The Shot!

My guide to teaching it – understanding it and what I have found to be extremely successful in the way I teach thousands of kids every year to get this most basic, but mostly misunderstood facet of the game.

Let me preface this by saying this – do I proclaim to be the best shot teacher around? Not even in the slightest sense of the word – there are many brilliant coaches out there who leave me in their dust – however, I can say this – my method has been tested on everyone from 5 year old children to professional players and not one of them has told me it doesn’t work – and in most cases – it has improved their shot. So… hear me out and test it for yourself – above all – ENJOY!!!!!

I ALWAYS start a shooting lesson with the players in front of a wall or something they can look at. And this is exactly what I tell them – word for word.

I want you to pick out a brick or a target on the wall and let’s pretend that I have marked that brick with a piece of chalk. Now, I am going to give you a tennis ball – you are going to stand where you are and take aim at the target. If you hit it – I will give you $100.00.

(There is no ball and no $100 by the way – we are using imagination). My question to them – and to you is this.

It is multiple choice

In your opinion would the person taking aim

a) <!–[endif]–>ensure their feet are in the correct position, make sure their elbow is in, bend their knees and then throw the ball at the target – hoping to hit it? Or

b) <!–[endif]–>take aim at the target by focusing on it – and throw the ball at the target.

It is ALWAYS answer b – yet – we always teach answer a – why?

Do you remember the first thing you were taught to aim at when you were a child starting out to play? Wasn’t it the corner of the square? Why was that? Because it gave you something to focus on and try to hit.

Why then – as soon as you step away from that short 45 degree angle – is there confusion about what to teach?

The golden point is this…

“The Eyes Tell Your Hands What To Do”

That’s it – simple! The absolute number one rule is to focus on a target!

A simple test you can do while reading this. Here is another thing I get the player to do – adults have tried this as well and come up with the same answer.

You can do this while you are reading this – take a look around the room and pick out something that you can look at quickly but it must be something that has a back you can see as well as a front – for instance a chair or a table. Look at the legs.

Ok – now try this – put your head down – and raise your head up quickly – pick out a target on the chair or table – tell me – what do you see first – the front or the rear of the item?

The front – right?

Now think about a basketball rim – net all around, 9 other players and a split second to focus and shoot – the eyes automatically find the front.

Here is a “cheat” tip – look at a rim – see where the net joins? There are your targets!

Now – the most common feedback I get from experienced coaches is this statement…

“If they aim at the front – won’t they hit the front?”

My question is why?

If they aim at the back – won’t they hit the back? That is of course – if they can see the back of the rim in a game situation – most times they can’t!

(Some of the great shooters will tell you they aim at the back of the rim – that is completely ok – I am just trying to each you the easy way to teach kids!)

If they do hit the front of the rim – CONGRATULATE them! The shot was straight! Next time they push it harder and higher and hey presto!

Now – here are the 3 simple words you need to teach at the same time.

Catch – the ball

“T” – form a T with the ball in their hands so they are ready to shoot

Reach – reach high and flick your wrist – every kid gets this – it is simple and straight forward.

Lets go back to the free throw.

When you are teaching the player – stand under the rim and just watch their eyes – this will tell you if they are concentrating or not.

If the shot goes astray – ask them what they are thinking about – you will see, in a very short period of time – the concentration level go up because they are aware of the routine.

If the player ever breaks the eye contact with the rim during the free throw routine – tell them to stop and start again – it has broken their concentration.

In between every shot they must step back and start the process again.

Once they get a hang of this – talk to them and put them in game situations – they need to make this one because they are 1 point down and need to make both – or they are level and need to make the bonus shot – whatever – just put mental pressure on them – and when you can – make it FUN! Talk to them while they shoot – make a joke, do something silly – it really improves their concentration and makes the session more fun.

If you are coaching a player in a game situation and their shots are going astray – just get them to think about the 3 words and make sure the shot is straight – nothing else matters!

The next training step is to do normal shooting drills and just make sure they are focusing on the target, completing the 3 word – 3 step process and most importantly – watching the ball going straight towards the target.

