COLUMBUS GIRLS Class of 2027 • Skills & Drills Packet (2018/19)

Prepared by Adrian Shepard [email protected]

Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. -

Never let the fear of failing discourage you from trying. -Sue Bird

(Basketball) It’s not just about points. -Elena Delle Donne

When the Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, He’ll ask not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game. -Grantland Rice

What you are as a person is far more important that what you are as a basketball player. -John Wooden

One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team. -Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

If all I’m remembered for is being a good basketball player, then I’ve done a bad job with the rest of my life. -

I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot…and missed. And I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why... I succeed. -Michael Jordan

“Play the right way” means play unselfishly, respect each other’s achievements, play hard, fulfill your role. -

DEFENSE

If you’re not talking, you’re not playing defense. -Doc Rivers

Key Points (via Morgan Wooten, legendary coach at DeMatha High School, 2nd most wins of any basketball coach at all levels): • Stay low • Stay balanced, with your feet staggered, shoulder-width apart • Move your feet in a step and slide sequence • Pressure and contain the ball • Dictate and control the moves of the ballhandler; a. the left foot forward forces the dribbler to the left, b. the right foot forward forces the dribbler to the right • Keep your chest open to the offensive player • Keep your head up • Concentrate • Talk to each other on defense (“ right!” “screen left!”) • Pressure the ball – cut the ballhandler’s vision in half • Stop penetrating passes • Help and recover • Stop the offense from reversing the ball • Force the ball outside • Move when the ball moves • Play aggressively with enthusiasm • Don’t allow the offense to play in straight lines • Stop moves to the basket • See the ball and offensive player

The Retreat Step Begin in the proper defensive stance with one foot slightly in front of the other. The retreat step is then executed by having the player push off his front foot, take a step backward with the rear foot, and then slide the front foot back to reestablish position and balance. You must stay low when taking a retreat step, and never bring the feet any closer together than shoulder-width. While retreating, you should not do anything to destroy your balance such as bringing your feet together, rising out of your stance, or hopping instead of sliding your feet.

The Advance Step This step makes the offense put the ball on the floor and reduces the possibilities they’d have if they were in triple-threat position. This is the opposite of the retreat step. Push off your back foot while stepping forward with the front foot, then sliding the back foot forward. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to maintain good balance.

(A Variation of) Alford Slide Drill • Start in the corner • Slide 20-30 feet • Back Pedal 40 feet (back pedal in a defensive stance, not straight up) • Slide 30 feet, then slide to the 40-50 feet

Cup Slides This is a simple and fun drill that can be used for defensive technique, speed, intensity and conditioning. It can be fun and even competitive.

• Set up several cups or cones on each side of the lane (or the space equal to the lane or “paint”). • The player is in the middle of the lane, at the front of the cups with back to the rest of the cups. • On “Go,” player executes defensive slides, sliding from side to side (cup to cup). • As she goes, the player picks up the cups. • During the drill, the player must stay down in defensive stance.

PASSING

Michael (Jordan), if you can’t pass, you can’t play. -Coach Dean Smith

Dos and Don’ts for Passing (via Morgan Wooten, legendary coach at DeMatha High School, 2nd most wins of any basketball coach at all levels):

Do… • Make the easy pass – it doesn’t have to be an • Hit the open player • Use pass fakes to open up passing lanes • Use the air pass on the break, not the bounce pass • Use the dribble to create better passing angles • Feed the post with a bounce pass • Step into the defender when making the pass • Feed the post from below the line extended • Follow through on the pass – don’t let it float • Pass with two hands – one-handed passes are difficult to retrieve and often result in a • Throw away from the defender • Look at the basket in order to see the entire floor

Don’t… • Throw to a voice • Pass to a player in trouble • Pass a player into trouble • Make a pass from the middle of the floor – pick a side • Overpass – especially on the break

Chest Pass The chest pass is named so because the pass originates from the chest. It is thrown by gripping the ball on the sides with the thumbs directly behind the ball. When the pass is thrown, the fingers are rotated behind the ball and the thumbs are turned down. The resulting follow through has the back of the hands facing one another with the thumbs straight down. The ball should have a nice backspin.

