Coaching 3rd Grade Basketball

College Basketball: Walk-On Warrior

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Bio: John Willkom is a former Division 1 basketball player at Marquette University, who later earned his MBA from Loyola University Chicago. The co-founder of Playmakers Basketball, John implemented collegiate-level workouts into a basketball camp circuit and AAU program aimed to provide better opportunities to kids in the Midwest. Prior to his current role as an ecommerce executive, John worked with high school and collegiate athletic programs on the importance of proper nutrition and the development of fueling stations to enhance athletic performance. Widely recognized for his basketball passion, you can still find John coaching youth teams and playing pick-up games at a local gym. John, his wife, Allison, and their daughters, Avery and Whitney, currently reside in Minneapolis, MN. You can reach John on Twitter at @JohnWillkom.

When I was a kid, like many of you, I dreamed about playing college basketball. But not just any college basketball, I wanted to play for Marquette. My dad had been a student there during their one and only national championship in 1977, and needless to say, if Marquette was playing on tv, my family was tuned in. I grew up watching guys like Anthony Pieper and Chris Crawford, and while I admired what they could do on the basketball court, I really wanted to know what they did to get to that level. What did their workouts look like; what were they doing that I wasn’t?

I worked hard as a teenager, extremely hard: for years, I went to school at 6am to work out before class. I spent my summers on my driveway or at a local grade school gym doing ball-handling drills, finishing drills, shooting drills, and everything else I had been taught. The drills eventually paid off: I was a three- time all-conference player in high school and signed a scholarship to play division two basketball in Minnesota.

While I played a lot during my freshman season in Minnesota, I continued to think about what it would be like to play for Marquette. Following the school year, I decided to transfer and spent the summer preparing for walk-on tryouts in the fall of 2004. During that summer, I spent most of my days mowing lawns for a local business but would then head to the gym for a brutal training regimen. I ran hills until I couldn’t run anymore, pushed myself to the max on the basketball floor, and worked hard in the weight room.

That fall, I did make the Marquette men’s basketball team, and while I was in the best shape of my life, I would experience a level of training that was far beyond what I had ever seen before. I spent the season guarding future NBA point guard, Travis Diener, meeting NBA and media personalities, and learning the game from one of the best in the business, Coach Tom Crean. Every day in the weight room, I’d get re-introduced to what “maximum effort” truly looked like, and I started to develop a mentality that competing in everything didn’t have to just apply on the basketball court.

I wanted to be a great student, a great public speaker, and a great ambassador for Marquette University because that’s what competitors do. Every week, I’d come home late at night and write about my experiences. I told myself, I want to remember this stuff so I can share it with my kids someday.

Following my playing days, I spent a summer working for former coach and ESPN commentator, Rick Majerus. When I wasn’t with Rick, I was assisting a sports agent with one of his top clients, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver, Donald Driver. I coached at various levels in different cities across the United States, and I continued to meet prominent basketball figures, eventually landing a job with the Milwaukee Bucks.

So, what does all of this mean to you? Several years ago, I wanted to take everything I had written and create something meaningful. What if I could tell kids what it was like to play at Marquette? Who was Rick Majerus, and what made him one of the most unique college basketball coaches in the history of the game? Most importantly, what did it really take to play at that level?

My book, Walk-On Warrior, was published in 2018 and became one of the best-selling college basketball books in the country. I can’t tell you why, but I can tell you that this book wasn’t written to rattle off a list of facts. The goal was to provide a raw and authentic look at what it took to play division 1 hoops. I wanted people to feel what I felt, to meet coaches like Lute Olson and Dan Hurley (UCONN), and to get into the workouts that made “Marquette Toughness” a staple that opponents came to expect night in and night out. I hope everyone reading this benefits from my story: maybe you learn a new drill, maybe you gain some motivation, or maybe it simply renews the confidence you need to have in yourself to perform at your best.

This book is for people that love the game of basketball. As I write this, I’m 38 years old, and while my playing days are long gone, basketball has opened doors for me that I never thought were possible. Every day, you’re either getting better or getting worse; you never stay the same. That extra minute of ball handling, extra sprint, or extra rep in the weight room won’t just make you a better basketball player, they will put you in a position to win the rest of your life.

Walk-On Warrior is available on Amazon.

Youth Basketball: Take a Family Dribble Walk

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by gradebooks, teaching tools, basketball jokesguest blogsbasketball quotes, and so much.

Kindergarten is a very young age to play basketball and to be a basketball buddy. So the goal at this age is simply to be a buddy. Read to your child. Build legos with your child. Draw with your child. Play board games with your child. Ride a bike Do what your child enjoys doing.

