a1-basketball-fitness

Basketball Training & Fitness Components

Fri, 21 May 2021 14:33:23 GMT

Basketball Training & Fitness Components

As with most team sports, there are many components of fitness that are important for success. In basketball, the various fitness components are close in their relative importance. Having a very good aerobic fitness level is a very important attribute, but being very quick and agile is equally important.

This will require multiple training methods - aerobic exercise, mechanics training, strength and conditioning, and plyometrics and agility training. Plus, recovery such as flexibility and stretching techniques.

Health Related Fitness Components

Aerobic Capacity: the ability of the cardiovascular (hearty, lungs & blood vessels) & respiratory system to produce aerobic energy/ATP. Together these systems deliver O2 & deliver nutrients to muscles & remove by-products that have been produced by the body’s cells. It’s related to the ability to perform activities that involve large muscle groups, such as swimming, running & cycling for extended periods of time. For basketball players this can be thought of as being able to move up and down the court at the speed and consistent effort needed to compete at the level of competition demanded.

Anaerobic Capacity: refers to the capacity of the anaerobic systems (ATP/PC & Anaerobic glycolysis) to provide energy for muscular contractions (total amount of energy from the anaerobic systems). High levels of anaerobic power allow an individual to achieve explosive acceleration or power when it is needed. During games, basketball players must be able to sprint hard, recover quickly and then sprint hard again.

Local Muscular Endurance (LME): is the ability of the muscle or muscle group to perform repeated contractions (concentric, eccentric or isokinetic) for an extended period of time, or to maintain a contraction for an extended period of time (isometric contraction) in the face of fatigue. Examples of this type of endurance can be seen in a player’s ability to repeatedly contest a rebound by jumping.

Muscular Strength: is the maximal force that can be generated by a muscle or muscle group in one maximal effort (1 RM). For basketball think about holding a player during boxing out for a rebound or initiating and holding a post seal.

Flexibility: is the capacity of a joint to move through its full range of motion, & reflects the ability of the muscle & connective tissue to stretch. For basketball players flexibility helps with a wide range of activities from jumping to being able to perform a low and wide defensive stance. Flexibility also helps with a very important part of sport training and injury prevention. With increased flexibility comes the body’s ability to deal with awkward movements or un-natural actions which could otherwise result in strains or tears.

Body Composition: is the amount of muscle, fat, bone, cartilage etc that makes up our bodies. Excess body fat can contribute to developing a number of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, but for basketball it can place strain on the joints, muscles and bones, increasing the risk of injury.

Skill Related Fitness Components

Agility: is the ability to change body position or direction quickly & accurately while maintaining balance. It relies on anaerobic power, speed, flexibility & dynamic balance and co-ordination. In basketball when thinking of agility think of changing direction while in a defensive stance or the ability to create a lane to the basket while cutting.

Balance: maintaining equilibrium while stationary or moving. In basketball balance can seen in the performance and execution of a jump-shot or a defensive stance.

Coordination: is the ability to use the body's senses to execute motor skills smoothly & accurately. It refers to bring all the body parts together in a purposeful movement. Commonly used terms are things like hand-eye coordination. In basketball, coordination can be seen in the shooting action where the whole body is utilised to achieve a very specific movement sequence.

Muscular Power: The ability to exert a maximal contraction in one explosive effort. Power is often mixed up with strength, because it too involves a maximal contraction. Power sees its application over a very, very short period of time and is linked to explosive efforts/contractions. Power is a combination of strength & speed: Muscular Power = Strength x Speed. In basketball activities, power can be seen when an athlete jumps and is also in the explosive acceleration needed in transition.

Reaction Time: is the time from the presentation of a stimulus to the onset of a response. In basketball this can be seen in the movements of players off the ball reading and reacting (or delay) to where the ball is and where their defensive assignment also is in relation to the ball. In this situation the better the reaction time the faster the player moves into the correct position.

Speed: is the rate of motion (how fast you can move you body part from one point to another). Speed = Distance x Time. This can be overall speed of a player when sprinting or hand speed when a player is trying to steal a ball.

