Winning With the Dribble

Isn't it funny how the game of basketball evolves and changes like the tide? One of the area's continuously questioned is the use of the dribble within the a winning basketball program. Years ago coaches could be heard telling their players to use the dribble as a safety mechanism, "Don't beat the air out of the ball" my high school coach would say. However, now the tide has changed with the invent of the attacking point guard and wing positions as established in the popular dribble drive motion offense. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the dribble drive motion series, sit down and follow the Memphis Tigers through the NCAA championships. Memphis should be credited with the popularity of the offense and winning with the dribble, but motion offenses like those in popular E-books such as the 'Sting Attack' plays home to the dribbles biggest fan.

Coaches looking to gain an edge in today's hybrid basketball strategy must understand the importance of using the dribble to win basketball games. The dribble shouldn't be looked upon as the passes evil twin sister, but rather a technique if implemented well, to score points and more importantly win games. The dribble can be used in various forms to produce positive outcomes; here is my list of ways to use the dribble to win the perimeter and control the conference:

Zone breakdown. basketball are many ways to beat a zone defense including beating it down the floor (transition), side to side rotation (execution), screening, and the two-thirds rule. What is the two-thirds rule? If you understand the zone defense no matter what its mid-point alignment will always be a 2-3 scheme when the ball is on the wing, simply using the dribble to penetrate past two of the three defenders on ball side will open up a plethora scoring opportunities at the rim or assist opportunities for points.

Rim Value. I have always told my teams to attack the mid-line or hoop line as we'd refer to it with the dribble and receive a payoff from the rim. There is value in the game for those who can reach the rim. I need not say more, but I will. If you can get to the rim on the dribble you can score (isn't the name of the game to outscore you opponent). By attacking the 'hoop line' with the dribble you put players in a position to score, get fouled, or pass for points. Now that is value!

Tempo Control and Breakdown. Many of the rules governing continuity offenses such as the dribble drive motion or the offensive patterns included in Coach Mac's Continuity basketball from Oregon Small School Programs provides coaches and players alike the chance to control the game with the dribble. Tempo control is really everything in the game of basketball. You control the tempo in your favor, and you win the game. Simple right? Not really. First you must leave old traditional values in the influential folders in your mind and understand the value of the dribble. Teams can win their share of league titles when they win with the dribble.

To find Coach McKinnis' "Coach Mac's Continuity Offenses from Oregon Small School Programs" visit http://www.coachmac-basketball.com/Mac_s_Basketball_Plays.html

Visit Coach at http://www.squidoo.com/High-School-Basketball-Offenses

How to Change Losing Teams

If you coach long enough, I think everyone will coach an extremely young team in terms of experience or maturity. A lot of young teams struggle to win. Experience is usually an underrated trait. The fact you have been through something before helps you grow and you learn how to handle it better the next time. As a coach you hope that learning comes through successes but a lot of the time it doesn't. Young teams often lose a lot of close games because they work hard but they just don't make enough good decisions to win the close game.

The main problem is when young teams lose a lot of close games and a lot of games overall. It is natural to lose some confidence and the only thing that truly builds confidence is success. I really do not think confidence can be built any other way. Encouragement or re-enforcing they are talented does not build confidence. Winning close games builds confidence, coming back when they were challenged creates confidence.

So, you have a young team with no confidence...what can you do to keep them working hard? Effort and determination to get better is key. They must see the big picture. I believe they must see a "real life" connection. Rough times in basketball is nothing compared to a man losing his job with kids to feed. That's true pressure. You can use basketball to help build mental toughness though which would help you in that position.

I think the team also needs to know what it means to respect the game. How the game is "supposed" to be played. That has nothing to do with zone defense or offensive schemes. It's about always running back to stop a easy basket. It's about sliding over to take a charge. It's about making the extra pass instead of taking a bad shot. It's about executing fundamentally. The game is bigger than they are. They need to be doing all the small things. Sprinting the floor on offense and defense will lead to good things especially if your man isn't sprinting. Some players will jog back on defense if the guy they are guarding is behind them instead they should be sprinting the floor and helping out basketball teammates by providing extra help until his guy gets into the half court set.

Cliff notes...I believe they must see the big picture in life. They must have a good mindset to get things done and they must be determined not to fail. They must know how to play the game correctly, fundamentally and in terms of effort and unselfishness. Many players fail in all these areas even great players.

Trevor is an AAU basketball coach. He has worked basketball camps for two Division I programs, Butler basketball and IPFW. Contact Coach Andershock at tandershock@gmail.com or at http://coachsjourney.blogspot.com.

NCAA Men's Basketball - Road to the Final Four Means March Madness For Venues

On Selection Sunday, March 15th, sixty-five teams are selected for the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship tournament. This begins March Madness and the drive to see who makes it to the Final Four tournament at Ford Field in Detroit.

