Just take a ball everywhere you go Jimbo. Really I can say go hard at the practice but enjoy the game at your younger age.
Like already said. Dribble with your head up. The damn balls round so its going to come up directly in the direction you push it no matter what.
Footwork can't be stressed more. Get that dialed and take the least amount of steps in a move you can. You will always get there faster and easier.
Watch a defenders shoulders, feet lie and you can't see the ball or other players.
Concentrate on using both hands and being unpredictable with the ball. Not in a flashy way but just on your entry passes etc. Mixe it up with bounce passes, chest passes etc.
Learn and watch so you are not always as a PG throwing passes that are right on the mark. Part of your job is to lead teamates to the spot and passing into the lane where they should be.
As far as dribbling, work on dribbling circles and other drills with both hands etc but really concentrate on dribbling on the run. Too often i see the kids with decent dribble get into trouble because all they do is practice half court ball and get into all sorts of problems in the open court and in a trapping situation. You should be able to turn both ways off a reverse dribble otherwise that will get exploited. Trey is right too a pass is always quicker than a dribble, pass first dribble second.
Rember the easiest quickets way out of trouble is quite often the simplest route. Rep coaches look for 'good' fundamentals not flashy ball skills. You will cut the other players up over a full court 5 on 5 game with them.
With your shooting again I can't stress enough about your footwork. No use having a nice release if your feet are all wrong and you are constantly off balance. Work on your shot coming off the left off a player as well as the right. Get a routine where you have your feet set and it will come naturally after a while. You still need to be able to shoot off balance etc but knocking down the open jumper every time will endear you to rep coaches.
Don't shoot from too far out young man. It will alter your action. Work on the shot you are comfortable with without altering it. Practice shooting on the move and off the dribble more than just stand and shoot etc. AND use the damn glass. Its there for a reason, and your forwards will love you as any misses will more likely stay in the key area for them to snap up. Same thing can be said for getting good rotation on the ball for a soft shot.
Follow your shot if you can and not leave the open court open. Remember the longer you shoot from the longer the rebound.
Just keep at it Jimbo but don't take it too seriously yet mate. Its fun and you shouldn't put pressure on yourself.
Pratice your weaknesses, play your strengths ;-)
Good points Trey