In closing – remember some points you need to be aware of if teaching, coaching.

Don’t worry about the shot that missed, concentrate on the next one.

Don’t jump on a player for missing – did you ever see a player who wanted to miss? They didn’t want that outcome either – encourage – all the time!

ENJOY – it is a GAME!!!!!

Dealing with missed shots…

This is another article that is coming soon!

Bruce

Feel free to distribute this article to wherever you please – all I ask is that you include all credits and information as it is stated here.

Since 1991 - Bruce Hultgren has been dedicated to the practice of becoming a leader in the development and coaching of young children the sport of basketball and life and is now considered an expert in the field. The creator of the BillyBounce Basketball programs, sought after speaker and coach, Bruce is happy to answer questions or feedback you may have.

Any comments or feedback on this article can be forwarded directly to Bruce – bruce@billybounce.com

Full copyright exists © 2008 Bruce Hultgren and BillyBounce, LLC. www.billybounce.com

Believe it or not – this is a very powerful statement and one which I hope resonates in your head the next time your team takes the floor.

Unfortunately I have witnessed – as we all have – coaches of really little ones – telling them every single thing to do on the court – and I mean – EVERYTHING.

It gets to a stage where the players are looking at the coach with eyes asking the question…. “What do I do now?”

Gee I hope that if you are one of those coaches – you don’t do it from this day forwards.

If you see a coach doing it – print this out and give it to them.

When young children are playing – the ONLY words they need to be hearing are words of encouragement and laughter because the game is great fun! Little kids bring the game back to the absolute basics for us grown ups – they run, they travel, they try to bounce it, the ring is too high and they play because they love it!

And yes – I know as parents we get caught up in a 1 point game and we start yelling and going crazy – but I have a lasting memory which pretty much sums it up for the kids – let me share that with you….

A game was being played – just like I wrote above – less than a minute to go – 1 point game – parents going crazy – a time out is called.

Right in the middle of the timeout… a Fire Engine goes screaming past the gym – every single child involved in the game – ran from the timeout – to see this Fire Engine – go past – because THAT is exciting to them!

Now – I KNOW you are sitting there with a grin on your face and thinking to yourself – yep – I think I know some kids who would do that – well – let me tell you a little secret – ALL kids are like that. Let them be KIDS!!!!

The next time you are feeling yourself getting too competitive and trying to push kids too hard – think about that story – the bottom line is that these kids are more excited about going to a fast food restaurant after the game – then the game itself – because quite frankly – it doesn’t matter!

If anyone can tell me otherwise – I would love to hear it.

So…. From now on – have fun with the kids, let them play – and let them be kids!

If they lose – SO WHAT!!!!

The only ego that gets damaged is usually yours – and I hope that isn’t the reason you are coaching in the first place!

If the players have tried, and simply haven’t been good enough on the day – then shake the other teams’ hands, congratulate them and go to work on improving.

That my friends – is why we play sport – because we LOVE IT!

To every coach, parent and person who takes time to help improve others lives by coaching.

THANK YOU!

Have a brilliant week

Bruce

Feel free to distribute this article to wherever you please – all I ask is that you include all credits and information as it is stated here.

Since 1991 - Bruce Hultgren has been dedicated to the practice of becoming a leader in the development and coaching of young children the sport of basketball and life and is now considered an expert in the field. The creator of the BillyBounce Basketball programs, sought after speaker and coach, Bruce is happy to answer questions or feedback you may have.

Any comments or feedback on this article can be forwarded directly to Bruce – bruce@billybounce.com

Full copyright exists © 2008 Bruce Hultgren and EMA3 Pty Ltd.

Basketball coaching, coaching, billybounce, billybounce basketball, bruce hultgren, hultgren, basketball, coaching children, coaching kids, teaching kids basketball, hoops, coaching hoops

Did you know that?

Well – I didn’t until a few years ago when I had the pleasure of sitting in a seminar listening to a child development expert back in Australia – and I was quite simply blown away.

So… how does that affect you?

Well – if you are coaching that age group – REMEMBER IT!

If you are a parent – this will make a lot of things make more sense!

