4. Shooting The first types of shots to which youth players are introduced are:

• Lay-Up • Set Shot • Foul Shot • Jump Shot

Other shots such as the hook shot, tear drop, runner, etc. may be a bit advanced for most elementary school players. Lay-Up

The classic lay-up

• A lay-up is the easiest shot and the first to be taught to young players. • A lay-up is a shot made from close to the basket off the dribble. • Shoot with right hand from right side of basket, and left hand from left side. • Push off the opposite foot and lift knee and shooting hand to elevate higher when

laying up the ball. • Don’t be too far under the basket when you release the ball. • Approach from an angle, and use the little white box for aiming and accuracy. • Usually aim for high off the box just above the hoop. • Don’t put any spin on the ball; lay it off the backboard softly. Use a “soft touch”. • Use your body to protect the ball from defender. • Practice taking lay-ups on either side of the basket, using the correct mechanics.

Require players to use both hands; they will improve.

• Right-handed Lay-Up – When doing a right-handed lay-up, lift your right knee as you lift your right arm to release the ball. Use your left foot to push off the floor, while using your left hand to hold the ball in place and guide it.

• Left-handed Lay-Up – When doing a left-handed lay-up, raise your left knee as

you lift your left arm to release the ball. Use your right foot to push off the floor, while using your right hand to hold the ball in place and guide it.

• Reverse Lay-Up – Cross under the basket and do a right- or left-handed lay-up

while moving away from basket.

Reverse Lay-Up

Left-handed Lay-Up

Good Set Shot Form

Good Set Shot and

Blocking Out in Background

Set Shot The set shot, jump shot, and free throw are all very similar in their basic mechanics. The set shot is attempted in the heat of the game, and may be seen as a quick-release free throw or a jump shot without the jump. It is the best shot with which to teach young players good shooting form. The jump shot has evolved to become the dominant method of shooting, but the strength and coordination necessary to shoot a true jump shot are beyond the capability of all but a few elementary level players.

The set shot is smooth and graceful. Personal variations aside, there is a general procedure that all good basketball shooters more or less follow:

• Half-bend your knees before shooting a basketball for more potential power. • Your dominant hand should have its fingers spread out. • Only the fingertips should be gripping onto the ball. • Your other hand should support the ball on the side. • Your eyes are focused on the basket. • The ball should be brought above the head and released in one motion. • The angles at your armpit, elbow, and wrist form a 90-degree angle. • While extending your knees, extend your forearm and snap your wrist. • Make sure you follow through with your wrist movement; Gooseneck finish.

The principles of B-E-E-E-F described below in connection with jump shots also generally apply to a set shot.

Jump Shot: Proper Form (“B-E-E-E-F”) • Balance: Stand with your feet parallel to one another with your knees bent. • Eyes: Eyes should be focusing on the rim. • Elbows: Extend your shooting hand directly in front of you and then bend it 90

degrees (making an “L”) upward at the elbow; cup your shooting hand so that the ball fits in it with the other hand guiding the ball in position.

• Extension: Feet push off floor, knees straighten, hips raise, elbow lifts to shoulder height; Pushing ball up and out and releasing shot through fingertips with backspin.

• Follow-through: Follow through with the palm facing down; reading the ball into the basket; Gooseneck finish.

Key Notes:

• Always shoot within your range on the court. • Don’t force your shots; be patient. A good pass helps more than a bad shot. • Square up to the basket; shoulders facing the basket when shooting. • After catching a pass, pivot with inside foot and square up to basket. • Create your shots with shot fakes, jab steps, pivots and dribble movements to get open. • Practice proper technique until it becomes second nature to you. Then practice more.

Good Gooseneck Release

Free Throws Techniques of proper free throw shooting:

• Stance and balance; shoulders & hips are squared facing the basket. • Ball on fingertips. • Non-shooting hand to side of ball for guiding. • Elbow in form of an “L” upon release of the ball. • Use your legs for power. In one smooth motion, flex your entire body so that

upon release of ball, your body is fully extended. • Follow through, and gooseneck finish.

Correct Free Throw Position

Drills & Games Mock Jump Shot – Don’t release shot, Let ball pull you up. Miken Drill – Shoots lay-ups or jump shots, continuously from alternating sides and ball may not touch ground.

5. Rebounding Proper form in blocking out the opponent:

• “Boxout” by getting your elbows up, arms up and out, your butt down and legs flexed.

• Contact must be maintained with your check • Weight should be forward and on balls of feet.

Key Notes:

• Blocking out should begin with the release of a shot, not after the ball hits the rim. • Know where your opponent is and make contact with him/her first. • Maintain your block out until the ball comes off the rim. • If you can’t make contact with your man, cut him/her off going to the basket. • When rebounding, explode and reach high for the ball. • If you can’t rebound the ball, at least get a piece of the ball to “keep it alive”. • On perimeter shots, anticipate long rebounds. • Successful rebounding is simply a matter of aggressiveness and desire.

WHO SAYS GIRLS CAN’T REBOUND?