Since this is a basketball blog and we do offer resources for kindergarten basketball, we can share some ideas on how to have some fun with your child.

The first and most important basketball skill for young basketball players, is dribbling a basketball. One trick is to actually over inflate the basketball, unlike Tom Brady‘s deflate gate, inflating a basketball for a young player makes it much easier to dribble. A player is less likely to lose control of the ball because they do not have to pound the ball when dribbling.

What is a Family Basketball Walk?

A dribble walk is exactly what it sounds like. It is a family walk around the neighborhood, while dribbling a basketball. There is no limit to the number of people who go on the walk. It can be you with your buddy alone. You can bring along four-legged friend as well. Parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, and neighbors are all welcome. You could even turn it into a basketball parade, although I must admit, I have never done this. A basketball is optional for you, however the buddy should bring a basketball.

A young basketball who has the ability to dribble a basketball well, will be more advanced than most other players his / her age. This skill will be very helpful when your child begins to play organized basketball. Some communities have organized basketball for kindergarten players, however USAA Basketball has no guidelines for this age group. As a player progresses in age, the dribble walk can be a little more complicated.

For example the player can try to do the dribble march for part of the walk. This is the first drill that teaches a player how to dribble the ball between the legs. Imagine your basketball buddy being able to dribble the ball between their legs. You might have to sign them up for a late night TV show like the one Tiger Woods participated in.

Another advanced drill is the dribble walk drill. The family dribble walk is the starting point, the dribble work is a drill that all basketball players at some point should be able to master, so why not start as young as possible.

Other dribbles that can be executed during a dribble walk include:

  • crossover dribble
  • between the legs
  • behind the back
  • spin dribble
Two-Ball Dribble Walk

For the more courageous players, a two-ball dribble walk can be incorporated. As crazy as this may sound, players as young as five-year-olds can dribble two balls at the same time with very little practice. It is quite possible and, in reality, fairly simple for a child to be able to do this. If you also a dribbling a basketball during the walk, give your ball to your buddy for a little bit of your walk to try it out.

How Often should You Go On a Dribble Walk?

Nine out of 10 pediatricians recommend a dribble walk to be part of a daily part of exercise routine. Three out of ten doctors said a dribble walk should be completed twice a day. These medical facts may be disputed by some and you would certainly be within your right to hire a fact checker to see if those statistics are actually accurate.

But the reality is, a dribble walk should happen as often as you in your buddy enjoy it. Once a week is great! Once a month also is fantastic. A couple times a week works too. Any time a young child can dribble a basketball for 10 to 20 minutes is amazing for developing hand-eye coordination.

Any time you go walks somewhere with a child, bring a basketball to dribble. When you go to the supermarket, dribble a basketball. When you walk to get an ice cream, dribble a basketball. When you walk to the playground or basketball courts, dribble a basketball. bring a basketball.

What is the Ideal Age for a Dribble Walk?

It seems that great ages for a family dribble walk from kindergarten to sixth grade. Once they hit middle school, the buddy might be a little too cool for you.

It Is All About Building a Relationship with Your Child and Basketball.

The family dribble walk is an amazing way for you to bond with your buddy. Hopefully you and your family find some enjoyment with this activity for many years. And if you aspire to be the next Lavar ball it also is a great way for your child to get a little bit better than most of the basketball players in your town, because very few people will incorporate a family basketball walk into their lives. Jobs other activities and cell phones have a tendency to get in the way. If you do choose to participate in a family walk please share your experiences with on Twitter – @basketballK123!

Top 3 Massachusetts High School Basketball Twitter Lists

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by gradebooks, teaching tools, basketball jokesguest blogsbasketball quotes, and so much.

  1. Massachusetts Athletic Directors on Twitter: Athletic directors are the 1st resource we use for high school scores and updates. We find this list great on game nights. Click here for the complete list of Massachusetts Athletic directors. (236 members / 6 following)
  2. Top Massachusetts Girls High School Basketball Twitter Accounts: Basketball accounts and coaches for girls basketball is a little more specific. We did our best to identify official accounts. Click here for the complete list of Massachusetts girls basketball accounts. (333 members / 19 following)
  3. Top Massachusetts Boys High School Basketball Twitter Accounts: Basketball accounts and coaches for girls basketball is a little more specific. We did our best to identify official accounts. Click here for the complete list of Massachusetts girls basketball accounts. (386 members / 8 following)

Coaching Youth Basketball: USA Basketball is a GREAT Resource

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

This post is a work in progress, so be patient, we hope to explain why we feel the USA Basketball website is critical for creating a positive experience for your child and team.

