Maybe you want a bigger role on your team when our seasons start back? Want to go from second seat on the bench to crucial starter? There are certain things coaches look for from players to trust them on the floor for big minutes and big moments. You can become this player with the right mindset and attention to skill!

-Bring energy and play fearless! Be a player who hustles on defense and does the little things (like box out, rebound, be a great help defender, keep the ball in front of you).
-Coaches want players who take care of the ball. Can you handle pressure? Can you pass? Turnovers can be major swings in a game.
-Know the difference between a good shot and a not so good shot. If you can create good shots for your team (layups, open, rhythm jumpers) and avoid taking bad shots, you will be more valuable.
-Be a shot maker. Hit open shots and make layups around the rim. Building this skill is on you, and it will help separate you when you can bring everything else above.

Shane Battier, former Duke star and NBA player, discussed how he wanted his coach to feel about his minutes on the floor. He said “I want to make my coach sweat when he leaves me on the bench.” He wanted the coach to feel his absence on the floor when Battier subbed out. Can you bring this energy, defensive intensity, and smart play to your team at a higher level?

Of course you can...get to work!

​#getbetter

Great leadership is often thought of as guiding others to places they could not have otherwise gone or influencing others towards big accomplishments. A first step in this practice is your own self-leadership. Are you aware of how well you are leading yourself? Can you evaluate your progress and growth? If we can lead ourselves well, we can at least be confident that our example provided will influence those around us for the better.

Evaluate these four areas of your self-leadership!
-Emotional Control - take note of how you react when things do not go perfectly or someone makes you mad.
-Adaptability - Embracing change or resisting anything new? Set the example.
-Striving for Excellence - Setting high standards (daily) and seeking growth towards goals.
-Positive Voice - See the good in others, speak positively, believe in the bright side.

Growing in your self-leadership in these four areas will instantly make you a better leader and positive influence to those around you and those following you!

*List of four areas from The Daily Coach/Coach Raveling

​#getbetter

Shooting is an immensely valuable skill in basketball. By itself, it may make the biggest difference maker for a player excelling on a team, or struggling to find a role. (I am NOT discounting passing, ball handling, defense, or hustle!!!) I wanted to share a few shooting workouts that are my favorites for getting reps, shooting at game speed, and growing as a shooter! Give these a try to work on your game and add competitiveness to your workouts.

Celtics Shooting
Make two in a row from each of the five spots (baseline, wing, top, wing, baseline). Then work your way back around the arc repeating each spot (at 5th spot in corner, you make two in a row, twice). What makes this drill a great is that you are on the clock. 2 minutes to complete it. You need a rebounder for this drill.
Modifications:
Varsity level: Shoot from 3 pt line
Middle School level: Shoot from 16 feet
Juniors: Complete from 16 feet without timer

50 in 5
Make ten shots each at all five spots on the floor. Put 5 minutes on the clock to get it done. You need a rebounder for this drill.
Modifications:
Varsity level: Shoot from 3 pt line
Middle School level: Shoot from 16 feet
Juniors: Shoot from 12-16 feet

Transition Pullup J
You will shoot from 3 spots, wing, top, and wing. Starting at half court, dribble fullspeed towards first spot (wing) for a pullup jumper (~15 feet). To move to the next spot, you must make 3 in a row from the first spot. Move to top spot, attacking from half court to make 3 pullup jumpers in a row. Complete 3 in a row from final spot on opposite wing. Time yourself and see how quickly you can complete 3 in a row at all three spots.
Modifications:
Varsity level: Make third shot from 3 pt line
Middle School level: Complete in midrange (15-17 feet)
Juniors: Make three shots (not in a row)

​#getbetter