Last week I posted 4 ways to connect with your players. If you missed it you can read part I here — here is part 2 with 3 more ideas on how to reach your players.
If you have any more ideas I’d love to hear your thoughts! Hit me up on Twitter with them and I’ll retweet it! @mikeleehoops
Free Throw Contest
Free Throw Golf
Free Throw Golf I learned from Dave MacArthur. It’s a simple free throw competition that rewards you for not only makes, but swishes as well. We play 2 shots per round and usually 10 rounds.
Swish = (-1)
Make = (+0)
Miss = (-1)
Your goal after 10 rounds (20 shots) is to end up with the lowest score possible. Put a wager on the game – pushups, some sprints. You have no idea what type of power doing something as simple as this might be. It shows that you are invested in the player and program. I made a mistake demonstrating a drill the other week at camp (I made a left reverse pivot when it was supposed to be a right reverse pivot). I recognized it and immediately took the ball to the floor to do some basketball pushups. Are you willing to invest as much as your players?
Watching Game Film
Studying game film is one of the most underrated things players can do to improve their game. In addition to watching your own games I think it’s crucial to study other players of similar skill sets and athletic ability. If you really pay attention the best players in the NBA are always stealing things from each other. JJ Barea and Chris Paul steal everything!
The best way to do this is in a small group or individually – just like you would run an individual instruction session. There are a few ways to do this.
1) Clip out segments of a game or games of your players making mistakes, as well as, positive plays. Let the clips run, pause and rewind to stop and go more in depth with what you’re watching.
2) Do the same thing except for use clips of a player with similar skill sets and athletic ability.
3) If you really want to get your players thinking have them watch the entire game film with you except for this time give them the remote. When something happens make them stop, explain and teach you what they did right or did wrong. When you get them to think on your level this is when you will really make strides.
Below is the Euro Step breakdown video we use to teach finishing featuring some great clips of Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose.
Tutoring
Maybe you have a player who is struggling in a certain class. While many schools probably have tutors or access to teachers, tutoring your players shows that you are invested in them not just as a player, but as a person. It also tells them “education is important” without having to actually say it.
If you missed part I with a couple great shooting drills from the Boston Celtics you can read it here.
Remember you don’t want to just communicate with your players you need to find ways to CONNECT. You can’t teach them unless you can reach them and show them you truly care.
Hit me up on twitter @mikeleehoops or post any other ideas you have below!
—
Mike Lee