The first skill every basketball beginner should learn

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 16:12:58 GMT

Most people would suggest that dribbling is the first skill a player should learn. Why? It's the easiest thing to teach and learn. It’s because you can’t move around with the basketball without dribbling the ball. It is the easiest way to put yourself in a position to score. This allows you to maneuver past defenders, initiate the offense, and create for your teammates if you know how to dribble or handle the ball. The good thing about improving your dribbling is that you can do it individually. You will see significant improvements in your ball handling skills even in a short amount of time in practice.

All of these things are very true but should it be the first thing a player should learn?

At A1 Basketball Fitness , we believe the first most important skill beginners should learn is shooting. Like dribbling, you can practice shooting alone. However, if there are fundamental errors to your shot, such as a bad form, it would be best to have someone who can help adjust your shot. Otherwise, you'll either spends hours shooting with bad form or need thousands upon thousands of shots to become a good shooter.

Shot Fundamentals

Knowing the fundamentals of proper shooting will make everything easier. Shooting is the most difficult skill to learn due to all the components and techniques that are involved. Every skill in basketball is required to learn, but the amount of time that should go into shooting surpasses everything.

For every 1 day working on dribbling, you'll need 2 days working on shooting. Teaching beginners dribbling drills becomes a distraction later down the line. Players lose interest in wanting to shoot correctly. Everything becomes score and make a great move on your defender. Teaching young players how to shoot properly from the beginning before ever dribbling allows the game to be taught better.

Floor Spacing

Number one key to a successful offense in this game is floor spacing. Being a shooter will always keep the defense honest. Having the ability to shoot the ball will always be an asset to any team at any level. Most young players are not comfortable spacing the floor because they’re being taught that the value of a player is the one with the ball in their hands. The ball in your hands is understood to mean you have to automatically dribble.

Shooting is the most important skill in basketball. The fundamental skills of passing, dribbling, defense, and rebounding may enable you to get a high percentage shot, but you must still be able to make the shot. A large part of shooting is mental attitude. In addition to shooting skill, you must have confidence in yourself to shoot well. The integration of the mental and mechanical aspects of shooting fosters shooting success.

Development of an accurate shot forces your defender to play you tight and become vulnerable to a fake, allowing you to pass and drive as well as shoot. If you lack an accurate shot, a defender can play back in anticipation of a drive or a pass and be less susceptible to your fake. When you do not have the ball, your defender can play farther off you and be in better position to give defensive help to a teammate guarding another player. To be successful, a team must have players who can make the outside shot.

Born This Way?

Great shooters are often called pure shooters because they have a smooth, free-flowing shot or a soft touch. Some players think a pure shooter is naturally gifted - born that way. This is a misconception. Great shooters are made, not born .

Pure shooters, such as Steve Nash and Ray Allen, will drive hard around an opponent and then effortlessly pull up for a soft jump shot. They appear to have been born shooters. Their thoughts are not on the mechanics of the shot, but rather on the position and movement of teammates and defenders. Pure Shooters consider faking the shot, delivering a pass, driving for the basket, or reversing direction to pull the ball out and reset the offense. For Steve Nash, Ray Allen and other great shooters, the skill is automatic. But it's automatic because the countless hours spent on perfecting their shot. Like other talented people, pure shooters perform their skills to maximum level without conscious thought. Each was a beginner at one time, however, and each developed into a pure shooter through dedicated practice.

Time to Get to Work

Shooting is a skill you can practice by yourself. Once you understand correct mechanics, all you need is a ball, a basket, and an eagerness to improve. But it is also helpful to practice shooting under game conditions, including the pressure situations that occur late in a game. Practice with a partner providing the defensive pressure of an opponent. Remember that through practice you will develop shooting skill and confidence.

You also can benefit from having a trained observer such as a coach, teacher, or a skilled player watch you shoot and provide corrective feedback. However, most of your shooting practice will occur when a coach or teacher is not present, so learn to analyze your shot's reaction on the rim to reinforce successful execution or reveal shooting errors and its possible causes.

Next Steps

If you'd like to have your shot evaluated and get the guidance every baller needs to improve your shot, contact A1 Basketball today.

