Intermediate Level Training Program
Intermediate Level Training Program
WEEK SCHEDULE:
- Monday: Advanced Ball Handling and Shooting
- Tuesday: Strength Training and Agility
- Wednesday: Offensive Moves and Defensive Techniques
- Thursday: Endurance and Advanced Shooting
- Friday: Game Simulation and Mental Training
- STEPHEN CURRY
Monday
1. Warm-Up
Hip Circles: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on your hips.
Slowly rotate your hips in a circular motion, making large circles. Perform 10-15
circles in each direction.
Leg Swings: Stand next to a wall or hold onto something stable for balance.
Swing one leg forward and backward, keeping the leg straight. Perform 10-15
swings on each leg. You can also do side-to-side leg swings.
Arm Circles: Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Make small
circles with your arms, gradually increasing the size of the circles. Perform 10-15
circles in each direction.
Hip Flexor Stretch with Arm Reach: Step one foot forward into a lunge position.
Keep your back leg straight and push your hips forward. Reach the arm on the
same side as the back leg overhead and lean slightly toward the opposite side.
Hold for a few seconds and switch sides.
Torso Twists: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Twist your torso to the left,
then to the right, keeping your hips facing forward. Perform 10-15 twists on
each side.
Broad Jumps: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a quarter
squat, swinging your arms back. Explosively jump forward as far as you can,
swinging your arms forward to gain momentum. Land softly on both feet, knees
slightly bent, and immediately reset for the next jump. Perform 8-12 reps.
Tuck Jumps: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a quarter
squat, keeping your core engaged. Jump straight up explosively, bringing your
knees toward your chest. Land softly with knees slightly bent and immediately
go into the next jump. Perform 10-15 reps.
2. Ball Handling Drills
Two-Ball Dribbling:
Resistance Dribbling:
Blindfold Dribbling:
3. Shooting Drills
Pull-up Jumpers:
Three-Point Shooting:
Suicide Sprints:
- Set up markers or cones at various intervals on the court or field (e.g., baseline,
free-throw line, half-court, opposite free-throw line, and opposite baseline). Start at
the baseline and sprint to the first marker (free-throw line), touch the line, and sprint
back to the baseline. Immediately sprint to the next marker (half-court), touch the
line, and sprint back. Continue this pattern until you've touched all markers and
returned to the baseline. Rest for 1-2 minutes between sets. Repeat for 3-5 sets.
Ladder Drills:
- Lay an agility ladder flat on the ground. Start at one end and perform various
footwork drills, such as:
1. One-Foot In Each Square: Step one foot in each square, moving as quickly as
possible.
2. Two-Foot In Each Square: Place both feet in each square before moving to the
next.
3. Ickey Shuffle: Step sideways through the ladder, alternating foot placement
inside and outside the ladder.
Focus on quick, light footwork, and keeping your upper body balanced. Perform each
drill for 20-30 seconds, followed by a 10-15 second rest. Complete 3-4 sets of each
drill.
Resisted Sprints:
- Use a resistance band or sled, or have a partner provide resistance by holding a
towel or band around your waist. Start in a sprinting stance with the resistance
applied. Explosively sprint forward for 10-20 yards, focusing on driving your knees
up and pushing off the ground with power. After each sprint, rest for 60-90 seconds.
Perform 6-8 sprints. Ensure that the resistance is enough to challenge you but still
allows for quick, powerful movements.
Stretching Exercises:
Hamstring Stretch:
- Sit on the ground with one leg extended straight and the other leg bent, with the
sole of your foot against the inner thigh of the extended leg. Reach forward toward
your toes on the extended leg, keeping your back straight. Hold the stretch for 20-30
seconds, then switch legs.
Quadriceps Stretch:
- Stand on one leg, using a wall or chair for balance if needed. Bend the other knee
and bring your heel toward your glutes. Grab your ankle with your hand and gently
pull your heel closer to your body. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch
legs.
Hip Flexor Stretch:
- Start in a lunge position with one foot forward and the other knee on the ground.