When throwing a chest pass, you should strive to throw it to the receiver's chest level. Passes that go low to high or high to low are difficult to catch.

Bounce Pass The bounce pass is thrown with the same motion as the Chest Pass. However, it is aimed at the floor. It should be thrown far enough out that the ball bounces waist high to the receiver. Some say try to throw it 3/4 of the way to the receiver, and that may be a good reference to start, but each player has to experiment how far to throw it so it bounces to the receiver properly. Putting a proper and consistent backspin on the pass will make the distance easier to judge.

Overhead Pass The overhead pass is often used as an outlet pass. Bring the ball directly above your forehead with both hands on the side of the ball and follow through. Aim for the teammate's chin. Some coaches advise not bring the ball behind your head, because it can get stolen and it takes a split-second longer to throw the pass.

Wrap-Around Pass Step around the defense (a chair, cone, cup, etc.) with your non-pivot foot. Pass the ball with one hand (outside hand). It can be used as an air or a bounce pass. You will often see the wrap-around air pass on the perimeter and the wrap-around bounce pass to make an entry into the post.

Note: Get mom and/or dad’s permission first if doing at home, without a partner, against a wall!

Wall Passing • Drill can be done using bounce pass, chest pass, overhead/outlet, and wrap-around pass. • Pick a spot on the wall and try to hit the same spot on each pass. • Perform 8-12 repetitions of each pass. • Add jump stops and pivots for variety.

BALL-HANDLING

In the NBA, there’s always a guy who is only around because he can jump. He doesn’t have a clue about the fundamentals. I learn more from the WNBA. They know how to dribble, how to pivot, how to use the shot fake. -Draymond Green

Note: Do each of these drills about 30 to 60 seconds and then move to the next one. With all these drills, try to keep your eyes forward, without looking at the ball.

Ball Slaps Hold the ball in front in one hand and slap it with the other hand. Switch hands and repeat.

Ball Pats Tap the ball back and forth between the fingers of both hands, keeping the ball out in front.

Tipping Tip the ball back and forth from one hand to the next, starting with your hands straight up over your head. Then gradually move the ball down, while continuing to tip it back and forth. Go down to your chest, then your waist, knees, and ankles, and then back up again. Keep your elbows straight.

Body Circles Using both hands, move the ball rapidly in circles around different sections of the body. Perform several circles around the legs once, the midsection once, and the head once. Then repeat in reverse order going up and down the body.

Corkscrew Like body circles, but you should circle the legs once, the midsection once, and the head once. Then repeat in reverse order, going up and down the body.

Figure Eights Weave the ball between and around the legs.

Football Hike Put your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the ball in front. Toss the ball back between your legs and catch it in the back with both hands. Switch from back to front again, repeating the drill to build quickness.

Toss Up and Catch Behind Toss the ball up over your head. Reverse pivot and catch the ball behind your back.

Side Catch With feet shoulder-width apart, hold the ball between your feet, with the left hand in back of the left leg and the right hand in front. Toss the ball up, switch the hands while it is in the air, and catch it before it hits the floor. Repeat the drill, trying to improve your quickness.

Socks Start with the legs together and the ball held behind the knees. Drop the ball, clap your hands in front, and catch the ball before it hits the floor. Repeat the drill, trying to improve your quickness.

Pockets Start with the ball at the midsection. Drop the ball, slap imaginary front pockets with your hands, and catch the ball before it hits the floor. Repeat the drill to your side and back pockets.

DRIBBLING

I think everyone should be able to dribble. Everyone should be able to pass. Otherwise, why are you out there? -

Note: How to Dribble. Use your fingertips, not the palms of your hands. Basketball is played on the tips of your fingers and the balls of your feet. Use your forearm and wrist to bounce the ball. Don't look at the ball. Keep your head up and eyes forward. You must learn to use either hand. So, when doing drills, always work both hands.