The NCAA basketball tournament means it's show time for the venues who host the games. Attendance is expected to soar to over 700,000 this year, making March Madness basketball a mini stimulus package for the host city and a chance for venues to shine on a national stage.

The Road to the Final Four plays through 13 cities. Here's a tour of the first and second basketball venues on the Road to the Final Four with basketball games taking place on March 19th and 21st.

Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC
Host: Atlantic Coast Conference
The Greensboro Coliseum is an integral part of the city and the entire town will be working to make fans feel welcome. Fans will have no problem with parking and Greensboro Coliseum has an RV parking area for overnight stays. Don't miss a trip to the Yum Yum for a hot dog and ice cream.

Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO
Host: Big 12 Conference
The Sprint Center was named one of the top venues in America in 2008. It's home to the College Basketball Experience, an interactive playhouse for fans. basketball excellent location in the city offers ample parking and restaurants near the venue. Inside the Sprint Center you'll find bargain prices on munchies and drinks at the QuikTrip Convenience Store.

Rose Garden in Portland, OR
Host: University of Oregon
Guests attending NCAA games at the Rose Garden Arena may be surprised at the enthusiasm the locals have for basketball. They are loud and you can expect the arena to be filled. You may want to take the local light rail train MAX to the venue for ease and to save on hefty parking prices close to the Rose Garden.

Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA
Host: St. Joseph's University
This arena is set up for fun. With excellent memorabilia displays, bands playing and air hockey tables inside the arena basketball can play second fiddle. Diehard fans can rent state-of-the art electronic binoculars to get an up close view of the court from anywhere in the venue.

Taco Bell Arena in Boise, ID
Host: Boise State University
The Taco Bell Arena is located on the campus of Boise State University. It's one of the smaller arenas to host the NCAA Men's basketball tournament games, but it has a long history of success. 2009 will be Boise's 8th time hosting NCAA games tournament games.

UD Arena in Dayton, OH
Host: University of Dayton
Host to championship games for years, UD Arena has a wonderful old school basketball feel. It's loud, intimate and the fans know their basketball. UD Arena made history in 2001 when they hosted 10 post-season NCAA and National Tournament games in eight days.

American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL
Host: Florida International University
Spring is the perfect time to be in Miami and NCAA basketball in American Airlines Arena is the perfect destination for high-octane hoops and holiday. Head to the game, but hang for the sun and fun. With many restaurants and bars in and around the arena it's sure to be the hot spot in a hot city.

HHH Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN
Host: University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities
The Metrodome usually host football and baseball, but nearly every year it's given a round of NCAA games, and for good reason. This place knows its business and since they host over 300 events a year fans can depend on the Metrodome to put on a good hoop parade.

Look for more on the 'Road to the Final Four' venues featuring regional March Madness tournament sites and the Championship tournament at Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

KnowYourVenue.com is a one stop spot for information on stadiums, arenas, NASCAR tracks, amphitheaters, performing arts centers and more. We have parking information, seating tips, directions, easy to find list of prohibited items and venue policies, restaurants and hotels near the venue and more.

Know Your Venue.com Home Page:
http://www.knowyourvenue.com/

Know Your Venue Spotlight Page featuring the NCAA Men's Division 1 Basketball venues: http://www.knowyourvenue.com/Spotlight.aspx

5 Girls Basketball Post Drills That Improve Rebounding

In girls basketball, players think rebounding is only jumping up and getting the ball. Actually there is a little technique to it. Here are some drills to help you with rebounding.

Drill 1: Tip the Ball off the Wall and Pivot

1. Face a wall or basketball backboard, while holding a basketball.
2. Tip the ball off the wall, then catch with both hands.
3. Do a complete turn using the left foot as the initial pivot foot.
4. Tip the ball off the wall, then catch with both hands.
5. Do a complete turn using the right foot as the initial pivot foot.
6. Repeat.

Drill 2: Basic Tip Drill

1. Line players up on opposite sides of the basket facing the backboard.
2. First player on the left should throw the ball over the rim to the opposite side of the backboard. Then quickly run behind last player on right.
3. The player on the right side should jump up, catch the ball, and tip or pass the ball to the opposite side before she lands. Then the player should quickly run behind the last player on the left side.
4. The players should continue to pass the ball off the backboard and run to opposite side.

Drill 3: Cone Jumping

1. Line up next to a 6-inch cone.
2. Jump with both feet together back and forth over the cone continuously for a period of time. (10, 15, 20 seconds)

Drill 4: Rope Jumping

1. Get a jump rope.
2. Jump with both feet.
3. Switch to jumping with the right foot.
4. Switch to jumping with the left foot.

Drill 5: Leg Bounds

1. Line up along the baseline
2. Stand with your legs together, arms tucked to your sides, and knees bent.
3. Jump as high and as far as you can, throwing you arms up and extending your body.
4. Land in the same position that you started in and jump again immediately.
5. Continue jumping until you reach the far baseline.

Visit http://www.girlsbasketballdrills.com to get your copy of 20 Free Girls Basketball Drills!

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