Identifying Proper Passing Lanes vs Solid Defenders

Identifying Proper Passing Lanes vs Solid Defenders
By Coach Scott Fields

Identifying Passing Lanes vs Defender

By Coach Scott Fields

This is part 2 of the Proper Passing Techniques from last week.

Again be looking for the instructional videos on this topic and other aspects of Basketball coming in the near future.

I believe proper

Teaching/Coaching should be done in progression. You need to be able to Teach basic passing Fundamentals before moving onto a more advance passing skills.

I believe that this post will not serve all HS coaches, this is higher level passing thought process.

This takes creativity, it takes vision, it takes awareness and SAVY. These are not cliche. It takes a players perspective to another level. A players vision and way they see the game. But I want to take players and coaches to another level of entertaining thought. Again, this is a higher level skill set. This post is about details and a perception to see the game through different eyes.

Athletes should have mastered the basic Fundamental passes before moving onto a more advanced passing skills. Don't Teach a Player to make a behind the back pass until they can master a basic Bounce pass or Chest pass first. This sounds elementary yes, but I walk into many gyms and see players shooting from the three point line, and they can't even make a 8 FT 45 degree angle bank shot? I feel you have the visual. I see players trying to do an AND 1 Mix tape move only to turn it over time after time.

Think how many games you watch as a parent? How many games you watch as a Player? A Coach? A Fan ? How many solid passes do we see being properly  executed compared to poor passing being made? Poor passing far out numbers Good passes. Think of the number of possessions that are lost? How many unforced turnovers are being made? How many times have we seen a player on the wing, not be able to enter the ball into the post to put the post player in a position to score?  The pass is stolen. The pass is defected by the defense.  To many players are to lazy to make a ball fake first? Everyone tries to make a chest pass in the paint? How often do we see a person make a ball fake and use a wrap around pass to feed the post? They make a lazy pass and again, it is deflected. The coach reacts, the player confidence becomes shaken, the body language shows and or they are taken out of the game for not executing the play.

Make two simple rules as a Coach, every pass in the paint is a bounce pass. Make a ball fake before every pass. Your percentages of passes being executed will increase 40% or higher. This means far less defections, More passes hitting the target or receiver of the pass. 

As a defender , it is true, hands come up, quicker then they can go down, because the kinesiology and muscle structure, biceps and triceps trigger quicker up times then downward movement times, this is why bounce passes are more effective, it takes a longer reaction time to move hands down to floor, then move hands up.

It takes a longer reaction time for the brain to tell the feet to move as well.

The purpose of the pass is simple. It is to get the ball to the open man. The pass moves faster than the defender. The pass moves quicker than the dribble.

The pass is to set up a Team mate to allow them to be in a position to complete a higher percentage shot. The pass is used to put Team Mates in a Position to be successful.

Think of the NBA Finals last Season with the San Antonio Spurs and the way they moved the ball vs the Miami Heat defense. The extra pass was made for a higher percentage shot for a Team mate throughout the entire series.

First you need to know where every player wants to receive the ball. The passer needs to know where the receiver is most comfortable to receive the ball. Example, we don't hit a Big man with a pass below his knees. We don't want them to have to bend on the post and loose position or balance. 

Don't pass a center the ball in the back court, if he is not a good ball handler? Don't pass the ball to a Wing who is a catch and shoot guy, don't expect him to create for himself off of the dribble. I think again, you get the visual. We have all seen it.

There are passing lanes against a good defender. I am attaching a photo of a defender . (The Yellow dots are effective passing Zones) 

To break it down, anatomically the spots identify effective areas to pass the ball.

Think about it, if a player is in a proper defensive stance, the arms are out.

It takes the defender a long time to get hands above the head. The feet are typically more than shoulder width apart.

Again, before all passes are made, make a strong ball fake, to freeze the defense or make the defense lean or lunge. 

We as a the passer, we want to pass the ball past the area of the body of the defender so that they can't make a play against you. pass to where it takes longer to react. Pass to where the defender can't get a hand or foot or body part to defect or steal the pass. Ball fakes freeze the defender, ball fakes make a defender react to where he thinks you are going to pass the ball, creating passing lanes to hit the target of the receiver of the pass.

See the Illustration provided with Yellow marks to Identify these passing lanes.

1) Right above the Head is a great place to pass, the hands take a long time to go from out wide to above the head. Reaction time for hands to go from out to above the head takes a long period of time, especially if a ball fake is made and you fake a bounce pass. Hands moving from the knees to above the head creates a great passing lane.

2) pass the ball right past the ear, why? Again, anatomically, It takes a longer period of time to get the hand up to the ear. You a ball fake by the waist, now the defender needs to move his hands from the waist to the ear, this creates a great lane. You can't move the head fast enough down to the shoulder. As the ball leaves the hand, put the follow through hand past the ear of the defender.

3) pass the ball by the left ear, again for the same reason as above the head and by the ear, it takes longer for the defender to get their hand up to the ear or above the head. these are effective areas. This is for the same reason as the right ear. (See previous mentioned to #2) again put the follow through hand past the left ear.

