Month: July 2016

Is AAU Basketball Good or Bad?

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Morris Basketball Program

Click Here to sign up for AAU Tryout Information

3 Pros and Cons of playing the game of AAU basketball.

Many many years ago, there was only one way to get recruited to play college basketball-believe it or not.  This can be known as the Traditional Method.  The Traditional Method was pretty simple–play for your local high school program, win games and put up good numbers.  If your team finds some kind of success or you put up huge numbers, college scouts would flock to your games.  If they were impressed, they would inquire with your coach for more information.  If the coach puts in a good word for you, then most likely you would be getting some face time with the scout.

That is pretty simple and straightforward process.  It worked for some, and hurt others’ chances at getting that coveted scholarship.

Over the years, AAU basketball has grown exponentially and has added an extra channel for recruiters and players to interact.  AAU seasons can run from the end of regular basketball season all the way up until the start of the next season, many times overlapping the regular basketball season.  There are countless teams, all with different age brackets/gender teams.

Here are the top 3 Pros of AAU Basketball:

1. You Meet And Play Against Different Types Of Competition

Most school teams only play against competition in a generally local area, unless your team is a perennial powerhouse. For those who have played AAU, I’m sure you remember the days of long road trips, possibly flights, and playing against a different team pretty much every single game. Going against these odds can make you immune to the uncomfortable feeling of playing against an unfamiliar playing style, which can pay off later on in your career. Also, some of the players you will meet up against you might see on TV one day. Exposure to competition from all over can only help sharpen your game.

2. You Get ALOT Of Game Action

That is, if you see the court. For those that get regular playing time on their AAU team, they have multiple seasons worth of games in just one offseason. Just be sure not to burn yourself out. But if you are not getting much playing time on your AAU team, you may be wasting your summer. If this sounds like you, we suggest you sign up for our Sunday Group Workouts in order to learn How To Earn More Playing Time On The Basketball Court

There is no greater teacher than game experience itself.  Get as many games in as you can and try things you might not be as comfortable trying during your school season!

3.  You Can Try Things You Might Not Try During The School Season

One of the best parts of AAU is that it gives you a chance to further develop your game, especially your individual game.  This is not saying that you should be selfish during AAU season.  Selfish basketball is never good and should be minimized.  But you get a chance to be a little selfish with what moves you try to pull off against the defense, different types of passes you may not be comfortable trying during the school season, or even trying a new position.  AAU is supposed to be about development and growth.

Looking for an AAU team?  Play For MBP and get free training included!

Top 3 Cons of AAU Basketball:

1. There Are Just As Many Politics, If Not More Than Your School Team.

Many teams can be run by parents, or coaches that could have a predisposition for certain players they may already know and be comfortable with.  Many times these politics can be worse than even the worst situations you might encounter for your school team.  This shouldn’t come as a surprise to players and/or parents.

2.  You Might Not Learn The Fundamentals

AAU basketball is centered around quantity of games, rather than quality of games.  This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is common to see in AAU games players not using the basic fundamentals of basketball to guide their play.  And in the AAU system, this is rarely seen as a problem.  Wins/losses, championships and college scouts matter to most AAU teams, so for the most part, you might not learn some of the most crucial basics that will give your entire career its foundation.  If fundamentals are what you need, we suggest a Private Training Session with one of our professional coaches.

3.  It Can Make You Lazy

The lifestyle that comes with AAU basketball can be dangerous–especially if you are an elite player.  AAU, and the clout and notoriety that can come with it  can fool a player into thinking he’s already “there,” and doesn’t have any weaknesses.  This makes a player lazy because it conditions you to feel like there isn’t an urgent need to get in the gym and work on your game.  And basketball IS NOT like riding a bike.  If you don’t sharpen your skills regularly, unfortunately you will lose them.  We suggest trying The Most Complete Basketball Workout to keep you in top basketball condition.

To sum it all up, AAU basketball is a double-edged sword.  It can be your best friend, and open your career to many new and exciting opportunities while toughening up your game.  But if used wrong, or in the wrong situation, it can actually harm your game.  Be careful out there and play hard!

For basketball videos, follow us on Instagram!  @mbp_973

Sign up for AAU Basketball Here!

