Take Your Game to the Next Level

How good are the Spurs?

2007-06-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

I talk a lot about Tim Duncan. And for good reason. The guy can flat out play. He is business-like when it comes to playing well and winning games. It's a real lesson watching that guy play, whether it's how he moves without the ball, how he shoots the bank shot, how he posts up down low, or how he slides out to the wing or forward spot to play facing up to the basket.

It doesn't hurt that he has a great coach, a great point guard, and some amazing teammates. But make no mistake about it: Duncan is a flat-out superstar.

Watch him while you can. In a couple of years he'll probably retire. Guys like Tim Duncan, who play the game based on the fundamentals, don't come around every day.

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3 Mistakes Most Player Make

2007-04-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

If you don't already subscribe to our training newsletter, you should sign up now. Not only will you get a free Special Report on how to improve as a scorer, but you'll get our latest article about the 3 biggest mistakes players make going into the off-season.

Click the following link to go to our home page and sign up for our free training newsletter: Basketball Tips .

So what are the 3 biggest mistakes? First, not using the past season to evaluate strenghts and weaknesses. There's no better tool for making you a better player than true and honest self-evaluation.

Second, develop a detailed plan on how you will approach your off-season training. If you don't have a plan, it won't happen. Period. And it's not enough to say to yourself: "Oh, I know what I need to do...I have a plan in my head."

You need to sit down and write out what you plan to work on, how you plan to do it, and when you'll do it. If it's not written down, it's only a thought, not a plan.

And the 3rd mistake players make? Well, you'll just have to subscribe to our newsletter to find out!

Don't forget to check out our website for great professional-level playing tips, drills, and training articles.

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So I was Wrong...

2007-04-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Oh well, so much for my thoughts on who would win the NCAA tournament.

Florida really showed a ton of talent winning it all again. You've got to hand it to them. Winning back-to-back championships is amazing...really amazing.

The one thing that really stuck out in my mind about the Gators was their athleticism, and how the team really fit together like puzzle pieces. They had an inside game, they had an outside game, they had great 3-point shooters, they had scorers, and they pouned the boards.

But above all, they kept getting after it. They played hard. They never gave up. And they really stepped up to the challenge.

While I would have rather seen a California team win it all (I am a California native after all), my hat is off to Florida.

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Who's Your Pick to Win it All?

2007-03-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

The Final-4 is set and it's anyone's guess this time around who's going to win it all. Lots of people say it's really difficult to win the title 2 years straight, and I agree. That knocks Florida out of the running (sorry Gator fans).

I don't know if Georgetown has what it takes...so that leaves Ohio St. and UCLA. In my mind, it's a coin flip as to who, between those two schools, would win the NCAA title.

So my choice is...

You'll have to check back and see.

In the meantime, don't forget to sign up for our free basketball training newsletter. Once you sign up, you get our free report on increasing your scoring average. Click the following link to go to our home page and sign up: Basketball Training

Keep checking back on this blog!

2007-03-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

We're going to post new tips, drills, and training information every couple of days on this blog.

In the past, we'd update our website with new articles and training tips. But in the future, this blog is where we'll post most of our new information.

So whether you're in high school, college, or the pros, check back here often for top-level, professional playing and training information.

And don't forget to sign up for our Elite Coaching program. Elite members get a special twice-monthly email newsletter packed with professional-level training info. You won't want to miss it!

NBA Dunk of the Day and Play of the Day

2007-02-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

If you're as a big a fan of the NBA as we are, you'll love our new feature. You can watch hi-lights from NBA games...and it's updated daily.

Here's the link: NBA Action

Booklink that page so you can come back often and check out all the latest dunks, shots, and rejections.

How Important is Scoring?

2007-01-31T00:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants to score a lot of points. I did when I played, and just about everyone I coach wants to as well.

But you can have a very successful and long career by being a very good all-around player, and not necessarily being a great scorer. In fact, I checked nba.com the other day and did the math and 75% of NBA players are averaging less than 10 points a game. Pretty interesting. Just goes to prove that scoring isn't the only way to have a good basketball career.

Don't get me wrong: every player should be able to put the ball in the basket. But focus on being a very good all-around player (that can shoot, dribble, rebound, pass, and defend) and don't get too focused on just putting the ball in the basket.

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Elite Coaching Program

2007-01-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

If you're interested in really improving as a player and taking your game to the next level, you will be interested in our Elite Coaching Program.

For a small monthly fee, you can a special Elite Coaching Program newsletter that'll go out twice a month, get personal interaction with me, special reports, unlimited email access to ask questions or get training help...all geared to keeping you motivated and working towards improving as a player.

If you'd like more information on the program (and spaces are limited and filling up fast), email me at elitecoaching@basketballsuccess.com.

