"Camp Notes from 2009"

Camp Notes – Week 1

July 20th – 24th, 2009

Individual Offensive Improvement

Monday, July 20, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan High School Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

v     Welcome to Basketball Camp

Ø      Listening Skills & eye contact

Ø      There has been one theme that has been a fundamental component to our camp for nearly 20 years – listening skills are expected.

1)      Listen to what your coaches tell you & watch the demonstrations by the high school & college players. Be ready to try the drills when you get the chance.

2)      Be alert & ready to do what you are asked. You can learn so much by simply paying attention to what is going on…

3)      If you listen & try new things, you have the opportunity to learn and grow as a player. The key to success however, is to work on your own when you leave camp. This is how you become a better basketball player.

4)      Our objective: Campers will be able to utilize variety of drills, activities, & fun games designed to help them improve their offensive basketball skills on their own.

 v     Today’s Contest is 1 on 1

Ø      Offensive Teaching points

1)      Be in triple-threat position ready to drive or shoot. Use a shot fake or jab step to try and get the defense off balance or out of good position. As often as you can, drive the ball to the basket and get a close to the rim as possible.

2)      Use your jab step to help get yourself an open shot

·        Jab step then drive to the basket –{JAB & GO}

·        Jab step to back your defender off then shoot your jump shot –{JAB & JUMPER}

·        Jab step then step across and go to the basket –{JAB & CROSS}

 

Ø      Defensive Teaching points

1)      Stay between the hoop and the player with the ball. Be down in an athletic stance with you feet more than shoulder width apart. You should be about an arms length away from the ball handler. Be ready to ‘step & slide’ as the offense dribbles in an attempt to cut off the dribbler and force her into a tough shot farther away from the basket. The final element on defense is to put a hand up on the shot, box out, & rebound the ball.

2)      Even through this week’s concentration is offense; we mention defensive ideas occasionally since being a complete player means that you are strong on ‘both sides of the ball.’

 v    Hillsborough High School Assistant Varsity Coach: Chris Fox

Ø     Passing Tag

Ø      Passing Tag is a game that incorporates all of the vital components of being a solid offensive basketball team.

Ø      Players must be able to pass, catch, & communicate with one another while running, sliding, & moving at game speed.

Ø      The objective for the team with the ball is to tag the other team’s players with the ball which would result in that particular player being eliminated!

Ø      Play continues until all five members of the other team have been tagged out.

Ø      The team that does not have the ball must “run away” and avoid being tagged out for as long as they possibly can. The game is played in the half court or with more players, in the full court.

Ø      No dribbling is allowed. And, you may not throw the ball at the other team.

Ø      Once you catch the ball, you may pivot but that is all the movement that is allowed as you stretch and try to tag people out.

Ø      In tagging the other team, you must maintain solid possession of the ball.

Ø      If you drop the ball while trying to tag out the other team, the person is safe.

Ø      One of the keys to success is for the team with the ball to pick one player and surround that one guy. Try to trap each person near the sideline and pass the ball more quickly than the player can move.

Ø      To make the game competitive keep track of which team tags out the other squad in less time.

 

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Bridgewater-Raritan High School Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

v    Basketball is perhaps the greatest game for a few reasons:

o       You can get better by yourself.

o       You can play the game {in some form} your entire life.

o       Shooting Drills you can do by yourself:

§         Spin yourself a pass

§         Pivot on different feet, going in different direction

§         Use different moves & fakes

§         Offensive rebound make or miss

§         Dribble to next spot

§         Spin yourself a pass and repeat

§         Always warm-up and start near the hoop. As you get loose, and as you make shots around the basket, then gradually move away from the hoop.

§        To be a good shooter from far away – you must become an expert shooter from in close.

v    Hillsborough High School Assistant Varsity Coach: Chris Fox

B.E.E.F / Form Shooting / Free Throw Shooting

Ø     B.E.E.F. =

1)    Balance: use a staggered stance with your feet about shoulder width apart. There should be a slight bend in you knees to promote good stability. You should feel the weight of your body on the balls off your feet so that you can use your legs for power and finish your shot up on your toes…perhaps even leaving the ground depending on the distance to the hoop.

2)    Eyes: Just like hitting a baseball, golf ball, or throwing a dart; it is critical to pick a specific spot on the rim and focus your concentration there. Common targets include the front of the rim, that back of the rim, or the square if attempting a bank shot. Another key is to be consistent in what your eyes focus on throughout the entire shot.

3)    Elbow: Proper elbow placement is directly under the ball. In fact, during form shooting, you should take your guide hand off the ball to see if the ball will rest easily in your single hand. If the ball falls out, this is an indication that your elbow is out to the side & not directly under the ball.

