Coach Poncho Hodges Top 5 Training Tips

Basketball is in a state of continued evolution. Although this evolution has made the game of basketball more exciting, it also will have it's drawbacks. Many of today's youth do not understand the hard work and determination it takes to become an elite level player. Training hard is always a pre-requisite for success. However, training hard with a purpose is what will separate the great from the good players.

With that said, lets jump into my top 5 training tips for players!

#1

Make sure to warm up without the basketball first. Jumping rope is a great starting point. A great example of footwork and the benefits of jumping rope can clearly be seen in boxers. Spending hours at a time jumping rope, in their field, is mandatory to improve footwork, speed and coordination. Include an agility ladder into your footwork warm up regimen

#2

Stretching is also a key component to your progress. Once you have completed your jump rope routine as well as footwork in the ladder, make sure to stretch your muscles. Now that you are warmed up, it is the perfect opportunity to get your muscles stretched. Stretching cold muscles can be detrimental to your progress as well as increase the possibility of injury. As an option, you can execute your stretching exercises while dribbling the basketball. This will start to get your hands and fingers more familiar with the basketball.

#3

Now that you are stretched and warmed up, it is time to get re-familiar with the basketball. Starting with stationary dribbling drills is the perfect way to warm up your ball handling. Take 5-10 minutes while going through a dribbling regimen of your choice. Once you have completed stationary dribbling drills for a couple of minutes, begin to slowly move with the ball.

#4

Being that your workout will consist of attacks to the basket off the dribble as well as attacks into jump shots, I always recommend to now go right into your shooting warm up. Always start with a shooting warm up to get the muscles involved fired up. Launching long range jump shots, without being warmed up, can not only affect your shot but your confidence as well. Start close to the basket and make 5-10 close bank shots from each side of the basket. Watching the ball go in the basket will do wonders for your confidence. Now you are ready to shoot the ball during your dribble/attack/shot drills.

5#

Repetition is a very important factor in your training. There will be missed shots during your workout. No basketball player is good enough to make every shot during a workout. The great players improve because of the heavy repetition in their workouts. Muscle memory can only be achieved by heavy repetition. Make sure to get as many shots up as possible from different spots on the court. Always make sure that you are training at GAME SPEED as well as shooting from spots that your coach would allow you to take in a game.