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How To Earn “Most Improved Player” During The Offseason

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How To Use This Basketball Offseason To Return To Your Team As “The Most Improved Player”

By the Morris Basketball Program

You may have had a great season this past year, or you may have struggled.  You may have hit some game winners, or you may have spent more time watching your team play, and not have stepped foot on the basketball court.  Either way, regardless if you are the #1 option on your team or option #12, there is one award that every player on every team has an equal playing field to earn:  Most Improved Player.

This award doesn’t care about what you’ve done in the past, or what you say you want to do with your basketball career.  The Most Improved Player award only cares what you have done from the very last day of your last basketball season, up until the very last day of your next basketball season.  So you literally have 365 days worth of chances to prove you are worthy of this award.  Although you do get 365 days, we are going to focus solely on the offseason, and not mention the preseason, regular season, or playoffs.

Earning your team’s “Most Improved Player” award would also be a huge step in learning How To Earn More Playing Time On The Basketball Court.

1.  Get In The Gym Consistently; Stay Committed

There is no way you could become the Most Improved Player if you don’t put in the actual time in the gym.  We are not saying that you must be in the gym 6 hours everyday in order to see any improvement.  What we are saying, though is that in order to improve more than your competition, you must put in more work than what your competition is doing.  Get in the gym on a consistent, regular routine and put in your work!  Basketball drills, game situations, creating your own shot, and ball handling are things that always could use work.  If you are too lazy to get off your behind and try to improve your basketball skills, how could you ever even say you want to earn an award such as M.I.P.?

Another important part of getting in the gym is getting actual game time.  Especially if you have struggled for playing time this season, one of the best ways to better learn the game is to get more in-game experience!  AAU and summer teams are a great option for this-if you are local to the Northern NJ area and are struggling to find an adequate AAU team for your playing style, the Morris Basketball Program can help you find the perfect basketball team for your needs.  Just contact us!

2. Find New Basketball Drills And Try Them!

Basketball Drills are the cornerstone of skill improvement.  There are skills and drills for basketball players of all ages, sizes, and positions.  If you are a guard but you need help working on your passing skills, there are drills for this.  If you are a post player but don’t have a drop-step finish, you must find some drills that can help you improve in this.  If you are a slasher but have a poor shooting percentage, there are some drills that can help your shooting consistency.  Have you attempted The Most Complete Individual Basketball Workout yet?  If you have already attempted this, yet are struggling to find ideas for new basketball drills, we strongly suggest you follow the Morris Basketball Program’s Instagram Page for basketball workout videos, such as the video below:

3. Try Different Conditioning Training Methods

One of the best (and beneficial) offseason basketball training methods does not even involve the game of basketball.  Running sprints are always a great option to get yourself into prime game-shape, but you have most likely been running on-court sprints all season.  This is where the unconventional methods of conditioning come in handy.  Running hills/stairs, pool workouts, cross fit, etc. are all viable options for keeping you on your toes, getting you in maximum shape, and helping you return to the court fully refreshed and prepared.  Changing your workout routine occasionally can help transform you into a better overall athlete.

4. Start Next Season With A Fresh Mindset

Every season is a journey.  Every journey starts with a first step.  If you have done your job as a basketball player correctly, and have put in the necessary time, effort, and blood/sweat/tears, you most likely will notice a huge increase in your natural confidence on the court, for everything from your jumpshot down to your ball handling.  With this newborn confidence, you should be stepping onto the court for your first preseason practice feeling like a brand new player that everyone should fear.  A strong mind is just as important as a strong game!  You must have confidence in yourself if you want others to have the same confidence in you.

 

Follow the Morris Basketball Program on Instagram for more basketball videos: @mbp_973

Basketball Training

5 Easy Signs That You Are A Good Basketball Player

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Ways To Tell If You Might Be A Good Basketball Player.   

MBP6

In today’s game, being a good basketball player means you possess certain qualities that help influence the outcome of each game in a positive manner.  Bad players do just the opposite.  If you have an eye for the game of basketball, you can usually spot a good player out from the crowd; something just makes them stand out above the other players.  Here is a list of some qualities that give a player a reputation as a good player:

1.  You Understand The Fundamentals

All good players have a strong foundation.  They learn to play basketball with more good habits than bad.  What are examples of good habits?  Not making one handed passes, setting effective and useful screens, boxing out their defensive target before every rebound…the list goes on. 