4) after an effective ball fake above the head, the hands move up to defect the pass, now you have created a new passing lane next to the rib cage on the right side of the core of the body of the defender.

5) now the same is true on the left side of the rib cage, but an effective ball fake above the head is needed.

6)A pass between the defenders legs is always effective. Again, a ball fake is needed to create the passing lane. Most players in a action/reaction  will not even consider a pass between the legs, they don't have the vision or creativity to execute the pass, it does take practice. the player must have the vision of where the target they are passing to. But between the legs is a very effective spot, players are not comfortable to make this pass as they only see the body of the defender in front of them, so they don't attempt the pass, but it is one of the largest passing lanes, as legs are much longer than arms,, think again of the reaction time it takes for a players in a wide defensive stance to bring the feet together or drop the hands to the passing area between the legs. This is even more effective the lower the pass is below the groin of the defender, and you don't want to injure the defender by hitting them in the groin. think of a ball fake up by the waist, the play will react to try to kick the ball, and the passing lane is now even more wide. As now they will need to drop the leg and try to close the legs...this is a long time to make this play as a defender.

***More Games are Won and Lost on simple Fundamental plays of the game than Won on a Flashy Entertaining Play.  

The Yellow dots identify passing lines vs defender

Special Guest Marcus Liberty on the Show Feb 3, 2015

This former NBA player and former Player of Mine
will be our Show Special guest.
Marcus Liberty will share his journey and insight with us all LIVE.

We are thrilled to announce that Marcus Liberty, a former NBA player, a 2nd round draft pick, and HS All American will share his story with us all.

This former player of mine, who I had the pleasure to coach  in both Puerto Rico and Sweden.  Marcus was on the Cover of Sports Illustrated and called the number 1 player in the United States coming out of HS before social media. before the likes of a  Kobe Bryant, or before Lebron James.
It was Dickie V saying This man was "a boy, a ball a dream" about this talented man coming out of KING HS in Illinois.
This guy led his Team to a state championship and was with a lethal group of players called the "Fighting Illini"


Marcus took his talents from the Chicago south side to Illinois where he was a final four participant before his NBA days with Denver and Detroit.
Hear what he has been up to and what he is currently doing, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

This will be a Great show!




To watch this interview LIVE, go to coachscottfields.com go to the link Coach Scott Fields Show.
Tuesday Feb 3, 2015 at 9:30pm EST and 7:30p MST.

Marcus Liberty can be followed on Twitter@Givemeliberty30
marcusliberty.com
Follow Marcus on Instagram@lib4real30

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Poll Question -- Favorite Sports Movie of All Time ?

What is your favorite Sports Movie of All Time ?
Our Next guest was in one of them.

Please take the time to Pick your favorite Sports Movie of all Time . Click the link below to Cast Your Vote

Cast your vote here 

Every few months, it seems Hollywood releases a movie about sports – to entertain, to educate, to inspire.

For boxing fans, it’s usually a Rocky movie (spoiler alert, Sylvester Stallone begins work on Creed – the seventh andallegedly final Rocky installment over the next few weeks), Ragin Bull or even Gentleman Jim.

Baseball fans love The Natural, Field of Dreams, Angels in the Outfield, Moneyball, Bull Durham, The Bad News Bears, A League of Their Own, Cobb, any of the Major League movies, Mr. 3000, For Love of the Game, 61*, Hardball, Eight Men Out, Bang The Drum Slowly, and the classic The Sandlot.

Football people have a litany of choices in Rudy, Paper Lion, Friday Night Lights, The Program, North Dallas Forty, Heaven Can Wait, The Longest Yard (either version), Brian’s Song, Wildcats, Any Given Sunday  and even The Replacements, one of my comedic favorites.

Even people who follow NASCAR (Days of Thunder) and rodeo (8 Seconds) are repped. Miracle tells the story of our USA men in the Winter Olympics for hockey buffs.

Basketball folks can take on Above The Rim, Love and Basketball, White Men Can’t Jump, Coach Carter, Celtic Pride, Blue Chips, He Got Game, Glory Road, Hoop Dreams and the classic Hoosiers. For the kids, there’s Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny in Space Jam.

For my money, there’s no better sports film out there for inspiration than ‘Remember The Titans.’ There are those that will argue that this is a football movie, but I will counter that it’s an inspirational movie that just happens to have football in it.

Had Herman Boone and Bill Yoast coached another sport, it would not have changed the message of the movie or taken away from anything they did to create teamwork and integration beyond color lines in tough, separatist Virginia in the early 1970s.

However, there are inspiring basketball movies as well, based on true stories.

Hoop Dreams features William Gates and Arthur Agee through their tough neighborhoods and upbringing in the Chicago area as they chase the dream of playing basketball. Coach Carter showcased the story of Ken Carter, who placed an emphasis of education with his Richmond-area athletes after benching the undefeated team because of poor academic results.

And Glory Road tells the story of Don Haskins, who defied all odds and obstacles to integrate his roster in El Paso, Texas in the mid-1960s to field a team that can compete for a national championship.

