Training Day 2009: Derek Fisher

Here's one of the most underrated (and often hated) players but one of my favorites because he's CLUTCH. Not to mention he's been a starting PG for the Los Angeles Lakers Championship teams.

Check out DFish while he demonstrates ball handling and shooting fundamentals, at game speed (courtesy of the Flip Cam via NBA.com).

*Note: Game Speed: Top speed but under control simulating game situations. Not at 100 mph all the time but be shifty in your speed to trick your defender.

Coaching Tidbits

Bits and pieces from different coaches which are helpful and some amusing. You can agree or disagree with these philosophies.

• Fordham head coach Nick Macarchuk wants all of his time outs for the last three minutes of the game. If he has them when the game is over, he is fine with that. Kevin O'Neil has the exact opposite philosophy about time outs. He thinks they should be used as opportunities to teach, even in blowouts.

• One of the rewards of good spacing is better offensive rebounding opportunities.

• Pete Carril emphasizes that the offensive player breaking to the foul line against a zone is in prime passing position.

• Come down hard on a player when he commits a frustration foul. Discipline.
  

• How is this for halftime adjustments: Abe Lemons, while coaching Texas, kept his team on the floor at half time in front of a packed house at Madison Square Garden. They scrimmaged with shirts and skins.

• In relation to Coach Lemons was getting his point across, I remember coaching against Burton high school and the other coach was so pissed at his team, he called a time out to have them run 17's (liner sprints from sideline to sideline 17 times in one minute). As play continued, he continued to yell at his bench and made them do push ups.
  

• Constantly insist that your players verbalize why they are doing what they do.

• Bounce passes take longer to reach their target than air passes. Do not throw a bounce pass unless there is a reason to do so.

• Denying a flash into the post by help side defenders must be treated as a fundamental defensive necessity.

• When the time comes to commit a deliberate foul, try using hand-checking as a strategy.

• Teach your ball-handlers that when they are in a five second count situation to dribble back to break the count.

• When reversing the ball against a zone, it is important to keep the middle men in the zone occupied. Post movements and cuts will accomplish this.

• Have a signal for your team when you want them to settle for nothing less than a pass into the post.

• Be patient with your team's development. Not with bad shot selection.

• Bob Ligouri believes that jumping to the ball is probably the most under-taught defensive skill, yet one of the most fundmental for success on defense.

• Stacks are one method of helping to distort zone defenses.

Toughness

Recently, my 9 year old nephew has been interested in playing organized basketball. He has a natural interest for the game but he needs to get tough. Mentally and physically. Along with learning the basics and fundamentals, toughness has a lot to do with greatness.

Here's a nice piece of information on Toughness by ESPN's Jay Bilas who played for Coach K at Duke.

Toughness has nothing to do with size, physical strength or athleticism.
Some players may be born tough, but I believe that toughness is a skill, and it is a skill that can be developed and improved. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo always says, "Players play, but tough players win." He is right.

Here are some of the ways true toughness is exhibited in basketball:

Take and give criticism the right way:
Tough players can take criticism without feeling the need to answer back or give excuses. They are open to getting better and expect to be challenged and hear tough things. Tough players listen and are not afraid to say what other teammates may not want to hear, but need to hear.

Show strength in your body language:
Tough players project confidence and security with their body language. They do not hang their heads, do not react negatively to a mistake of a teammate, and do not whine and complain to officials. Tough players project strength, and do not cause their teammates to worry about them. Tough players do their jobs, and their body language communicates that to their teammates -- and to their opponents.

Be alert:
Tough players are not "cool." Tough players are alert and active, and tough players communicate with teammates so that they are alert, too. Tough players echo commands until everyone is on the same page. They understand the best teams play five as one. Tough players are alert in transition and get back to protect the basket and the 3-point line. Tough players don't just run back to find their man, they run back to stop the ball and protect the basket.
Concentrate, and encourage your teammates to concentrate: Concentration is a skill, and tough players work hard to concentrate on every play. Tough players go as hard as they can for as long as they can.

Take responsibility for your actions:
Tough players make no excuses. They take responsibility for their actions.

Look your coaches and teammates in the eye:
Tough players never drop their heads. They always look coaches and teammates in the eye, because if they are talking, it is important to them and to you.

Move on to the next play:
Tough players don't waste time celebrating a good play or lamenting a bad one. They understand that basketball is too fast a game to waste time and opportunities with celebratory gestures or angry reactions. Tough players move on to the next play. They know that the most important play in any game is the next one.