For good basketball players, it is easy to tell that they have had some coaching somewhere.  They have had the fundamentals ingrained into their game from an earlier standpoint and it shows.  Good basketball players usually seem a little bit more polished on the court, and make things look a little easier than the average player.  If you have not had the proper fundamental coaching to become a good basketball player, we suggest you sign up with the Morris Basketball Program to sharpen your skills!

2. You Give More Effort

Good basketball players not only have the fundamentals down, they give maximum effort to get the most out of each play.  There is a clear cut reason why it may seem like only some of the “lucky players” on a team get all of the meaningful stats– points, assists, rebounds, steals, etc.  These players MAKE things happen through giving continual effort for the entire game.  Whether your game is 32 minutes, 40 minutes, or 48 minutes, you can catch a good player giving it his all.

3.  You Understand Time/Score

Solid basketball players are always aware of the Time/Score of the game.  I’m not just talking about when theres under 10 seconds remaining and the game is on the line.  Good players are aware of this facet of the game from the opening tip until the final referee whistle.  Eight times out of ten,  if a player understands time/score, they will have a sturdy grasp of #4.

Good basketball players understand when there is a need to milk the clock to stretch out a small lead.  Conversely, they understand how to play with a sense of urgency when time is running out.

4.  You Play Within The Ebb & Flow Of The Game

An easy way to tell a good basketball player and a bad basketball player apart is to watch how they react to situations within the flow of the game.  Normally, good players will either blend in with the flow, and rack up their solid plays/statistics seamlessly in the game, or will only stand out for having more spectacular plays than bonehead plays.  The opposite holds true for bad players.  Bad players stick out, whether from turnovers due to #1, or maybe they stick out in a negative way for being too lackadaisical on the court.  This is also very easy to notice.

5.  You Work On Your Weaknesses

This one is simple.  Good players stay in the gym, and are constantly sharpening their skills.  We have alluded to this in previous articles, and there is just no way around this.  If you want to be good, you have to put the time in.  No one ever accomplished anything great with zero effort.  The Most Complete Individual Basketball Workout is a great way to nurture a well rounded game.  Developing your game takes time, patience, determination, and a desire to see incremental improvements!  Another way to work on your weaknesses would be to watch your favorite player, or another player whose strengths are your weakness!  Youtube is a great option for watching more experienced players play.

So there you have it. If you know anyone who exhibits these qualities in the basketball world, you know a good player.  If only a few of these qualities describe your game, you may just be an average player.  Or if not many or none of these qualities at all describe you, you may need to know the 5 Quick Signs You Are A Bad Basketball Player.  If you are a bad player, we recommend you join our program to increase your skills.  If you are already a good player, we encourage you to attend our Sunday Workouts and challenge yourself against better players.

Follow the Morris Basketball Program on Instagram for Basketball Videos! @mbp_973

5 Quick Signs You Are A Bad Basketball Player

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You don’t want to be known as a bad basketball player.

Avoid These Red Flags On The Court To Earn Respect And  Build Your Reputation As A Good Player.

By The Morris Basketball Program.

A reputation is a very powerful thing– hard to make, so very easy to break.  You can work for years to grow and maintain your reputation as an elite or hardworking player, and watch it get shattered in the blink of an eye.  You can destroy an entire basketball career’s worth of good reputation over the course of just one play.

Basketball is a tricky sport in which it is a completely team oriented game, but just one player, at any time, can change the fate of each and every game.  There is a little magic to that last statement.  It means that a hero can be made any moment.  But bad basketball players can be created or identified in the same exact process.  You most definitely do not want to be labeled a “bad basketball player”.  It’s a bit difficult to recover from this.  But all hope is not lost.  If you feel there is a chance you may be a bad basketball player, and would like to improve, we suggest signing up with the Morris Basketball Program and fine tuning your skills!

If the following list accurately describes your game or someone you know, please tell them!  There is nothing worse than someone who does not know how to play basketball, but doesn’t even know that they are bad!  The first step in improving and How To Earn More Playing Time On The Basketball Court is admitting you need help!

There is nothing at all wrong with admitting that at this very moment, you are a bad basketball player.  Everyone starts somewhere.  What really matters is if you are now willing to put in the time, effort, and resources into improving.  Basketball Drills, Basketball Training, Private Basketball Coaching, and Basketball Clinics are all great examples of ways to improve your skills behind the scenes!

