Beginner training plan
Your first lessonThe goal is evaluation and basic orientation. I start by assessing the player’s natural movement, hand-eye coordination, and dominant hand. The lesson focuses on:
• The Triple Threat Position: Teaching the fundamental stance for passing, dribbling, or shooting.
• Ball Familiarity: Basic "around the world" drills (waist, knees, head) to get them comfortable touching the ball.
• Form Shooting: Starting inches away from the rim to establish a "B.E.E.F." (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through) foundation.
Lesson 11+Once the fundamentals are fluid, we move toward game-speed application.
• Controlled Scrimmage/1-on-1: Implementing skills under light pressure to develop "basketball IQ."
• Advanced Finishes: Learning reverse layups and baby hooks.
• Transition Play: Understanding floor spacing and how to run the break.
• Mental Toughness: Shifting focus to consistency, discipline, and reacting to mistakes without losing confidence.
Lesson 4-10This is the skill-stacking phase, where we combine movements.
• Dynamic Ball Handling: Dribbling while moving (zig-zags, speed dribbles, and retreating).
• Shooting Range Extension: Gradually moving back from the rim while maintaining perfect form.
• Intro to Defensive Stance: Learning lateral slides and "closing out" on a shooter.
• Basic Conditioning: Incorporating basketball-specific movements (suicides or defensive slides) to build stamina.
Lesson 2-3These sessions transition from static movements to active fundamentals.
• Stationary Dribbling: Learning to use the finger pads rather than the palm, focusing on waist-high "pound" dribbles and crossovers.
• Layup Footwork: Introducing the "Mikan Drill" and the 1-2 step cadence for right and left-handed layups without defense.
• Passing Basics: Practicing chest passes and bounce passes with proper stepping technique for power and accuracy.
