October: Youth Basketball

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Basketball Jokes for October

Youth Basketball Tryout #1: Identify the Best & Worst Players

Coach a Fall Sport: It is always good to be exposed to different opportunities to develop coaching skills. Coaching soccer, flag football, football, volleyball, cross-country, etc. will improve how you interact with players during basketball season.

October 14th Basketball Jokes for Columbus Day

Play a Fall Sport: Playing additional sports, especially BEFORE the age is 14 is so valuable. Youth guidelines produced by the NBA and USA basketball STRONGLY discourages specializing in basketball too early. Playing a variety of sports helps to avoid burnout.

Plan Tryouts:

Establish Team and Player Goals.

Basketball Shooting: 3 Types of Shooters

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The driving goal of our website is to KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID when it comes to coaching youth basketball. Coaching youth basketball players how to shoot the ball accurately and consistently is anything but simple, but we will do your best to breakdown the teaching progression.

This post is designed to:

  1. Define the three types of shooters at any level.
  2. Explain the process of identifying each type of shooter.
  3. Make players and coaches aware of the role of each type of shooter on a team.

Our goal is to simplify coaching youth basketball. Since shooting the basketball is the most important offensive skill, we want to be able to let players and coaches know what type of shooter player is. The three categories of shooters, we will use are above average, average. and blow average.

It is also important to differentiate the two basic environments players will shoot the basketball. Players will shoot in practice and in games. Each setting is different. And no matter how game-like a practice shooting session may be, it is not a game.

Our definition of a practice environment as one with no defense present and players maximizing repetitions against air. Game shots are in an officiated contest with defense.

ALL great shooters practice good form and have a solid shooting workout / routine. The majority of great shooters also keep track of how many shots they make and what percentage of shots they make.

3 Types of Shooters

Players need to complete the 50 shot drill to be able to identify the type of shooter they are.

Above Average Shooter: We do not have above average intelligence, so we’re gonna keep this as simple as we can. We are going to divide 100 by 3 and place the shooters in three categories. We also are not randomly selecting these numbers, we feel they are a great measuring tool for players and coaches to be able to identify who should be taking shots in games.

Practice Shooting: In practice sessions, shooting in a player’s range, an above average shooter will make 66% of the shots or more. Some might be thinking, “Wow! That is a very high percentage.” It certainly is a percentage most players cannot and will not attain, however, it is certainly a number all players can achieve it they practice good form and shoot within their range.

An above average shooter works on his game consistently and therefore can be a consistent shooter. Players will be able to make 66.67% of the shots completing the 50 shot drill.

Average Shooter: Players that are in this category pick up a basketball more than most and are committed to the game. These players however have not learned proper form and are not committed so a simple shooting workout. They do not record their scores, and as a result are inconsistent shooters.

The practice shooting percentage of players in this category is 33.34% to 66.66%, The majority of basketball players will fall into this category. Players who cannot make one out of three shots in practice, should not be shooting in a game. These players will need to accept being a role player or will not be able to play the sport on a high school team.

Below Average Shooter: These players are BAD shooters. There really is not much that is needed to be said about players in this category. They do not listen. They do not pick up a basketball. They should not be on a high school team.

One of the toughest things about basketball teams is players not understanding roles. We feel this simple, shooting system for labeling players is very helpful. There is no debating it. The numbers do not lie. As coaches and as players the goal is always to have improvement. So players can move from one category of shooter to another.

We are simple, so we’re gonna keep these three categories, but if you wanted to get a little more advanced, you could say slightly above average or slightly below average to distinguish players within a category.

Game Shooting: This is where it matters. If a player is a good practice shooter, it SHOULD translate into game situations with excellent shot selection. There is not question taking shots during a game has much more pressure which may result in a breakdown of proper shooting fundamentals.

Just like the practice percentages, we are going to keep it fairly simple for game shots . We are going to set the bar high and say that in above average shooter will make 56% of game shots. We have basic math skills so please excuse us.

Above Average Shooters = 37.33% – 56%

Average Shooters = 18.67% – 37.32%

Below Average shooters = 0% – 18.66%

To make this move valid, coaches should not include lay-ups, dunks, or put backs in the percentage.

We hope you find this helpful. Good Luck!

50 Shot Basketball Drills

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This is a great drill for basketball players of all ages and skills levels. It also will provide excellent feedback on what type of shooter a player is. The goal is to be an above average shooter that consistently makes shots.

This is a simple drill where a player will make 10 shots from the 5 basics sports on the basketball court.

  1. Right baseline
  2. Right Wing
  3. Straight on
  4. Left Wing
  5. Left baseline

It is critical a player records the number of makes and misses. If a player strives to be an above average shooter, knowing shooting percentages is a MUST!