~ Coach A1 - Allen Pritchett

Problems With Youth Basketball and How to Fix Them

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 14:03:35 GMT

Problems With Youth Basketball and How to Fix Them

While attending youth basketball games there’s a great chance you are witnessing bad basketball. It’s not because the skill level of the players are not supreme but because of much larger-scale issues that have become an epidemic for the game of youth basketball.

Before entertaining the idea of how we fix’ youth basketball, we must pin point the compound problems first and then work diligently as coaches and leaders of young men and women to eliminate them.

Let’s look at the problems we witness in youth basketball today.

Parents Competing With Parents

Unfortunately, somewhere in the last few years or more, youth sports has become opposing parents number one battle ground. It’s a Clear cut view that kids became the secondary focus for kids competing with kids. There used to be something so wholesome about watching innocent youth basketball players going up against one another for the love of the game.

But parent egos have started to get in the way, and everybody wants their kid to be the best. That includes switching teams all of the time, going to multiple different Basketball trainers , constant yelling at their child, belittling of kids that aren’t as talented, and other completely inappropriate actions that should not be a part of youth sports.

As a youth basketball coach , you have to get parent buy-in that you’re putting the kids’ best interests at the forefront of your priorities. Also offering reminders that scholarships are not given out at a nine-year-old’s game can help, too.

Ultimately, it’s up to parents to put the power back in their kids’ hands and step away from competing with other parents over whose kid can be better.

Too Many Basketball Games

Necessary sure, games are a fun way to build and Bridge that competitive nature. Contrarily, too many games is actually hurting basketball. Kids are working on their skillsets less so that they are able to play more. This becomes counter productive to the skill development with our youth. There has to be a equal amount of time to implement both perspectives of a players career. Not only does too many games hinder basketball skill development, it burns the kids out at a much younger age. If kids are playing 75 plus games at the age of 10, it increases the chances of them losing interest in the sport by the time that they’re 11 or 12.

Instead, kids need purposeful practices and skill development , along with much-need time off away from the game. As a coach, instead of entering your team into a tournament every weekend, along with a couple league games each week, work to lighten the game schedule and work more on vital skills that are necessary for your players to improve.

Too Many Plays

Nothing is more irritating to me as someone who wants to see the game grow in a positive direction than watching a youth team go out and have a set to run each time they’re on the offensive side of the ball. By running set-after-set, coaches are turning their players into robots that are learning plays, rather than learning how to play.

As a coach, rather than working on new plays and sets, teach your players the vital aspects of good offense, like:

Floor balance
Dribbling with a purpose
Passing
Shot selection
Screening
Cutting

It’ll be surprising to how good a offense can be without running sets if players are being taught and drilled on what makes a great offense flawless.

Ulterior Motive Coaches

If somebody is coaching basketball at the youth level they should be concerned for every players experience, if not coaching youth basketball is not suitable for them. A purpose and need in youth coach is the development of those young players. Help teach the essences of the game while creating the positive experience for each and every player.

More times than non we witness coaches that exclude a players experience or they’re coaching specifically to stay hands on with their child. Another perspective which is worse they’re coaching to make themselves feel better.

No matter what, a coach can’t play favorites to their child. Coaching should never be about anything outside the development of the kids. The game, especially at the youth level, is about the players and never about the coaches.

The number one option is, we need people that value the player experience to step up and be the loudest voices in the room.

Eventually, youth leagues needs start forcing coaches to go through a few different certification processes to ensure all coaches have one mind when it comes to the mental and emotional support of our young players.

Zone Defense

Zone Defenses prevent kids knowing how to play man-to-man. Man-to-man principles should be instilled as the first primary defense. Teams play zone because it’s easier to teach and helps a team guard to secure pointless wins at this level. Of course playing zone defense is going to be effective at the younger levels.

Basketball training at the ages 8-12 are strictly on fundamentals. Players are no where close to having the skill sets to properly breakdown zone defenses. Their offense of game is fully-developed. But the point isn’t to try and win more games as a youth basketball coach; or at least it shouldn’t be.