Key Points • Stay low • Keep your head up • Play under control • Attack the defender – don’t try to avoid her • Go somewhere with your dribble – dribble with a purpose • Strengthen your weak hand (non-dominant hand) • Keep the defender behind you • Close the gap • Push the ball out in front • Protect the ball with the body and the off-hand • Change pace and speed • Change direction • Practice repeatedly in the open court

Typewriter Dribble as low as possible (using fingertips), alternating hands on the ball, similar to a typing on a typewriter.

Right Knee/Left Knee Dribble around the body and through the legs as you kneel on one knee. Switch the knee your resting on and repeat.

Figure Eight Dribble Dribble the ball between and around your legs.

Sit-ups Dribble with left or right hand while simultaneously doing sit-ups.

Figure Eight Dribble While Walking Dribble the ball between and around your legs as you walk.

Butterfly/Spider Dribble Start with the ball centered between your legs. Quickly dribble the ball, hitting it with the right and then left hand from the front, then quickly repeating the process from the back. Work on front to back and back to front repeating for quickness.

Control Dribble (when the defender is up close on you) When a defender is guarding you closely, you should use the control dribble. Keep in a somewhat crouched, bent over position. Keep your body between the ball and the defender. Keep the ball low to the floor, behind and close to your body. Keep your other arm straight out in front of you, as a guard against the defender. You can't push off, or grab the defender, but you can keep a "stiff-arm" to keep the defender from reaching around you. Do not stop your dribble until you can either pass or shoot. Once you stop your dribble, you are dead in the water (a boat with no engine) and the sharks (the ) will close in on you soon.

Speed Dribble (in the open court) To move the ball quickly down the floor use the speed dribble. Push the ball forward, ahead of you several feet. Bounce the ball at least waist high. As always, keep your head up, and visualize the whole court, so you can find the open teammate. Move as fast as you can, but never faster than you can control the ball. You must always be in control. As Coach John Wooden said, "You must be quick, but never hurry." Often a jump stop at the end of the speed dribble will allow you to maintain control and avoid a .

Crossover Dribble Simply, the crossover dribble has you switch from one hand to the other, by bouncing the ball in front of you across to the other side. Then the other hand picks up the ball and you are now dribbling with the opposite hand. You can use this dribble to quickly change your direction on the court. For example, you could be on the point, dribbling with your right hand to the right wing, then suddenly crossover the dribble to the left and drive up the lane.

In and Out Dribble The in and out dribble is a good fake move to help you get around a defender and take it to the hoop. With this move, you make one bounce in front of you as if you were going to crossover, but instead of picking the ball up with your other hand, you just roll your dribbling hand over the top of the ball and bring it sharply back and go hard around the defender. For example, if you are dribbling right-handed, make one dribble to the left in front of you then dip and put your weight on your left foot. To the defender, this looks like you will crossover and go left. Instead, roll your right hand over the top of the ball and bring it back quickly to the right, push off the left foot, and go hard around the right side of your opponent.

Hesitation Dribble (Rocker Move) This is another fake move to help you get around the defender in the open court. You speed dribble up to the defender, then suddenly come to a stop by putting your inside foot forward and "rocking" backward onto your outside foot. Then as the defender closes, you blow around her side, resuming the speed dribble, straight to the hoop. For example, you are speed dribbling with your right hand. As you approach the defender, you stop suddenly by putting your left foot forward, and then rocking back on the right foot. This hesitation throws the defender's timing off. Then push hard off the right foot, and speed dribble around her right side. You can also use this move and combine it with a crossover dribble and go hard left.

Behind the Back Dribble, Through the Legs Dribble These moves are very useful when used correctly, in the right situations. A good use for these dribbles is in the open court, such as a guard bringing the ball down the floor against pressure from a defender. As you are dribbling right with your right hand, the defender gets position and over-plays you to the right. Quickly, you do a behind the back, or between the legs dribble to crossover to the other hand, and change your direction to the left, leaving your defender in the dust! Why not just do an easier crossover dribble? Because the defender is right in front of you and could the crossover. By going behind the back, or through the legs, you can better protect the ball by keeping your body between the ball and the defender. To do the behind the back dribble, dribble the ball once behind you and pick up the dribble with the opposite hand. For example, you are dribbling with the right hand. Get your body ahead of the ball on your right side, then crossover bounce it once behind you over to the left hand. The between the legs move is similar, except with one bounce through the legs to the other hand.