Push your hips forward, feeling a stretch in the front of the hip of the back leg. Hold
the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
Calf Stretch:
- Stand facing a wall with your hands placed against it. Extend one leg back, keeping
the heel on the ground, and bend the front knee. Lean forward slightly to feel a
stretch in the calf of the back leg. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch
legs.
Shoulder Stretch:
- Bring one arm across your body at chest height. Use your opposite hand to gently
pull the arm closer to your body. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then switch
arms.
Chest Stretch:
- Stand facing a wall or doorway. Place your forearm against the wall at a 90-degree
angle with your elbow at shoulder height. Gently rotate your body away from the
wall to feel a stretch across your chest. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then
switch sides.
Cat-Cow Stretch:
- Get on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
Inhale as you arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone (Cow Pose). Exhale as you
round your back, tucking your chin and tailbone (Cat Pose). Repeat this motion for 1-
2 minutes.
Child’s Pose:
- Kneel on the floor with your big toes touching and knees spread apart. Sit back on
your heels and stretch your arms forward, lowering your chest to the floor. Hold the
stretch for 1-2 minutes, breathing deeply.
Note:
Hold Each Stretch: Aim to hold each stretch for at least 20-30 seconds, breathing
deeply to relax into the stretch.
Avoid Bouncing: Stretch gently without bouncing, which can cause muscle
strain.
Stay Relaxed: Use this time to relax both mentally and physically, letting go of
any tension built up during your workout.
Dynamic stretches
Inchworms:
- Start standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the hips and place your
hands on the ground, then walk your hands forward into a plank position. Perform a
push-up (optional) and then walk your feet forward toward your hands, returning to
a standing position. Repeat for 5-10 reps.
Hip Circles:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on your hips.
Rotate your hips in a circular motion, first clockwise for 10-15 rotations, then
counterclockwise for the same number of rotations. Keep your upper body stable
while focusing on moving your hips in a controlled manner.
High Knees:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Begin running in place, bringing your knees
up as high as possible with each step. Pump your arms to help maintain balance and
increase the intensity. Continue for 20-30 seconds, or for a distance of 20-30 yards if
space allows.
2. Strength Training
Upper Body:
- Bench press – 3 sets of 8 reps
- Pull-ups – 3 sets of 10 reps
- Shoulder presses – 3 sets of 10 reps
Lower Body:
- Squats – 3 sets of 10 reps
- Lunges – 3 sets of 10 reps each leg
- Deadlifts – 3 sets of 8 reps
"I’ve always believed that if you put in the
work, the results will come."
Core: - MICHAEL JORDAN
Ladder Drills:
- One-Foot In Each Square: Place an agility ladder on the ground. Run through the
ladder, placing one foot in each square as quickly as possible. Focus on light, quick
steps, keeping your head up and core engaged.
- Two-Foot In Each Square: Run through the ladder, placing both feet in each square
before moving to the next one. Keep your movements fast and controlled.
- Ickey Shuffle: Move laterally through the ladder by stepping one foot into the
square, followed by the other foot, and then stepping outside the square. Continue
this pattern through the entire ladder.
Mirror Drill:
- Partner up with someone or use a cone to simulate a partner if alone. Stand facing
your partner, about 5-10 feet apart. One person will be the leader, and the other will
mirror their movements. The leader moves laterally, forward, or backward in short,
quick bursts, while the follower mirrors these movements as quickly and accurately
as possible. Continue for 20-30 seconds, then switch roles. Perform 3-5 sets.
4. Shooting Drills
Neck Stretch:
- Sit or stand tall. Gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your
shoulder. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.
Shoulder Stretch:
- Bring one arm across your chest and use your other arm to gently pull it closer to
your body. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch arms.
Triceps Stretch:
- Raise one arm overhead, bend the elbow, and reach your hand down your back.
Use your other hand to gently push your elbow down, deepening the stretch. Hold
for 20-30 seconds, then switch arms.
Chest Stretch:
- Stand facing a wall or doorway. Place your forearm against the wall, with your
elbow at shoulder height. Gently rotate your body away from the wall to stretch your
chest. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.
Side Stretch:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Raise one arm overhead and lean to the
opposite side, feeling the stretch along your side. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then
switch sides.