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How Good is Dwight Howard?

2007-01-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

The Orlando Magic played the Lakers last night and I realized how good Dwight Howard is. He is getting better each and every game. And in addition to his basketball talent, he's an unbelievable athletic talent: he's tall, strong, quick, can jump out of the gym...I mean, what's there not to like about this guy?

Well, there is one thing: he needs to become a better free throw shooter. The Magic lost to the Lakers by 3 points last night and Howard shot 7-for-16 from the free throw line. You read that correctly. He shot 44% from the free-throw line, missing a total of 9 free throws.

That's flat-out awful. Of course, there's no telling if the Magic would have won the game had he shot better from the free throw line. But if he could have just made a couple more...who knows if what kind of impact that might have had on the outcome of the game?

So remember: being a complete player means playing great offense and defense, and good free throw shooting is part of that. Work on your free throws and you'll be a better player and help your team win games. Period.

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Newsletter Sign-Up

2007-01-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to go to Basketballsuccess.com and sign up for our free email newsletter. It goes out twice a month (or more often) and has great information and playing tips to help you become a better player.

Our next issue is going out tomorrow (Monday the 8th), and you won't want to miss it. So go to our website now (click here), and sign-up for the newsletter. You won't be disappointed.

And don't forget: our website is packed with professional-level playing tips, drills, and articles on taking your game to the next level. So between our website, and our email newsletter, you've got all the tools and online coaching resources you need to really improve as a player.

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NBA-Level Offensive Tip: Change of Pace

2007-01-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

If you watch big-time NBA scorers, one thing you'll notice is that they utilize change of pace to their advantage. What exactly does this mean?

It means that they'll dribble the ball at one speed, and then explode past the defender with a burst of speed. Or they'll make a cut to the basket, and then explode with a burst of speed in the other direction to get by their defender and get open for a pass.

Remember this as you play. Changing pace, and using explosive moves (with or without the ball) are key ways to improve as an offensive player. Explosive moves, and changes of pace, keep the D guessing, keep them off-balance, and give you the advantage.

For more great playing tips like this, don't forget to visit or basketball tips pages on Basketballsuccess.com.

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The NBA Offensive Move You Need as Part of Your Game

2006-12-30T20:14:00.000-08:00

I consider this the NBA move.

What do I mean by the NBA move? I mean, that any player coming into the league learns this move quickly, and perfects it...or they won't last long.

You see, most NBA players are tall, strong, have great jumping ability, have great timing, and have a ton of experience playing the game. Even though most people say there is no defense played in the NBA, that's just not true. Granted, a lot of guys slack off on the defensive end of the floor or aren't always in good defensive stance or position.

But simply by the fact that you're dealing with very tall players, who are usually execptional athletes, offense isn't a piece of cake. To score the basketball in the NBA, you have to be good.

And the one move that NBA players develop and use is a fall-away shot. It may sound simple, but there are various ways the top NBA players execute and perfect the fall-away, and I'll talk about those in the next few blog entries. So check for the next post. You'll be glad you did. Because I'll explain how you can use the fall-away to become a big-time scorer.

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Inside Players: Dominate the Paint

2006-12-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

We're very excited about the latest section we've added to our website. It's geared towards power forwards and post players. There are 5 new articles with great information on basketball tips, drills, and insider secrets on how to play at your best.

We talk about footwork, how to use leverage to play strong inside, and how to make sure you keep turnovers to a minimum playing offense in the paint.

We also cover the 10 most important offensive moves you need to know as an inside player. These moves have to become second nature to you as an inside player.

And there's much, much more (too much to talk about here). So click here to to to our website to read it all for yourself. You'll be glad you did, because your game will improve dramatically and you'll be a much better basketball player once you read these articles.

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14 Big-Time Tips to Improve Your Game

2006-12-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

We just posted another great article...you can't miss this one.

It's got 14, NBA-level tips to help you get more playing time, increase your scoring average, and help your team win games.

Don't miss this one! Click the following link to read the article now: basketball .

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How to be a Great Point Guard

2006-12-19T13:40:00.000-08:00

One of the most importants parts of being a great point guard is court vision.

Since point guards handle the ball so much, direct the offense, and often push the ball up the floor on fast breaks, it's vital that they can see the floor.

Having good court vision is the only way you can tell where your teammates are (and more importantly, where they are going), where the defense is, and how best to distribute the ball to your teammates so they have good scoring opportunites.

You also have to see the floor so you can create good scoring opportunities for yourself, whether that's a pull-up jumper on the break, or taking the ball to the basket.

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6 Keys to Increasing Your Scoring Avg

2006-12-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

In case you missed it, we posted an article a few weeks back on how to increase your scoring average.