Glory Road features our guest on The Coach Scott Fields Showthis Tuesday, Brock Gillespie, a well-traveled athlete from Rice University by way of Clarksville, Tennessee.

So sound off on our poll. Vote early. Vote often. Or chose the option to express your own opinion with ‘Other’ and comment.

But most of all, watch the show on Tuesday night (9:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. PST) and interact with us via live Twitter by using the hash tag #CoachSFShow and be sure to follow me at both @tmoneyfromthree and @ScottFieldsShow …

Teaching Proper Passing To Build Winning Habits

Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs is an excellent passer and exemplifies
Building a Winning Culture with Passing Proficiency.

Teaching Proper Passing To Build Winning Habits
by Coach Scott Fields
Part 1, to be continued next week.

Attached is a Photo of San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginobili.
Manu is an excellent passer and every week there could be a hi level ESPN sports center Top Play from Manu executing a beautiful fundamental pass.




I want to again preface this post by stating the following.
(In the coming months, be watching for our Instructional Passing Video)

Passing
I feel this simple fundamental of the game is being overlooked, and not appropriately taught by coaches across country and around the globe.
Is it because these coaches of today don't know the Zones to pass through? Is it because Coaches don't feel it is important enough to spend the time on?
Is it because Coaches simply don't Teach enough fundamentals of the game? is it because the Coaches don't know the proper fundamental to Teach? If that is the case, the Clinic will now begin.

I share this with you, as Sharing is Caring ! I have been blessed in my career to have learned from some of the best in the business and I will now share some of this with you as you grow on your journey and career. This is all about Empowerment.
Just know I continue to learn and grow everyday. I am thrilled to be able to assist you in your growth in the profession.

Only you as a Coach can answer these questions above, but be careful, the man in the mirror doesn't lie.

Again, these passing drills need to be done in progression.
You don't start with a running and passing drill. Slow down, make corrections, TEACH. DEMONSTRATE. Show the proper stance, the proper triple threat, the proper grasp on ball.
This is a standing drill. Place players 12'-15' apart facing each other.
Work on simple mechanics. Chest Pass, Offensive player stands facing receiver, with an aggressive balanced stance ball held with tight grasp, hands are on the outside of the ball. Thumbs pointed inward on ball  and index fingers pointed upward.Ball should be between chin and chest with elbows wide to protect ball.Player starts in balanced triple threat position. Ball moves from triple threat to chest and chin. Take out all other motions.Player then makes a strong ball fake , a ball fake is to again get the defender to lean or lunge and create an open passing angle or lane to receiver, passer then steps toward the person they are passing to and snaps pass to target hand of receiver. passing the ball with two hands. When passing the ball , the passers thumbs will end up pointing down. Start with chest pass, progress to bounce pass, then over head Snap pass, then a baseball pass, then a ball fake, wrap around pass.
I make passer give a strong ball fake before each pass is executed.

Coaches focus on mechanics, when they make the chest pass, are the thumbs pointing downward? and palms out?  on snap of pass? did they step toward the person they are passing to? Did the receiver have a target hand up ready to catch the ball and watch the ball into hands?

When in practice, I demand ball fakes are made before every pass. What is done in repetition becomes a conditioned habit. Forming proper fundamental habits are vital.

Standing Passing Drills. Moving Passing Drills. Competitive Passing Drills.
Demanding proper passes on every Drill on every Play. This builds a culture and sets the tone.

Remember, you are the Coach, not the friend. You have a job to do.
Just as a parent to a Child, when making corrections in mistakes, they may not like it at first, but then when they look back at it they will Respect it and Appreciate it when they see the success it brings. But, remember to stay positive with your corrections, make them Teachable moments, not taking their dignity and confidence. Slow down and instruct them , have them learn from each other's mistakes. When someone doesn't execute the pass correctly, Stop the play, make them execute it 5 times correctly with proper mechanics and fundamentals and move on.

I spend time on passing and passing drills everyday in every practice. I incorporate passing and utilizing different passes in different drills. I take a simple 5 man weave and I require each pass be a different and effective pass to set up your team mate to be successful. I will say this again, I require the pass to put your teammate in a position to be successful. What does that mean? it has to be a proper pass from the proper passing angle and hit the player in stride. If off of a screen, the pass must hit the outside hand, I make the receiver always give a target hand and and I always have my shooters give target hand or shooters hands.Shooters hands are where the Player and Shooter have hands ready to catch and shoot, with feet set, square and ready I step into shot quickly all players receiving the pass must give a target hand first.If hands are down, they don't get a pass, or I make the passer hit the player in the nose, this way, the next time the player will always be ready to catch the ball.

Again, this is details of the game, fundamentals of the game.
Now, I previously mentioned in a simple 5 man weave drill, I incorporate that each player give a different type of pass. I start off by making the passer call out the receivers name on each pass, to have communication.
Player taking ball out of bounds to start drill uses a BASEBALL PASS.
This is a pass that looks like a player throwing a baseball.
The player must twist his upper body at the core and torso, to square his shoulders and point the shoulder to the receiver. the ball goes from chest being held with two hands to ear, shoulders point to player the back foot is planted and you step towards the player and you snap the pass to hit player in stride at chest level. ( I demand all players SNAP the passes, this is so the defense can't react to pass and intercept, if there is a loft on the pass or an arch on the pass, the defender has more time to react or anticipate and steal the pass.) I also work on follow through on pass, just like a shot. On baseball pass the the follow through the index finger points to the receiver with the foot stepping toward the receiver.