Spin Move The spin move is an excellent move to get around a defender in the open court. But be careful of a defender stealing the ball from behind, on your blind side as you make the spin. When making the spin, reverse pivot (spin) on your front foot, and pull the ball hard and quickly around your body. Don't let your hand get under the ball (a violation). Then continue the dribble with the opposite hand.

Back-up Dribble and Crossover The back-up dribble is useful in retreating from a defender or a trap. Dribble backwards and then do a quick crossover dribble (or a through the legs dribble or around the back dribble) to get free. Practice each of these dribbles for 5-10 minutes. Use both hands.

Up and Downs Start by dribbling the ball in front of you so that the ball reaches your waist high. Gradually, bounce the ball harder and harder until you are dribbling the ball as high as you can without jumping. Then gradually dribble the ball lower and lower until you are on one knee, finishing as close to the floor as possible. Pound the ball quickly to keep it going. Then do it with the other hand.

Back and Forth Under the Legs Get crouched over with your right knee and leg forward. V-dribble the ball behind the extended leg. Repeat behind the other leg.

Crossover Dribbles Dribble with your right hand. Bounce the ball once on the right side, then cross the ball over in front of you by bouncing it to the left. The left hand now bounces it on the left once, and then crossover back to the right, where the right takes over again. Repeat.

V-Dribble in Front Start with the right hand and dribble once on the right side. Then dribble the ball in front you, as if you were going to cross over to the left side. Instead of getting it with your left hand, roll your right hand over the top of the ball, and bring it back to the right. Keep dribbling like this: right then cross over V- dribble. Repeat with the left hand.

Side V-Dribble Now do the v-dribble on the side. Do both left and right hands.

Tight Chairs Dribbling This drill will improve dribbling and dribble moves with many repetitions in a short period of time. It can be done on the playground, in the basement, or driveway. Set-up: Set up six (or however many you can) chairs or cones (or garbage cans, pieces of paper, etc. – get creative) in a straigt line. Start with the left hand, so face the row of chairs on the right with their seats facing the endline, while the seats of the left row of chairs face the half-court line. This is so the dribbler can hit the seat of the chair with her off hand as she makes a dribble move. The Drill: The player has a ball and will dribble between the chairs, making a prescribed dribble-move (player’s choice) at each chair. Do the same move at each of the six chairs and will do one or two laps through the chairs for each dribble move (depending on how much time you want to spend). Some of the dribble moves to practice are: (1) the crossover dribble (2) in-and-out move (3) behind the back move (4) thru the legs dribble (5) spin move. Start with your dominant hand. After doing all the moves with your dominant hand, turn the chairs around, start from the opposite side and do all the same moves with the non-dominant hand.

Dos and Don’ts for the

Do… • Look up and see the whole floor • Pass ahead to the open player (until someone has a good scoring opportunity) • Sprint the floor (Run! Run! Run!) • Play under control • Let the play make itself • Read the numbers – go where you have an advantage • Make the defense play you • Get wide to fill the lanes • Make the easy play • When bringing the ball down in the middle, stop at the foul line to make a play • Use the chest pass on a break – the bounce pass is too hard to handle • If you are the back player (last trailer), delay at half-court to cover the break defensively • Be a good receiver • Communicate!

