SWISH!!!

The definition of Swish is; sink (a shot) without the ball touching the backboard or rim.

     The crowd and even players seem to go wild all the time when a player shoots the ball and it goes swish; straight into the net, no backboard and no rim.  Now just think, how did that shot go swish?  The shot went swish because of the work ethic and practice of form shooting the player has done to perfect great shooting efficiency.  A lot of players and fans want to see the results of the swish shot but don't really understand the process that goes into that kind of shooting, especially players.  One would ask, how do I get that kind of efficiency?  Here are a few tips:

1. You have to have a strong work ethic and a high motivation to get better.
2. You have to really think about the process of shooting rather than the results all the time.  The process includes: Squaring up to the goal, bent knee position, elbows tucked in, ball in the pocket of your shooting hand, jumping up into your shot releasing the ball at it's highest peak, follow through with your elbows above your eyelids, and flick your wrist.
3. Practice tip #2 over and over and over again!  You have to practice #2 even when you are laying down in your bed without a basketball.
4. You have to make it a goal to make, not shoot, but to make at least 100 jump shots a day which would be a minimum.  Also, your last shot of the day, has to be a make so you can finish on good and positive note; Confidence Builder!

   Coaches, make sure you are encouraging your players to concentrate on the process to get the results they are looking for and players, listen to your coaches when this encouragement comes.  It's always a great feeling to see a player working hard on their skills and they start getting the production they are seeking due to the process they stick to. As for shooting, or being a great shooter to start swishing some shots; it all boils down to are you going to be just a shooter or a maker?  Makers get Swishes!!

The Locker Room

Definition: The place where players and coaches meet to discuss game plans, strategies and scouting reports; also known as the place where athletes get dressed and prepare for games/practices; a meeting place for teams. 



We all know what a locker room was originally designed for.  A private place for a team to come together, prepare and bond.  As a player - it was a place where we would come to hang out in between classes.  It was a safe place to crack jokes on each other or confess secrets that nobody but a sister would understand.  My sisters were there for me, they called me out for not being there on help-side or they congratulated me for hitting a game winning shot in the locker room.  We would turn on our favorite song and dance until we laughed and the stress was no longer on our mind.  We could say whatever we wanted in the locker room and there would be no judging or repeating to people outside of the locker room. It was one of my favorite places to go and clear my mind.

As a coach have you ever thought about the value of the "locker room" to your players?  Why? -- You want the locker room to be a place your players feel a sense of ownership and safe.  Its where you come for pregame, halftime and post game discussions.  

Here are a few ideas to create a comfortable, safe and fun locker room for your team:

1. Music - Have a place where players can plug in an ipod or listen to some sort of music.  Music can help player set the tone for practice or games.  Let the music be their choice so that it is something they relate to.  Based on your school's policies, they may not be able to listen to any kind of music during pre-game warm ups out of respect for the crowd, but the locker room is theirs!  Let them play whatever they need to get ready for the task at hand.
2. Motivation - Hang posters or paint inspiring words, favorite quotes or scriptures so that players read them on a daily basis.  This is a sub-conscious way to reinforce the culture you want to create and keep players engaged mentally.
3. Memories - Hang pictures of the team from some of their favorite moments such as a thrilling overtime win or a trip to the beach your team took.  Seeing pictures of the "family" is a great way to help them overcome adversity.  When things get tough and they get mad at their sister (which is natural) you can remind them to stay together.  Or you could have trophies or awards won hanging in there as motivation for players to strive towards reaching again.  Everyday when they come into practice it may also start some dialogue for players to work hard so they can reach their common goals -- to win!

The best teams have a locker room that players feel a sense of family.  It's like in the older days comparable to the dinner table.  When families would sit together to give thanks, share stories from the day and bond.  If you can get your locker room to be a safe place for your team to open up, it will set a tone for how they also perform on the court.  The locker room is a place to hold players accountable or to recognize high academic achievements.  Its the place to discuss and strategize.  The court is strictly for basketball and business!  How do they mentally get ready for the day?  It all starts in the locker room!

Get in the Gym

Join us in motivating players to get in the gym to improve their game! The ultimate goal in our game is to score more points than the opponent in order to win.  So we have to get in the gym and shoot! Work on all areas of your game but never leave the gym without practicing some form of shooting!!! Players can prove their commitment to winning by getting in the gym....coaches can meet them half way by making themselves available to them. Together we can commit to growing our game!  #GetInTheGym #KBJAcademy