Basketball Fundamentals 101
Fundamental Basketball Skill #7 - Catching
Drills for teaching the skill of Catching in Basketball:
1. (coming soon)
2.
3.
When I mention catching as being one of the 9 fundamental basketball skills, I am not specifically talking about how to 'physically' catch a basketball. I will assume that skill has been learned previously (if not, you may need to learn or relearn how to catch a ball). What I am referring to is the idea of being a 'receiver' of the basketball -- how to get open, how to move without the ball, how to read the defense, and how to read your offensive teammates.
The first skill in catching a basketball is being a good receiver. Being a good receiver means looking like someone who wants the ball. Do you look like you want the ball? When you are moving to get open, cut hard and with a purpose, clap or holler to let the passer know you are open, show hand(s) as a target, and always - always - meet the pass.
The other major skill needed in order to be a good 'catcher' is moving without the basketball. You may cut hard, meet the pass, and show you want the ball but those skills won't be very much help if you can't get open. As a potential receiver of the basketball you will have to work hard to get open. You need to set up your defender with purposeful, hard cuts. You must also learn to use screens and picks effectively by properly reading the defenders. It is also imperative to move with a purpose within the realm of your offense. Most offenses ideally prefer about 15 foot spacing. If you ignore this and move without any purpose, you can disrupt your own team's offense, cause unnecessary congestion, and not force the defense to work very hard in guarding you.
The following teaching points and guidelines are important to remember for learning the skill of catching a basketball.
- Move with a purpose. Work hard to get open by setting up your defender and using screens effectively.
- Always meet the pass. Seal the defender off and move to the basketball until you receive it.
- Catch and face. Every time you catch the ball -- no matter where you are on the basketball court -- face the basket. Catch and face in triple threat position.
- Counter the overplay. If you cut hard and your defender is overplaying, use his aggresiveness against him. Cut hard the other way to the basket or middle of the floor.
- More tips and pointers will be found in the drills below
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