J.A.M. Newsletter: 04/16/15

J.A.M. Newsletter: 04/16/15
Dear Coach, Parents, Players Welcome to the 2015 22nd Annual JAM Spring League. Check out our score page on the web site. All game results are recorded within the hour of completion. Register early for the Dave Hopla Shooting Clinic Memorial Day weekend, the JAM / Earl Boykins Basketball Academy summer camps in June and the JAM summer tournament series. Also in this addition JAM has provided information into skill development keys from coaching legend Kevin Eastman. Registration for all JAM events is available on-line. Remember Our #1 priority for JAM continues helping coaches and parents build confidence in today’s youth. Continue setting goals to make sure plans are in line to improve your game. - Mark Sharpley Vice President of basketball operations for the LA Clippers and former NBA assistant with the World Champion Boston Celtics Kevin Eastman has taken time out from his busy schedule to offer up some tips to help players improve their workout quality and effectiveness. These tips can help develop skills while having fun learning to play great basketball. The following are his six keys to quality shooting work; 1.Practice at a rate equal to or faster than that which will occur in a game. 2.Understand it is a process to improve and conditioning and effective practice habits help improvement. 3.Eliminate workout killers such as fatigue and boredom. 4.Write everything down! Have a written workout plan. 5.Work on three areas every day; conditioning, dribbling, shooting. 6.Understand the theory of two: Two minutes to show you – Two weeks to be comfortable – Two months to use in a game. Working on your game is not an easy thing, but below are tips to help you work on your overall practice habits as well as some shooting drills that can help you become an improved shooter. The general theme of these drills is to work hard and at game speed, while also maintaining form to your shot. Work on these skills and we have no doubt that you'll become a better player. 1. Catch & Shoot (Spot Ups) - Catch and shoot is the best way to start a good shooting workout. It allows you to get into a rhythm and work on form with minimal movement. Simply pick a few spots, usually five going around the horn, and shoot ten shots from each spot. Have a rebounder giving you good outlet passes, and remember that although you're not moving at a rapid pace around the floor, it is important to shoot shots at game speed. 2. Cut - Catch - Shoot - Now that you have a good sweat and rhythm going, it's time to move to cut-catch-shoot. In this drill you'll need a passer at the top of the key to give you the entry pass. Start foul line extended and use a "V" cut (running to the low block and cutting back out towards the wing) to get yourself open. Remember to set the defender up when making the "V". You want to walk the defender down to the low block, then quickly cut back out. After receiving the entry pass square up and shoot your shot. Do this drill on both sides of the court at game speed. 3. Shots Off The Dribble - This drill is similar to the above, but this time after catching the entry pass, take a few dribbles right and pull up for your jump shot, then repeat going to the left. As always make sure you go game speed. 4. Perfect The Form On All Shooting Drills - Another key to a good shooting workout is using proper form on each drill. That's why we want to go game speed, so we're used to using perfect form in game conditions. If you don't go at game speed, when you do get into a game your form will be off. 5. Contest All Shots - These drills will be much more productive if you can find a partner to contest your shots. In game situations you most likely will have a hand in your face when you shoot, so practicing that way will allow you to adjust to game situations. If you can't find a partner, use a chair or trash can to shoot behind. 6. Game Shots From Game Spots At Game Speed - Game speed has been a theme throughout this workout plan. Practicing at game speed is vital to your workout regimen. If you don't work on game situations at the same speed as you would in a game then your practice will not translate to games, and you're basically wasting your time. FOUR "MUST HAVES" IN YOUR DRILL WORK 1. Weak Hand Development - It's imperative, if you want to become a better basketball player, that you learn how to use your weak hand. If you're right handed you must be able to make the same moves going left and vice verse. As a young player, this will separate you from the competition. So when you're working out, make sure you do your drills going both ways. 2. Footwork & Balance Emphasis - Footwork and balance are key in the game of basketball. Good footwork can mean the difference between having an open jump-shot and a contested jump shot. Balance is also very important. If you watch the great shooters in the NBA, they are almost always squared up and balanced when taking their shots. 3. Playing through Contact - another "must have" in your workout is learning to finish plays, as well as getting open, with contact. If you have a friend or family member that can bump you as you make your "V" cuts, or bump you when you go up for a shot, you'll see the results when you get bumped in your games. 4. Contesting Shots - If you have a partner available for your workout, contest each other's shots. In your games you're going to have defense and you're going to have to shoot with a hand in your face, so it's important to simulate this in your workout. Best of luck this season - see you on the court.
A Word to the Wise
"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of. " ~ Nelson Mandela