Standing Quad Stretch:
- Stand on one leg and pull the other foot toward your glutes, holding the ankle with
your hand. Keep your knees close together and push your hips slightly forward. Hold
for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
Hamstring Stretch:
- Sit on the ground with one leg extended straight and the other bent with the sole
of your foot against the inner thigh. Reach forward toward your toes on the
extended leg, keeping your back straight. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
Calf Stretch:
- Stand facing a wall, with one foot in front of the other. Keep the back leg straight
and press the heel into the ground while bending the front knee slightly. Hold for 20-
30 seconds, then switch legs.
Glute Stretch:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent. Cross one ankle over the opposite knee and
gently pull the uncrossed leg toward your chest. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch
legs.
Dynamic stretches
Leg Swings (Front-to-Back and Side-to-Side):
- Stand next to a wall or hold onto something for balance.
1. Front-to-Back: Swing one leg forward and backward in a controlled motion.
Keep your core engaged and your movements smooth. Perform 10-15 swings
on each leg.
2. Side-to-Side: Swing one leg across your body to the opposite side and then out
to the side. Again, keep the movements controlled. Perform 10-15 swings on
each leg.
Inchworms:
- Start standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the hips and place your
hands on the ground, then walk your hands forward into a plank position. Perform a
push-up (optional) and then walk your feet forward toward your hands, returning to
a standing position. Repeat for 5-10 reps.
Hip Circles:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on your hips.
Rotate your hips in a circular motion, first clockwise for 10-15 rotations, then
counterclockwise for the same number of rotations. Keep your upper body stable
while focusing on moving your hips in a controlled manner.
High Knees:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Begin running in place, bringing your knees
up as high as possible with each step. Pump your arms to help maintain balance and
increase the intensity. Continue for 20-30 seconds, or for a distance of 20-30 yards if
space allows.
Setup:
1. Equipment: Resistance band (mini-band or loop band).
2. Placement: Place the resistance band around your legs, just above your knees or
around your ankles, depending on the intensity you prefer. The lower the band,
the more resistance you'll feel.
Diagonal Slides:
- Start in your defensive stance. Slide diagonally forward to the right, then diagonally
backward to the left, as if you were cutting off an opponent driving to the basket.
After 4-5 steps diagonally, reverse the direction by sliding diagonally forward to the
left and backward to the right. Keep your body low and your movements sharp.
Points to be considered:
1. Stay Low: Keep a low centre of gravity to engage your quads, hamstrings, and
glutes effectively.
2. Keep the Core Engaged: This helps maintain balance and stability during quick
direction changes.
3. Controlled Movements: Avoid crossing your feet or letting your knees collapse
inward; maintain a strong, stable position throughout.
Post Moves:
Drop Step:
- Positioning: Start with your back to the basket, in a low post position. Make sure
your feet are shoulder-width apart and your knees are slightly bent. Keep the ball
close to your chest.
- Pivot: If your defender is overplaying one side, pivot on the foot closer to the
basket while stepping back with your other foot (drop step). This motion should
position you closer to the hoop.
- Seal the Defender: As you drop step, use your body to seal off the defender,
keeping them behind you.
- Finish Strong: Once you’ve sealed your defender, go up strong with a layup or
dunk.
- Repeat: Alternate between left and right sides of the basket for balanced practice.
Spend 5 minutes performing the drop step on both sides. Aim to get at least 10-15
reps per side within the time frame. Focus on explosive movements and keeping the
ball secure.
Hook Shot:
- Positioning: Start in a low post position, with your back to the basket. The hook
shot is usually most effective when you're close to the hoop, within 5-8 feet.
- Set Up: Receive the ball with a strong, balanced stance. Turn your body slightly to
the side, so your shooting shoulder is pointed toward the basket.
- Shooting Motion: With the hand furthest from the defender, bring the ball up with
a high arm position. Use your body to shield the defender.
- Release: Flick your wrist to release the ball with a soft touch, aiming to arc the ball
over the defender. The non-shooting hand should remain up to protect the ball.
- Repeat: Practice hook shots from both the left and right blocks, working on both
your strong and weak hands.
Spend 5 minutes alternating between left and right hooks. Focus on your form and
shooting touch, aiming to make as many shots as possible within the time frame.