4)    Follow-through: the final opportunity to influence the flight of the ball is your follow-through. The shooting motion is almost completely an upward movement with your arm & then a snapping on the wrist at the very top to provide the horizontal component to the shot. Some shooters snap their follow-through all the way over and finish with the fingers pointing directly down to the floor. Other good shooters have a follow-through which finishes with the fingers pointing toward the rim. Either is fine but being consistent with what you do is imperative to be a precise shooter.

Ø     Form Shooting – have all campers practice one-handed shooting at all the baskets and the coaches should evaluate the B.E.E.F elements. The next time through, campers should use their ‘off-hand’ or ‘guide hand’ and try to do exactly the same routine as before when they used only one hand. For older or more advanced campers, allow some form shooting off the dribble and/or off the catch.

Ø     Free Throw Shooting

1)      Good shooting form as taught: B.E.E.F; Balance, Elbow, Eyes, Follow Through

2)      Develop a routine

·        Do the same thing every single time you are at the free throw line

·        ALWAYS be focused on the basket

3)      Practice

·        Establish confidence when nobody is around

·        Get comfortable with your shot

·        Confidence and comfort will allow you to make the big free throws when the pressure is on in a game

 

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

Ø     Passing and catching skills at game speed

1)    Three line passing

·         One player has the ball centered under the basket

·         Other two players are out wide by the sideline

·         The players will pass the ball back and forth to one another running in a straight line to one end of the court and then back

·         The catching skill emphasized are:

¨       Giving a target

¨       Concentrating on the catch

¨       Squeezing the ball when received

·         The passing skills emphasized are:

¨       Stepping towards your target

¨       Leading the other player by throwing the pass slightly in front of them

¨       Following through on the pass with thumbs pointing down

¨       Throwing the ball as hard as you can accurately so no defender can step into the passing lane

2)    Three Man Passing Drill

·         Players form a triangle

·         Players MUST move constantly in the drill

·         After the pass, players should follow their pass for a step, then cut back hard in the opposite direction

·         Get hands ready and give a target to receive the pass

·         Catch the ball swing it through below your knees and pass again

·         Then repeat the same movements after the pass as before

·         Then switch direction of the pass

Ø     Shooting Drills – Coach Fox

·        Drill Number 1 - 2 Man Shooting

¨     1 player rebounds and passes

¨     The other player catches and shoots until he makes five from a designated spot

¨     Then the players switch

¨     The pair that makes 10 first wins, losing team does push ups

·        Drill Number 2 – Linden Shooting

¨       3 players and 2 balls

¨       Player A will shoot, get their own  rebound and pass to Player C

¨       Player B will shoot, get their own rebound and pass to Player A

¨       Player C will shoot, get their own rebound and pass to Player B

¨       Every player must sprint to different spots on the floor after making their pass, so they are ready to catch and shoot

¨       This drill is also competitive by having the first player to make five baskets the winner

Ø     Today’s Contest is the Mikan Drill

1)      The Mikan Drill is named after NBA great – George Mikan who was a Hall of Fame pro player in the 1940’s & 1950’s. George excelled at left hand & right hand baby hook shots around the basket.

·         The modern version of the Mikan Drill features continuous righty & lefty lay-ups.

·         Players must quickly move and get a good angle so that they may bank the ball in high & soft off the square.

·         Make or miss, players rebound the shot and step through to the other side.

·         Again, get a good angle so that you are not attempting a shot from directly under the rim.

·         In the contest, players strive to score as many lay-ups as possible in a 30 second.

 

Thursday, July 23, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

Ø     Fun & challenging ball-handling drills for one player

1)      NIT - Toss the ball up in the air and clap one and catch the ball, repeat and clap as many times as you can

2)      NCAA – Toss the ball up in the air and clap once and catch it behind your back, repeat and clap as many times as you can before catching the ball

3)      NBA – Throw the ball as high as you can , then kneel down and let the ball bounce in front of your toe and try to catch it on its way back up before it bounces over your knee

Ø     Fun & challenging ball-handling drills for two people

1)      Pass to a partner with your right hand and catch it with your left hand, transfer the ball from your left hand to your right and pass it back

2)      Pass to a partner with your left hand and catch it with your right hand, transfer the ball from your right hand to your left hand and pass it back

Ø     Fun & challenging agility drills

1)      While Watching TV Workout

·         Sit on the floor facing the TV, do a figure 8 with the ball passing it from your right to your left hand as you move your legs in a bicycle motion – keep your feet off the floor.

