Best Courses To Become A Basketball Pro

what course for basketball

Basketball courses can be taken by beginners, players, coaches, and even fans. Courses can cover a wide range of topics, from basic dribbling and passing to advanced offensive and defensive strategies. Some courses focus on individual skill development, while others are designed for those who want to work in basketball, including coaches, journalists, and scouts. For instance, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) offers a 3-level national coaching credential that helps individuals provide a fun, educational, and safe environment for students. Basketball Player Development & Strategy is an 8-week online course that covers topics such as individual player development plans, workout routines, and game day preparation. There are also online courses for basketball coaches, such as those offered by CoachTube, which feature instructional videos by top NBA and college coaches.

Characteristics Values
Course Focus Individual skill development, basics of dribbling, passing, layups, jump shots, shooting drills, ballhandling, 1-on-1 moves, wing progression drills, post moves, shooting contests, NBA skills challenge
Course Level Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Target Audience True beginners or those with very little basketball experience, Students with some basketball experience, Individuals with a lot of basketball experience, Coaches, Trainers, Video Personnel, Front Office Personnel
Course Providers Berkeley, NFHS Learning Center, CoachTube, SMWW
Instructors Clark Kellogg, Don Showalter, Larry Riley, Irving Roland, John Calipari, Liam Flynn, Ryan Taplin, Empress Davenport, Valerie Huizar, Aqua Franklin, Jaret Von Rosenberg, Clif Carroll, Karen Blair, Kurt Richardson, Joseph Isaac, Thurlon Weaver, Rashon Burno, Cori Close, Derek Sheridan, Trovocie Jackson, Jeremy Bennett, Josh Loeffler, Noe Cantu, Johnny Estelle, Ramsey Ghazal, Chris Adamek
Course Format Online, In-person
Course Duration 8 weeks

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Basic skills for beginners: dribbling, passing, layups and shooting

Basic Skills for Beginners: Dribbling, Passing, Layups, and Shooting

Dribbling, passing, layups, and shooting are some of the most fundamental skills in basketball, and beginners should focus on these basics to build a strong foundation for their game. These core skills form the language of the game, enabling athletes to read and respond effectively, and contribute meaningfully to their team's performance.

Dribbling

Dribbling is a primary method of moving the ball across the court legally. It involves bouncing the basketball continuously with one hand while walking or running. All players, regardless of position, need to understand dribbling and ball handling to be effective offensive players. Beginners can start with stationary drills, such as dribbling in place using both hands, and then progress to movement-based drills like zig-zag dribbling, cone drills, and figure 8 wraps. Regular dribbling drills will teach players how to dribble with their head up, crossover, and use both their left and right hands with equal dexterity.

Passing

Passing is what makes basketball a true team sport. It allows for fluid ball movement, creating open shots and breaking down defensive setups. Common types of passes include the chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass, and the no-look pass. Each type of pass has specific scenarios where it is most effective. For example, a bounce pass is ideal for getting the ball around a defender, while a chest pass is fast and direct over short distances. Beginners should practice passing with a partner or against a wall.

Layups

Layups are a type of shot ideal for close-range scoring. Beginners can practice layups through drills such as the \"Mikan Drill\" and by doing one-footed layups.

Shooting

Shooting is how points are scored and games are won. It is arguably the most exciting part of basketball. There are several types of shots every player should become familiar with, including the layup, jump shot, free throw, and three-point shot. Each type of shot requires different techniques and is used in different game situations. Beginners should start with form shooting near the basket and then progress to mid-range and three-point shots. Common shooting drills include "Spot Shooting" from various floor positions and "Free Throw Challenges" to simulate pressure situations.

Consistency and repetition are key when learning these basic basketball skills. A daily practice routine that focuses on control, speed, and hand-eye coordination will lead to noticeable improvements over time.

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Advanced skills: 1-on-1 moves, wing progression drills, post moves

Basketball drills are structured practice activities designed to develop specific skills, improve physical conditioning, and build basketball IQ in basketball players. Advanced drills involve multiple skills and should incorporate decision-making to closely resemble a game scenario.

1-on-1 moves

One-on-one drills develop players' personal offensive moves, strength, and movement, with exercises to improve defence and attack in a 1v1 situation. For example, in a drill where two players face each other, one with a ball, the player with the ball attempts to get into a position to shoot while the defender shadows their exact movements. Another drill involves two lines on the baseline with a coach in the middle. The coach rolls the ball down the middle of the court, and both players dive for it. The player that gets the ball is on offence, and the other player is on defence.

Wing progression drills

Wing progression drills can be done individually or in a group. For example, in a 1v1 drill from the wing, two lines are set up, one for the defender. The defender rolls the ball out to the other player, who can pick it up once it has gone past the free-throw line. That player then runs with the ball, and the defender runs after them, leading to a 1v1 situation.

Post moves

Post drills are very hard to master and require a lot of hard work and dedication. Post players must be able to jump high, rebound, box out, catch the ball, pass the ball, pivot, be aggressive, shoot the ball, and handle the ball. Posting up is a fundamental skill, where the offensive player tries to gain position, and the defender tries to prevent this. Boxing out is also important, where a player must position themselves between the basket and their opponent. Rebounding is another key skill, where a player goes up small and comes down big, chinning the ball and quickly outletting it to a guard.

