very effective and time efficient. The practice will last approximately 1 hour and will begin with a Sports Warm-Up. Sports Warm Up ( 15 minutes) It is very essential you participate in an active warm up that will prepare you for a vigorous work out ahead. The days of static stretching as a team are long over,due to the fact that you want to prepare your self for moving, running, and explosive burst, you want to prepare your body to handle certain movements and game situations. I normally have all my players run 4 to 5 times around the court at about 50%, and then follow that up with 4 half court layups from both the right and left side.Then, we perform 3 full court layups on each side, right and left. Then we move onto two ball dribbling, full court and back 3 times, two ball alternating dribbling full court and back, 3 times, and then finish with a couple of dynamic warm up stretches that improve the mobility, stability, and flexibility of certain muscle groups.

Basketball conditioning ( 10 minutes)

I have always like jumping right into some conditioning drills as my players perform better when we get conditioning done at the beginning of practice.Many practices, the exercise or drills will change and vary, but the principles remain the same. I usually compile 6 conditioning drills that we will perform only once, but at 100% intensity. I will then give them a 30-45 second break and then move onto the next conditioning drill.We do not perform the drills for certain amount of reps, but rather for a duration of time. Usually lasting 30-45 seconds. Hers is a sample Conditioning workout:

Exercise # 1 suicide ( 30 seconds)

Rest(45seconds)

Exercise # 2 ( machine guns while dribbling a basketball) 30 seconds

Rest (45 seconds)

Exercise # 3 Basketball Pushups with a basketball( 20 seconds on each side)

Rest(45 seconds)

Exercise #4 Full court Defensive slides( 35 seconds)

Rest ( 45 seconds)

Exercise # 5 Net or rim touches ( 30 seconds)

Rest ( 45 Seconds)

Exercise # 6 Push Up Holds ( 45 seconds)

Rest Until 10 minutes is up

As you can see, if you structure your workouts and practices correctly, you can get a very effective practice in a short period of time. The next 10 minutes will solely focus on shooting. I have a simple rule when trying to improve your shooting. Think of the 5 most common shots and area that you are most likely to shoot in a game and work on those 5 shots the most. It is almost a waste of time if you are a center trying to improve your 3 point shooting. Once you have figured out your 5 most common shots, spend 2 minutes each working on them and getting up as many shots as you can in those 2 minutes from those specific spots. You will be surprised when you start working on only a couple of shoots how much more you will improve compared to trying to shoot from every where. After you finish working on your shooting, you will then dedicate the next 10 minutes on ball handling. There are millions of drills that will improve your ball handling skills and you can pick which ever ones you like, but follow these rules when you do so.

1. Try not to ever look down at the ball.

2. Try your hardest not to mess up.

3. Involve as much running and movement as you can.

4.When you have mastered a drill, do not continue to do the same drill,

move on to a more challenging drill.

5. Try to incorporate multitasking drills as much as possible, like 2 ball dribbling,

the more you can do at the same time the better.

Follow those rules and you will see a dramatic improvement in your over all game.

Now that you have gotten past those stations, it is time now to move on to the most important aspect of the practice. The last 15 minutes will solely be committed to working on your niche, the most important component of your game.

What Is Your Niche?

This is by far the most over looked aspect in basketball. A niche is what you do best, it is the one thing that you do great, the thing that separates you form the baller next to you. The One thing you can provide the team, and what the coach can count on you for.Without a Niche, you have no identity on the court. If you look at all the Kings in the NBA, you will easily discover their Niche.

Steve Nash- passing

Ben Wallace- Rebounding

Dwayne Wade- attacking the basket

Mike Miller- Shooting

Kobe – Scoring

And the list goes on….

Spend the last 15 minutes working and mastering your niche. Whatever it is, whether it be shooting, rebounding, ball handling, defense, scoring, driving to the basket, 3 point shooting, ect… Work on mastering and improving it. I guarantee you that if you take this outline and use it to structure your workouts and practices, you will have more improvement in a couple of weeks then you probably have had your whole career. Improving your game is easy when you do it the right way.

Your # 1 Fan

Rali Todd

Pro Basketball Performance Coach

Go Basketball Pro

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Just simple visit http://www.gobasketballpro.com to get the 12 Keys To Basketball Greatness and Unlock your full potential.