Up-and-Under:
- Positioning: Start in the low post, back to the basket. This move is effective when
the defender is anticipating your initial shot or a hook shot.
- Fake: Begin by faking a shot or a hook, making the defender think you're going up.
Keep your pivot foot planted.
- Step Through: Once the defender is in the air or off balance, step through with
your non-pivot foot, bringing the ball under and around the defender.
- Finish: After stepping through, go up strong for the layup on the opposite side of
the fake. Use the glass for a higher percentage shot.
- Repeat: Work on faking with both the left and right hand, stepping through for
layups on either side of the basket.
Spend 5 minutes executing the up-and-under move. Aim to get at least 10-15 reps
per side. Focus on selling the fake and maintaining balance during the step-through.
Perimeter Moves:
Crossovers:
- Positioning: Start in a low, athletic stance with your knees bent, chest up, and the
ball in your dominant hand.
- Crossover: Dribble the ball hard to the opposite hand, crossing it over in front of
your body. Keep the ball low, around knee level, to make it harder for defenders to
steal.
- Body Movement: As you cross over, use a quick jab step or shift your weight to sell
the move, making the defender believe you're going in the initial direction.
- Explode: After the crossover, quickly explode in the opposite direction, driving past
the defender.
- Repeat: Practice crossovers in both directions. You can also incorporate double
crossovers to increase complexity.
Step-Backs:
- Positioning: Start in a triple-threat position, facing the basket with the ball in your
shooting hand.
- Drive Fake: Begin with a quick dribble forward as if you’re driving to the basket to
get the defender on their heels.
- Step-Back: Plant your inside foot and push off it to step back, creating space
between you and the defender. Keep your body low and controlled during the step-
back.
- Shoot: After stepping back, quickly square your shoulders to the basket and rise up
for a shot. Focus on maintaining balance and getting a clean shot off.
- Repeat: Practice step-backs to both your strong and weak sides.
Spend 5 minutes on step-backs, focusing on creating space and getting a clean shot
off. Work on different angles and distances from the basket, aiming for 10-15
repetitions per side in 5 minutes.
Spin Moves:
- Positioning: Start in a low, athletic stance with the ball in your dominant hand.
- Drive Setup: Begin with a dribble toward the defender, selling the idea that you’re
driving straight past them.
- Spin: As you approach the defender, plant your outside foot and initiate a spin
move by turning your body, bringing the ball across your body with your inside hand.
Use your opposite hand to shield the ball from the defender.
- Finish: After completing the spin, explode toward the basket for a layup or pull up
for a jump shot.
- Repeat: Practice spin moves in both directions, incorporating them into different
game scenarios.
Spend 5 minutes running basic pick-and-rolls from different spots on the floor (top of
the key, wings). Focus on tight screens, reading the defense, and executing the pass
or shot effectively.
Spend 5 minutes practicing how to exploit the switch, whether by attacking the
slower defender or finding your partner for an easy mismatch opportunity. Work on
making quick decisions and reading the defense.
Spend 5 minutes practicing how to handle the trap, focusing on quick, accurate
passes and keeping your dribble alive. Work on recognizing where the open player
will be as the defense rotates.
3. Defensive Techniques
Charge Taking Drill: Learn the proper technique to safely and effectively take
charge during a game.
- Positioning: Start by standing in the paint, facing the direction where the offense
will drive. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees slightly bent.
Keep your chest up and your arms ready to absorb contact.
- Reading the Offense: Practice reading when the offensive player is committed to
driving to the basket. This is your cue to prepare to take charge.
- Taking the Charge: As the offensive player approaches, plant your feet firmly and
get into a low stance. Allow the offensive player to initiate contact. Do not lean
forward or sideways; keep your body square and upright. Absorb the contact by
falling backward with control, ensuring your back hits the floor first. Keep your chin
tucked to avoid whiplash. Let out a loud yell or call to alert the referee and
teammates that you’ve taken charge.
- Recovery: After falling, quickly roll to your side and get back up, ready to resume
play. Practice the entire sequence: position, read, take charge, fall, and recover.