·         Toes on the ball - pillar

·         Hands on the ball - pillar

 

v    Hillsborough High School Assistant Varsity Coach: Chris Fox

Ø     Today’s contest is Hot Shot – Coach Fox demonstration

Ø     Next segment to be run by two former Watchung Hills 2008 Somerset County Basketball Champs – Eric Kane & Jesse Ross

Ø     Have all campers work on stationary ball handling drills

Ø     Have all campers work on “moves on the move”

Ø     Have all campers do two ball drills

 

Friday, July 24, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

v    Winning and Losing

Ø      Enthusiasm is a great thing; however, make sure that it is in a positive manner. Winning and losing is something that applies to all players of all skill levels because no matter how good you are, eventually you are going to lose at something.

Ø      How you behave after a win or loss reveals a lot about your character.  You should strive to win and lose with class and style; because how you act reveals a lot about who you are as a person.

1)      Act mature

2)      If you win, be excited but do not gloat

3)      If you lose, it is OK to be disappointed but congratulate the winners and move on.

 

Friday, July 24, 2009

v    Our Featured Guest Speaker

v    St. Anthony High School in “beautiful” Jersey City

v    Varsity Head Coach Bob Hurley

v    Recent Inductee into the New Jersey High School Hall of Fame and Winningest Coach in the History of New Jersey Basketball

“Basketball is a game of Imitation and Repetition”

Ø     Necessary skills: Dribbling, Passing, Shooting, Defending and Rebounding

1)    Believe in yourself

·        “Put the time in and you will see the improvement in your game”

·        “Be the best player you can be and don’t worry about anyone else”

2)    Passing and Catching

·         One player stands on the sideline while the other is on the outside of the key

·         The two players simply pass the ball back and forth

¨       ALWAYS look the pass into your hands

¨       Pass with your legs

¨       Further the drill by taking a few steps away planting your outside foot then coming back to the pass

¨       Jump stop into the pass

3)    Argentina Passing Drill

·        Put a player in each corner of the court, a player on both sidelines positioned at center court, and to right under the basket on the baseline

·         The two balls start with two players standing opposite each other

·         The pass the ball to the person to the right of them and then exchanges places with the player opposite of them…run!

·         The ball continues around the court after each player passes he runs to the opposite spot i.e. - one center court sideline to the other

·         Make players stop in the middle of the drill and switch direction the ball is passed or the type of pass

4)    Star Drill

·         One player is positioned under the basket, two players on the 3 point line straight up from the elbow and a player in each corner

·         The player under the basket starts with the ball and passes to the player at the three point line up from the right elbow and follows the pass to that spot going on the right side

·         The player passes it to the corner diagonal from them and follows the pass to the right

·         The corner player passes it to the other corner and follows to the right

·         The last player cuts from the three point line to the basket and catches the ball for a right handed lay up and then goes to the back of the line

·         The next person under the basket catches the ball and goes right into the drill

·         Repeat the drill to do left handed lay ups, start by passing to the opposite player on the 3 point line

5)    3 Man Weave

·         Three line at half court, one directly in the center of the court, and the other two on the edges of the circle

·         Run the 3 Man Weave with the players staying the close distance

·         Go to the baseline and then back

6)    3 Line Shooting

·         Three line at half court, one in the center of the court, and the other two on the sidelines and two on the baseline on to the right of the hoop the other to the left

·         The ball starts in the center line, the middle player passes to one of the sides and follows their pass

·         Upon catching the ball, the player dribbles in for a lay up

·         The player who passed and followed will then receive a pass from the player one the baseline on his side for a lay up

·         The third player in line will run in and get a pass from the baseline on their side and go in for a lay up

·         The first shooter gets their rebound and dribbles to the center line, the second two shooters get their ball and turn into the passer on the baseline

·         After the players do lay ups repeat the drill with shot ranged bank shots and mid range jump shots

7)    5 Man Weave Practice

·         One player is centered at half court, a player on both wings, and a player in each corner

·         The ball starts at the top and the player dribbles to one of the wings and hands off the ball to the player on the wing

¨       The passer goes to the inside and the player who receives the ball goes on the outside

·         The player receives ball dribbles to the opposite wing and the player who handed the ball off goes to the corner

·         The player in the corner replaces the player on the wing

·         After the players have the drill down add defenders

¨       The defenders are not trying to steal the ball just to simulate a defender sliding in front

8)    Shooting Drills

·        Elbow Shooting

·         Players line up at both elbows a ball in each line

·         The ball starts in the front of one line and with the second person in the other line

·         The line with the ball in front passes to the other line

·         The first player in that line catches the ball pivots towards the basket and shoots

·         After shooting the player gets their rebound and dribbles around the outside of the drill to the other line