6. Defense Playing defense is all about hard work and determination. Defense does not especially demand high levels of skill and talent; it does require energy, hustle, and the desire to keep your opponent from scoring. Basic Defensive Stance

• Knees slightly bent shoulder width apart. • Eyes looking up and forward. • Hands out in front of you, palms up.

Basic Defensive Stance

The defensive stance allows you to stay balanced so that you are prepared to move in any direction – forward, backward, or sideways. When moving sideways, DO NOT CROSS YOUR FEET! Always step-and-slide. On-Ball Defense

• When guarding an opponent with the ball your purpose is to slow down, contain, and/or influence his/her advance.

• Stay between the ball and the basket. • Keep your hands out to make yourself as big as possible. • Keep your eyes on the offensive player’s midsection. Do not follow the ball or the

player’s face. • Stay low to the ground when playing away from the basket in order to change

directions readily. • Stand taller when playing close to the basket to pressure the shooter. • Pressure the dribbler to pick up his/her dribble. • Keep one foot up and force away (from basket). • Stay square with body of opponent, staying in position to obstruct path to basket. • Keep about an arm’s length away to slap at the ball (if allowed).

PART TWO AT-HOME SKILL DRILLS Here are some practice drills you can work on at home to get ready for your next practice. Repetition of these drills is a sure way to improve your basketball performance.

A. Movement 1. Sprints – In your backyard or on your driveway, select 2 lines to run in-between (driveway to telephone pole, or tree to fence) that are about 20 meters apart. Begin by running forwards to the end line, touching it, and running back. Repeat using different movements such as running backwards, high knees, lunges, leapfrog, slides, etc 2. Intervals – With a friend, go for a run on the sidewalk. Start off running at a medium pace and when you reach the next stop sign, sprint from there to the telephone pole 50 meters ahead. Use light posts, street signs, etc., as markers and alternate between running and sprinting.

3. Jumps – Using a crack on the sidewalk or a line on your driveway (drawn with chalk), jump back and forth over the line with both feet. Jump for 30 seconds, rest, and repeat. Switch to jumping left to right over the line. B. Ball Handling During TV commercials is a great time to work on ball handling skills! 1. Finger Tipping – During commercial breaks, grab a basketball and tap the ball back and forth with your fingertips. You can stand up or sit down. Move the ball up and down while continuing to tap the ball between your finger tips. 2. Body Circles – During the next commercial break, stand up, shake your legs out and move the ball around your body. Start circling the ball around your waist. Then circle the ball around your head, knees and ankles. By the fourth commercial, circle the ball around your entire body. Be sure to switch directions! C. Dribbling 1. Static Dribbling – Standing in triple threat position, dribble the ball 20 times in your right hand. Switch and dribble the ball 20 times in your left hand. Make sure your head and eyes are up and not looking down at the ball or the ground 2. Dribbling Moves – Dribble the ball on the sidewalk in your right hand. When you reach a crack, execute a crossover. Perform a dribbling move, such as a crossover, behind-the back, through the legs, etc., at every fifth sidewalk square. D. Lay-Ups 1. Quick Lay-Ups – Start on the right block, do a right handed lay-up with no dribble, catch your rebound, do a left-handed lay-up. Continue right- and left-handed lay-ups with no dribble until you have completed 20 lay-ups on each side.

2. Self-Toss – Stand 10 feet away from the basket. Toss the ball in the air, catch it and square up to the basket. Take 1 or 2 dribbles and do a lay-up. Attack the basket from all angles (baseline, 45 degree angle, centre) E. Passing 1. With a Partner: If you have a friend or partner to practice with, practice passing the ball back and forth to each other using the 4 different types of passing, standing on the spot and then sliding facing each other. 2. Wall-Passing: If you do not have a partner to pass to, try finding an outside brick wall (garage, school) to throw the ball against. Pick a target on the wall to throw the ball at using 1 of the 4 types of passes (chest, bounce, overhead, one-hand push). Once you make 10 good passes, take a giant step back. Make 10 good passes and step back again. E. Shooting Mechanics 1. Practice B-E-E-E-F: Lie on your back on the floor, on the couch, or on your bed. Practice your shooting mechanics by shooting the ball straight up into the air. Be sure to get a nice backspin 2. Form Shooting: Stand in the middle of the key or 9 feet from the basket. Using B-E-E-E-F mechanics, take 10 shots. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive shots. After scoring 5 shots in a row, step back so that you are 12 feet away from the basket. After scoring 5 baskets in a row, move back until you are 15 feet from the basket (free throw shot). F. Jump Shot 1. Around the World: Self-toss the ball, catch it, square up, and take a jump shot. Move around the court, shooting from all different angles and distances from the basket. Take 20 shots, rest, and then take another 20 shots. 2. Fake, Jab, Shoot: Self-toss the ball, square up to the basket, jab step, ball fake, or take a dribble, then shoot a jumper. Move to different spots on the court. G. Rebounding 1. Bangs (Wall Taps): Find a clear area in the garage or the side of your house. Put the ball above your head, arms fully extended, keeping the ball high and gripping it tightly. Jump continuously banging the ball against the wall at the top of each jump for 30 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat. 2. Superman Drill: Start on the right block. Toss the ball towards the left side of the backboard. Throw it high off the glass on an angle. Once you throw the ball, sprint and jump up, catching the ball in the air and landing on the left side of the basket. Repeat going back the other direction. Continuing rebounding back and forth without stopping.

