Category: basketball playing time

Struggling So Far This Year? Save Your Basketball Season Before The Halfway Mark With These 4 Steps.

Posted on by morrisbasketballprogram

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The basketball tournaments during Christmas Break are a mile marker before the midway point of the season.  There is still time to change the outcome of this season.

1.  Make Good Use Of Pre and Post Practice Time

The time before and after practice can be crucial to your personal experience during the season. Don’t waste time heaving half court shots or playing a game of who can make a shot through the rafters. If you are lucky enough to have that time before a coach starts practice or afterwards to work on your individual skill set, DON’T WASTE IT. This time should be used for Form Shooting drills, stationary dribbling drills, working on the perfect free throw or even getting GAME TYPE shots in with a friend to increase your confidence and shooting percentage. Coaches love seeing their players focused and working on themselves outside of normal practice time. The results could be that your sheer dedication to improving puts you higher in the rotation.

2.  Treat Every Practice As A Tryout

Congratulations, you’ve made the cut and aren’t sitting around wondering why you got cut from the team. Perhaps your team tryouts were a grueling 3 days filled with endless sprints and backboard touches that left your body weary for days afterward. NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO LET UP. Many players go through this every year. Tryouts were extremely tough and now that you made the cut your hoping that you can ease off the gas pedal and get down to shooting the 3 ball and jogging in for that finger roll layup you worked on over the summer. If you can obtain the mindset that you are always being evaluated to see what your value is and ultimately how much you will play, you should have no problem pushing yourself in each drill or segment of practice. REMEMBER, your competing for playing time ALWAYS.

3.  Speak To Your Coach

I hesitate to encourage this to all players because some players run the risk of BEING ALL TALK. Yes, your coach wants to see that you are interested in getting better and playing better for your team. You MUST not do this in vain, if you think a quick fix to your lack of minutes on the floor is having a sit down with your coach you are likely going to be disappointed. Coaches put a lot of time in to deciding who gets what time and your most heart-felt pleas for time will likely go ignored UNLESS you have been showing that you take initiative in your skill development by taking the above mentioned steps. If you need to understand plays or defensive schemes better then ask those questions and ask them until you are sure you know the answers but be sure to match your questions with the effort needed to perform at a high level.

4.  As You Ascend Brings Others With You

Hard work undoubtedly pays off over time. I hope reading this encourages you to takes the steps to put in that work and get better. A very important aspect of being a part of a team is your ability to make those around you better. By working hard and giving all your effort at the practice or game at hand you will inevitably have an impact on those around you. It’s important to be sure you are making a POSITIVE IMPACT on your team.  In fact, being a bad teammate is 1 of the Signs Of Being A Bad Basketball Player. It could be encouraging your teammates during sprints to push themselves harder or giving out high 5’s for any and every small accomplishment you see your teammates completing. Your teams season can be drastically different by injecting your positive attitude and working hard. The Great thing is that by putting together a great work ethic and positive attitude it becomes contagious and you may see yourself and your team accomplish the seemingly impossible.

Wrap up: Follow these tips and you can expect improvement in yourself and likely figure out How To Earn More Playing Time On The Basketball Court. Always pursue new ways of working on your skills and when possible take advantage of playing and practicing with advanced players and coaches. If you are unsure of how your situation on your current team is going, or if it is already going bad, signing up for a free workout with the Morris Basketball Program can be the first step in saving your season and career!

@MBP973
Morris Basketball Program

Follow on Instagram for basketball drill videos! @mbp_973

4 Reasons You May Have Been Cut From Your Basketball Team This Year

Posted on by morrisbasketballprogram

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If you wasted your preseason you are already one step behind in the game.

Sports in general (but more specifically basketball) are one of the things that are nothing like riding a bike.  If you don’t use your abilities and try to constantly fine tune and improve your basketball skills you will most definitely lose them.  You can’t take the entire off-season off, and step back on the basketball court and expect your game to be the same.  A lot of time, effort, and sweat must be  given in order to see real improvements in your game.

The preseason is considered to be the period of time from the beginning of the new school year up until basketball tryouts beginning during the end of the Fall.  So we can consider the basketball preseason to last about three months.  Three months is a lot of time in terms of basketball conditioning, but it is not when it comes to basketball skill training.. It takes many many hours to master a skill.  It only takes a few weeks of heavy dedication to get into basketball shape.

Here are 4 things that can ruin your basketball season before it even starts:

1.  Not Taking Training Seriously

In today’s basketball world, intense training is a given.  Back in the day, you could probably get away with not training as hard as you could and still see some kind of success as a basketball player.  But those days are over.  There is way too much competition (who are probably in the gym training right now) to think you will be fine if you are not constantly pushing your game to new heights.  The majority of players these days are in the gym consistently on their own, playing on multiple teams, and seeking out PRIVATE BASKETBALL TRAINING twice per week in an attempt to get an edge on the competition.  So if you are in the gym training on your own regularly, you are doing just enough to stay one step behind your competitors.