·         Then the next person with the ball passes across and the drill continues

·         Baseline Shooting

·         Players line up in 2 lines under the basket

·         The ball starts in the front of each line where the player spins the ball out at the foul line to come back to them

·         The follow the ball catch in with a jump stop and pivot to face the basket

·         The player then shoots gets their own rebound and passes to the opposite line

9)    Ultimate or Super Knockout

·         The idea of knockout is carried over

·         However, instead of one hoop there are four hoops going at once

·         Once a player successfully makes the shot at one basket they move to the next basket

 

10)           Steve Nash Drill

·          20 Minute Shooting Workout

·          Baseline Shooting

¨        Outside to short corner 2 minutes

·          Bank Shooting

¨        30 seconds of turn and shoot

·          Elbow Shooting

¨        45 seconds turn and shoot

·          Runners

¨        Off left leg right down the center of the lane

¨        Mix in bank shots

¨        1 minute 15 seconds

·          Hesitation Pull-ups

¨        Both Wings

¨        Catch eye up the rim jab step or pump fake

¨        Then go up and shoot the jump shot

·          Post Turn Shooting

¨        Over both shoulders

¨        Back to the basket

¨        One dribble

¨        1 minute 50 seconds

·          Hooks Across the Lane

¨        Off one leg

¨        One dribble to the middle of the lane

¨        1 minute 10 seconds

·          One Dribble Pull-ups

¨        Spin the ball out to the top of the key

¨        Turn and face

¨        Take one dribble to the right or left

¨        Alternate which way you dribble

¨        2 minutes

·          Spin Move into Shot

¨        From top of the key

¨        Two dribbles towards wing

¨        Spin dribble

¨        One more dribble then pull-up

¨        1 minute 50 seconds

·          College 3 Pointer

¨        All spots around the arch

¨        2 minutes 10 seconds

·          Step Backs

¨        Start at top of the key

¨        Take 2 dribbles in then one back

¨        Shoot a pull-up jumper

¨        1 minute 30 seconds

·          Pick and Roll Shooting

¨        Dribble into your shot

¨        Shoot from the top of the key the wings and the corners

·          NBA Range 3 Pointer

¨        Use legs

¨        1 minute 30 seconds

Camp Notes – Week 2

July 27 – 31, 2009

“Shooting School”

 

Monday, July 27, 2009

v    Hillsborough Varsity Assistant Coach: Chris Fox

v     Welcome to Basketball Camp

Ø      Technology at Camp this week

§         Video taping of campers shooting form and analysis of shooting form by our camp coaches!

§         The Shooting Gun is available this week for older campers. It is a machine that rebounds and passes the ball automatically so that the player can attempt a high number of shots in a short amount of time!

Ø      Listening Skills & eye contact

§         Listen to what your coaches tell you & watch the demonstrations by the high school & college players. Be ready to try the drills when you get the chance.

§         Be alert & ready to do what you are asked.

§         If you listen & try new things, you have the opportunity to learn and grow as a player. The key to success however, is to work on your own when you leave camp. This is how you become a better basketball player.

§         Our objective for “Shooting School” is that the campers will learn a variety of drills, activities, & shooting games designed to help them improve their shooting abilities on their own

 

v  How to hold the basketball properly – Demonstrated by former WHRHS varsity players:

v  Eric Kane 2008, & Jesse Ross 2009

v  Proper lay-up shooting – Coach Fox

v  Star passing into a lay-ups – Coach Fox

 

v    Form Shooting & Free Throws – Coach McAteer

§         Good shooting form as taught: B.E.E.F; Balance, Elbow, Eyes, Follow Through

§         Develop a routine

·         Do the same thing every single time you are at the free throw line

·         ALWAYS be focused on the basket

§         Practice

·         Establish confidence when nobody is around

·         Get comfortable with your shot

·         Confidence and comfort will allow you to make the big free throws when the pressure is on in a game

 

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

***Today at camp, we filmed campers attempting various shots with the basketball.

v    Hillsborough Varsity Assistant Coach: Chris Fox

Ø     How to practice shooting when you are alone

§        1 player / 1 ball / 1 hoop

·         Perhaps the best way to improve as a shooter is to practice short shots around the basket. You should start under the rim and ‘spin yourself a pass’ as you move away from the hoop. Catch the ball & jump stop about 5 feet away from the basket. Pivot on your inside foot and turn all the way around so that you can face the basket. Attempt short bank shots if you have a good angle for a bank shot. Otherwise, shoot it straight in. Rebound the ball make or miss and repeat the same movements going out to the other side. Your goal should be to MAKE 10 before moving farther away from the basket.

