Starting Em Now...

Hey,

Don't have much time because I have to run to get to school for 1st and 2nd grade practice. This is the first day.

Basically what we are trying to do is teach the young boys and girls (it is a mixed group of boys and girls) how to move (skip, run, shuffle, bend, squat, jump, land...) and then introduce them to basic skill of basketball. They will learn how to catch, pass, dribble, move with and with out the ball, and so many more fun fundamentals.

Here is the Saturday Tip of the week: Catching Under Control

Purpose: To teach the players to catch the ball while moving and immediately jump stop and pivot.

Drill: Chase and catch- The first player will start in an athletic stance next to the coach. The coach will toss the ball out in front of the player far enough where the player must really hustle to catch it off one bounce. Once the player catches the ball they must jump stop and pivot back to the line and dribble the ball back to the coach. The next player is ready to go as soon as the first player begins dribbling back.

Drill 2- Approach and catch- This time the line of players is formed away from the coach and the coach will pass the ball toward the player. The ball will be tossed short so the player must hustle to get to it. Once the ball is caught after one bounce a jump stop should occur. The player then performs a pass back to the coach and them runs back in line.

Perform 5 reps of each drill. This will definitely help the players learn to get under control. Great drill to use with volleyball as well (I learned it from a volleyball coach).

When performing this exercise with baseball, softball, football, or tennis athletes you have them attempt to catch the ball in the air (no bounce allowed) and then get under control with their feet.

Have fun playing with this drill and coming up with many variations.

Yours in Speed,

Lee