  1. USA Youth Basketball Guidelines. It is highly recommended that a parent and youth coach read through the absolute best resource for coaching youth basketball. It is a great starting point. The guidelines have been created by a team of experts that has the best interest if USA basketball in their hearts. There are so many resources available that it can be overwhelming. This is a comprehensive a site for youth basketball designed for youth parents and coaches. PLEASE start here.
  2. Playing Segment: USA divides players into different age groups. Much like baseball has different rules for youth from T-Ball to Legion. USA basketball has identified three different segments. Ages 7-8, Ages 9-11, Ages 12-14, Grades 9-12
  3. Equipment And Court Specifications Ball sizes, Height of Baskets, Size of Court, Distance of 3-point arc,
  4. Game Structure
  5. Game Tactics
  6. Highlighted Game Play Rules

Kindergarten Basketball: USA Basketball Guidelines

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

The ages we are using for kindergarten basketball is 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds.

USA Basketball is the #1 resource for youth basketball coaches. There are so many great resources for players and coaches. Start by clicking on the tab “Youth Development.” If you plan on coaching for a few year, consider getting a USA Basketball Coaching License. The Youth Guidebook will provide many ideas and answers for rookie and veteran coaches.

High School Basketball Tryouts

Black Friday Basketball Jokes

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills, books, teaching tools, guest blogs and so much more for basketball coaches, players, and parents.

Google Search “Black Friday Basketball Jokes”

  1. Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best Black Friday jokes.
  2. I’m going to spend a thousand dollars for a new basketball hoop on Black Friday… It’s going to be grand. (Computer Jokes)
  3. How do you prevent an elephant from charging in basketball?… Take away it’s credit card. (Elephant Jokes)
  4. Where did George Washington buy his 1st basketball?… At the chopping mall. (Presidents Day Jokes)
  5. I completed did a workout late today, looks like my coach is giving black Friday deals too… 50% off. (180 School Jokes & Teacher Jokes)
  6. What do you call an amazing Black Friday special that gives you free cake when you buy a basketball?… A sweet deal. (Cake Jokes)
  7. A dog goes into a camping store and buys a tent. The cashier says, “You don’t see a dog in here buying a basketball ho0p very often.” The dog says, “At these prices, I’m not surprised.” (Dog jokes for Kids & Camping Jokes)

