The Art of Skill Development

The art of skill development has taken a turn for the worst. Next time you go to YouTube, type in basketball drills/moves and for every 10 videos you see, you might come across 1 that is legit. By legit, I mean that what is being taught in the video is PURPOSEFUL, and is something concrete a player will be able to transfer into a game. Too many “trainers” use gimmicks (tons of cones or other props, 4-5 dribble combo moves, unrealistic moves for certain players) and cool videos to gain an audience, resulting in clients, which turns into profit. Then when you see the player struggling in the game and they are questioning why that is, you understand that trainer was out to get your money. And I will clear something up so there is not any backlash, but I’m sure that trainer did not intend on “stealing” your money, it just so happened that what they teach does not translate into the necessary fundamental skills needed to succeed in a game. Players turn into “drillers” as opposed to skills developed. As a whole within the basketball community we need to do a better job at teaching the game to the youth, and WHO is teaching the game. USA Basketball is doing a GREAT thing in their coaching license they offer. *Side note* Coaches, if you are serious about teaching the game, go out and get your license today! you won’t regret it! Now back to your regularly schedule program, us coaches need to stress the fundamentals at every level. Players ask all the time how their game will translate to the next level, whether that be varsity high school, college, or professionally. One thing does it, can you guess? Athleticism? No, its fundamentals! When it comes down to it as a player, you revert back to your habits, and if you instill phenomenal habits at a young age and throughout your career, you will be successful. Michael Jordan, probably the best athlete to play the game of basketball, had impeccable, second to none, fundamentals. As he developed his jump shot, Jordan became unstoppable utilizing the simplest moves in the game.

As a whole, we need to do better when teaching our players how to play the game, and change our motives. Money should not be the reason you do this, if so get out NOW. You have to love the responsibility of molding players each and every day. Don’t let someone tell you “anybody can give you a workout.” Do your research ahead of time. Ask questions. See if the trainer offers a free session, if so take it and make your evaluation if you want to continue from there. At the end of the day, the only tools you need to improve as a player are a basket, a ball, and a burning desire to be the best player you can be!