Instead, you should be teaching your players how to play defense properly and not forming lazy habits in zone defenses. Teach your players about team defense and the shell defensive principles. Teach them the proper defensive stance and how to play on-ball vs. off-ball defense.

Teaching your players those skills is far more valuable to them than teaching them a spot to stand in for a zone defense.

Too Competitive

Being overly competitive at a early age can be harmful. Youth basketball needs coaches that are willing to not focus on winning at such a young age, and parents that are okay with that. Ideally, I prefer younger kids to learn the fundamentals of skill training and skill development. Basketball workouts and playing in games with their friends for a few months out of the year is vital.

Entitlement

You don’t have to search the web to see how many entitlement issues there are. Entitlement in youth sports, particularly basketball is the new trend. To my disdain, we’ve created a culture of entitlement where kids think that they are above authority. As parents and coaches, we’ve helped to foster an environment that is okay with this entitlement.

Talking hoops and expressing concerns is a topic we can talk about all day. Highlighting these concerns about the game is a need because basketball is a game that we love dearly, and we hate to see it head in the direction it’s going in now, especially at the youth levels.

PLEASE understand, I know there are excellent youth organizations and coaches, but they are among the chosen few. As a Basketball community we need to make a positive flip with youth basketball, and it’s going to start with us as coaches, player development coaches, trainers and parents.

How to become a college basketball player

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 21:38:33 GMT

How to become a college basketball player

What's going on guys this is Coach A1 from A1 basketball i'm here to bring you the secrets and the source of how to become a collegiate basketball player.

First i want you guys to know that i believe in you i believe you have what it takes to really go through the process to become a collegiate basketball player the thing is everybody's not willing to pay the price the best way to predict the future is by creating it that takes consistency most players say they want to be a college basketball player but do you really so are you ready for the secret it takes three to five hours of daily commitment every day of putting in tools that will go into your bag that will help reduce the opportunity for you to be a college basketball player.

If you train and develop in this way it gives you a great opportunity to become a college basketball player but it's all those small details that goes into your game even when you put all that in that's still only one third of the process to you becoming a college basketball player.

If you are blessed with a certain genetic code you have the potential to be a college basketball player regardless just based off of your natural abilities. The number one way to set yourself up for failure and not playing to your full potential when you're born with a certain genetics and you come from a certain genetic pool is by not working on all the details of what it requires for you to maximize your true potential so putting those three to five hours a day daily consistently on those certain areas of your game can really help you increase the chances of you playing at a division three, two or one level even turning that division one level into becoming a pro athlete.

Another component to this process of becoming a collegiate basketball player is that X factor. X factor is when you're able to be in front of college coaches to perform and showcase your true abilities and your talents however this only works if those coaches that you're performing in front of have scholarships that they can offer you which will be beneficial to their program sometimes it doesn't work out that way.

To be in the right position at the right time is all random you can't control the x factor only thing you can control is your training and development sorry to break it to you life's not fair if you're expecting to be treated fairly through this process that's the mindset of having a mediocre mentality those three to five hours daily that you're putting work into your game each hour is dedicated to a specific area of your development.

Rather you need to work on becoming more of a fundamental shooter, ball handling, IQ from studying film training your body to become more physically prepared to play at the level that you seek to play at you have to do your best ability to be able to produce what you can control into his greatest form.

So many people are not willing to want to go through that process and they try to cheat the worst thing you can do as a player is look at someone else's journey to getting to where they went it's all about you you focus on the details of what you need to perfect your game to put yourself in a position to become recruitable.

First thing first out of all three the first thing you need to do is accept your natural abilities and your genetic makeup you can't control that you have no saying that god already blessed you with it

The second thing is the x factor it's very random for you to be in front of certain coaches but what you can do is make sure you surround yourself with an organization of people who can place you in front of the right people at the right time that can help determine where your athletic abilities may end up at.