Spend 10 minutes practicing taking charge with a partner. Have your partner
simulate different driving angles (straight-line drives, baseline drives) to practice
taking charges from various positions on the court. Focus on proper technique,
safety, and quick recovery.
Steal Drills:
- Anticipation and Reading the Offense: Begin in a defensive stance, guarding a
player on the perimeter. Practice reading the ball handler’s movements and
predicting when they will pass or dribble. Focus on recognizing patterns, such as the
ball handler’s dribbling rhythm or eye movement.
- Hand Placement: Practice keeping one hand low and one hand high to cover both
the dribble and potential passes. Work on timing your hand swipe with the dribbler’s
motion, aiming to knock the ball loose cleanly.
- Reaction and Quickness: Have a partner dribble towards you or pass to another
player. Your job is to time your reach to poke the ball away or intercept the pass.
Practice different scenarios, such as stealing the ball off a crossover, a pass, or from
the help defense position.
- One-on-One Steal Drill: Play a one-on-one drill where the offensive player tries to
dribble past you while you attempt to steal the ball without fouling. Focus on keeping
a low stance, moving your feet, and using quick hands to disrupt the dribbler.
Spend 10 minutes practicing steals, focusing on both anticipation and execution. Use
a mix of one-on-one drills and passing scenarios to develop your ability to time steals
accurately.
Block Shots: Improve timing, jumping ability, and technique for blocking shots.
- Timing and Patience: Start in a low defensive stance, guarding a player who is
about to shoot. Practice waiting for the shooter to leave their feet before attempting
to block the shot. Jump too early, and you risk fouling or being faked out. Focus on
timing your jump with the shooter’s release.
- Vertical Jump and Arm Extension: Work on maximizing your vertical jump by using
your legs and core to explode upwards. Extend your arm fully, keeping your hand
open and angled slightly to avoid fouling the shooter. Aim to block the shot with the
tips of your fingers, not your palm. Practice both on-ball and help-side shot-blocking
scenarios.
- Shot-Blocking Positioning: Practice positioning yourself correctly to block shots
without fouling. Maintain verticality by keeping your body upright and avoiding
leaning into the shooter. Simulate different shot attempts, such as layups, jump shots,
and floaters, and practice blocking each type.
- Reaction Drills: Have a partner shoot from different spots on the floor while you
practice closing out and blocking the shot. Focus on quick reactions and proper
footwork to close the distance and contest or block the shot.
Spend 10 minutes practicing block shots, alternating between on-ball and help-side
scenarios. Emphasize timing, verticality, and avoiding fouls.
Foam Rolling: Release muscle tension, improve circulation, and speed up recovery.
Quads:
- Lie face down and place the foam roller under your quads.
- Roll slowly from the top of your thighs down to just above your knees.
- Pause on any tight spots and hold for 15-20 seconds.
Hamstrings:
- Sit on the floor with the foam roller under your hamstrings.
- Roll from just below your glutes down to just above your knees.
- If needed, cross one leg over the other to increase the pressure on one hamstring
at a time.
Calves:
- Sit with your legs extended and place the foam roller under your calves.
- Roll from the ankles to just below your knees.
- Apply more pressure by crossing one leg over the other.
Upper Back:
- Lie on your back with the foam roller placed horizontally under your upper back.
- Lift your hips and roll from the top of your shoulders to the middle of your back.
- Keep your hands behind your head for support.
IT Band:
- Lie on your side with the foam roller under your hip.
- Roll down the side of your leg from your hip to just above your knee.
- This area can be sensitive, so go slowly and apply the amount of pressure that’s
comfortable for you.
Yoga Stretches for Flexibility: Enhance flexibility, promote relaxation, and reduce
muscle stiffness.
Downward Dog:
- Start on your hands and knees. Lift your hips towards the ceiling, forming an
inverted V-shape with your body.
- Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet hip-width apart.
- Hold the position, focusing on stretching your hamstrings, calves, and shoulders.
Breathe deeply.
Cobra Pose:
- Lie face down with your hands under your shoulders.
- Press into your hands, lifting your chest off the ground while keeping your pelvis
on the floor.
- Extend through your spine and open up your chest. Hold and breathe deeply,
feeling the stretch in your lower back and abdomen.