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Romantic Gift Ideas For Men Or Women

August 1st, 2010 admin

Gift baskets are great gift choices to express your feelings for one another. Because a gift basket can contain virtually anything, it is a very easy gift to decide on and shop for. Of course, the easiest way to give a romantic gift basket is to choose one from one of the hundreds of websites that specialize in all types of gift baskets for any occasion.

Maybe because gift baskets have the word, “basket” in it, many people may think that it is a gift choice mainly for women. That is just not true. What man who enjoys golf or any sport for that matter would turn down a tin box of chocolates, assorted snacks, and different golf or sports paraphernalia? Or a gift of their favorite colognes and aftershave with other daily grooming gadgets? How about a wicker hamper full of bottles of wine, different types of meats and cheeses and crackers? The possibilities are endless and it isn’t a gift that is only for women.

Rather than getting each other separate gifts, you could splurge on one large gift basket of decadent chocolates, champagne, along with countless other treats. Next, take your large basket or hamper and check into a luxurious downtown hotel for the night and enjoy romantic picnic for two on the large king sized bed as you gaze out at the city lights.

Another idea is to get his and hers spa treatment gift baskets and take time to relax with each other and treat yourselves to a day of pampering. Choose a day when there are no children in the house and postpone any household chores to another day. Start the day out by cooking a beautiful breakfast together and taking that breakfast back to bed with each of you. Soak in a bathtub together. Feed each other strawberries and champagne. View a movie that has special meaning to both of you and thoroughly enjoy the day and each other’s company.

Pack a gift backpack of nutritious treats and a nice lunch and take a hike in a nearby state park or nature trails. Find a secluded spot to have your lunch and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature all around you.

Some romantic gift baskets are geared for very specific romantic times. Many gift basket retailers offer a gift basket called Wedding Supper. This basket includes a quick and easy pasta meal to prepare, some wine and bread and a romantic scented candle and decadent chocolate truffles. This would be a wonderful gift basket that one of the couple could get the other or that the parents could chip in together. This would be a perfect choice for the happy couple’s first night in their home or apartment.

Another romantic gift basket idea for either him or her is to include an “I love you” jar. This is a jar that has 365 personal messages of love. Everyday the couple can pull one message from the jar and relive their romance daily. This is a good gift to give each other an empty jar first and for the first year of marriage write a reason why you love the other person, read it aloud and put in the jar. The day after your first anniversary begin taking one from your spouse’s jar every day and read one of the reasons why they love you and reminisce about the memories that these words evoke.

One romantic idea is to give your love the world. You can do this by visiting sites that sell items such as an acre of the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean, or an acre of the moon or your own star. Another clever enterprise sells 1 square inch of land in every state and bundles it up in a package deal, which includes a deed to the United States. Show him or her that you not only would give them the world, but that you have!

There are many gift baskets that revolve around adult beverages. Of course, there are wine packages, but that is not all. You could give a romantic gift basket that includes everything needed to make your own sangrias or margaritas. Both of these gift baskets include a hand painted pitcher and 2 glasses along with some snacks. This is a truly romantic and fun gift.

Another option for newly married couples is a gift basket that includes items for the novice cook including simple cookbooks and 2 enrollments to a basic culinary art cooking school. These are classes that the couple can take together and learn some basic techniques, which will allow them to create and learn elementary skills and find a new hobby that they can do together.

For the couple that loves the outdoors and loves to play games, there are gift baskets that include games like croquet and bocce ball or volleyball. This gift basket has the romantic couple out in the sunshine spending time with one another as they enjoy a competitive sport or two. This is a very appropriate gift for a fun couple.

Sticking with the outdoors, give a hammock filled with wind chimes, birdhouses and hummingbird feeders, along with some snacks and treats. It may not sound very romantic, but just you wait until you are both snuggling on the hammock in the shade with a cool breeze as you watch the birds feeding and the hummingbirds flitting nearby. So, so romantic.

Still another decadent and romantic gift basket is to place two spoons, some water and as many different pints of deluxe, “designer” ice cream you can fit in a soft-sided cooler pack. Meet at a local park or nature view and share tastes.

There are so many romantic gift basket ideas. You can purchase one ready made or create one of your own. Either way, the gift baskets are a simple way to keep the romance spark kindled and keep you as loving as newlyweds. So, at the next opportunity or “just because”, use one of these ideas or come up with even better ones and give a romantic gift basket.