Know Your Range: Shooting outside a player’s range is the #1 problem at all levels of basketball. Players should be making AT LEAST 50% of the shots in practice. If a player is missing more than 50% of the shots, step in because you are shooting outside your range.

Make 10 Shots from each spot: A player will make 10 shots from each spot.

Above Average Shooters (66.7% – 100%): 10/14 – 10/10

Average Shooters (33.4% – 66.6%): 10/29 – 10/15

Below Average Shooters (0% – 33.0%): 10/30 and higher

Record the number of made shots and misses. Calculate the percentage. If it is less than 60% move in next time.

Variation: Take 10 shots from each spot and record your percentage.

Basketball Jokes for September

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Google Search “Basketball Jokes for September”

  1. Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best basketball jokes for September.
  2. Basketball Jokes for Labor Day My tennis career has taught me I can be the best basketball player ever… Nothing but net. (Tennis Jokes)
  3. September 6th National Read a Book Day Jokes: Did you read the Manute Bol biography?… It is a TALL tale.
  4. Willis Reed, NBA Hall-of-Famer, would be a great spokesperson for National Book Day. (Book Jokes)
  5. September 7th World Beard Day Jokes Beard Jokes: What sports team is hated by all beard lovers?… The LA Clippers! (Beard Jokes)
  6. September 8th Grandparents Day: A granddaughter was visiting her grandma at the nursing home. When the girl walked into the room, the grandma smiled. The girl enthusiastically said, “Grandma you have March Madness teeth! You are down to your Final Four!” (Final Four Jokes & World’s Best Basketball Jokes)
  7. September 13th: National Peanut Day JokesWhat is a peanut’s favorite basketball drill for defense?… The shell drill.
  8. September 17th: What is Red Auerbach’s favorite Pink Floyd song?… Have a cigar. (365 Music Jokes)
  9. September 19th International Talk Like a Pirate Day Jokes: What’s a pirate’s favorite basketball move?… Jump hook. (Pirate Jokes)
  10. What’s a pirate’s favorite college basketball team?… Seton Hall Pirates. (Pirate Jokes)

Basketball Jokes for October

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Google Search “Basketball Jokes for October”

  1. October 1st National Coffee Day: Why do the Lakers have to drink their coffee black?… There is no more KAREEM. (Coffee Jokes & NBA Basketball Jokes)
  2. Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best basketball jokes for October.
  3. I am a big Star Wars fan and LA Laker fan… I dressed up as Kobe Wan Kenobi for Halloween. (Star Wars Jokes & Obi Wan Kenobi Jokes)
  4. Why are ghost great at playing basketball defense?… They are great at getting through screens.
  5. What is the #1 Halloween costume for a Star Wars fan who loves basketball?… Kobe Wan Kenobi.
  6. What would you get if you crossed a basketball and the Invisible Man?… Skills like no one has ever seen. 
  7. Playing basketball with vampires is tough… No Blood! No Foul!
  8. October 8th: World Octopus Day: Why does an octopus perform poorly on a basketball court?… It’s always getting tentacle fouls.
  9. October 9thLeif Erikson Day Jokes: Why was Leif Erikson so bad at basketball?… He was always traveling. (World Geography Jokes)
  10. Why was Dracula get a technical foul?…He was a pain in the neck! (Top Baseball Jokes: Page #1 Google Search)
  11. Did you hear about the Ghost basketball team?… They can’t shoot or defend, but the have a lot of spirit.
  12. What do you get when you cross a basketball player with a monster?… a double header! 
  13. Why was Dracula on the 15-day disabled list?…He was a pain in the neck! (Top Baseball Jokes: Page #1 Google Search)
  14. October 14th Basketball Jokes for Columbus Day & Columbus Day JokesWhy was Christopher Columbus awful at basketball?… He was traveled too much. (World Geography Jokes)Why did the Harlem Globetrotters have a ghost on their team?… To add a little team spirit. 
  15. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe play basketball on Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  16. Why was Dracula ejected from the basketball game?… He was a pain in the neck! (Top Baseball Jokes: Page #1 Google Search)
  17. October 17th: National Pasta Day: Scouting report for the linguini basketball team: Very unselfish offensively. They pasta the ball exceptionally well. Defensively, their length really gives teams trouble on defense. (Pasta Jokes)
  18. Why was the mummy sent into the basketball game as the 6th man?… Because the coach knew, once he sent the mummy in the game would be all wrapped up. 
  19. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe dress up as a basketball player for Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  20. Orange you pumped for Halloween Basketball Jokes? (Crayon Jokes)
  21. What do you call a pumpkin that can slam dunk a basketball?… Michael Gourdan (Pumpkin Jokes)
  22. What do you call an athletic pumpkin?… A jock o’ lantern.
  23. October 23rd Mole Day: Mole Day Jokes: What is Avogadro’s favorite basketball team?… the Molewaukee Bucks.
  24. Did you hear about the pumpkin who played basketball?… He was a point gourd. (Pumpkin Jokes)
  25. Why was Cinderella such a bad basketball player?… Her coach was a pumpkin. (Top Holiday Jokes & Top Halloween Jokes)
  26. Why didn’t the skeleton want to go to the basketball game?… Because he had no body to go with.
  27. Did you hear about the Ghost basketball team?… They can’t shoot, but the have a lot of spirit. (Top Basketball Jokes)
  28. What kind of mail does a top vampire basketball player receive?… Fang mail!
  29. How do point gourds to get so strong?… By pumpkin iron.
  30. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe dress up as a basketball for Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  31. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe dress up as a basketball coach for Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  32. Knock knock… Who’s there?… Canoe… Canoe who?… Canoe dress up as a basketball fan for Halloween? (Canoe Jokes)
  33. Knock knock?…Who is there?…Boo… Boo Who?… Don’t cry! We have the best basketball jokes for Halloween.