Child’s Pose:
- Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and stretch your arms forward, lowering
your chest toward the floor.
- Rest your forehead on the ground and relax into the pose, stretching your back,
shoulders, and hips.
Butterfly Stretch:
- Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent out to the
sides.
- Hold your feet and gently press your knees toward the floor, feeling the stretch in
your inner thighs and groin.
- Hold the stretch, breathing deeply and relaxing your muscles.
Leg Swings:
- Stand next to a wall for support. Swing one leg forward and backward, gradually
increasing the range of motion.
- Switch legs after 30 seconds.
- This stretch targets your hamstrings and hip flexors.
Arm Circles:
- Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height.
- Make small circles, gradually increasing the size.
- Perform 30 seconds in one direction, then reverse.
- This stretch targets your shoulders and upper back.
Hip Circles:
- Stand with your hands on your hips and feet shoulder-width apart.
- Rotate your hips in a circular motion, making large circles.
- Perform 30 seconds in each direction.
- This stretch targets your hips and lower back.
Walking Lunges:
- Take a step forward with one leg and lower your hips until both knees are bent at a
90-degree angle.
- Push through your front heel to step forward into the next lunge.
- This stretch targets your quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors.
Torso Twists:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended out to the
sides.
- Twist your torso to the left, then to the right, rotating from your core.
- This stretch targets your obliques and lower back.
Butt Kicks:
- Run in place while kicking your heels up toward your glutes.
- This drill targets your hamstrings and improves leg turnover speed.
A-Skips:
- Perform a skipping motion, lifting your knee high and driving your opposite arm
forward.
- Focus on rhythm and coordination.
Carioca:
- Perform a lateral shuffle with a crossover step, moving side to side.
- This drill enhances hip mobility and coordination.
Short Sprints:
- Perform short sprints of about 10-20 meters, focusing on explosive starts and
quick acceleration.
- Walk back to the starting point and repeat.
2. Endurance Training
Interval Running:
1. Interval Sets:
Sprint (30 seconds):
- Run at 85-90% of your maximum speed for 30 seconds.
- Focus on maintaining good form, with powerful strides and controlled breathing.
[Link]/Walk (1 minute):
- After the sprint, slow down to a light jog or brisk walk for 1 minute.
- This is your recovery period, allowing your heart rate to lower slightly while
preparing for the next sprint.
3. Repeat:
- Total Sets: 10 sets
- Complete the sprint and jog/walk cycle 10 times.
Suicides: 5 sets
- Set up markers or cones at various intervals on the court or field (e.g., baseline,
free-throw line, half-court, opposite free-throw line, and opposite baseline). Start at
the baseline and sprint to the first marker (free-throw line), touch the line, and sprint
back to the baseline. Immediately sprint to the next marker (half-court), touch the
line, and sprint back. Continue this pattern until you've touched all markers and
returned to the baseline. Rest for 1-2 minutes between sets. Repeat for 5 sets.
Stair Runs:
- Run up and down stairs continuously for 10 minutes
Execution:
- Simulate using the screen by moving around it, as you would in a game.
- Catch the ball immediately after clearing the screen and go straight into your
shooting motion.
- Focus on getting your feet set quickly and squaring your shoulders to the basket.
Repetition:
- Continue this drill until you make 50 shots.
- Mix up the types of screens (e.g., pin-downs, flare screens) and shooting locations
(e.g., wing, corner, top of the key).
Key Focus:
- Footwork and balance.
- Quick release after receiving the pass.
- Visualizing game scenarios.
Setup:
- Start in various positions on the court where you might take an off-balance shot
(e.g., after a quick stop, on a drive, or fading away).
Execution:
- Practice shooting while fading away, leaning sideways, or after a quick stop.
- Focus on maintaining control of your body and following through on your shot,
even when off-balance.
- Aim to make 25 shots, alternating between different types of off-balance
scenarios.
Key Focus:
- Controlling your body and shot mechanics.
- Following through on each shot despite the awkward position.
- Adjusting your shot arc based on the degree of off-balance.
Setup:
- Have a partner or coach act as a defender. They should contest each shot by
jumping or putting a hand up, simulating a real defender's close-out.