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Coaching strategies: offence and defence, coaching philosophy, communication

Coaching Strategies: Offence and Defence

When designing offensive and defensive schemes, a basketball coach should consider the following:

  • The "standard" defence the team should play
  • The defence to be played when the team wishes to increase pressure
  • The defence to be played when the team is behind and needs to "catch up" (increasing tempo)
  • How to defend a team with dominant post players
  • How to defend a team with dominant perimeter players

It is important for any defensive scheme that players are able to execute fundamental skills. For example, players should be taught various techniques to defend an on-ball screen, such as "over", "under", "double", "switch" or "push" (away from the screen).

A coach must also consider how much time they have with their team, as this will determine how effectively they can put in an offensive scheme. A defensive scheme, on the other hand, can provide the team with the ability to vary how they are playing as opponents and game situations change.

Coaching Philosophy

Every coach must develop their own coaching philosophy or system of beliefs and ideas. This philosophy should be written down and kept close by, to be referred to before every practice. It should emphasise a few important things, rather than trying to emphasise too many or the wrong things, which can lead to poor results.

A coach should also be humble and eager to learn from other coaches and players, and attend coaching clinics and camps to improve their knowledge.

Communication

Communication is one of the most important aspects of a successful coaching programme. A clear line of communication should be open between players, parents and staff, and the coach should be able to spread their message throughout the programme to ensure everyone is focused and going in the right direction.

The coach-player relationship is a vital cornerstone to successful coaching. The coach should communicate with players as a group and one-on-one, and treat players with respect, making them feel important as individuals and members of the team.

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Nutrition and conditioning: diet, fitness and strength training

Nutrition and conditioning are key components of any basketball player's training regime. A healthy diet and a well-conditioned body can improve performance and recovery, and reduce the risk of injury.

A basketball player's diet should be rich in carbohydrates, which provide energy and help with muscle recovery. Good sources of carbohydrates include beans (green, black, kidney, lima, and navy), as well as other sources such as rice, pasta, and bread.

Protein is also important for muscle repair and growth. Lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products are good sources of protein, as are plant-based sources such as beans, nuts, and quinoa.

Hydration is also key for basketball players, who should be well-hydrated before, during, and after games and practices. Water is essential, and sports drinks can also help replace electrolytes lost through sweating.

In terms of conditioning and strength training, a well-rounded program should include a variety of exercises to improve overall fitness and agility. This might include full-court 5s, ballhandling drills, and 1-on-1 moves. Strength training can include bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, and squats, as well as weight training with barbells and dumbbells. Core work is also important for basketball players, with a focus on exercises that target the abs and lower back.

There are a variety of online and in-person courses that can help basketball players improve their conditioning and strength. For example, PJF Performance offers a program focused on athleticism and nutrition, while Pure Sweat and In The Lab are also mentioned as potential options.

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Player development: individual plans, workouts, game film, jobs in basketball

Player Development: Individual Plans, Workouts, Game Film, and Jobs in Basketball

Player development in basketball involves creating and implementing structured plans that cater to the unique skills, athleticism, and roles of individual players. This process is crucial for improving performance, increasing playing time, and enhancing overall team success.

Individual Development Plans

The first step in constructing an effective development plan is identifying the player's "epicenter," or the high-leverage inflection point that they frequently encounter during gameplay. This involves a detailed analysis of game film to identify areas requiring improvement and set targeted goals.

For example, a player's development plan may focus on improving shooting mechanics, which can have a positive ripple effect on other aspects of their game. Development plans should be tailored to each player's specific needs and goals, ensuring that the process remains consistent even as details may vary.

Workouts

Workout routines are an integral part of player development, with options ranging from gym-based strength training to aerobic activities like swimming and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Basketball players can benefit from focusing on lower body strength and core stability, as this enhances balance, explosiveness, and the ability to maintain positioning when boxing out or driving to the basket.

Additionally, footwork drills are often overlooked but essential, as they improve agility, balance, and precision, reducing the risk of injuries. Workout routines should be tailored to the individual's current fitness level and specific areas of improvement, with a gradual progression in intensity and difficulty.

Game Film

Game film analysis is a valuable tool for player development, allowing coaches and players to identify strengths and weaknesses in their performance. By reviewing game footage, coaches can provide unbiased constructive criticism and make informed decisions about adjustments to strategies and tactics.

It is important to focus on specific aspects such as body language, both on the court and on the bench, to gauge team morale and identify any issues affecting team dynamics. Additionally, analysing off-ball movements and defence strategies can provide valuable insights for improving overall team performance.

Jobs in Basketball Player Development

The basketball industry offers a diverse range of career opportunities, including roles within player development. These roles include coaches, trainers, video personnel, and front office personnel. Individuals interested in player development roles can benefit from courses like the Basketball Player Development & Strategy course, which provides valuable insights into the process of developing players and teams.

These courses are designed for individuals seeking to work in basketball, including coaches, trainers, journalists, scouts, and more. They offer a comprehensive understanding of the game and the impact of individual skills on both personal careers and team success.

Frequently asked questions

Basketball Level 1 is a course designed for true beginners or those with very little basketball experience. It covers the basics of dribbling, passing, layups, and how to build a jump shot.

Basketball Levels 2 and 3 are courses designed for students with some basketball experience who are looking to improve their overall skill, conditioning, and fitness level. These courses will include ballhandling drills, shooting drills, and 1-on-1 moves.

Basketball Level 4 is a course designed for individuals with a lot of basketball experience. It will focus on improving overall ballhandling skills, shooting skills, and 1-on-1 moves.

Yes, there are several basketball coaching courses available online, such as those offered by CoachTube and the NFHS Learning Center. These courses cover a range of topics, including offensive and defensive strategies, coaching philosophy, and communication strategies.

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