Question Details	Asked By	Asked On
Me	frizzyan	01/11/04
I play for a high school team, but I am sick of warming the bench all the time. I WANT playing time, but I haven't impressed the coach too much during practice scrimmages. I don't know why, but I'm made to play a shooting perimeter guy, when my shooting is what..1 out of 5 for field goals. When I do get to drive, it's like i am afraid to drive in or something. I don't know why, but maybe cause I am scared to hurt my teammates or something. But now, I am desperate to get playing time, that I desire for the ball more. I want the ball, but I hope I would put my offpitch knowledge on the court. However, how should I overcome this phobia of driving..cause obviously shooting is not going to get me anywhere on the team. When let's say during a game, and I drive and cut through everyone, where should I am for. The right top corner of the backboard, just the hoop itself or what?? My dribbling isn't the best in the world, so I want tips on driving and stuff. Also, any techniques on how to make my layups..overhand? underhand? hook shoot layups? Thank you very much.
Answered By		Answered On
notinmyhouse		01/11/04
Hi there, and thank you for asking. You know I was in your exact position back in HS, but I was able to shoot like 30-40% threes and play the best defense in the school, but I think the coach was racist or was influenced by richer kids parents or something. Anyways, let me at least help you since I know how you feel. You seem to be between a rock and hard place, because you say you want to drive but you cant dribble well. That is a very tough combo, although not impossible, since Latrell Sprewell, formerly a Knick, couldnt dribble but is one of the best slashers in the game. The key is not dribbling well, but knowing how to protect the ball. here are some overall tips on becoming a better slasher. - Know what the defense is... zone, man to man? Look at their tendencies, where and who tends to help more than others in the paint, etc... Driving blindly in wrong situations will make you look silly and will hasten your trip to the bench - Keep your body between the ball and defender, and bounce no more than a few times to get to the basket. The last two steps allowed should make up most of the distance (having two hands on the ball at this point), so the first couple of steps no more than 2-4 dribbles should be necessary; less dribble the better slash - Be decisive.... it is ok to be wrong as long as you are decisive... then you will be sharper and dont forget to dish if your lane closes quickly or big mean stand in your way to the basket; nothing impresses coaches more than good slashing and dishing, and of course good defense (unless u had an idiot coach like me back when) - Be under control at the basket, i.e, dont go through the basket at 100mph... near the basket try to jump higher instead of trying to jump at the basket... aim the ball right at the square on the backboard and most balls will bounce right in... dont throw it up, lay it up always with a soft hand, making your body monetum carry the ball to the square, not a flick of the hand or wrist, or else it will bounce too hard... the only thing your arm/hand should be doing is elevating the ball, not chuck it at the backboard. Think soft. - The only time you should aim directly into the hoop without backboard is when you are approaching the rim from the top of the key straight in, no angle... in that case, lay the ball right over the front of the rim, i.e, try to land the ball right on top of the front of the rim, see? You need to take some time and hit about 100 layups to practice the feel. And remember, play great defense and that will open eyes as well. Send me another question on what is going on there if you want more info on that as well as what year u are in and your height/weight. Good luck.

Additional Options and ratings are only visible when you login!