If you missed it before, don't miss it this time. Click on the following link to read it now: basketball .

Don't waste any time...read the 6 tips to increasing your scoring average now!!!

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Secrets to Dominating on Offense

2006-12-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

How do some players seem to be able to play heads and shoulders above the competition? It's part basketball skill, part athletic ability, and part experience.

I teach my private coaching clients about 3 ways they can take their offensive game up a notch and start dominating the competition.

Interested in finding out what the 3 secrets are? Click here.

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Offensive Secret: Keep the D Guessing

2006-12-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

One of the secrets to being a great offensive player is to keep the defense guessing. How can you do this? Utilize change of pace and change of direction on the offensive end of the floor.

Keep the defense on their heels, off-balance, and unsure of where you're going, and how quickly you're going there. Use cross-over dribbles, stutter-steps, and quick bursts of speed of to blow by the defender. Also, vary your moves: if you typically go to your left, throw in a couple drives with your right hand to keep the defense honest.

Start using change of pace and change of direction as an offensive player, and you'll increase your effectiveness...guaranteed.

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The "Secret" Shot You Need to Learn

2006-12-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

If there is one offensive move I think everyone should add to their game (or perfect it if it is already a part of their game) is the jump hook.

The jump hook, if done right, is almost impossible to defend against. It's a great shot close to the basket on post moves, or follow-up shots on offensive rebounds.

Work on this shot, with both your right and left hands and you'll increase your scoring average and effectiveness around the basket.

Work on keeping your body between you and the defense, go up with both hands, and get full extension on the shot release. Done right, it's a nice, soft shot that has a good chance of going in the basket.

Need proof of how effective a jump hook can be? Watch the Spurs play just one game and see how Tim Duncan uses the jumphook.

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Improve Your Jump Shot

2006-12-10T21:46:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for an edge on the competition, check out some of our great basketball shooting tips.

Click the following link to become a big-time player: basketball

Become a Big-Time Scorer

2006-12-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

Don't forget our latest e-book: Avg. 20 Pts per Game - How to Become a Big-Time Scorer.

It's packed full of great tips, drills, and information on how to become a better shooter, get more playing time, and help your team win games.

Here's a link to the information page: Avg. 20 Pts. per Game

And remember, for great basketball tips, check out our website.

NBA Season

2006-10-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Training camps are open and everyone in the league thinks they have a chance to win the title. That's the funny part about the preseason.

But it's a good time of year. It's always interesting to see which players moved to what teams, and figuring out who made the best moves in the off-season.

Mark my words: Miami will NOT win the championship again. Shaq is another year older, and his skills are going to be even farther diminished. Look for him to have an off year (and off years going forward).

Here's a cool article from CBA Sportsline with some good NBA info: http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9707696

What to do about officiating and refs?

2006-09-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Refs make some bad calls. That's just life. Check out Mark Cuban's (owner of the Dalls Mavs) thoughts on the matter here.

Top 5 Guards of All Time

2006-09-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, the following is a list of the top 5 guards of all time. These guys could flat out play. Whether it was putting the ball in the basket, dishing off to a teammate for a dunk, or pushing the ball up the floor on the fast break, these guys could ball.

Here's the list (not necessarily in any order):

1.) Michael Jordan
Need we say more?

2.) Magic Johnson
Look at all of those championship rings. Brought the no-look pass back into the game (we tip our hats to Pistol Pete of course), and started the alley-oop pass to Michael Cooper.

3.) Isiah Thomas
He's a terrible genral manager, but I've got to give him props for his playing days. He ran the show for the Bad Boy Pistons and could be unstoppable. Great ball handler.

4.) John Stockton
No rings, but could be play. Great ball handler, clutch shooter, and the glue that held all those solid Jazz teams together.

5.) Jerry West
Mr. Clutch. He's the NBA logo. How can you not respect his game?

There may be one or two other guys that could possible squeak onto this list, but you'd have to make a pretty solid argument to unseat any of the 5 super stars mentioned above.

So, who do you think is in the top 5?

Is Your Cross-Over a Killer?

2006-09-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

The cross-over dribble is one of the best change of direction moves around. You get the defender back on his heels, thinking you're going one direction, then boom...you cross-over and head the other direction, right by him and to the rim.

The keys are to get the defender on his heels. Keep him off-balance by giving a slight fake and hesitation to one side, and then quickly and powerfully swing the dribble to the other side. As the dribble crosses your body and bounces to your other hand, this is when you explode by the D. Make sure to stay low, and keep the dribble low, so your opponent can't tip the ball away from behind.

After you've made a great, quick cross-over move, the defense should be looking at the name on the back of your jersey as you pass him by. That's a good cross-over move. The "killer" cross-0ver.

For great tips like this, visit our Basketball Tips site.