Category: Guard Moves

Handles – Loose vs Tight

Every player wants to improve the ball handling skills, right? But how? The video below has some excellent examples of “Loose” versus “Tight” handles and the advantages of each. Every player probably has a preference and if you are very good at either one, you can probably overcome most of the drawbacks listed in the video.

Check out the video and let us know what you think in the comments… and look for an added “Handles Tip” from Coach Wheeler under the video.

 

What did you think? Which type of player are you?

The 3 S’s – COACH WHEELER‘s
Keys to Improved Handles

Coach Wheeler teaches that the 3 Keys to developing your ball handling, a.k.a. “handles” to the point that they are above average are Strength, Speed and Style.

Strength includes, but is not limited to hand strength, arm strength and overall core strength. Lower body strength is important as well but it is largely covered by the second key, Speed.

Speed is important because while dribbling can be impressive, if you don’t score it doesn’t matter. If you can’t move past defenders then all you are doing is wasting time with the ball. This time that could be put to better use for your team.

There are many ways to evaluate speed – long distance (full court), short distances (1/4 court) and even micro distances of one or two steps (enough to get by your defender). The last one is often referred to as “explosiveness”. There are times when you may appear more agile than you really are because you have developed moves that throw off your defenders. Which brings us to “Style”…

Style is sort of a catch-all for the skills you develop and what you can do with the basketball while moving. Most players have a small array of moves that they feel confident enough to use in games. I call these “game-capable moves” and can be almost anything. Examples are a crossover, spin, behind the back, hesitation, inside-out, pull-back and many more.

It is important to put in the practice in the off-season so that you develop all aspects of your handles… Strength, Speed & Style.

 

What’s your “Signature Move”?

Signature MoveWhat is your signature move on the basketball court?  Do you even have one?  Or are you still learning the game and could benefit from adding a few more moves?

The YouTube video at the bottom of this article is about 45 minutes long but you will want to set aside time to watch it.  The video contains one of the best discussions on Basketball moves that I have come across in a long time.  It also features video of the “Signature Moves” of a long list of NBA All Stars and NBA Hall of Famers.  The moves they talk about and show include ones for all positions… “Guard Moves”, “Big Man Moves” as well as some “Unstoppable Moves”.  Don’t you want to see these moves?  Sure you do!

The video also contains a couple of the drills that helped the players develop the ball handling skills, footwork and physical abilities necessary to make their moves legendary.  If you are serious about improving your

basketball game, this video is one that you will want to watch.

29 Signature NBA Moves
Click the image above to download a PDF of the list.

 

 

Here is a downloadable PDF of the list of basketball moves that they talk about in the Youtube video…

 

 

One quick thought before you watch the video and start planning your own “signature move”…

Do you notice that there aren’t a lot of repeat names on this list?  And the ones that are repeated are simply variations on the same move?

This is because you don’t need all these moves to become a great basketball player.  In fact, if you try to focus on more than one move at a time you may end up not being good enough with any of them.  The best advice is to see which ones fit into your game and the position you want to play… and focus on just ONE move until you have mastered it.  This means that you can use it successfully in a game against real competition.  Some of these moves are relatively simple while others require more athletic ability or ball handling skills.  Start where you want and build your game one move at a time.

Now, let’s watch this video…

And if you want more help with your moves… apply for an invitation to an upcoming basketball camp over at www.InviteOnlyBasketball.com.