BASKETBALL 360º

Being a well-rounded player is one of the ways you'll set yourself apart from your teammates and your competition. Sounds simple right? But how many players really think through, and then go out and do, what it takes to become a true, well-rounded player? 

Not as many as you might think. You're reading this newsletter and so you're part of an elite, motivated group of players (or coaches) looking to improve their game or help their players improve their game.  But you'd be amazed at how many players out there don't think through their game, don't think about the areas they need to work on, and don't have a plan on how to improve. 

A lot of players just do what their coach tells them to do in practice, and then when they're working out on their own, simply go through the motions, take a few jump shots, and call it a day. But to be a great player, you've got to work on developing your all-around game.  I was recently working with a post-player in a private coaching session.  We were going through a workout and I had him going through some foot-speed, balance, and dribbling drills. 

He looked a little confused and finally asked:  "Why am I doing these drills?  I'm a post player." I didn't mind the question, and my answer was simple.  I told him that part of being a good post player was being a good, all-around player.  I told him that developing solid ball-handling skills, good balance, and quick-feet would all help to make him a better post player. 

And I also told him that he might no always play the post.  As he progresses from one level to the next, he might become a wing player, or even a shooting guard, and so the things we were working on would help him to that end. Point being:  work on your overall game while focusing on position-specific skills.  Keeping both of these in mind will help you stay on track to improving for your current position and role, while improving your overall skill-set.