High School Basketball: September

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High School Basketball Fall Season

September High School Basketball

August 26th – September 1st Fall Week #2: Last week of summer vacation. If you are NOT a fall athlete. Grind and get as many good workout days as you can.

September 2nd – September 8th Fall Week #3 This first fill week of school for most Massachusetts high schools. It is important to get off to a great start academically.

September 9th – September 15th Fall Week #4 This first full week of school for most Massachusetts high schools. It is important to get off to a great start academically.

September 16th – September 22nd Week #5 Time to have your fall schedule finalized. Focus your individual workouts on the skills that will help you earn minutes during the season. If you are playing AAU focus on playing great individual and team defense.

September 23rd – September 29th Week #6: The FINAL week of September. It is so important to continue individual workouts and to keep developing your skills. One full month before the season officially starts.

September 30th – October 6th Week #7

9 Weeks Until Tryouts Left

Basketball Buddies: A Shared Basketball Journey

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Basketball Buddies are two individuals that share a love of basketball. There are no rules for who can be basketball buddies. Some possibilities are:

  • A parent and a child
  • A grandparent and a child
  • Siblings
  • Friends
  • Neighbors

The only requirement is that it is a low-pressure, enjoyable relationship. This particular post will be about a parent and child. The focus of the relationship is for the child to develop a love of basketball, and if interested, skills that will make the child a better basketball player.

The key is the PLAYER is in charge of the journey, not the parent. The parent is along for the ride and should make each stage as enjoyable as possible.

High School Basketball: Should I Play a Fall Sport?

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This is a very important question for a high school basketball. Should I play a fall sport? There are so many benefits for a high school student-athlete to play multiple sports. And there are many different opinions on this topic. But the big questions is it the right decision for you?

So what are some of the questions that should be asked when making this decision.

What is the fall sport and what is the time commitment? There are many sports available to high school students and the time commitments will vary significantly based on the level and sport. For example varsity football is a full-time commitment with practices, strength training, film sessions, games, and recovery. The season ends on Thanksgiving, just 5 days before the start of the basketball season. Other sports end in early to late October, so a player will have a few weeks to prepare for the season.

Will you play Fall AAU Basketball? Fall AAU is an opportunity many high school basketball players take advantage, even if they are also playing a fall sports. Some players are committed to an AAU team, while others will bounce from team to team. It is important to consider the time, travel, and cost of a fall AAU season.

If you do not play a fall sports, will you REALLY work on your game? So many basketball players do not play a fall sport to “focus” on basketball. Many of these players are not self-motivated. They do not work very hard and they would probably benefit being a member of a team where coaches and players will hold them accountable. If you are committed and passionate about basketball and will complete several individual skills workouts, lift, and condition, then a fall sport might not be the best option for you.

What does your basketball coach think? Three-sport varsity coaching are a dying breed, but “back when I was a kid,” it was not uncommon to have three-sport coaches. These individuals might value multi-sport players more than others. Each player should communicate with his coach to clearly understand the off-season expectations of a player and the program.

Hopefully these questions will help you make the best choice possible. One final reminder, MOST basketball players do not play in college, so playing multiple sports might make your high school experience a little more enjoyable.

High School Basketball: August

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August Action Plan

July 29th – August 4th (Week #7): Enjoy the final weeks of summer, but also put in some work! The season will be here before you know it. A player needs to separate himself from the other players in his program to earn an important role on the team.

August 5thAugust 11th (Week #8)

August 12thAugust 18th (Week #9)