The third thing most importantly is continue to put in work daily three to five hours every day consistently and you my friend i promise you can become a collegiate basketball player.

i've never worked with a player who made it to the collegiate level who did not go through the process of putting in three to five hours

daily consistently on their game detail work for each hour for each component of what they needed to get better at went into their process of getting better whether that is again you're working on specifics of increasing your ball handling passing shooting conditioning you're putting all the skills and drills and the detail work into your game but you never go play it doesn't help so you have to go play against some of the top competition in your area where you go play against players who played at the level of what you want to go play at which will help you get better if you like this and find it helpful please like subscribe and share and follow our youtube channel a1 basketball fitness tv

Why are Players Undervalued?

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 13:46:55 GMT

Why are Players Undervalued?

When it comes to the game of basketball, I believe value is placed on the wrong components of the sport. Basketball has been largely changed in that value only exists in players that are capable of creating highlight plays or draws a lot of attention from viewers. The essence of understanding the game, playing the game the correct way and having unbelievable skill is a lost formula that represents a successful player. So, why are many players undervalued?

The basketball world has allowed the NBA culture to influence and impact the game as a whole without properly stating the logistics. NBA basketball is considered to be the pound for pound, the best of the best across the world. Excluding the fact that it has become more entertainment-driven than pushing the true idea of what the sport is. Talent receives more praises than making the correct play, identifying the right read, and being a well rounded teammate. With that being said, what should younger players and family’s look forward to when pursuing a life in basketball?

Basketball training and development has become the norm in the basketball community that every player needs. However, what does that look like? What type of training should be talking place that can impact the growth and success for a players career? Are we teaching things that only result on the highlight play? We've all seen the really odd basketball training videos making their rounds on social media - that for a legitimate basketball trainer - will have us shaking our heads and laughing out loud.

It's easy to get caught up on a hype reel or gimmicks. But true skills and drills are anything but gimmicky. A fundamental understanding of how to become a basketball player is erased with the praises of players who are god-given talented.

Here’s where value sets in. Newsflash: Talent is just that, talent!

Some have god-given athletic abilities while others have to work hard to hone those skills. At the end of the day. Results is all that matters! Just because you’re talented doesn’t mean you’re good. Please read that again.

“Talent fails when talent doesn’t work” Allen Pritchet.

Or as Kevin Durant said, "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard."

When you’re in a situation where players are more talented than you, how do you showcase you’re the better basketball player? What key fundamentals rise to the surface? What drill is displayed when your athletic ability does not outweigh the defender you’re playing against or guarding?

Valuing only talent or talented players is what makes some players slide under the radar. Basketball camps and programs that offer development to teach players how to play with intellect, skill and the sense to apply those skills are top tier situations. Those players who go through the process of learning the correct way are often overlooked because playing the right way is naked to the blind eye of people who think they know and understand basketball.

The most watched basketball starts from the NBA and trickles down to each level. There is a journey that most NBA players take that allows their games to flourish on a talented stage. A high percentage learn the basics and how to play the right way before stepping foot inside the NBA stadium.

You have to know where to start for your personal level and grow from there.

If you'd like to get a professional evaluation by A1 Basketball Training & Development group, please contact us today.

“Talent fails when talent doesn’t work”

- Allen Pritchet

Identify the Love

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 14:14:59 GMT

Identify the Love

Basketball is a sport where most people say either you got it or you don’t. Truth be told that same phrase could be referenced across the board for any sport. The unknown can’t be seen from the surface. The substance has many layers. What is the definition or meaning to "if you got it you got it?" Could it be taught or given? All athletes and parents at some point ponder on that exact question. Let’s take a look into the many layers and complexity to that answer.

Love the Game
The love for the game is by far the greatest attribute any player could ever gain and have to set their foundation for success. Either you got it or don’t. Some players are born with that natural love while others fall in love at pivotal moments in their life. Some of the greats started playing basketball late. A portion of players where born into the culture. In the most simplistic form, love conquers, heals, and grows a basketball journey before it could ever deteriorate one. Love isn’t something that has to be forced. Love highlights all the wonderful endings to a promise land causing one to overlook countless amounts of closed doors, un-given opportunities and heartache moments the game of basketball has to offer. Either you got it or you don’t is after thought. Basketball training helps reveal that.