Don’t… • Have your mind made up about what you want to do • Pass to a player in trouble • Pass a player into trouble • Take giant steps – settle for the open 12-footer instead of a contested 8-footer

SHOOTING

You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise. -Michael Jordan

Dos and Don’ts for Shooting

Do… • Know your range • Know what a good shot is • When receiving a pass for a shot, step into the pass to get the shot off more quickly • Plant your inside foot when squaring up to the basket for a shot • Provide passers a target as a receiver • Use shot fakes to get by the defense • Lift the elbow, follow through, reach for the basket • Get power for the shot from your legs • Practice shooting as if you were in a game

Don’t… • Take giant steps; don’t pass up an open 12-footer to get a contested 8-footer • Leave the off-hand on the ball too long, because it could adversely affect the shot • Fade on a shot • Follow the flight of the ball – keep you eye on the target • Dip or hitch – catch the ball, get it to the shot area, and shoot

Lay-Ups The lay-up is one of the first shots you should learn. It's not as easy as it looks at first, as a lot of kids have difficulty getting the correct footwork and shooting off the correct foot. You should learn to use either hand, and eventually do the reverse lay-up.

Footwork When dribbling toward the basket, move slightly to one side of the hoop to create the proper angle. If you're on the right side, dribble right-handed, and plant your left (inside) foot and jump off that foot, and finally shoot with your right hand. As you raise your right hand, your right knee should also elevate. Pretend there is a string attached to your right hand and your right knee. Reverse this form if shooting from the left side. As you approach the hoop, take a half step with your outside foot, then take a full stride with your inside foot pushing off the court. When jumping your outside knee should be bent. Go directly toward the basket, with your head up and eyes focused on the . Go up strong and straight to the hoop. Don't shy away if there is a defender, just go strong to the hoop. You may get fouled and get a three-point chance.

Aim Always use the backboard ("use the glass") when shooting lay-ups from either side. Aim for the top corner of the box on the backboard. Focus in on this area; don't watch the ball. Keep your head up.

Push Release Release the ball with the back of your hand facing you. Extend your shooting arm, as you push the ball to the hoop off your fingertips. You should go up with two hands, then release the ball with your outside hand.

The Underhand Release As you get stronger, you should develop the underhand shot. This release results in a softer shot, and more control when you are moving at high speed. Release the ball with your palm up and arm extended. Let the ball roll off your palm and then your fingertips and lay the ball softly off the backboard. Use two hands going up, but then release the ball with your outside hand at the top of your jump. Be strong and concentrate to finish.

Footwork Drill for Lay-ups Line-up near the right side of the basket (to shoot the right-handed ). You can use more than one. This drill works on correct footwork. Player should face the right side of the backboard with both feet together. Then she should take one step forward with the inside (left) foot, plant that foot and jump off it and shoot the right-handed lay-up. When jumping, the right thigh comes up with the knee bent. Next, try this with dribbling. Do the left side also. On this side you step forward and plant the right (inside) foot, and raise the left thigh and leg.

Up-and-Under The up-and-under is a move consisting of two parts: a shot fake (the up) and a step-through (the under). First the player with the ball fakes a shot by thrusting the ball above her head as if to take a shot, then when the defender jumps in an attempt to the shot, the offensive player steps by her and attempts a clear, unguarded shot.

Drop Step Also called a reverse pivot, the drop step is a move in which the player posting up takes a back step on the side of a defender behind her and spins to that side to gain leverage.

Power Move The power move is executed by pivoting towards the basket to seal the defender, then using a two- handed power dribble followed by a jump stop to get closer to the basket. Immediately after the jump stop the player jumps up for a power shot.

Spin and Drive When the offensive player receives the ball in the low post, the player either fakes in one direction and then spins in the opposite direction, or immediately after catching the ball, the player spins around the defender and goes up for the shot or takes one hard dribble and then takes the shot.