More Black Friday JokesJokes

  1. What do you call a canoe that’s 50% off?… A sale boat. (Canoe Jokes)
  2. Where did George Washington buy his hatchet?… At the chopping mall. (Presidents Day Jokes)
  3. I handed did a workout late today, looks like my coach is giving black Friday deals too… 50% off. (180 School Jokes & Teacher Jokes)
  4. What would Gandalf have said if The Lord of the Rings been in a supermarket instead of Middle-Earth?… One ring to rule the mall. (Lord of the Rings Jokes)
  5. What happens when Black Friday falls on Friday the 13th?… Prices get slashed! (Friday the 13th Jokes)
  6. All this spending on Black Friday… Better make sure ya’ll pay the electric bill first or next Friday will be Black Friday too!
  7. What does a penguin do when it loses its tail?… It goes to a re-tail store.
  8. A small business owner was upset when a brand new corporate chain much like his own opened up next door and erected a huge sign which read “BEST BLACK FRIDAY DEALS!” He was horrified when another competitor opened up on the other side of him and announced its arrival with an even larger sign, reading “LOWEST BLACK FRIDAY PRICES!” The small business owner panicked, until he got an idea. He put the biggest sign of all over his own shop. It read “MAIN ENTRANCE.”
  9. I’ve got the deal already worked out – this Black Friday, I’m getting a new Lexus for my wife. I think she’s going to be really surprised – but from my perspective, it’s an awesome trade. (Car Jokes)
  10. What happens after you eat an entire gallon of “All Natural” ice cream?… You get Breyer’s remorse! (Ice Cream Jokes)
  11. What’s the difference between beer nuts and deer nuts?… Beer Nuts are around a dollar seventy-nine, and deer nuts are just under a buck! (Hunting Jokes)
  12. What do you call an amazing Black Friday special that comes with free cake?… A sweet deal. (Cake Jokes)
  13. Black Friday = Broke Saturday.
  14. Black Friday: The day people spend money they don’t have on things they don’t need.
  15. I’m going to spend a thousand dollars for a computer on Black Friday… It’s going to be grand. (Computer Jokes)
  16. On Black Friday, where did George Washington buy his hatchet?… At the chopping mall. (Memorial Day Jokes)
  17. A dog goes into a camping store and buys a tent. The cashier says, “You don’t see a dog in here buying a tent very often.” The dog says, “At these prices, I’m not surprised.” (Dog jokes for Kids & Camping Jokes)
  18. Black Friday: Because only in America people trample others for sales exactly one day after being thankful for what they already have.
  19. On Black Friday, just be decent and civilized… by holding the cell phone horizontal when recording any fights.
  20. Black Friday is a scam… You should be mad they overcharge you 364 days a year.
  21. Black Friday Family Tips: “Now remember what I taught you! Push, shove, grab, yell, and if needed tackle! Get out there and make Grandma proud!”
  22. How can you tell which one of your friends got a good Black Friday deal?… Don’t worry they’ll let you know.
  23. I’ve saved an absolute fortune this Black Friday… I stayed in.
  24. The boat shop was having a huge discount on all their Galleons and Brigantines for Black Friday this year… It was the biggest sail event they’ve ever had.
  25. I actually enjoy Black Friday. It’s the one day I know exactly where all the nut jobs are and how to avoid them.
  26. When is the best time for a pirate to buy a new ship?… On Black Friday, when it’s on sail. (Pirate Jokes)
  27. It’s Black Friday and the mall is packed with shoppers. John has lost sight of his wife and can’t find her. He goes up to a very attractive woman and says, “Excuse me, can you help me? I cannot see my wife, and I know that she is here in the shopping mall somewhere. Can you just talk to me for a couple of minutes?” The attractive woman replies “Why?” John says, “Because every time I talk to a beautiful woman, my wife shows up out of thin air.”
  28. Here’s hoping Black Friday won’t turn into Black and Blue Saturday.
  29. What was the horse looking for on Black Friday?… A Macintosh. (Computer Jokes & Horse Jokes)
  30. Bought a new vacuum on Black Friday… It sucks!
  31. Colorado man fires gun at a retail store… It was a target.
  32. It’s Black Friday, and I just got an iPhone 13 for my wife I thought it was a good trade.
  33. Knock, knock… Who’s there?… Noah… Noah, who?… Noah good joke about Black Friday?
  34. What do Black Friday shoppers and the Thanksgiving turkey have in common?… They know what it’s like to be jammed into a small place and stuffed! (Thanksgiving Jokes & Turkey Jokes)
  35. So Black Friday at the Geology Museum was great!… There were so many great shales! It really rocked.
  36. Why don’t they have Father’s Day sales?… Because Fathers are priceless. (Father’s Day Jokes)
  37. Black Friday: A day Americans are willing to kill over materialistic things just a day after celebrating what they’re already thankful for.
  38. I was too lazy to go out shopping today, so to make it feel like Black Friday, I punched a few family members while online shopping.
  39. An older woman runs into her friend at the mall. “You’re not going to believe this,” she said. “I found an old lamp the other day. I rubbed it and a genie popped out. He explained that genies don’t give three wishes anymore, but he did offer me a choice between one of two wishes. He could give me a better memory or turn my husband into the greatest lover ever.” “Tough choice,” said her friend. “Which one did you choose?” “That’s the thing. I can’t remember.” (Funny Valentine’s Day Jokes & Black Friday Jokes)
  40. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… June… June who?… June know how to tell a good Black Friday knock-knock joke?
  41. Why do shoppers feel like cranberry juice on Black Friday?… They get bruised and battered bloody by other people until they get squeezed at the cashier.
  42. Where did Mrs. Avogadro do her shopping on Black Friday?… In a shopping mole. (Mole Day Jokes)
  43. Why did Santa bring 22 reindeer to Walmart?… Because what he wanted to buy cost around 20 bucks, but just in case it was more, he brought some extra doe. (Reindeer Jokes)
  44. What did Nala tell Simba after seeing a crowd of ladies on Black Friday?… You gotta Mufasa (move faster) (Top 10 Lion King Jokes)
  45. How is the Battle for Hogwarts like a Black Friday sale?… Weasley twins are 50% off. (Harry Potter Jokes)
  46. What time is it when a hippo sits on your hat?… Time for a new hat. (Hat Jokes)
  47. Why do they call the day after Thanksgiving “Black Friday?”… It matches the mood of all those unhappy shoppers. (Thanksgiving Jokes)
  48. Knock Knock… Who’s there?… June… June who?… June know any good Black Friday knock knock jokes? (June Jokes Spring Knock Knock Jokes)
  49. The day after the Thanksgiving, what did the fridge say when it was asked, “Is everything alright over here?” “No, everything is all leftover here!”
  50. How do you know Arnold Schwarzenegger is waiting in line with you on Black Friday?… He Jingles All The Way. (Christmas Jokes)
  51. Today a man stole my wallet He took the 100 dollars I had with me and started counting the money. He gave me 50 dollars back. Confused, I asked why. He said: “Today’s Black Friday, so every stolen wallet has a 50% discount!”
  52. Who profits the most on Black Friday?… The one who was smart enough not to go shopping on that day.
  53. Thanksgiving Motto:”Leftovers are for quitters!” (Thanksgiving Jokes)
  54. It’s Black Friday, and I just got an iPhone 6 for my wife I thought it was a good trade.
  55. Every year on Black Friday I make sure I wake up extra early. To go on the internet to see all the fights.
  56. Why do people go clothes shopping on Black Friday?… To replace all the clothes they spilled Thanksgiving dinner on.
  57. What’s the best part about Black Friday?… Resting on Saturday.
  58. I’ll be celebrating Black Friday in my own way — by completely ignoring it.
  59. Why do Americans go shopping on Black Friday?… They are thankful they survived Thanksgiving’s feast.
  60. What flies faster than items off the rack on Black Friday?… Credit card payment slips!
  61. Which family usually spends the most on Black Friday?… The one who earns the least.
  62. What animal flies faster than items off the rack on Black Friday?… Credit card payment vultures.
  63. What do people eat on Black Friday?… Whatever they couldn’t finish on Thanksgiving Thursday. (Thanksgiving Jokes)
  64. My version of Black Friday is deleting all the people in my phone who sent me a mass Thanksgiving text.
  65. Fantastic Black Friday deal alert: Buy nothing and save 100% in every store!
  66. Black Friday sale on Star Wars Battlefront 2… Save up to $2160 by not buying it.
  67. Probable Headline: “1000 Americans killed trying to get Twinkies on Black Friday.”
  68. Black Friday at the geology museum was great!… There were so many great shales!
  69. Today, I arrived at a local Black Friday sale at 7 AM and saw the riot police. I had never seen the riot police arrive this early before, so I asked them why they came so early. One of them replied, “We arrived early, because we like to beat the crowd.”
  70. Did y’all hear about the guy who shot himself in Walmart in Black Friday?… They’re calling it a self-checkout.
  71. I think it’s only fair the week after Black Friday be called White Friday… And then with the remaining Fridays before the next Black Friday, you can have fifty shades of grey.
  72. Sorry, but there’s no deal for the hospital visit you will need after being pummeled on Black Friday.
  73. Here’s hoping the Black Friday injuries aren’t so bad that you can’t click on a mouse on Cyber Monday.