PART THREE BUILDING LIFE SKILLS Building life skills through basketball is a key component to developing the whole athlete. These 12 Life Skills are designed to build important mental skills that are crucial for whole-player development on and off the court.

1. Respect: Be respectful of coaches, players (teammates & opponents), officials, and fans.

2. Sportsmanship and Fair Play: Be as competitive as possible while still playing in the spirit of the game. Treat your teammates, coaches, officials and parents the same way you would like to be treated; fairly and with respect. Always demonstrate good sportsmanship.

3. Leadership: Act as a leader by setting positive examples, on and off the court, and inspire and motivate others to do the same. 4. Goal Setting: Challenge yourself to be the best player you can be and challenge your teammates to be the best team they can be. Set goals for today, next week, and the season to improve on your weaknesses and reach your maximum potential. 5. Attitude: Come prepared for every practice and game with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

6. Communication: Communicate openly, positively, and clearly with your teammates and coaches on and off the court. 7. Hard Work and Discipline: Be persistent. When learning something new, the harder you work, the better you’ll develop your skills. Don’t give up on yourself or your teammates. 8. Focus and Determination: When you are on the court, focus on what you are doing by giving 100% of your attention and effort. 9. Responsibility: Take responsibility for your own actions (on the court, at home, at school) and never point the finger at someone else. The best way to learn is by making mistakes and learning from them. 10. Balance: Find a balance between basketball, school, family and friends. Get a good night’s rest, eat healthy. 11. Confidence: Build your confidence through practice and repetition, and believe in your abilities. Instill confidence into your teammates so they feel they can contribute to the team in a positive manner. 12. Teamwork: Basketball is a team sport and winning requires every team member to work together.

APPENDIX I Basic Basketball Offensive Skills

by Sudhanshu Vishnoi by Sudhanshu Vishnoi

Skill #1) Body Balance

Your overall balance is controlled by your head, feet and hands. Keep your head

directly above the midpoint between your feet with your chin up. Do not lean. This helps

keep control because the weight of your head alone can throw you off balance.

Keep your hands close to your body and above your waist with your fingers

spread and palms out towards the ball. If you have the ball, hold it close to your chest

with your elbows out.

Skill #2) Starting

You must be able to accelerate from a stationary position. By paying attention to

the fundamentals, you can improve your speed and quickness. Lower your shoulder and

lean your head in the direction you need to go. Push off the floor with the heel of your

foot and keep leaning as you start forward. To accelerate, use a quick, pumping action

with your arms.

Skill #3) Stopping

When stopping abruptly, there are two methods to use so you end up in a good,

balanced position. With the "jump stop", you jump off one foot and land on both feet at

the same time in a parallel or staggered stance. With the "stride stop" (or one-two stop),

you land on one foot. With the "stride stop", you can only use the foot that lands first as

your pivot foot, but with the "jump stop", you can use either foot as the pivot.

These fundamentals are to be used with either method of stopping: Keep your

head up and centered over your body as you land with your knees bent. Don't bend at

the waist (keep your back pretty straight) and maintain a wide base for support.

Skill #4) Changing Direction

When changing direction, keep a low center of gravity with your head centered

over your body. Be sure to lower your shoulder in the direction you're going. As you

begin to slow down, plant your outside foot and push off. Then point and step with the

inside foot.

Skill #5) Ready Position

When you don't have the ball, you need to keep yourself ready for anything. With

your knees bent and your hands raised above your waist, keep your eyes on your

defender and whoever has the ball. Be ready to move quickly in any direction. When you

make your move, push off the ball of your foot.

Skill #6) Triple-Threat Position

After receiving a pass, you want to get into the "triple-threat" position so you can

quickly dribble, shoot or pass. As you take the ball in, look at the basket ("catch and

face") and put the ball in front of your chest near your dominant shoulder ("shooting

pocket").

The correct "triple-threat" stance: Keep your head up, centered over your

body and your eyes on the hoop, but also seeing the entire floor. Be sure your shoulders

are facing the basket with your knees bent and weight spread evenly. Your feet should

be shoulder-width apart. Now you're ready to shoot, pass or dribble.

Skill #7) Pivoting

Keep your head up and centered over your body with your feet shoulder-width apart.

Knees bent. Make the pivot by raising your heel and turning on the ball of the pivot foot.

As always, keep the ball close to your body with your elbows in for protection

There are two kinds of pivots. Use the "front pivot" when you're not being

guarded closely. For this, you step forward while turning on your pivot foot. Step

backward when you're being guarded closely with the "reverse pivot". Pivoting is a

basketball skill you must learn in order to keep your balance and quickness and to

change direction correctly.