CHEST PASS hitting player in chest with pass, In stride, while running, this helps bigs with hand/eye coordination. Now, the ball doesn't bounce off of the chest, you hit them in the hands, again receiver gives a target with hands ready to catch ball
(If player has issues with hands or issues with catching the ball, this can be corrected )but target area is the chest, chest high. The players need to look pass into hands and catch ball.
(If issues with catching Use a tennis ball, racquet ball, or an egg, to soften hands to catch the ball. This helps with player Hand/Eye coordination. Forces player to slow down and focus on watching the ball all the way into hands to secure the catch)

On pass, again mechanics must be correct, is player stepping toward receiver? Are thumbs down? Or palms out? Did player call name of receiver for communication?
If not stop and correct !

BOUNCE PASS this pass must lead the player in stride while running and ball skips off of court and hits player at waist level.

Did passer step toward receiver? Are thumbs down? Are palms out?
Details !

OVERHEAD SNAP PASS this is when the player uses both hands and holds ball firmly at chest and holds ball above head firmly The ball goes from chest to over the head and behind head, with both hands and you snap the pass to player in front of you.
Again, are Thumbs down? Did passer Step to receiver?

BALL FAKE, WRAP AROUND PASS. This is where a player makes a proper jump stop, with balance , feet shoulder width, balanced and controlled , the ball shot fake gets the defender to lean or lunge at shot fake,  and the offensive player wraps the pass around the defender to complete the pass.

****This is one important detail, every pass the passer must step towards the person the are passing to. Again, Step toward the person you are passing to, by stepping toward the person you are passing to, this does a couple fundamental things. By stepping toward the player, this helps passer snap the pass, and give a direct angle on pass to receiver and it also forces the offensive player to to get low in an attack position and get lower the defensive hand to lower the risk of a defensive deflection and or a steal by the defense.

****The only pass the offensive player doesn't step toward the player he is passing to, is the Wrap around pass. The offensive player passing the ball, is stepping out and around the defender to complete the pass. This is why is is called wrap around, the offensive player wraps pass around the defender.
I watch many games at all levels, during a week, I can watch and take mental notes and analyze at least 15-20 games, NBA, College, High School. And in a two week period, I have observed only 1 wrap around pass. This is a sad statistic. This is a solid fundamental pass and effective way to feed the post player from wing.

Passing angles are very important, the passer must create the proper angle to execute the pass. I see many players attempt a post entree pass and the angle is not correct and defender steals pass every time. Creating an angle is an extra effort on the passer to get around the defender to execute the pass to the receiver.
Demand the passer to make the extra effort to execute pass. Basketball games are won and lost of unforced turnovers. Taking care of the Ball, Value the ball, Value the possession. If during a game your team might have 80 possessions? and if you turn it over 20 plus times, that is 20 more attempts you are allowing the opposing team at a shot.

This can create a Winning Culture by demanding proper execution of every pass.
By demanding a snap on every pass, This also creates a focus on detail. When each individual player focuses on Detail, collectively as a Team each player is held to a higher level of accountability. The Team will hold each other accountable to have proper execution, and then the players police themselves and the Coach can spend time on other aspects of Teaching.

I am a Players Coach, Once players demonstrate he or she has a hi level skill set, I don't mind seeing a player put a little sauce on a play, add some flare or showmanship on a play, This is entertaining, it builds confidence, it build excitement, it builds a brand, it builds a product. This is not a lack of discipline, It is a trust in your player to still execute a play. But you must prove to me you have the proper fundamental down first. I will not yell or scream or embarrass you on the court. But I will Teach and guide the process hands on.


To be continued next week.................

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This is Brock Gillespie our Special Guest

Brock Gillespie speaking to the NBA Players Association participants

Who is Brock Gillespie ? Brock is active both on and off the court. This Rice Graduate has a unique skill set on the court (see video clip attached). He has a very high character, he has substance with his messages. He is a Coaches son, and you can tell. He has an extremely high IQ. His feel for the game is outstanding.
Brock is active in politics. He was also cast for a role in the movie "Glory Road" The true story of a UTEP basketball team to start 5 African American players vs an all White starting five of the University of Kentucky lead by Pat Riley. The Disney movie is a top sports movie that brings awareness on cultural diversity.






We are thrilled to have him join us on the show. Don't miss his Interview Tuesday Jan. 27, 2015.
This Show will start at 9:30 Eastern, 8:30 Central 7:30pm Mountain, 6:30 Pacific.
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Brock Gillespie Show Guest on Tuesday Jan 27, 2015

Brock Gillespie pictured here with the late NBA Legend Dennis "DJ" Johnson

We are thrilled to announce that once again, we are honored and humbled to have this extraordinary individual on the Coach Scott Fields Show. Brock has an amazing journey to share with us. This professional athlete/actor/political activist, will share his Insight and Journey with us Live on Tuesday Jan. 27, 2015 at 9:30p EST and 7:30p MST. The Coach Scott Fields Show
You will not want to miss this interview. Brock will share his insight and observations with us all.