Basketball Trainer
Thorough basketball training and development will expose if you are cut out to travel the path of becoming a real hooper. The countless hours you spend traveling for AAU basketball. The financial sacrifices families make will determine if you’re cut out for this. The amount of time you spend on the craft will determine solely if you actually love this game. Players who love this sport breath, sleep, and eat the game.

How you respond to a basketball trainer is one of the quickest ways to see if you are cut out for this sport at any competitive level. If you take offense to any training, criticism or mechanical instruction, you are simply in love with the fantasy, not the actual hard-work needed to hone your craft.

Signs of a young player loving basketball are noticeable. Their focus and attention to details is a factor that separates them compared to others. Having a basketball on stand by at all times, is a sign that they love the sport. Staying inquisitive on the subject relating to a round ball that bounces from a dribble of hand eye coordination and rhythm, is a sign that there is a fire burning within. Wanting to work with a qualified basketball trainer to simply get better is a positive sign. Identifying the love of the game is a must!

Valued Investment
Basketball like many sports, provide life changing platforms that can impact your life in a significant way. Parents should pay attention closely. Kids need discipline. Kids need outlets. Kids who have the potential need structure on how to exceed their own thought process of greatness. The concept of being realistic about ones own child is a sensitive subject. Unconditionally loving your offspring, thinking the world of them doesn’t qualify, that they’re destined to find success in the game of basketball. Making a child play versus supporting a child with dreams and ambitions are totally different.

In my opinion, forcing a child to play basketball due to a parents own expectations, is a form of child abuse. Spending large amounts of income on basketball trainer, tournament play, exposure camps and travel is a waste of potential and cherished times, when ultimately a kid doesn’t want it. If you got it you got it. A player's reasons to fall in love with basketball will very determine by the individual.

Players who have potential may not love basketball in the beginning process of development. However, that love grows after they see and appreciate the opportunities of hard work and dedication the sport can provide. Natural potential are god given things and abilities a player might just have. Height, athleticism, the ability to retain information fast are tangibles that are at the basis of a players ability. The problem with potentials - that it’s just that. If potential is not nurtured correctly, you risk losing opportunities like a college scholarship.

Connect with a qualified basketball trainer like A1 Basketball to seek a proper evaluation of your child's skill level. You'll receive a complete checklist to help you determine whether it makes sense to nurture their dream or help guide them down a different path.

The Game Needs Honesty

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:28:16 GMT

The Game Needs Honesty

What is the true evaluation of a potential prospect? Do you praise them for their upside and potential and softly critique their flaws? Are players strongly valued based on the eye test and athleticism? Better yet, do you push players through your programs without genuinely building their overall game for their futures. It is extremely noticeable when you watch players play who’re receiving quality basketball training and coaching. There are countless of good or great players given elite status simply because of what they can do for their handlers or clubs. It’s unfair, un-honest and counter productive when players haven’t actually been developed to earned that elite status. Have you ever scratched your head and wonder why some of those players are overwhelmed in college and career peeks?

The game needs honesty. Too many times you’ve seen players get by on political pull and connections. A great deal of the time players get by on natural physicality and are glorified for their God given athleticism. What happens to those players when they are required to be a thorough basketball player? All the basketball training in the basketball culture and you see top prospects with major holes in their games.

How and why is that possible? Before a player is ever praised for their potential make sure you praise them for their development growth. If players are in your care, potential shouldn’t be mentioned until theirs flaws in their games are addressed. Only with that honest conversation on things they need to work on can a player identify and create accountability for themselves to seek help or work and grow their game.

As a collegiate coach, even prior to that journey, praises DON'T even exist with me. A pat on the back and a great job for a player making small improvements are only used for reassurances to a player's growth to get better. The concept of a player wanting to get better should be a non-negotiable. Setting the bar and expectations for this, will drive players to either crash and burn or want to reach their true potential. Honesty at time is never what a person wants to hear but exactly what’s needed. As a coach, parent even a teammate you should always give that honest evaluation. Focusing on the flaws of a player serves a distraction for a player to already feel they’ve arrived or earned that elite status.

The concept of a player wanting to get better should be a non-negotiable.

- Allen Pritchet