- Execution:
- Start from various spots on the court (e.g., mid-range, three-point line).
- Catch the ball and take a shot while your partner contests it.
- Focus on maintaining your form and concentration despite the defense.
- Continue until you make 25 shots under contest.
Key Focus:
- Keeping your shooting mechanics consistent under pressure.
- Staying focused on the target and ignoring the defender's presence.
- Developing the ability to make shots with a hand in your face.
Setup:
- Use the full length of the court.
- Have a partner or coach act as the defender, applying pressure throughout the full-
court dribble.
Execution:
- Dribbling: Start at one end of the court with the ball. Begin dribbling towards the
other end while the defender applies constant pressure.
- Focus: Use various dribbling techniques (e.g., crossover, behind-the-back) to
maneuver around the defender.
- Change of Pace: Incorporate changes in speed to shake off the defender and
create space.
- Decision Making: Practice making quick decisions, such as whether to pass, drive,
or pull up for a shot, depending on the defender’s position.
- Repetitions: Perform multiple full-court dribbles with the defender, alternating
roles if needed.
Key Focus:
- Keeping your dribble low and controlled.
- Using your body to shield the ball from the defender.
- Maintaining composure and making smart decisions under pressure.
Setup:
- Use a designated area of the court, like the corners or sidelines, to simulate
trapping situations.
- Have two partners or coaches act as defenders, creating a trap.
Execution:
- Trap Simulation: Start dribbling towards the area where the defenders will trap
you.
Key Focus:
- Reading the defense and reacting quickly.
- Using dribbling and pivoting skills to create space.
- Executing precise passes or moves to break free from the trap.
Quadriceps Stretch:
- Stand on one leg and pull your opposite foot towards your glutes.
- Keep your knees close together and push your hip forward slightly.
- Hold onto a wall or chair for balance if needed.
- Switch legs after 1 minute.
Calf Stretch:
- Stand facing a wall with one foot forward and the other foot back.
- Keep the back leg straight and the heel on the ground.
- Lean into the wall, bending the front knee while keeping the back leg straight.
- Switch legs after 1 minute.
Butterfly Stretch:
- Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together and your knees bent outward.
- Gently press your knees toward the floor while leaning forward slightly.
- Hold the stretch for 1 minute.
Dynamic stretches
Inchworms:
- Start standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the hips and place your
hands on the ground, then walk your hands forward into a plank position. Perform a
push-up (optional) and then walk your feet forward toward your hands, returning to
a standing position. Repeat for 5-10 reps.
Hip Circles:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on your hips.
Rotate your hips in a circular motion, first clockwise for 10-15 rotations, then
counterclockwise for the same number of rotations. Keep your upper body stable
while focusing on moving your hips in a controlled manner.
High Knees:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Begin running in place, bringing your knees
up as high as possible with each step. Pump your arms to help maintain balance and
increase the intensity. Continue for 20-30 seconds, or for a distance of 20-30 yards if
space allows.
Setup:
- Divide players into two teams.
- Set up the court as you would for a regular game, with referees (if available) to
make calls.
- Have a coach or team captain introduce different game scenarios.
Execution:
- Team A should strategize on whether to go for a quick two-point shot, drive to the
basket, or attempt a three-pointer.
- Team B focuses on tight defense, preventing an easy shot and securing the
rebound.
- After the play, discuss what worked and what didn’t, then switch roles between
the teams.
Execution:
- Team B should focus on quick, decisive ball movement and finding the best shot
available.
- Team A practices their defensive set, focusing on stopping the ball and securing the
rebound if a shot is missed.
- After the play, evaluate both teams' decisions and execution, then rotate roles.
Scenario 3: Up by 3 with 15 Seconds Left (10 minutes)
Situation:
- Team A is up by 3 points with 15 seconds left, and Team B has possession.
Execution:
- Team B can either go for a quick two-point shot and try to foul, or attempt a three-
pointer to tie the game.
- Team A focuses on defending the perimeter and avoiding fouls on a three-point
shot.
- Discuss the outcome, then switch teams for another attempt.
3. Mental Training
Film Study:
- Watch and analyze your performance
or professional games