Getting better

Question
Hi

I am a 16 year old boy trying to get better at basketball i got really good in the 9th grade and in the 10th grade i seemed to drop down My drives are not as aggressive (as if i seem to be afraid of contact) I don't know when to shoot the ball or drive it in i hesitate and no matter how hard I try i cant seem to get my jumping ability to the point where i can dunk i can get both hands over the rim and grab with ease but i can't dunk. All i really want to do is play in the Nba but at the level i am at i'm not going far.

do you think you can help my with these specific things that i am trying to work on this summer
   Dribbling (when and when not to dribble and how not to get the ball stolen)
   Shooting (when to shoot the ball how to get a good shot and how to create a shot for myself)
   Aggresiveness (how to take it hard to the goal without getting block or intimidated)
   Passing (how  to create good plays by passing)

Answer
Hi Kenny,

First of all dunking is not an important part of the game or a skill that makes you successful. Don't get me wrong it is nice if you can but when is that last time you saw Steve Nash dunk the ball? Exactly, never and he is back to back MVP of the NBA. Take your natural ability and know what your strengths are and develop them to the fullest.

I am attaching a link that covers fundamentals, such as dribbling, shooting, and passing. There are videos that demonstrate the correct way to shoot, pass, and dribble. Master what is on this site and this will help you in your game.

Being aggressive is a state of mind. The more you practice and believe in yourself you will become more confident and in turn more aggressive with your game.

This site will tell you how to protect the ball when dribbling. When to shoot the ball depends on your coach抯 philosophy and his game plans. You will have to learn that on your own when you are playing for him. Concerning passing, you will have to figure that out with what your coach is looking for. A good rule on passing is if there is a teammate open a head of you pass him the ball and if a teammate has a better opportunity to score then you do and he is open pass him the ball.

Good luck and let me know how you are doing!

http://www.coachesclipboard.net/VideoClips.html