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The Missing Link to All Basketball Players!

July 26th, 2010 admin

With all the new talent, changing of the game, transformation of the play, there is still one vital aspect that most basketball players completely miss the boat on. Think to yourself what one of the most important aspects of the game is and how can you get better at it. What is one thing that you can do that will improve your defense, ball handling, shooting, rebounding and also improve injury prevention?

The answer, bending your knees!

That’s right, getting lower to the ground. If you do not believe me I want you to try a few things.

Right now I want you to stand up and put your feet together. Next I want you to try to jump with out bending your knees. Most likely you tried it but you still bent your knees. So this time I want you to really try and jump with out bending your knees. If you did it correctly you would find that it is nearly impossible to perform a jump without bending your knees. So what does this mean? Well I will get to that in a second. The next one I want you to try is a defensive slide. I want you to try to slide across your room or wherever you are without bending your knees. Again, if you performed it correctly you will find that it is impossible to do effectively. Now I want you to go back to the first one and bend your knees. So now I want you to bend your knees and jump. You will find that not only did you jump significantly higher but it was also a lot easier and more effective. Now try the same with the defensive slide. Again, you would have found that you can slide laterally a lot easier and effective with your knees bent!

So what’s the point?

The point is that almost every basketball player plays with their legs straight and knees not bent. This plays a major role in all aspects of the game. Because as you demonstrated that it is almost impossible to move and jump with your legs straight. So what does your body do? It does it for you. Let’s look at an example:

Let’s say that you are coming off a screen preparing to catch the ball and shoot but you are playing tall, and not bending your knees. When you catch the ball you will have to dip down (bend your knees) in order for you to jump and shoot the ball. This will take slightly longer that if you already had your knees bent and did not have to dip down to shoot the ball. It may not seem like a big difference, but in the game it could be the difference to someone blocking your shoot and you getting your shoot off faster.

Another great example would be rebounding.

If you are under the basket preparing to rebound a missed shot with your legs straight, you will again have to dip down and bend your knees in order to jump. But if you already had your knees bent you would just simply have to jump straight up while your opponent had to take the time to bend their knees and then jump. Again, this might only be half of a second, but that is all it takes to grab a rebound.

So do you see how important it is to bend your knees and stay low? That’s why almost all shorter players are faster than taller players. Their center of gravity is lower to the ground which provides them with an advantage.

So how do we correct this problem?

Well besides consciously trying to remind yourself to bend your knees all the time, it is all a form of muscle memory. You have to train your body and the muscles that are most used in this position (your gluteus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves) I will tell you that this position hurts and most players are very uncomfortable in this position because it is painful. But if you are truly seeking ways to improve your game you should be willing to do whatever it takes to get better.

Here are two drills that I have found that are the most effective in training this position and the muscles that are used.

1. Two ball pounding

Start off with your legs wider than your shoulders. Squat down bending at your knees and not your back. Get two basketballs and try to dribble both of them in between your legs at the same time. Your focus should be at pounding the balls into the ground and staying low. After about 20 seconds this drill will start to hurt but push yourself as much as you.
Try to perform three to six sets of at least 45 seconds of duration.

2. Squat explosive lay ups

Start of right under the basket with a basketball, legs wider than your shoulders. Hold the basketball with your arms straight down by your knees. Squat down bending at the knees and not your back and touch the ball to the ground, as soon as the ball touches the ground explode up and lay the ball up. Perform ten lay-ups in a row and then switch sides. Your focus should be to explode up while keeping your back straight. Perform two to three sets on each side of 10 made lay-ups.

Staying low is one of the most important aspects of basketball and you should focus on bending your knees and keeping your back straight. If you can train your body to stay in this position you will have a huge advantage over your competition.

Yours in hoops,
Rali Todd
Basketball performance coach
http://www.gobasketballpro.com
Remember Training hurts…. Sitting on the bench hurts more!

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A Newbies Guide to Tennis

July 20th, 2010 admin

Tennis for beginners can be a pleasant voyage or of frustration. This depends partly on the trainer and the environment, and partly on the player.

The majority of the beginners in tennis do not have any idea in the way in which tennis is learned. They don’t know how many repetitions are necessary before the movement becomes automatic. They don’t know that the hardest part of tennis is not technical but perception of the flight and to move of ball to the right spot in less than 2 seconds.