Be hard to play against, and easy to play with:
Tough players make their teammates' jobs easier, and their opponents' jobs tougher.

Make every game important:
Tough players don't categorize opponents and games. They know that if they are playing, it is important. Tough players understand that if they want to play in championship games, they must treat every game as a championship game.

Make getting better every day your goal:
Tough players come to work every day to get better, and keep their horizons short. They meet victory and defeat the same way: They get up the next day and go to work to be better than they were the day before. Tough players hate losing but are not shaken or deterred by a loss. Tough players enjoy winning but are never satisfied. For tough players, a championship or a trophy is not a goal; it is a destination. The goal is to get better every day. When I was playing, the players I respected most were not the best or most talented players. The players I respected most were the toughest players. I don't remember anything about the players who talked a good game or blocked a shot and acted like a fool. I remember the players who were tough to play against.

Set a good screen:
The toughest players to guard are the players who set good screens. When you set a good screen, you are improving the chances for a teammate to get open, and you are greatly improving your chances of getting open. A good screen can force the defense to make a mistake.
A lazy or bad screen is a waste of everyone's time and energy. To be a tough player, you need to be a "screener/scorer," a player who screens hard and immediately looks for an opportunity on offense.
On the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team, Bob Knight made Michael Jordan set a screen before he could get a shot. If it is good enough for Jordan, arguably the toughest player ever, it is good enough for you.


Set up your cut:
The toughest players make hard cuts, and set up their cuts. Basketball is about deception. Take your defender one way, and then plant the foot opposite of the direction you want to go and cut hard. A hard cut may get you a basket, but it may also get a teammate a basket. If you do not make a hard cut, you will not get anyone open. Setting up your cut, making the proper read of the defense, and making a hard cut require alertness, good conditioning and good concentration.

Davidson's Stephen Curry is hardly a physical muscle-man, but he is a tough player because he is in constant motion, he changes speeds, he sets up his cuts, and he cuts hard. Curry is hard to guard, and he is a tough player.


Talk on defense: The toughest players talk on defense, and communicate with their teammates. It is almost impossible to talk on defense and not be in a stance, down and ready, with a vision of man and ball. If you talk, you let your teammates know you are there, and make them and yourself better defenders. It also lets your opponent know that you are fully engaged.

Play the ball, see your man:
Most defenders see the ball and hug their man, because they are afraid to get beat. A tough defender plays the ball and sees his man. There is a difference.

Get on the floor:
In my first road game as a freshman, there was a loose ball that I thought I could pick up and take the other way for an easy one. While I was bending over at the waist, one of my opponents dived on the floor and got possession of the ball. My coach was livid. We lost possession of the ball because I wasn't tough enough to get on the floor for it. I tried like hell never to get out-toughed like that again.

Post your man, not a spot:
Most post players just blindly run to the low block and get into a shoving match for a spot on the floor. The toughest post players are posting their defensive man. A tough post player is always open, and working to get the ball to the proper angle to get a post feed. Tough post players seal on ball reversal and call for the ball, and they continue to post strong even if their teammates miss them.

Play so hard, your coach has to take you out:
I was a really hard worker in high school and college. But I worked and trained exceptionally hard to make playing easier. I was wrong. I once read that Bob Knight had criticized a player of his by saying, "You just want to be comfortable out there!" Well, that was me, and when I read that, it clicked with me. I needed to work to increase my capacity for work, not to make it easier to play. I needed to work in order to be more productive in my time on the floor. Tough players play so hard that their coaches have to take them out to get rest so they can put them back in. The toughest players don't pace themselves.

Get to your teammate first:
When your teammate lays his body on the line to dive on the floor or take a charge, the tough players get to him first to help him back up. If your teammate misses a free throw, tough players get to him right away. Tough players are also great teammates.

Take a charge:
Tough players are in a stance, playing the ball, and alert in coming over from the weak side and taking a charge. Tough players understand the difference between being in the right spot and being in the right spot with the intention of stopping somebody. Some players will look puzzled and say, "But I was in the right spot." Tough players know that they have to get to the right spot with the sense of urgency to stop someone.

Throw yourself into your team's defense:
A tough player fills his tank on the defensive end, not on offense. A tough player is not deterred by a missed shot. A tough player values his performance first by how well he defended.

Triple Threat Position

The fundamental of fundamentals. Shoot, pass, or dribble.

What's the first thing you do when you catch the ball? Most players act like the ball is hot so they put it on the floor immediately and dribble, often not getting anywhere and wasting that threat. We're all guilty of it. Everyone tends to forget that you can do the following (before ever dribbling).