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TEACHING Proper Shooting Mechanics/Triple Threat/Shooters Pocket

TEACHING Proper Shooting Mechanics
Triple Threat/Shooters Pocket
BY Coach Scott Fields

Proper Shooting Mechanics -
Triple Threat - Shooters Pocket
by Coach Scott Fields.

Inserted is a photo of Kyle Korver, a former Utah Jazz player who is currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks. Kyle is a great shooter with great form who statistically is near the top of the league in 3 pt percentage.

Allow me to begin by saying this should be a book and or an instructional video (be watching for our release) not a blog, but I will make it detailed enough to make it quality content to read for Players and Coaches.

The details are what are important when teaching proper shooting mechanics.
I teach proper shooting mechanics in progression. First learn how to hold the ball before you learn to shoot the ball.

Just as in life, you must crawl before you walk, walk before you run, to many people just want to run, or grab a ball and shoot. IT SIMPLY DOESNT WORK THAT WAY.
I don't see enough coaches teaching proper mechanics.

SLOW DOWN AND TEACH, DONT TAKE FOR GRANTED THE PLAYER KNOWS WHAT YOU KNOW. Great Players want to be taught and Coached.

You must catch the ball and hold the ball before you can shoot the ball, practice catching the ball and going into a triple threat position first, do this multiple times to get that down correct, then practice going from a triple threat position to a shooters pocket.
Again repeat this process several times, Create GOOD HABITS.

Triple threat to shooters pocket, take out all of the extra motion and fine tune it.

What is triple threat?
A position when you can effectively and aggressively dribble the ball, pass the ball and shoot the ball. The TRIPLE threat needs to be with balance, and in attack position.

Start drill without ball then add ball when it is correct

Get into a Triple Threat stance and aggressively dribble out of it, Triple Threat and aggressive pass out of it. Triple Threat and get to shooters pocket out of it.

get into shooters pocket without ball, then add ball when it is corrected.

The  Shooters pocket is where you are before the shot
This is what a proper shooting pocket should look like. (Visual)
The shooting arm is in a U shape , not a V shape, if a V Shape this will cause a flat shot, or a shot put shot.
if in a U shape and the wrist is cocked with wrinkles in the wrist.(check point)
The back of the arm of the shooting hand or tricep will stay parallel to the floor, the ball doesn't go to the chest, the arm stays parallel to the floor , arm never goes to V shape.

I start with how you hold the ball, On the pads of your hand,(check point)not resting flat in the palm of your hands, I use your fingers on your shooting hand as a guide, and a check point for the shooter, like a sight on a gun. The thumb and index fingers are vital. (These are check points and teaching points for the shooters.)
The thumb should come up in front of your nose and the index finger in front of your eye on the shooting hand side. Rt hand shooter, index finger in front of right eye, if Lf hand shooter, index finger comes up in front of left eye. The hand should be relaxed but spread.  There should be a peep hole (gap) if you have a proper gap or peep hole, you will be able to slide a pencil between the thumb and index finger under the the ball.(check point) I say there should be wrinkles on the back of the wrist so the the wrist is cocked back and the wrist in not flat to shot put the ball towards the rim.
I say the index finger of the middle finger on your shooting hand should be the last to touch the ball when the shot is released for the proper back spin or backward rotation on the ball.
If there is not a proper backspin or rotation on the ball on the release, we need to make an immediate correction. (We will discuss this in detail further in the read.

Follow though is very important a good follow through can correct poor shooting mechanics. The extension of the arm should be up and not out, the elbow of the shooting arm would finish extended and above the eye(check point)
The balance hand leaves the ball as soon as the ball is elevated above the forehead.
The middle finger on the snap of the wrist should finish inside the rim,(check point) like a child reaching in a cookie jar., if your middle finger floats to the left or the right, your shot will drift left or right, this is a freeze it and check point for the shooter and coach, where is the middle finger pointed on release? pending on the distance of the shot? The further back the shot, the less room for margin of error.
The father back the shot, the less room form margin of error on left to right. The short and long on the shot depends on the knee bend and legs. Coaches notice how many shots in the fourth quarter are short? Because players legs are tired and there is less elevation from the legs, this is why conditioning is very important.

I say the elbow should be above the eyes on the release, ( check point) this for proper trajectory, the ball is not a dart , it can't be flat. The higher the arch the more surface area you are giving yourself to put the ball through the hoop., the flatter the shot, the smaller the surface area is to catch the ball on the rim, the backspin on the ball allows for the ball to catch the back of the rim and in.

Your feet and shoulder must stay square to your target.
Anatomically, the body will go where the feet go, the muscles in your core will pull the body to follow your feet. If your feet stay pointed to the target, (the rim) the shoulders have a better chance to stay square to the target(the rim), there is a slight bend at the waist, if bent to far forward, again you loose balance.

