A Look in at Girls Basketball

Submitted by Paul Schneider on June 29, 2011

“Clap it up!” yelled Coach JP as the Girls Basketball morning session started.  The practice began with a high intensity, full energy atmosphere that has characterized the program as of recent.  The practice quickly entered into an opening talk focused on what we learned the day before.  The student-athlete’s hands shot into the air.  “Leaders can also be followers”, explained SportsChallenge veteran Renee Drummond.  Another student-athlete, Asha Hedrington continued on the topic of leadership by describing the importance of being a versatile leader.  You may have to “adopt a different leadership style depending on the situation.”  The team was mentally focused and emotionally prepared for the session’s exercises and drills.

The practice swiftly transitioned into basketball.  The first drill up was Psycho Ball -- a game where the “Psycho”, standing in the middle of the circle, sporadically passes the ball to other players surrounding her.  The trick is that the receiving player must clap their hands before catching a chest pass or slap their thighs before catching a bounce pass.  “Psycho’s ready? YEA!!” 

Next, the group moved into form shooting and passing stations. “The elbow and upper arm should be at 90 degrees”, instructed one Coach as the players emulated the demonstration.  Each of the 5 Coaches worked with a group of players with a focus on proper body positioning. 

The session then moved into a drill called Perfect 8.  This activity utilizes the passing and shooting knowledge acquired in the previous drills while centering on communication and teamwork.  The drill entails players forming two lines and continuously passing the ball up and down the court, finishing with a jump stop, a bounce pass, and a lay-up.

Outleting off of this drill, the group jumped into a three-line full court lay-up drill that requires the players in the middle line to pass back and forth between her teammates running along side of her.  The session concluded with Electives – a breakdown of specific skills that are necessary for any player’s repertoire -- Coach Klee, shooting; Coach Greene, ball handling, Coach JP, one v. one defense; Coach G, footwork; and Coach Drury, post moves.  What an eclectic mix of skill development.

Keep up the great work!

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