1. Pass fake

2. Shot fake

3. Jab step

4. Pivot (forward or reverse)
* Can be used as many times as you want to trick your defender while reading the defense (within 5 seconds).

Depending on the situation, dribbling should be the last option and used as your secret weapon. See John Stockton for most productive dribbler. The Hall of Famer rarely wasted a dribble.


NBA's All-Time Leader in Assists and Steals

If you're a coach, here's a tip to get your players to practice the position:

1. When you stop practice to make a teaching point or for whatever reason, (either by whistle or not) simply have all players jump stop into triple threat. You can have them hold it as long as you want.

2. An added bonus is commanding fakes, pivots, or even simulating a dribble into a jump stop back into triple threat. I know, lots you can do.

I learned this from Coach Don Meyer in one of his coaching tapes. My boy Ron Dadda recently reminded me about this technique and says it's pretty effective since he coaches now. Ryan Cruz, a former player brought up the fact that I once had the team in triple threat for about 3 minutes while I made a point and also danced the entire time. Hey, it's all about being creative and being yourself.

John Stockton Highlights

Mid Range Jumper

Jerry Sloan tells the Salt Lake Tribune's Ross Siler about the death of the mid-range game:

"There's not anything exciting about a 15-foot jump shot. People go home and say, 'God, I'm bored to death.' How many times you ever see them show on television, people write in the newspaper, anything about a guy making a 15-foot jump shot? It's always they made a three or they got a dunk."

No matter how boring you think it is, I'm a big fan of the mid-range jumper because 1) it's truly effective [see Jordan's game winner in Utah '98] and 2) it's a lost art. Can you name anyone in the NBA besides Rip Hamilton that shoots this shot? Off top, I'd probably say Monta Ellis and Tony Parker.

Sam "I Am" Cassell aka the Alien, aka ET is one of the most effective players (and one of my favorites), and one of the last in this league to possess this art. He mentions two players he looked up to with that type of game in their arsenal: Terrell Brandon and Jeff Hornacek. (Better look them up if you don't know these guys).

Anyhow, here's a nice video clip of Cassell when he was with the Clippers (when the were good, notice that all the teams he played for....they were winning), we all know he just won his 3rd ring with the Celtics last year.



Tips on shooting the mid-range:

1. Create Space
2. Pull up Jumpers
3. The closer you are to the basket, the higher the percentage of your shot. So the next time you first step out on the court to warm up, stop chuckin' up those nasty 3 pointers (it's going to ruin your shot!)

Ball Handling and Dancing

Like Gloria Estefan said, "The Rhythm is Gonna Get You."

The Nike commercial at the bottom exemplifies the combination of basic and advanced fundamentals, rhythm, and fun; showcasing different levels of talent from a variety of players. It's like Pistol Pete meets Hip Hop.

Speaking of....let's take a look first at the video with "the Pistol" which features Red Auerbach. Both are legends and great contributors to this game.


Now, let's take a look at one of my favorites. By far, this is one of the best Nike Commercials of all time (and that would be a bold statement) but I do get juiced and excited every time I see this. Actually, there are many outstanding basketball commercials that have been created. I definitely like to learn and try all the moves that are displayed in the following clip, including the dance moves.

Defensive Fundamentals: Bruce Bowen

"Offense is pretty but defense wins Championships."

How often have you heard that? Everyone from my high school coach (Marty Gale) to my teammates, to the pro's and coaches in the NBA, it rings so true.

Today's feature is Bruce Bowen. Defensive Specialist. Lebron James Stopper (in 2007 NBA Finals).

Dirty player? Maybe at times, but for the most part Bowen is a reliable defender and a 4-time NBA Champion. So say what you want about him but this guy gets it done. He's a smart player who has a very high IQ not only defensively, but on offense as well.


Tough Assignment

Dirty player or not, you can learn good basics in man to man defense. Here are key points broken down in the video below:

• Use your hands
• Stay in front
• Keep spacing
• Ball Denial
• Scorer can not score without the ball

Don't forget to watch the end (enough said), the Winning Factor!

Richard Hamilton: Offensive Tips

Moving without the ball is a lost art, especially in this day and age of basketball.

If you have ever watched Richard Hamilton play, you know he's an active player who rarely stops moving on offense. He's a successful player and a champion. Rip has patterned his game after Reggie Miller and also played along side Michael Jordan, and seems to have made a pretty good career for himself. He's got a great mid-range game and also improved his 3 point shooting. I believe he would be a good fit for international play with Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James.