Not sure what this statement actually means? Well – let me try to explain it as best I can.

For children aged up to 7 (& sometimes up to 8+) – they have absolutely no concept of common sense. Yes – they know about basic things like hot water and crossing the road (hopefully!)

But things like – the clouds are just big fluffy pillows in the sky, knocking things on the table with their elbows etc. THIS is what this means!

So the next time you are asking a “common sense” question to a child 7 or under – don’t even waste your breath!

Just understand that this is part of growing up – we were all there – and there is no need to get frustrated by any of this – especially when coaching!

Just have fun – enjoy the growth and development and be sure to have the following goal whenever you coach…

Will this child come up to me in 10 years and say… “Hey – you were one of the best, or the best coach I ever had” – if not – why not?

Make it fun – there are 1440 minutes in every single day – we all get the same – question is… Have you used yours wisely today?

Thanks for reading; I hope this gets your brain ticking over!

I welcome comments and questions,

Bruce

Feel free to distribute this article to wherever you please – all I ask is that you include all credits and information as it is stated here.

Since 1991 - Bruce Hultgren has been dedicated to the practice of becoming a leader in the development and coaching of young children the sport of basketball and life and is now considered an expert in the field. The creator of the BillyBounce Basketball programs, sought after speaker and coach, Bruce is happy to answer questions or feedback you may have.

Any comments or feedback on this article can be forwarded directly to Bruce – bruce@billybounce.com

Full copyright exists © 2008 Bruce Hultgren and EMA3 Pty Ltd.

Basketball coaching, coaching, billybounce, billybounce basketball, bruce hultgren, hultgren, basketball, coaching children, coaching kids, teaching kids basketball, hoops, coaching hoops

What sort of question is that I hear you say. Well – it is one that arose one day while I was in a class of adult education – during one of the breaks – a very kind person walked up to the presenter and made the comment – “I am really enjoying the class, you make learning easy and fun, you seem very warm, understanding and care about your students – you are a natural flame!”

Well – that comment hit me like a brick! What a brilliant assessment and compliment to pay somebody.

A natural flame – now think about that for a moment – what does that conjure up in YOUR mind? It covers a lot of areas and is quite overwhelming.

Now – the question to you is this – could someone say that about you?

Do you inspire someone, are you a coach in charge of athletes minds, careers, educational experiences, are you a teacher – educational, athletic, life?

When you teach can you pass the “Natural Flame Test?”

Are you…

• Easy to Listen To?
• Approachable?
• Warm and Caring?
• Positive?
• Fun to be around?
• Able to show all sides of your personality without compromising your position of authority?
• Understanding?
• A Natural Flame?

Now do this for me – and for you – sit down in a quiet environment and think about what each of the people you coach/teach might think about you – why would they think that? Not sure what they might think? You then need to ask yourself about how well you know the person and what their strengths and weaknesses are – their likes and dislikes, how they respond to different situations and how they like to be addressed.

Have you created an environment where you will be able to bump into one of your students/athletes in 20 years and not only have their utmost respect, but could sit down and chat about all the good times you had along the way – regardless of whether you won or lost?

Ask yourself those questions – if you are a natural flame – congratulations, keep up the brilliant work. If this article has raised a few questions in your mind – great – we are all human and can learn something new everyday. This is my wish for you.

Am I perfect? Far from it – not even close – and for that matter – I am not pretending to be – I simply want to enlighten you to an experience I once had that changed my life – it is now my goal for someone, somewhere, someday to give the that compliment – if I never hear the words, that will not be a problem either – I will have had a lot of FUN along the way and hopefully influenced a life or two on the journey for the better.

One final thought – if you are teaching or coaching – on behalf of the student or athlete, may I say THANK YOU – for giving up part of your life, so that you may help the rest of us grow and develop from your experience.

Great job Coach!

Bruce Hultgren

Feel free to distribute this article to wherever you please – all I ask is that you include all credits and information as it is stated here.

Since 1991 - Bruce Hultgren has been dedicated to the practice of becoming a leader in the development and coaching of young children the sport of basketball and life and is now considered an expert in the field. The creator of the BillyBounce Basketball programs, sought after speaker and coach, Bruce is happy to answer questions or feedback you may have.