I say the balance hand, the hand that balances the ball on the shooting hand is just as important and needs to be placed on the ball properly.
The balance hand thumb should form a T with the shooting hand thumb.(check point)
The thumbs should never be pointed at each other, they should always form a T.
This can cause thumbing the ball and you will start to see a side spin on ball when released.
The index finger on the balance hand should point to the sky and the thumb of the balance hand should be pointed between your eyes. When in the shooters pocket. In shooters pocket, the elbow is above the toe (check point)
The balance hand should be on the side of the ball, not on the back of the ball, not on the top of the ball or in front of the ball.
The balance hand arm should come out to a 45 degree angle.
And the shooting hand arm elbow should be above the toe of the shooting hand foot.
Foot work and position is also vital, feet should be shoulder width apart for balance and use of the legs, if feet are to spread, and knees come in  when you bend your knees to shoot, you are putting to much pressure on the meniscus and knees and you are using only two of the four muscles in the quad, which means you will not get as much elevation on the jump shot. This also causes knee issues during your career.
The feet also need to be shoulder width apart for balance.
You should jump straight up and down, so that your feet land in the foot prints that were left. (Check point)Don't jump forward, don't jump backwards, don't jump side to side.
Straight up, straight down, this is to take out the room for margin of air.

By keeping the shooting hand arm in alignment keeping the elbow above the toe, you will correct the chicken wing issue many players have and lot of left and rights on your shot as long as your follow through is correct and Middle finger reaches in the rim.

You must keep your head straight, don't turn head left or right as this again changes your perspective of your target,

Example
Extend your arm, point your right index finger on a fixed target.
Close your left eye
Now don't move your finger, but now close your right eye and look at the index finger with your left eye and see how much that target has moved.

The further the distant of the target the more the index finger moves off of the target.

This is that margin of error, with left or rights on the target.

It is like kissing your significant other, the kiss should land on the lips, but if you are always kissing your partner on the cheek you are missing your target.

The target on the rim is directly in front of you on the front of the rim,
You must have a target to shoot at,

When big game hunting, you don't shoot at the entire animal, you pick out a spot and aim for your target.

You aim for the vitals, the heart and lungs, it is the same with shooting a basketball, you don't look at the entire backboard and rim, you look directly at the rim, and specifically the front of the rim. From what ever angle you are shooting at.
The index finger on the snap of the wrist will also points at the target on the rim or target.

If you are shooting a angle bank shot from a 45 degree angle, the target is now the top corner of the square on the side you are shooting from.

Example, if you are shooting from the right wing, your target is now not the front of the rim, your target to eye is the top right corner of the square, and your index finger now points at the top right hand corner of the square, this is where your extension on your follow through is very important , if your elbow is below your eye, the shot will glance off of the rim and go to the week aside,(Brick)if your elbow is above the eye and the release is soft and you hit your target, you will get a soft glance off of the backboard for a bank swish

This is the same but reversed on the left side,
The left side , your target is now the top corner of the square on the left side.

If you teach these mechanics and you have repetition, proper form on every repetition you will start to create muscle memory in your shot and your percentages of makes will increase significantly.

Focus on proper form and mechanics, don't focus on the number of makes in the start, this new form will feel awkward to the athlete as there is a change, change is always uncomfortable, stick with the process.

Think of Tiger Woods in Golf, when there was a change in his swing, there was a change in his result in the beginning of the process, it is the same as a shooter.

Remember, when the athlete starts to fatigue the first thing to go will be their concentration, stop them correct them, get them back on task with proper mechanics, you must work smart.
You can't allow poor mechanics on repetition. This will not create proper muscle memory. SLOW DOWN, GET the MECHANICS correct.
Don't skip steps, don't try to quicken the process.
Your Performance will reflect your habits, Practice Proper Habits daily.

I once read with 1500 proper reps daily. It will take 21 days to change a habit. It will take 3 months to perfect the Habit with 1500 correct proper reps /day.

I have hit you with a plethora of information here. Think of the guides, think of the check points. THINK OF THE DETAILS.
This takes Time, Focus, Patience and hours of Repetition.
Video record your mechanics, look for adjustments that need to be made
COACH THE DETAILS FOR RESULTS. PLAYERS PRACTICE THE PROPER MECHANICS DAILY FOR RESULTS.

These techniques are proven. I have taught them around the country with great results.

I provide a visual for players I will share with you later.
I also provide a challenge yourself, game within the game to increase your percentage I will share with you later as well.

Follow me on Twitter @Scott_Fields
Follow our Show on Twitter @ScottFieldsShow
#CoachSFShow
coachscottfields.com

Celebrity Guest for show for Jan 20, 2015

This Two Time Gold Medalist and WNBA Legend
 Ruthie Bolton will be a special guest on the Coach Scott Fields show.

It is an honor and privilege to introduce to the viewers of the Coach Scott Fields show that we will have a SHOW First. This is our FIRST WNBA player as a show guest. Ruthie is a 2 x Olympic Gold medalist. With TEAM USA. This WNBA star from the Sacramento Monarchs pioneer will share her journey, insight and personal story of perseverance with us LIVE on the show. Tue Jan 20, 2015 at 7:30pm mtn Time.