Here are a few key tips and drills for players and coaches at any level that will help improve your game instantly.

Keys to Moving w/o the Ball :

1. Knowing where your teammates are at at all times (build awareness: Set up your man using screens)
   
2. Change of speed (be shifty: Bait your man by going slow, then burst to make your move and shake defender, then slow down again to gather yourself for the shot)
3. Never stand in the same place for more than 2 seconds (cut to an open spot or set a screen to get your teammate open)
   

Here's the video:


Ways to use screen (everything is shoulder to shoulder or hip to hip):
Pop out
Curl
Flare
**NOTE: Always read your defender and set him up for your move.

Watch tape of yourself or other players to get better!! If you have any questions or feedback, please post comment below.

Still Ballin'

There's no better way to start a Monday than by tackling it with a workout first thing in the morning before heading into the office, right? Actually, I haven't been on the healthiest diet lately and I'm playing in the Dream League Tournament coming up in Las Vegas on September 5-7 weekend.

That gives me two good weeks of preparation, and if I stick to my (basketball) work out plan, I should feel pretty good about going against the upcoming competition. Here's a breakdown of a shooting regimine which should take approximately 30 minutes (find an outdoor court at a park in the morning. There's usually nobody there so take advantage.):

Make 100 Shots
Goal: Work on form, confidence, and stamina

• 20-30: Layups and 3-5 ft. shots (great way to warm up and work on your form)
  
• 30-50: 5-10 ft. shots (footwork and balance)
  
• 50-80: Favorite Spot shots (build confidence, game speed)
  
• 80-90: Full Court free throw fast break pull up shots (endurance)
  
• 90-100: Full Court 3pt pull up shots (Stephen Jackson style, also builds endurance)

Making 100 shots should take you about 10-15 minutes and you'll work up a good sweat. The full court drills help endurance and legs. A good rule of thumb is to always shoot like you would in a game. Go hard but stay under control and try to rebound your misses without letting the ball touch the floor.

I'll get about 30 push ups and 50 sit ups in afterwards then make 10 free throws in a row to end it. 5 minute cool-off run, stretch, and it's a wrap.

In addition, I'll usually mix this work out in with the Ray Allen drills (+1 -2) every other day so it doesn't become monotonous. You can click on the link to see the video but I'll go more into depth in another blog. Keep in mind that I will lift weights for 15-20 mins in the afternoon and play pick up ball in the evenings every other night.

P.S. Speaking of Tournaments and Leagues, I had a friend Instant Message me about tips since he is playing in an upcoming league. Here's a dialogue of our conversation. Feel free to chime in any of your tips and feedback for him and even myself! (Name has been changed to protect the identity, once he goes for 30 in a game, we'll reveal it)

lebronjohn (3:31:57 PM): have you ever played in the South Bay adult league?

dshumongous(3:32:17 PM): no i haven't, have you

lebronjohn (3:32:31 PM): nope but im playing this upcoming season, i was wondering...

lebronjohn(3:33:01 PM): im worried

lebronjohn(3:33:09 PM): the last league i played in i got absolutely dominated

lebronjohn(3:33:15 PM): haha

dshumongous(3:33:28 PM): haha

lebronjohn(3:36:20 PM): any tips from a veteran league player?

dshumongous(3:37:04 PM): yup

dshumongous(3:37:13 PM): get your shot down

dshumongous(3:37:22 PM): see skills and drills on my site

dshumongous(3:37:27 PM): some tutorials there

lebronjohn(3:37:45 PM): ok cool

dshumongous(3:39:16 PM): depends on who you play with too

dshumongous (3:39:21 PM): sometimes you just gotta get yours

dshumongous (3:39:22 PM): lol

lebronjohn(3:39:38 PM): hahaha

lebronjohn(3:39:54 PM): like your barrage of 3pointers

dshumongous(3:40:06 PM): yeah, they're bound to go in sooner or later

lebronjohn(3:40:45 PM): i dont think i have that shooter's poise

dshumongous(3:40:54 PM): fake it till you make it

lebronjohn(3:40:56 PM): haha

lebronjohn(3:40:59 PM): good advice

dshumongous(3:41:14 PM): just shoot it with confidence

dshumongous(3:41:16 PM): make or miss

lebronjohn(3:41:55 PM): you have any defensive tips?

lebronjohn(3:41:59 PM): like on how to guard a shooter

dshumongous(3:42:07 PM): sure

dshumongous(3:42:13 PM): make him put it on the floor

dshumongous(3:42:27 PM): smother him and deny him the ball

lebronjohn(3:42:42 PM): when you say "make him put it on the floor" you mean just make him dribble, right?