What is the Cost of Fall AAU Basketball?

Youthbasketball123 is a website designed to provide ideas, drills by gradebooks, teaching tools, basketball jokesguest blogsbasketball quotes, and so much.

When playing AAU it is important to understand the amount of time, travel, and money associated with a program. Once a family has the information and has had time to analyze and discuss how much of an impact playing AAU basketball will have, a family decide if AAU is the best fit for a child and a family.

Below are some of the costs associated with AAU. We will be updating this throughout the fall. Click here to view the entire AAU Year Most AAU programs have a payment fee that will allow you to spread the program fee over 1 to 3 payments. This allows for a little flexibility, but at the end of the day the fee must be paid. We estimate the overall cost, give or take $500 will be $1,700.

Tryouts ($25): This is probably the best bang for a player’s buck. $25 to get two to three hours of court time. In August, when there is a lull in the AAU season and the summer camp season has come to an end, the tryout fee is a bargain. It is a good idea to watch some of all of the tryouts to get a sense of the coaching style, talent level of players, and where your child might fit in.

Program Fee ($750): Other than elite AAU travel teams, the program fee is the greatest expense. This fee will cover gym rentals, tournament entrance fees, and coaching salaries.

Uniform Fee ($125): This is a fee that covers the costs of the game uniforms. The fee will vary based on the quality of the uniform, as well as the margin of profit on each uniform. Some teams will require a new uniform for each season or at least year.

Fan Entrance Fee ($100): The fee can range for $15 – $50 for an individual weekend pass. Parents can cut costs by buying one weekend pass, attach it to a key chain, and have each parent attend one day of the tournament. For out purposes we are going to use one weekend pass for $20. We are going to assume 5 tournaments.  = per tournament.

Travel ($300): This will include gas and tolls. Too much work for us to calculate, so we are going to throw out a random, but realistic number of $300.

Parking Fee: Some venues will require a parking fee. We are not going to calculate this into the cost, but be aware this may be an additional cost.