2.  Not Being In Basketball Shape

A lot of players underestimate the significance of being a well-conditioned basketball player.  Players tend to understand why they need to improve their actual skills, but don’t see how being in tip-top shape can make basketball skill training easier.  The better shape you are in, the more likely you are to perform your drills at game speed.  The more you train at game speed, the better chance you have at translating your improved skills into the real game.  A prime example of this is the ability to constantly MOVE WITHOUT THE BALL to tire out your defender and find open shots you normally wouldn’t be able to shoot.

3.  Not Building Team Chemistry

A big mistake players (especially new players to a program, such as high school freshman) make is not taking the time to build chemistry with their teammates.  Although this may seem small and insignificant, it can make or break your chances to make the team for the year.  This is especially true if you are a newcomer to a team with a returning core group of players.  You want to show you can fit in with the current system while also showcasing your skills!  This goes hand in hand with #4.

4.  Not Knowing Your Role For The Upcoming Season

Knowing your role on your basketball team for the new season is just as important as being skillfully prepared.  If you are not aware of what your role might be, how could you properly prepare for it?  Although everyone wants to be the star player of course, everyone has to start somewhere.  Your role could be anything from being a top scorer to being a glorified practice player.  Whatever your role is, you should take pride in the fact that you may have a spot on the team and have a chance to contribute.  As long as you have a role, you have a chance at climbing the totem pole on your team and also you can know how to prepare in the off-season.

If you didn’t make the cut but still think you have what it takes, the Morris Basketball Program can help you to secure your spot on your team’s roster!

@MBP973

Follow on Instagram for basketball drill videos! @mbp_973

5 Quick Signs You Are A Bad Basketball Player

Posted on by morrisbasketballprogram
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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

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Why Moving Without The Ball Can Improve Your Basketball Career

Posted on by morrisbasketballprogram

Morris Basketball Program

Why players who know how to move WITHOUT the ball are more successful.

By The Morris Basketball Program

Whenever you imagine yourself playing basketball, 99 percent of the time you are in a situation where you have the ball and have your heart set on creating something, whether it be your own shot or an opportunity for a teammate.  No one really imagines setting themselves up for the game winning shot by not having the ball to begin with.  But in reality, this is where most uncontested shot opportunities begin.  Being able to create a shot for yourself is important, but it is not everything.  Having to create for yourself and your teammates can be rewarding, but it can also be very frustrating if things are not going your way.  Being able to always find the open space on the court and make yourself available to an open pass for an uncontested shot is just as effective, and requires minimal effort if you are in great basketball shape.  This is one of the easiest ways to Earn More Playing Time.

A perfect example of a player of this nature would be Ray Allen (in the latter years of his career).  After all the athleticism left his body, he still found ways to be an effective shooter and scorer on the court, to remain a valuable piece to his team.  He kept his body in great condition, to allow him to have a high motor to find open spots on the floor with non-stop movement.  When you move without the ball, you will realize you create opportunities not just for yourself, but you will open up more opportunities for your teammates as well.

Continue reading “Why Moving Without The Ball Can Improve Your Basketball Career” →

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How To Earn More Playing Time On The Basketball Court

Posted on by morrisbasketballprogram
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Be A Key Player

Earn the playing time you deserve!

By The Morris Basketball Program

In the game of basketball, there are key players, role players, utility players, STAR players, and practice players.  Although each and every player must serve a different role on their respective team, these roles do not have to be permanent.  Early on in your career, you may find yourself in any one of these categories (obviously you would be happier being a STAR/key player rather than a role/practice player).  The beautiful thing about this game is that year after year, situations can change and you can find yourself either in a better role or quite possibly in a weaker role.  Even if you are waiting for your chance next season, there are things you can do at the end of your current season to put yourself in a better position for next year.  There are many different factors that can influence your role on your team.  One of the main things that help you transition UP the ladder is realizing that there are some things you may not be able to control in your situation with your team (don’t worry about these), but there are MANY things you CAN control that can affect your value as a player.  My personal advice to all players (especially the younger players) is to not worry about your current situation, and continue working and practicing for the role you want NEXT season.  ALOT CAN HAPPEN IN ONE YEAR/SEASON.  TRUST ME.

I have known players that have gone unnoticed for years finally reach their potential and get that college scholarship everyone desires so much, some even making it to a professional level.  On the other hand, I also personally know some players that were dubbed “the next best thing” that never panned out throughout high school or college, and were a huge disappointment based on the hype they received as a youth, and now are only legends at the park during the summer.

Below are several tips I have learned throughout the years that can IMMEDIATELY get you more attention as a player and eventually gain the respect of both your coach and teammates on your way to earning significant amounts of playing time.

Continue reading “How To Earn More Playing Time On The Basketball Court” →