Euro-Step The Euro-Step is a move developed in European basketball in which a player, after picking up her dribble, takes a step in one direction, and then quickly takes a second step in the other direction before she attempts a layup. It is an attempt to evade at least one defender before attacking the basket. Shooting Drill This is an individual shooting work-out that you can do on your own. Make sure you are using good shooting form, getting your feet set, good balance, no drifting sideways, backwards, etc. Shoot game- style jump-shots, not flat-footed shots that you will never actually get in a game. Spin the ball back to yourself and all shots. With every miss, rebound and keep shooting until you put it in the basket. Try starting with 15 shooting spots. • Start on either side down low about five feet from the basket, just outside (spot #1). Make 5 shots and then move to the opposite side and make 5 more there (spot #2). • Move directly in front of the basket, five feet from the hoop (spot #3), and make 5 more shots. • Still just five feet from the basket, move diagonally on a 45 degree angle (spot #4). Make 5 shots using the glass. Then repeat this on the other side (spot #5). • Make 5 free-throws. • Now repeat the 5-spots drill above but at a distance of 8-10 feet, for each of the 5 shooting spots. Make 5 shots at each spot • Make 5 free-throws • Repeat the 5-spots drill at a distance of 12 feet for all 5 spots, making 5 shots at each spot. As you get further from the hoop, you do not have to use the glass on the 45 degree shots. • Make 5 free-throws • Next, starting in the circle, spin the ball back to yourself, catch it, and take one dribble right followed by a . Make 10 shots. Repeat this with one dribble to the left with a jump shot, making 10 shots. • Make 5 free-throws. • Now start at the top of the key (3-point arc). Spin the ball back to yourself, one dribble right - jump shot. Make 10. Then make 10 going to your left. • Make 5 free-throws.

Keep a record of your shooting each day. You should gradually see improvement in your shooting percentage (percentage = number of shots made divided by number of shots you attempted). If you are not seeing improvement over a few weeks, have someone check your shooting form.

Motion Offense Key Points • Keep good spacing, using the 3-point arc to help • Read the defense • Remember that screeners are often good receivers • Pass and move – don’t stand still • Reverse the ball – take advantage of shifts in defense • Feed the post from below the foul line extended • Don’t play fast – let the play make itself • Be greedy receivers – come to the ball on the pass • Use v-cuts to get open • Catch, turn, and face (square up to) the basket – be a threat • Communicate on backdoor cuts and screens • Dribble with a purpose – to attack the basket, to get out of trouble, to improve a passing angle, or advance the ball upcourt • Pass away from the defense • Move with a purpose • Be prepared to set screens and receive screens – read your teammates • Be patient as screener, cutter, and passer • When passing, wait for screens to be completed – let the possibilities develop

REBOUNDING

I’m hungrier than those other guys out there. Every rebound is a personal challenge. -Dennis Rodman

Traits of a Good Rebounder (via Texas A&M Women’s Assistant Coach Bob Starkey) • A good rebounder is in great cardiovascular shape • A good rebounder is physically strong • A good rebounder is smart • A good rebounder never gives up • A good rebounder loves rebounding

Bounce Drill If not in a gym, this drill should be done outside. Give yourself plenty of space around and above you. Standing in place, throw you basketball down at the floor with enough power that it bounces high up into the air, in a controlled manner. Time the descent of the ball so that you can jump in the air as high as you can and rebound it. Upon landing on the ground with both feet, secure the ball tightly with both hands and “rip it”. Use your pivot foot and protect the ball from the imaginary defender.

Off the Glass Drill Standing in place near the basket, toss the basketball up so that it hits off the backboard and/or rim. Time your jump so that you can rebound the ball at the peak of your jump. Upon landing on the ground with both feet, secure the ball tightly with both hands. If pretending it’s an offensive rebound, put a shot back up right away. If pretending it’s a defensive rebound, “rip it”, pivot, and pretend to make an outlet pass to a teammate.

Summer Camps

Columbus Girls Basketball Program Camp https://www.columbuscardinalshoops.com/page/show/4147565-varsity-2018-2019-

UW-Whitewater https://www.uww.edu/ce/camps/athletic/basketball-girls

UW-Madison http://www.uwcamps.com/sport.aspx?id=10081

Forrest Larson’s Take It To The Rim Perimeter Camp http://www.takeittotherim.com/basketball-camps.aspx

Viterbo University http://www.viterboathletics.com/Camps/Camp_Page

UW-Stevens Point http://www.pointerswbbcamps.com/

Marquette University https://marquettesportscamps.com/womensbball/

UW-Platteville https://campus.uwplatt.edu/conference-services/summer-calendar

University of Notre Dame https://und.com/sports/2018/8/7/sports-camps-spec-rel-womens-basketball-dates-html.aspx