Tennis looks at very simple when you observe a good player. But the road with the control is long and him it matter of doesn’t which the sector you work – with tennis, with the piano or to dance.

In order to relieve your tennis at the beginning there be some important ends which will help you to become more realistic, improve your rate of study and groove your races with a calm mentality.

Point out you – the brain stores all not simply, mechanical of race. It stores emotions, thoughts and consequently the belief as well as mechanics! Thus the beginning of the let with some realistic sights on tennis for beginners:

Why so much of balls?

The beginners do not realize really of the number of balls in the basket when they write the court. If they would begin their practice as regards volley ball, of football or basketball, they would see 10-20 balls. But here they could see from 40 to 200 balls or even more in one basket.

The reason is simple – the trainer knows that the repetition is the mother of competence and a beginner of tennis will have to make much repetitions before he’ll be able to control the race. And more thing – the race is not only the movement of arm, but includes/understands the movement with the ball, stopping, balancing and striking the ball. A complex action of It which takes time to become our second nature.

To answer the question thus – there are so many balls because the driving training (learning how to strike and movement) take many repetitions and the trainer is ready for that. He also knows that you will probably miss much time before you obtained the good to feel. A question not of the life or death of It , the study right of the it to move in a new manner.

Errors?

The errors are a part of the training. A beginner of tennis does not realize really of how much and the way in which LARGE its errors will be. There are two types of errors while learning how to play tennis:

a) Errors where you can influence the results When a trainer recalls you to play gently and you forget with or decide that the survey of the it to the play gently, then you most probably blow of surplus. You can correct this error while striking more gently. It is in your order. Unless naturally you’re late on the projectile and you’re dispatching the race which produces a blow of surplus.

b) Errors which are out of your order (for now) You cannot have a perfect technique after 45 repetitions. It nonpossible to make the correct movement and liquid with so small repetitions. Your brain needs much more to store and coordinate your body fluidly. You cannot have a good to feel for the level of face of racquet or also to balance the speed after 20 minutes of practice.

You will make errors and you cannot accelerate the process. That takes time. Thus it is out of your order.

You don’t must obtain the inversion with yourself, because there is not only you can make on this subject in this moment. Remain calms it and give your brain and body much more information so that they can learn and to adapt.

If all is well you now have a better arrangement in the way in which the process to learn tennis functions for beginners. To accept errors as an element of the voyage and to be patient will return the lessons commençantes of tennis much more pleasant and the recreation.

And later when you control this interesting play you will really have fun on the court. Advance thus and find a trainer of tennis to show you which tennis is all approximately.

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Learn How to Become a Better Dribbler

July 14th, 2010 admin

In basketball, you want to make assuring that every drip and move that the players members make will main to the basket and the win. If you are running towards credo each time limb to have different tricks for dribbling, then you can start by training them basics and affecting up into developing higher techniques as you go.

The first thing you will want to train anybody who culture the basics of dribbling is where to set all their dilution. Many beginners will try to use their palms when they are creations to drool. Instead, you will want to focus on credo how to use and strengthen the fingertips for better dribbling. The wrist would then be able to monitor the faction of the fingers, generous more possibilities for controlling the globe. You will also want to edify beginners how to slaver an inferior globe, bountiful them, the ability to plan through guard with more options. While they are dribbling inferior, you will want to make trusty that they are able to keep their hint up and away from the sphere so they can make their next move.

After you have the basics of dribbling down, then you can add very techniques into the bounce. The first of these is wisdom how to spin while dribbling. When you are doing prime dribbles, your feet will be hip width apart and your knees will be bent. When you revolve while dribbling a basketball, you will be able to focus your body while you are dribbling into a completely different stand, generous you more lead way to get older cover and make a basket. Another scheme that you can do will intermix base work with the trickle. For example, you can fake pitiful one way, then twirl to move the other, generous you an open shot at a basket. You can do this same thing by feinting, value that you trickle the sphere enough to move the cover out of your way, giving an apparent shot to the basket.

Dribbling afar the basics is learning how to coalesce footwork with the way that the sphere is pathetic. When you open to edify others how to move with the ball and how to blend different actions of progress with the amusement, you will can give options for poignant past the other band and into the basket you want to make.

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