Follow the show on twitter @ScottFieldsShow
Follow the Coach. @Scott_Fields
#CoachSFShow for Live interaction

Poll Question - NBA All Stars -2015. Starters ?

NBA ALL STARS 2015
Starters East ? Starters West ?

We are curious to read your selection for NBA All STARS Starters.
This is the Poll Question we will run for the entire week to broadcast on the Show next week
Jan 20, 2015 at 7:30pm Mtn Time.

Leave your comments here. You might just be the winner of a Pat Williams book! #CoachSFShow

Poll Question for Show Tuesday Jan 13, 2015 - Leadership

Poll Question for tonight's Show !!

What is the most important tangible for a Leader and Leadership

Tonight's special guest is Pat Williams an award winning Leadership author and Sr VP of the Orlando   Magic.

Please share your thoughts and Comments on what you feel is the most important tangible in LEADERSHIP.

Please share your comments here...they will be read on the SHOW tonight

Quote of the Day -

QOTD

We are doing this on this show Tuesday Night , January 13, 2015
Sr VP of the Orlando Magic will be our guest on the show.
Pat Williams who is an award winning Leadership author, and Top Motivational speaker.
We are blessed and very lucky to have him on the show
Don't Miss this Show

Follow show on twitter@ScottFieldsShow
Follow the Coach on twitter@Scott_Fields

Quote of the day

Have the Pride and Work Ethic to never allow anyone to outwork you or out Prepare you.

Dont miss the show Tuesday night 7:30 mountain time

Time Out Details to A Winning Culture

Time Out details
It is important to effectively communicate and make
 your game time adjustments in a limited time.
There is a productive method to my structure.
By Coach Scott Fields

Time Out- there can be many distractions during a 20 or Full Time Out.
Like in this photo, you see microphone from media, TV cameras, dancers on the court, Fans screaming either obscenities or encouragement to your players. Assistant Coaches have suggestions, Players have comments.
This needs to be organized, this needs to be structured. Instructions need to be given, roles and match ups need to be assigned, plays need to be drawn up.
1) while in the huddle there needs to be One Voice heard, there can only be one Chief in the TP.
This is how I structure my Time Outs, it is discussed in practice, this is a Detail for successful preparation.
1a) Players must sprint to bench, and players discuss what they see on the court amongst themselves.I also have my Top Assistant Coach make any suggestion he might have to me in a short Coaches huddle as players go to Bench, I have an established order, the assistant coaches make suggestions to my Top Assistant, the Top Assistant processes this information and his own suggestion, and he shares that information to the Head Coach, which is Me. The only voice I hear is from my Top Assistant.
2) I have an organized seating Chart during my Time Out.
This is a detail that I find vital as my PG is an extension of Me, so I have my PG set directly in front of me. I can make eye contact with my PG , I can see if he 100 percent understand what we want and what we need.
2a) my 4-5 man set next to my PG, this is done for my personal reasons.( I can elaborate on this in future blogs) I need my Bigs focused and knowing the role.
2b) I bookend my bigs with my 2-3 men, these man are usually your shooters and slashers, so with them on the outside all the communication comes back to the center of huddle to myself and my PG.
This is done so that we are all on the same page. 1 Team, 1 Mission, 1 1 Goal.
So a visual of what you see in a time out is this :            
                                                                                    HC
                                                                           2 - 5 - 1 - 4 - 3
I then have my Assistant Coaches and other players make a Semi Circle around us, watching and listening to the instruction, this is done to keep focus, and side bars to a minimum. Because if a player gets hurt or if a player fouls out, I want my substitute to know the job and role of everyone in the huddle.
***.  If I am overseas and need a translator, I have my translator will sit or squat next to me directly in front of my PG again, for effective communication.
I, as the HC watch the eyes and body language of my players to clear up any confusion there might be as they leave the huddle.
My PG will then re huddle the players as they walk out on the court to double check that everyone is on the same page and has their assignments.
Now this is an effective Time Out, Effective Communication, and this too must be practiced.
Everyone has a role, everyone has responsibility.
I make sure my assistant coach gets me my board, I have the manager already with water bottles and towels for players ready. I have my trainer with medical needs prepared if anyone needs medical attention,  This needs to be a controlled environment. This is now organized chaos. This will help You Win More Games !!!

Questions for you? Do you practice this before you read this?
Do your assistant coaches know their roles during a Time Outs before you read this ?
Do you have an organized seating chart for time outs, where everyone knows where they should be ?
Are you the only voice in your huddles ? Or do you assign an assistant coach to draw something out?

Pay attention to details, these details bring a Trust, a Respect, a Winning Culture

Dont miss the Coach Scott Fields Show

"Coach Scott Fields is one of the most trusted voices in sports I've ever known. The fact that he has taken that voice to the airwaves, now gives the world a chance to know what I know. All I can say is don't miss out on this amazing show!"