·         Another variation to this activity is to turn it into a game.

·         “Beat the Pro” is a game that rewards the shooter 1 point for a make. But, awards 2 points to the Pro for every miss

·         Campers should pick a Pro to play against like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, or Larry Bird.

·         The game is challenging because the camper must make 10 shots before she misses 5…

 

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

 

v           Featured Guest Speaker: Mike Lanza

v            “The Shot Man”

Ø Ball Placement when Shooting

§         The ball should be on your fingertips not resting on the palm of your hand

§         Two fingers should fit between the ball and your palm

§         Bring the ball up on the side of your body that you shoot from not up through the center of your body

§          Your elbow should touch the side of your body when you bring the ball up to the shooting position

§         ALWAYS  square up to the basket

§         Your ring finger and middle finger should be the last two to touch the ball

·        Find a point to focus on

·        Warm up close to the basket and try not to hit the rim with the ball

·        Do everything at game speed

·        You don’t need to jump as high as you can if you are not comfortable with it

·        Shooting Game

¨      Set a goal for yourself: 5, 10, 15 points…

¨      For every make add one point to your score

¨      For every miss subtract one point from your score

¨      Play until you reach your goal

 

 

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

***Today at camp, we allowed all campers to view themselves on the TV and observe how they actually shoot the ball. Camp staff provided specific feedback for each child regarding how they can improve as a shooter…

v    Hillsborough Varsity Assistant Coach: Chris Fox

Ø     2 Man 1 Ball Shooting

§         Do everything at game speed

§         Step into all the shots you take

§         Beat the Pro

·         Player must be make 10 shots before they miss 5 or before the “PRO” they are playing with makes 10

·         Play elbow to elbow, shoot from one elbow then run around the semicircle to the other elbow and shoot.  Continue to go back and forth ALWAYS stepping in towards the hoop as you catch

§         Close shooting

·        Stand one step back from the  rim shoot until you make 10 shots then take a step back

·        10 makes then step back and continue to move back

·        Bend your knees more as you move further back

v    Today’s Contest is the Mikan Drill

Ø      The Mikan Drill is named after NBA great – George Mikan who was a Hall of Fame pro player in the 1940’s & 1950’s. George excelled at left hand & right hand baby hook shots around the basket.

§         The modern version of the Mikan Drill features continuous righty & lefty lay-ups.

§         Players must quickly move and get a good angle so that they may bank the ball in high & soft off the square.

§         Make or miss, players rebound the shot and step through to the other side.

§         Get a good angle so that you are not attempting a shot from directly under the rim.

§         In the contest, players strive to score as many lay-ups as possible in 30 seconds.

Ø      Try different types of Mikan lay-ups when you are practicing on your own

§         Mikan off 1 foot

§         Mikan off 2 feet

§         Reverse Mikan off 1 foot & 2 feet

§         ‘Swish’ Mikan drill = no backboard & no rim

 

Thursday, July 30, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

Ø     3 Man 2 Ball Shooting

§         2 players start with the ball and one play spots up

§         One player shoots, follows his shot then passes out to the player without a ball

§         The second player shots his shoot rebounds and passes out to the first shooter

§         Continue the drill until somebody makes the goal set by the players

§         Repeat the drill with shooting off the dribble

§        Catch the ball one dribble to the left or the right then pull up for the jump shot, follow your shot and pass the ball out

***Today at camp, we allowed campers to use the Shooting Gun Machine. This apparatus is an automatic rebounder and passing device that allows the player to attempt a high number of shots in a relatively short period of time! Most people conclude that they have had an excellent shooting workout!!

 

Friday, July 31, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

v    Winning and Losing

Ø      Enthusiasm is a great thing; however, make sure that it is in a positive manner. Winning and losing is something that applies to all players of all skill levels because no matter how good you are, eventually you are going to lose at something.

Ø      How you behave after a win or loss reveals a lot about your character.  You should strive to win and lose with class and style; because how you act reveals a lot about who you are as a person.

§         Act mature

§         If you win, be excited but do not gloat

§         If you lose, it is OK to be disappointed but congratulate the winners and move on.

Camp Notes – Week 3

August 3-7, 2009

‘Team Development Concepts’

Teaching objective: Campers will learn concepts and strategies that will help them contribute to the team and gain an understanding of how to work collectively as one unit both on offense and on defense.

Monday, August 3, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

Welcome to Basketball Camp

Ø      Listening Skills & eye contact

§         Listen to what your coaches tell you & watch the demonstrations by the camp coaches.

§         Be ready to try the drills when you get the chance.

§         If you listen & try new things, you have the opportunity to learn and grow as a player. The key to success however, is to work on your own when you leave camp. This is how you become a better basketball player.