Any comments or feedback on this article can be forwarded directly to Bruce – bruce@billybounce.com

Full copyright exists © 2008 Bruce Hultgren and EMA3 Pty Ltd.

Basketball coaching, coaching, billybounce, billybounce basketball, bruce hultgren, hultgren, basketball, coaching children, coaching kids, teaching kids basketball, hoops, coaching hoops

ello and welcome to this very interesting and much spoken about topic.

Just how do you build self esteem in a child? Well – with every word, every action and every reaction you choose to make.

Yes – that’s right – it’s the actions that YOU choose to make. Always ensure you praise your child – without a BUT on the end. Don’t say to them – you did a great job, BUT…

Even as adults we seem to get this and wait – as if by habit – for the BUT!

Make your praise unreserved. If your child messes something up when they try – SO WHAT? Did anyone die or is anyone going to die as a result of this? Unless the answer is yes – then the rule should be “play on!”

Ask yourself this question before you criticize or correct – “Is this something that is going to be thought about or discussed, or considered important 2 years from now?”

If not – then don’t make a big deal about it. SIMPLE!

Tell your child they did a great job – if it isn’t right, so what! If it does need correcting – let time go by, then say to your child, “Hey – I cannot believe how good you are getting at that – did you know you could make it even better by trying this or adding in this? Next time you are doing that – give it a go and see how you do”.

Then – if the child tries it or doesn’t try it – so be it.

If it is a skill or a homework task they are trying to master or get right – then a little more emphasis needs to be placed on the correction. Try this verbal…

Excellent job – you got most of it correct – in order to get it 100% correct may I suggest you try this? Keep trying – you’ll get it – you are a very smart child. (Remember – unreserved!)

DID YOU KNOW…

There are 4 stages of learning – let me give them to you in driving terms…

Stage 1 – Your 9 year old child jumps into the car and plays by grabbing the wheel and thinks – well – that’s all there is too it!

Stage 2 – Your child gets to age 13 and watches you driving – they see you working the pedals, looking in the mirrors, holding the wheels, checking the gauges and they realize maybe there is more to it!

Stage 3 – They get into the drivers seat for the first time – you ask them to start the engine, hold the wheel, change gears by pushing in the clutch, giving it a little gas, check the mirrors and hand brake is off – well – that’s the fun part – you and I both know that – like you and I did – we bunny hopped the car and totally embarrassed ourselves.

Then with practice, and more practice, and more practice – we got better and better.

Stage 4 – we now get into the car, and without thinking – start the engine – do all the required tasks automatically and off we go! (Well, sometimes we bunny hop as well!)

We need to make sure that your child understands the learning stages – totally! This way – they won’t get embarrassed when they mess up the first time – they just have to realize that it is simply a part of the process.

Enjoy the process! In every aspect of theirs – and your life.

Lets take that one step further – what about learning a completely new skill.

Say a college degree or trade – it takes 4 years to complete – to go through stages 1 to 4.

The most common reaction is… “I can’t do that – by the time I finish I will be aged ??” Well – in 4 years – wont you still be that age anyway? The question is – will you have mastered a new skill or trade in that time – or still be in the same position – just 4 years older?

Enjoy every day as if it were your last – because one day – you will be right!

Bruce

Feel free to distribute this article to wherever you please – all I ask is that you include all credits and information as it is stated here.

Since 1991 - Bruce Hultgren has been dedicated to the practice of becoming a leader in the development and coaching of young children the sport of basketball and life and is now considered an expert in the field. The creator of the BillyBounce Basketball programs, sought after speaker and coach, Bruce is happy to answer questions or feedback you may have.

Any comments or feedback on this article can be forwarded directly to Bruce – bruce@billybounce.com

Full copyright exists © 2008 Bruce Hultgren and EMA3 Pty Ltd.

Basketball coaching, coaching, billybounce, billybounce basketball, bruce hultgren, hultgren, basketball, coaching children, coaching kids, teaching kids basketball, hoops, coaching hoops