Thurl "Big T" Bailey









You heard the man! Don't miss it Tuesday Nights 7:30 Mountain time... coachscottfields.com

So ....Who is Pat Williams

Enjoy this short clip about Pat Williams, he will be the guest on next Tuesday's live broadcast of the Coach Scott Fields Show.  7:30 mountain time

Pat Williams Sr VP of Orlando Magic next guest on the Show

Pat Williams Sr VP of the Orlando Magic

Pat Williams the Sr VP of the Orlando Magic will be guest on the next Coach Scott Fields show.
January 13, 2015 Tuesday. Show starts at 7:30pm Mtn Time. This award winning Leadership author and Top Motivational speaker will share industry insight on the Show.
Pat is a cancer survivor and a man of faith. We are blessed and fortunate to hear from this well respected executive in the NBA.    You can read more about Pat on his website.  
PatWilliams.com   And follow him on twitter@OrlandoMagicPat
We will have Live twitter interaction during this show.        Don't Miss This Special Segment of the Show.

Do you AGREE with Kobe and his AAU comments ?

Do you agree with Kobe and his comments on AAU basketball ?

I am curious to hear your opinions on Kobe Bryant's AAU basketball thoughts?

Why? Or Why Not?

Follow the Show on Twitter

Follow the Show on Twitter@ScottFieldsShow
Have LIVE interaction with the show and have opportunities for Give Aways at this twitter address

Alema Harrington interviews Coach Scott Fields tonight

Alema Harrington interviews Coach Scott Fields tonight at 7:30p mtn time at
coachscottfields.com

Alema Harrington of Jazz Game Night Live will interview Coach Scott Fields tonight in an in depth interview. This "Get to know the Coach" segment is segment 1 of Season 2 of the Coach Scott Fields show.
You will be able to watch this interview at
coachscottfields.com

The time is 7:30 pm Mtn Time tonight
Tuesday January 6 , 2015

Thanks for your viewership and support.

This will be an outstanding Season. There will be Quality Content, Sports Industry Celebrity Interviews, Give Aways, Interactive Fun.

Live Twitter interaction at
Twitter@Scott_Fields
Twitter@ScottFieldsShow

Who would you pick of these Combinations?

Who do you like MORE? If you were a GM, which combo is better ?

I am curious, if you were a GM in the NBA? Which combination of Players would you build your franchise around?

Golden State Warriors backcourt Combo of Curry and Thompson ?
Or
OKC combo of Westbrook and KD ?

Break it down, tell strengths and weaknesses.

Quote of the day

No Risk, No Reward.........

Are you pushing yourself today? Are you taking chances? Are you taking Risk?
I do believe that when complacency sets in, there will be no further growth or development.

QOTD- reflect on this on this day to find Change in YOU

QOTD- Enough Said

This is a great Quote, I hope individuals hold themselves accountable, Empower yourself, Educate yourself and Grow yourself the Right way. Stop denying your flaws, faults and mistakes and Grow from the life lessons.
Stay on track on your Goals and Aspirations !
I wish you Luck, but luck is made from Preparation and Hard work.

Enjoy this youtube clip of NFL great #TonyDungy. I Am Second

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Importance of a proper Warm Up/ Stretch

Importance of taking care of your Body

Written by Coach Scott Fields

I am astonished at the lack of Warm Up and Stretching being done.
I shake my head and think to myself  "What is going on up in here ?
I observe, I hear players talk about the lack of time spent on this vital part of the process.
Lets be direct and honest here, the Body is your asset, your body is the money maker.
You must take the time to have a proper warm up/stretch and a cool down and stretch after your workout or practice. THIS IS ALL PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE.
Players need longevity in their career.
Why are coaches not taking the time to have a proper Warm Up ? Why is there not enough stretching going on? Coaches seem to think that they can walk on the court and go 110 percent. This is why a during a season, you start to see aches and pains, that turn into injuries.
I believe a player can play with pain, but a player shouldn't play with an injury. There is a Fine Line and a difference here. Blood needs to be circulated to and through the muscles properly, your don't drive a car without Oil do you? Stretching also is apart of this process, the more flexibility and elasticity  the muscles have the better you are as an athlete.
How many times have you had to go out and start a car in sub zero weather? Doesn't it take a few minuets for the water to circulate to get Heat to flow? YES...the same with your body.
With this said, proper Nutrition, proper Rest, proper recover time is needed.
As a athlete is older, you must take the time to get the blood out of the tendons and ligaments.
Athletes need to Ice the joints, the knees, the shoulders, elbows and ankles.
if a Coach doesn't take the Time for a proper Warm up/Stretch/ Cool Down ?
You as an athlete need to take the time before practice and after practice to take care of yourself?
It is your body, it is your asset.
Trust me, I go ramble on and on with this.
But take the time to take care of yourself.......

Preventative maintenance is VITAL. Longevity in your career is important, if your body can't go! neither can your career.

I will challenge you now, take a moment and think about an athlete and their career.  be honest with yourself, Have you seen the careers be shortened because of a lack of care?

YES...we can all reflect and think of a friend, or team mate or a Professional who's career ended prematurely.

Coaches, Please take the Time to put this in your practice Plans. It is Vital, to teach proper habits to your athletes.