The mental game...

Question
Dear Coach,

I'm a 20 year old pick-up player looking to take my game up a level. I was unfortunate to never have played basketball in high-school, AAU, etc. My unabated passion for the game over the past few years has allowed me to compete with high school and community-college players. But, as I'm sure you have begun to assume, my fundamentals are severly deficient.

I know the basics of the basics, shooting form, spacing, boxing out, defense. But I've never been taught about proper footwork, off-ball strategies (aside from setting baseline screens and basic spacing). I find that i have a huge problem with focus, mainly, letting myself get lazy with focusing on the rim while shooting, not cutting, etc.

I guess the bulk of such information comes from years of practicing, but considering I'm not on a team with a coach, what are some things i can do on my own to improve my footwork, focus, and a couple of fundamental offensive strategies?

I also seem to have a mental block when it comes to shot blockers, I think it might be a common problem, but I find myself having real troubles driving the basket after having my shots consistently blocked, even after a couple of pump-fakes. What are a couple of ways to "beat the shot blocker?"

I would greatly appreciate if you addressed even one question..

Thanks,
Kris

Answer
Hi Kris,

Here are some great sites that will help you with fundamentals and different ideas of the game.

http://www.coachesclipboard.net/IndexMac.shtml

http://eteamz.active.com/basketball/instruction/index.cfm?

http://www.basketballtips.net/shooting.htm

http://www.hoopsking.com/hoopsStore/store/dynamicIndex.asp

Concerning your mental block after geting your shot blocked. If somebody is blocking your shot consistently then there is no need to keep going at him. That is like trying to run through a brick wall. Why would you do that? You need to out smart the shot blocker. Instead of taking
it all the way to the hole, pull up and take a 7-10 foot shot. After you start pulling up he will start to creap out a little bit then you can pump fake him and drive around him. Also think about reverse layups when you are driving on a shot blocker, that way you can use the rim as a shield to his block.

Watching the rim or the ball and not moving on the flight of the ball is a common problem with lots of players. That comes in time and after a coach has yelled at you a 100+ times in practice. Without a coach you need to discipline yourself. Make a mental note before every game to keep playing until the ball is dead. I always tell my players not to be a spectator when they are on the court or they will have the best seat in the gym, right next to me.

Good luck and keep working hard. A lot of basketball technique and feel for the game comes from just playing games. If there is anything else I can help with please write back. I hope this helped a little.