§         For the 19 year history of our camp, we have stressed being respectful and knowing when to stop talking and listen to the camp coaches.

v     Today’s Contest is 1 on 1

Ø      Offensive Teaching points – attack the basket.

§         Be in triple-threat position ready to drive or shoot. Use a shot fake or jab step to try and get the defense off balance or out of good position. As often as you can, drive the ball to the basket and get a close to the rim as possible.

§         Use your jab step to help get yourself an open shot

·         Jab step then drive to the basket –{JAB & GO}

·         Jab step to back your defender off then shoot your jump shot –{JAB & JUMPER}

·         Jab step then step across and go to the basket –{JAB & CROSS}

Ø      Defensive Teaching points – on the ball defense.

§         Stay between the hoop and the player with the ball. Be down in an athletic stance with you feet more than shoulder width apart. You should be about an arms length away from the ball handler. Be ready to ‘step & slide’ as the offense dribbles in an attempt to cut off the dribbler and force her into a tough shot farther away from the basket. The final element on defense is to put a hand up on the shot, box out, & rebound the ball.

 

Ø      “Passing Tag”

§         Passing Tag is a game that incorporates all of the vital components of being a solid offensive basketball team.

§         Players must be able to pass, catch, & communicate with one another while running, sliding, & moving at game speed.

§         The objective for the team with the ball is to tag the other team’s players with the ball which would result in that particular player being eliminated!

§         Play continues until all five members of the other team have been tagged out.

§         The team that does not have the ball must “run away” and avoid being tagged out for as long as they possibly can.

§         The game is played in the half court at the outset.

§         No dribbling is allowed. And, you may not throw the ball at the other team.

§         Once you catch the ball, you may pivot but that is all the movement that is allowed as you stretch and try to tag people out.

§         In tagging the other team, you must maintain solid possession of the ball.

§         If you drop the ball while trying to tag out the other team, the person is safe.

§         One of the keys to success is for the team with the ball to pick one player and surround that one guy. Try to trap each person near the sideline and pass the ball more quickly than the player can move.

§         To make the game competitive keep track of which team tags out the other squad in less time.

Ø     Argentina Passing Drill

§         Put a player in each corner of the court, a player on both sidelines positioned at center court, another directly  under the rim and an eighth player at mid-court.

§         The two balls start with two players standing opposite each other.

§         The pass the ball to the person to the right of them and then exchanges places with the player opposite of them…run!

§         The ball continues around the court after each player passes he runs to the opposite spot i.e. - one center court sideline to the other.

§         Make players stop in the middle of the drill and switch direction the ball is passed or the type of pass being used – {chest pass or bounce pass}.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

Defensive Teaching Focus – 2 vs. 2 – “Jump to the ball!”

Ø    Defensive Terminology and Movement

 

§         “Discourage” – This position is used when defending one pass away from the ball.

·        Block the passing lane with your hand and keep your body between the player and the basketball.

·        There is a difference between discourage and deny. When you are denying someone you are attempting to not let them touch the ball.

·        If you overplay, the offensive player might go backdoor for a basket.

·        In discourage, you have to make the person you’re guarding move to receive a pass.

·        You have to see your man and the basketball at the same time.

·        Always stay between your man and the ball.

·        Stay on your toes and always be ready to move.

§         NCAA will be able to move in the direction of the ball on every pass.

§         NBA will be able to provide help and then recover. In addition, the NBA should be able to guard the V-Cut, seeing both man and ball at all times, and move in the direction of the ball on every pass.

 

 

v    Middlesex High School Varsity Head Coach and Courier News All Area Coach of the Year: Brian Feath

“If you are a good shooter you will play”

Ø      Shooting

§         Ball sits on your fingertips not on your palm gives shooter more control over the ball

§         Elbow directly under the ball, will make the ball go straight

§         Bend legs, if your shot falls short bend you legs more

§         Do not bend your legs too much or not enough, find the point where you are the fastest, most powerful and explosive player

§         Everything must be squared to the basket: shoulders, feet

§         Rotation on the ball helps keep the ball going straight for the basket

§         Put enough arch on the ball to allow it to go in

§         Extend your shooting arm fully and follow through making your hand look like it is going into the basket

§         Drills

·         Lay on your back and shoot the ball into the air

¨       Make sure you do not push the ball up or throw it

¨       If your shot is going straight the ball will come right back down to you

·         Shooting off the backboard

¨       Stand about 5 feet from the basket

¨       Practice shooting form by shooting at the back board

¨       The ball should graze the backboard

¨       Then bounce once and return to the shooter

·         Form Shooting

¨       2 players

¨       Stand close to the basket and get in a shot ready position: knees bent, hands up, square to the basket

