PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Hope for Better Ball Handling
Some people just have a natural feel for the ball but even if you start out with great ball handling skills there is always room for improvement. And if you are a player like me, a player who has never been terribly comfortable handling the ball, there is still hope. It’s called hard work.
If you put in the time, you will improve. I spent most of my career putting extra time on the court, and though to this day I’m still not very graceful with the ball, I can get the job done. When I was in college, I could help get the ball up the court against a press if I had to, and I actually loved running a fast break. And that’s only because I worked at it.
I’m still not crazy about bringing the ball up the court. I spent my life as a small forward, but I do know that on the court, as in life sometimes, you need to do things that you are not thrilled about and if that’s dribbling the ball, then you need to spend more time with a ball in your hands. There is always something you can do to become a better player, or to get better at whatever it is you strive to do.
Find links to ball handling skill work below and remember you can take a basketball almost anywhere. Get an outdoor ball and dribble as you walk to school, dribble on the sidewalk in front of your house, dribble in your driveway. You don’t need a hoop just a ball and the desire to improve your game.
50 Basketball Dribbling Drills
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Dancing at the Tournament
It’s tournament time! Both the boy’s and girl’s team at West Seattle, where I used to coach, are headed that way. I can’t wait to cheer them on. When I was coaching, playoffs, League, Districts and the State Tournament meant a different kind of fun, a hunker in and take a closer look at our team type of fun. What makes us successful? How do we build on that and make our base stronger? Of course, I studied our opponents but in the end I focused on our team, our fundamentals and our strengths. As my father-in-law (Hall of Fame Coach) used to say when it was time for State, “Dance with the girl who brung ya’.” (Read more)
Go West Seattle Wildcats!
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Back Off
Back off. This is an important lesson that I learned during a coaches clinic years ago.
As a season progresses and a team is nearing playoffs, it’s time to back off. Really? Yes, really, but not with the intensity during practice, with time on the court. Brains and bodies are tired. If players were prepared properly, pushed to their limits and worked hard all season, then cutting practice time down will not hurt them but in fact will help them. The season is long, and often near the end of the season high school players are also dealing with finals, they need time to study and to rest their bodies. If you’re a coach, reduce practice time as you near the playoffs, but make sure to keep the time on the court focused and intense, optimizing your time by working at game speed. And don’t forget to throw in some fun to keep your players engaged, every player loves ending practice with a game of knock out or trying to hit half-court shots. If you’re a player, work hard at practice (no matter the length) and get lots of sleep.
On the court, and in life, we all have times when we need to back off and give ourselves a break so that we can be our best selves. Think about your life. Is there a place in your life where you could back off?
Book Signing at Alair Neighborhood Gift Shop – January 14, 2017
I’m excited to take part in Alair’s Grand Opening this Saturday, January 14th! Alair Neighborhood Gift Shop is new to West Seattle and has a variety of gifts from baby onesies to books. (I was lucky enough to find the store in time for my Christmas shopping). I will be at Alair signing book from 12:00 to 3:00pm and the event goes all day (12:00 – 7:00pm). There will be tons of raffles, samples and giveaways….and Nibbles Food Truck and drinks! I hope to see you this Saturday. Come celebrate this new local business with your West Seattle neighbors!
Alair Neighborhood Gift Shop – 3280 California Ave SW, Unit A, Seattle, WA 98116
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