Why freshman struggle? The missing skill sets.

1. Coach Long, in your experience, what are the top two or three performance skills that players lack in today’s game? A large portion of players today have zero to no footwork. We have players that are extremely skilled and they handle the ball better, shoot better and even have a variety of finishes but their flaw is they don’t know how to pivot.  We spend 10 – 15 minutes a day on pivoting and foot work.  You have to start from the ground up. Players today don’t know how to pass and I am not sure there is a focus put on it. With the inception of the Dribble Drive offense you’ve seen a lot less passing and that’s understandable but the biggest issue I’ve found is players don’t understand angles and how to lead others when they pass.  Simply feeding the post from a high low aspect, a pocket pass on a ball screen or having the ball waiting on someone is almost nonexistent.  At my level players miss lay ups. We shoot 300 to 500 layups a day in practice and still miss them.  In my position as a women’s basketball coach I feel that players don’t understand how the ball works in the different ways it hits the backboard.  Male basketball players typically play above the rim and they roll the ball off the backboard into the basket.  Females don’t have that luxury.  When you are rolling the ball under the basket you put a spin on the ball forcing it to go higher.  I tell my players to try and touch the backboard each time they shoot even though I know they cannot.  Doing that forces them to shoot the ball and get the proper rotation.  I also believe that lack of focus has a lot to do with this as well.
2. In today’s recruiting climate, what are some character skills that will help improve a player’s chances of getting recruited? Any coach can identify talent. The issue that we all face is what is inside.  As a recruiter for almost 2 decades, I truly believe you have to recruit character / good people.  I will pass on a super talented player with little to no character and take a less talented player that will buy in and work to get better every day.  A few years back I began spending more time recruiting parents than the players.  My assistants will work hard developing the relationship with the players and I will develop the relationship with the parents.  When you know who is coaching them at home you get a better understanding of the character of the player.  When it comes to the players, kids will be kids and you have to be able to see through their immature moments but their values will become apparent in conversations, social media, and actions.  The other thing I really look for is a motor!!  You have to have a motor on the court and if you do you will be noticed.  Include a skill set with a motor and you increase your chances to be noticed greatly.
3. In your opinion, why do you think so many freshman are not ready skill wise to complete in their first year? I believe many high schoolers end game is to get the college scholarship. Especially on the women’s side.  I think after they have received the scholarship they become comfortable and think they have reached the pinnacle.  With that thought process they don’t try to improve their skill sets and increase the intensity at which they perform.  Players don’t like to be uncomfortable and they avoid situations to make themselves uncomfortable.  The only way to improve is to get knocked down and get back up. 

4. What advice would you give high school players on how to improve their skill sets, so that they can compete their first year? I encourage all players that have a desire to compete at the college level to attend some college practices and see the intensity and speed at which they are held. I also believe that if you can shoot the ball, I mean really shoot the ball that you are going to get noticed.  That and handling a ball are two things players need.  If you are a big that has not developed that skill set your footwork (pivoting) and the ability to finish are key.  Players that are one dimensional are limited.  You must develop a couple of skill sets. 

5. In today’s game, why are there so many players that lack the basic understanding of game concepts, terminology, and overall IQ? Players today don’t play other than when they are in practice or games. You don’t see players playing pick up anymore and learning to play the game.  I understand that times have changed and it may not be as safe to get to the parks to play but I believe players should play in city, church leagues and 3 on 3 tournaments.  These are the places that players can make mistakes and work on their skills against a variety of people. I also believe that players play too much! We need to spend more time in practice and developing habits so when they play its second nature.  We play now more than we practice which has negative effects.

6. As high school coaches and trainers, how can we better prepare our players for the next level? Be Present!!! Open the gym for them. Give them a reason for them to want to show up.  Don’t get so caught up and trying to win every game.  That’s hard in our society where winning is more important than developing.  Focus on the fundamentals, don’t try and have them do pro level moves with an elementary skill set.

7. In regards to developing Human Skills such as, communication, problem solving, and working within team environments. How can parents assist their children in developing these skills to ensure success in college and in life Once a gain Be Present!!! You don’t want them to be what you were or were not.  Allow them to follow their own path but guide them down it.  Develop an environment where verbal communication is present and they can go to you for anything.  Allow your children to fail and let them know it’s ok if they are not the best at something.  If they are not the best at something, they still have value and that needs to be the message.

8. Lastly, with the ever evolving Transfer Portal and coaches looking to recruit older players and even players from overseas. What are some steps and or strategies that our younger players may take to stand out amongst their older peers? Most importantly nothing beats experience and that is the gap that young players have to bridge. They may lack the experience but to shorten the divide they must develop a skill set and the mentality that is required to challenge that more experienced player.  The other thing players need to do is not get so caught up in the level they play but the place and who they are playing for.  There is a right fit for everyone and each player needs to look for that with the help of those they trust.