¨       Practice your shooting by stepping into your shoot then shooting

¨       Players will set a goal to make then switch

¨       After both players achieve the goal they will take a step back and repeat

·         1 Minute 30 Second Drill

¨       2 players

¨       7 spots on the floor: Corner, Wing, Elbow, Foul Line, Opposite Elbow, Opposite Wing, and Opposite Corner

¨       Player has to make 2 out of 3 shots from each spot in order to move to the next

¨       After a minute and a half is up players will switch

¨       Make competitive by seeing which player could gets further 

·         30 Second Shooting Drill

¨       2 Players

¨       7 spots on the floor: Corner, Wing, Elbow, Foul Line, Opposite Elbow, Opposite Wing, and Opposite Corner

¨       1 player shoots for 30 seconds while the other rebounds and passes out

¨       The players then switch positions

¨       Both players shoot for 30 in the same spot after both players shoot they move to the next spot

·         Shooting Game- 58

¨       Players will start at the foul line

¨       They shoot a foul shot if they make it, it is worth 5 points if missed it is worth nothing

¨       Then player gets their rebound if they get it on one bounce they shoot where they retrieved the ball, if the make it, it is worth 3 points if missed it is worth nothing

¨       Then they player gets to shoot a weak handed lay up, if it is made it is worth 1 point, if missed it is worth nothing

¨       After a player shoots all three the next player goes through the shots

¨       However, if the player makes all three shots they receive an additional point and get to go immediately again

¨       The object is to get 58 points if they go over they go back down to zero points and start again…

 

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

v     Defensive teaching focus – 3 vs. 3 – “Ball, Discourage, Help”

Ø      Defensive Distance from ball handler

§         When you are guarding someone you should be about an arms length away.

§         If you are too close the offensive player will get by you and if you are too far away the offensive player can take an uncontested shot.

§         If you are quicker than the person that you are guarding then you will be able to get closer and the opposite is true also.

Ø      Defensive Positioning

§         You have to be able to slide and cut off a player without fouling by staying between the offensive player and the basket.

§         When you are guarding someone you should step and then slide instead of crossing your legs.

§         You must also make sure to keep your feet wide; otherwise you will lose balance and not be able to properly defend.

§         If the player you are guarding decides to switch directions you have to make sure you ‘drop step.’ If you don’t drop step you will not be able to force the offensive player into the corner. When this happens the offensive player will be able to either dribble past you or you may get a foul called against you because you will end up too close to the offensive player.

Ø       “Help”  -- Position

§         If you cut the court in half lengthwise, the side that the ball is on is considered the strong side and the opposite side is considered the help side.

§         The help position is when you have one foot in the paint to be able to help out another defender in they get beat and there is penetration

§         When the person you are defending is two passes away from receiving the ball, you should be in the help position

§         The rule of thumb is that you can be further away from your man, the further your man is away from the basketball

Ø      Make sure that you play intelligently on defense

§         This means that you should not have your mind made up already about what you are going to do because then you might be out of position.

§         In the contest, players strive to score as many lay-ups as possible in 30 seconds.

 

v   Special Guest Speaker Former Standout at WHRHS  in Wrestling & Baseball and Basketball Camp Alumni:

v   CARL RICCIO

“I’m happy Gene asked me to speak.

 I still remember when I was a camper.”

Ø     One of the most important things in my life before my injury was sports

Ø     My dream was to play baseball in college and maybe professionally

Ø     Even after my accident there are still many dreams I still plan on fulfilling

“I’m not here to talk to you about basketball or mechanics of a shot or any other sport. I am here to talk to you about something more important… life and how to get through adversity in your life”

Ø     It is something you will face at some point, the key to being successful is overcoming those adversities

Ø     You overcome them with strong will

Ø     “NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT ‘YOU CAN’T’ DO SOMETHING”

§         The only things you can’t do are the things your mind will not allow you to do

§         “Anytime I hear the word can’t, that gives me a burning desire to succeed and prove them wrong”

Ø     Some people don’t know how to overcome adversities

§         I saw my injury as a bigger challenge in my life, and was focused to change some of my life long goals

§         They went from sports to business, law, and politics

§         I hope that nobody else ever faces the physical challenges I have, but it’s inevitable

§         In the hard times is when your mental toughness comes into play

Ø     I have faced adversity many times, I have had to revert back to the same lessons I pass onto you today

§         My first two weeks of law school I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it

§         I learned there is not correct way to study, everyone needs to make a personal adjustment

§         It applies to many things in life, you have to make adjustments

§         If you give up trying and are unable to make adjustments you will not be successful in life

 “One of the most inspirational speeches I have ever heard was Jim Valvano’s speech during the ESPN awards show – The ESPY’s, and I’m sure you have heard this famous quote ‘Don’t Give Up’ Don’t Ever Give Up.’ Whenever I feel down or that I can’t do something, I always think about that quote, and I try something different instead of giving up.”