dshumongous(3:42:50 PM): precisely

lebronjohn(3:42:56 PM): how about someone who is fast and drives well

dshumongous(3:43:23 PM): give him about arm and a half distance btw you and him

dshumongous(3:43:36 PM): you can even put your arm up to measure while you're guarding him

dshumongous (3:43:52 PM): that space will give you enough to keep him in front of you

lebronjohn(3:44:03 PM): 1.5arm length

lebronjohn(3:44:05 PM): got it

lebronjohn(3:43:52 PM): is there certain footwork i should watch for

dshumongous (3:44:29 PM): no, just concentrate on a logo or number on his shirt...that way you don't fall for ball fakes or jab steps

lebronjohn(3:44:48 PM): ah ok, thanks!

And there you have it! Leave a comment, hit me up on yahoo/skype at dshumongous, or email hoopforlife.com!

Get Your Game On: Ball Handling and Shooting

Like Missy Elliot says, "Get Your Game On!" Actually, it's "Get Your Freak On" but you can still get your "freak or game" on anytime, any place. How so? Well, what do Michael Jordan, Rhea Duram, and the Jabbawockeez all have this in common?

Fundamentals, baby! When you learn the basics, you begin learning the foundation for success.

Check out these tips from the pro's, guaranteed to improve your game.

1. Ball Handling by STEVE NASH

He uses basic Pistol Pete drills. Personally, these drills helped me go from averaging 6 pts per game my junior year to 17 pts per game my senior year in high school. In one summer, I was able to transition from forward to point guard which eventually led me to play at higher levels. I know I sound like an infomerical but it really does work. Haha...amazing!

2. Shooting by RAY ALLEN

He talks about footwork and competitive drills. What I really like is that he mentions going back to shooting free throws if you ever lose your rhythm. Get your sponge and soak it up!

Email hoopforlife@gmail.com for suggestions and requests!

Michael Jordan Lessons: Offense and Defense

Basics from the master of fundamentals. One of the greatest winners of all time. He needs no introductions, just reminders since we don't get to watch him play anymore.

Special Guest: MJ

His Airness is holding one-on-one sessions so why not learn from the best. I'm not a big fan of his gear anymore but I will listen and watch what he's talking about when I want to improve my game. Enjoy the tips and and use them in games.

The Cross Over


Where to look on Defense

FEATURE - Shoot for the Stars!

"He made 36-straight threes to conclude Monday's workout. That's decent."

After his workout, reporter Mike Trudell sits down with NBA sharp shooter Mike Miller, now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and outlines his routine about how to compete and challenge yourself in shooting drills.

This is for players and coaches of all levels. If you're a player that needs help on your jumper, this is for you. If you're a player that doesn't need help on your jumper, this is for you.
If you're a coach who knows or doesn't know what it takes to develop a player, this is for you too!

Click here for-
Conversation with Mike Miller
Gym Rat article
Watch him shoot

Speaking of shooters, here's a list of guys with range:

NBA Three-Point Shootout Champions

Year	Location	Champion
2007	Las Vegas, NV	Jason Kapono, Miami Heat
2006	Houston, TX	Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
2005	Denver, CO	Quentin Richardson, Phoenix Suns
2004	Los Angeles, CA	Voshon Lenard, Denver Nuggets
2003	Atlanta, GA	Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento Kings
2002	Philadelphia, PA	Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento Kings
2001	Washington, D.C.	Ray Allen, Milwaukee Bucks
2000	Oakland, CA	Jeff Hornacek, Utah Jazz
1998	New York, NY	Jeff Hornacek, Utah Jazz
1997	Cleveland, OH	Steve Kerr, Chicago Bulls
1996	San Antonio, TX	Tim Legler, Washington Wizards
1995	Phoenix, AZ	Glen Rice, Miami Heat
1994	Minneapolis, MN	Mark Price, Cleveland Cavaliers
1993	Salt Lake City, UT	Mark Price, Cleveland Cavaliers
1992	Orlando, FL	Craig Hodges, Chicago Bulls
1991	Charlotte, NC	Craig Hodges, Chicago Bulls
1990	Miami, FL	Craig Hodges, Chicago Bulls
1989	Houston, TX	Dale Ellis, Seattle SuperSonics
1988	Chicago, IL	Larry Bird, Boston Celtics
1987	Seattle, WA	Larry Bird, Boston Celtics
1986	Dallas, TX	Larry Bird, Boston Celtics