1. You Complain About Not Getting The Ball/Playing Time

Don’t get me wrong.  There will always be the situations on teams where politics come into play, and a player that is most deserving of playing time or receiving the ball will not be put in a favorable situation.  This happens all the time.  These are not the players I’m talking about.  I’m talking about the players that are obviously in need of some type of basketball coaching/lessons that are in some delusional world about being on the short end of the stick.  There is a reason that you may not be getting the ball enough, or may not be playing enough.  Most times, it’s rather simple:  The people, or players, in the position to get you the ball or put you in the game are not full believers in your game.

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No one wants their basketball career to end up on the bench.

I know it hurts to hear this.  But I rather you hear it from me than someone else.  I would never lie to you.  That is the main reason why people don’t pass the ball-they trust in either their own game, or another fellow teammate’s game, more than they trust your basketball skills or play-making ability, regardless if it makes sense or not.

…But then again maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe you can’t receive the ball because you just stand there on offense when you don’t have the ball.  In that case…..YOU ARE STILL A BAD PLAYER.  Good players know Why Moving Without The Ball Can Improve Your Basketball Career.

2. Your Basketball Stats Are Full Of Turnovers

Bad basketball players don’t take care of the basketball.  Poor ball handling, bad catching skills, bad passing, and overall carelessness with the basketball is a huge red flag of a bad player.  Good players are always under control on the basketball court, and know the value of each possession.  They take care of the basketball as if it was their first born, and carefully guide it to where it needs to be on the floor.  The best point guards on any level of basketball all average a positive assist-to-turnover ratio.

Take care of the ball!!  No coach is going to play a walking turnover.  No teammate wants to pass the ball to a walking turnover.  So those of you who this accurately describe, I would bet my bottom dollar that #1 accurately describes you as well.

@ the Morris Basketball Program, we put our players through some of the best basketball ball handling you can find!

3.  You Are Uncoachable/A Bad Teammate

One of the biggest lessons to learn at an early age in the game of basketball is that you are simply one piece of a set of moving parts.  A basketball team is a living thing.  It can grow chemistry, or it can self destruct.  If you are the teammate that always has the bad attitude, or never gives 100% effort, you are hurting the team.  No one likes a team cancer.  One bad attitude can spoil an entire team.  Coaches and even other teammates can sense a bad egg and can/will black ball you over time.

No matter what situation you find yourself in on your respective team, always be respectful and mindful of others on your team.  Never disrupt team chemistry, whether accidental or intentional.  No one, including the coach himself, is bigger than the team.  If you are unhappy with your role on the team, don’t let that spoil your chance to redeem your greatness.  A bad attitude has never translated into getting more respect in basketball.

If you are the one with a bad attitude and are uncoachable/a bad teammate, I am certain you also can identify with #1.

4.  You Can’t/Won’t Play Defense

“Defense wins Championships!” – Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant Jr.

If you are constantly finding yourself getting beaten on the defensive end of the floor, don’t expect to get significant playing time.  And don’t expect your teammates to be happy with you.  Or your fans.  Or your coach.  In a nutshell, if you are a weak defensive player, the opposing team will key on you, and try to expose your weaknesses for all to see.  Defense is the true key to being a consistently good player.  Because offense will at times come and go.  Sometimes you have a good offensive game and score a lot, sometimes you might struggle.  But you can always make a difference in the game on the defensive end.

Defense is the one aspect of the game of basketball that is less about skill, and more about effort.  It is always easy to notice when a player takes pride on the defensive end of the floor. You should probably re-evaluare your game if you don’t believe in playing good, hard defense.

5.  You Don’t Get In The Gym To Get Better At Basketball

 If some of these themes are ringing a bell for you, and you haven’t been in the gym in the last 7 days…well there you have it.  How can you improve at basketball if you don’t try new basketball drills, camps, clinics, private training, especially one on one drills on your own!?  The only real bad player in basketball is the one who knows he needs improvement but does nothing about it.  It’s not about where you start talent wise, it’s always about where you end up!

If it seems scary how accurately this list describes your game, we suggest you use this Summer to learn How To Earn “Most Improved Player” During The Offseason.

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Morris Basketball Program

Follow us on Instagram for basketball drills and videos! @mbp_973