Ø     In the future if you ever see me out or at a sporting event don’t be afraid to say hi just because of the wheel chair because I am just like you

Ø     My new goals are to finish law school and find a good job

Ø     I will continue my support for stem cell research because that is the one hope for me to overcome paralysis

Ø     I plan on taking Mr. Valvano’s advice by living my life to the fullest regardless of if I ever walk again

“I have hope that stem cell research will be able to cure me and help me walk again, so I could come back to this camp and play basketball with all the campers like I once did”

 

Thursday, August 6, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

Ø      Shell Drill – 4 on 4

§          Start out with four players on the perimeter, and four players guarding them.

§          As the ball moves around the perimeter the players need to shift on defense.

§          After every pass you need to be in either “on ball,” “discourage,” or “help.”

§          After every pass you should also say what defensive position you are in to help your teammates out and make sure that everyone is coordinated.

§          When you are more than two passes away & guarding a player on the weak side of the court you should be positioned with one foot on the strong side of the court.

·          This will allow you to help out your teammates in case one of them gets beat.

§          If you are in help and you have a hard time seeing both your man and the ball, you are probably to close to the line of the ball. This means that you should take a step back to better see what is going on.

Ø       On defense you need to think in advance, but you cannot have your mind made up about what you are going to do. There is a difference between anticipation, which is a good thing, and making your mind up in advance, which is a bad thing.

The thing that makes defense hard is that you need to have the willingness to do it and you need to have defensive intellect. You have to understand where you need to be on the floor, since your positioning is always changing.

v      Guarding Away From the Ball

Ø       When you are playing defense you often times need to get “dirty.” This means doing all the dirty work such as boxing out, taking charges, and diving on loose balls.

Ø       To be a great defender you need to have heart. You need that determination to push yourself to become a better player.

Ø      Positioning

§         When the person you are defending is one pass away, you want to be one step away from the person you are defending and have one hand in the passing lane.

§         When the person you are defending is two passes away, you should be away from the person you are defending with one foot in the paint.

§         Once the person you are defending gets the ball you will be able to quickly get into a defensive stance and guard the player.

§         When you are away from the ball you need to be able to see both the man and the ball.

§         The reason you want to stay away from the person you are guarding, if they are not close to the ball, is because if one of your teammates is unable to stop the person they are guarding you can come over and help them.

 

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

Ø     Ball-handling drills to use on your own

§         Sitting down drills

·         Dribble low with your right hand

·         Pick your legs up dribble under your legs then dribble low with your  left hand

·         Dribble  high and hard with your right hand, shoulder height

·         Dribble under your legs then dribble  high and hard with your left hand, shoulder height

·         Magic Johnson Drill- Right hand dribble on the right side of your body, then in between your legs,  then left side of your body, then do it with your left hand

·         Dribble the ball right handed and lay flat on your back, then do it with your left hand

·         Lift your legs in the air, pass the ball back and forth between your legs while doing a bicycle motion

§         Standing up

·         Right hand, shoulder height 5 times, waist height 5 times, below the knees 5 times, then repeat left handed

·         Wrap the ball around your waist both ways, around your head, and ankles

·         Put the ball between your legs, one hand on it from the front of your of your body, and the other behind, try to drop the ball switch hands and catch it before it hit the ground

§         2 Ball Drills and Dribble moves on the move

·         Dribble both balls below your knees

·         Dribble both balls together same time while moving, then go backwards

·         Dribble both balls together alternating when they hit the ground

·         Dribble two dribbles to the right then crossover to the left make sure you change directions

Friday, August 7, 2009

v    Bridgewater-Raritan Varsity Head Coach: Gene McAteer

v     Winning and Losing – our traditional Friday conversation for the 19 year history of the Watchung Hills Basketball Camp

Ø       Enthusiasm is a great thing; however, make sure that it is in a positive manner. Winning and losing is something that applies to all players of all skill levels because no matter how good you are, eventually you are going to lose at something.

Ø       How you behave after a win or loss reveals a lot about your character.  You should strive to win and lose with class and style; because how you act reveals a lot about who you are as a person.

§         If you win, be excited but do not gloat or taunt your opponent.

§         If you lose, it is OK to be disappointed but congratulate the winners and move on…