Storm Chalk Talk

A: Coach Gary Kloppenberg -- A lot of conditioning drills used in our practice incorporate a ball to simulate game conditions while working on the fast break. A good drill used by the Storm is the 3-on-2 continuous break. There is no out of bounds ... whoever rebounds makes an outlet pass and runs the break the other direction with two players waiting in lines at the hash mark. Players are constantly running and trying to score on the fast break. Turnovers and possessions are kept and after a designated amount of time, leaders are rewarded by not having to run a wind sprint! Full court one-on-one defense is another well-used drill that conditions but teaches at the same time. The 3-on-0 weave to score eight baskets in one minute is a killer ... you can't miss or you are in trouble!

To increase shooting range, you need to shoot at least 200-500 shots per day, with at least 1/3 of them being three point shots. You should work on being able to catch and shoot quick coming off screens, as well as using a quick triple threat move to clear yourself to shoot off the dribble. These skills should be done at "game speed" and against the clock or with a goal in mind of how many you should be able to make in a period of time. For example, if you are shooting 3-point shots from the wing, you can set a goal of making seven in one minute. Be sure to shoot, then move a few steps away and come back for next shot to simulate a "catch and shoot" game situation. All shooting drills should be designed to simulate game shots in a game situation. Put some pressure on yourself and you will work harder and improve!

Q: Willie asks, I have two daughters that I think have the athletic ability to be good basketball players. Since I'm in the Army and move around a lot it's difficult getting them into a routine. I want to learn as much as possible about basic fundamentals of basketball so I can pass on some of those skills to them. The eight year old has played one year, but the 13 year old has played youth services basketball for two years. Last year they placed second in the Youth Services Finals for junior girls league. Do you have any information to help me assist them with their development?

A: Storm Director of Basketball Operations Missy Bequette: Before answering your question, I think it's great that you are taking the time to look for and invest in some great opportunities for your daughters. As you know, there are so many benefits to them getting involved and working to be good and find achievement through basketball.

I am going to give you some ideas that might help you, I am not sure about what might be available in your area though. Having them in youth basketball leagues is a great start.

Some suggestions for them to learn some more include going to camps. You can find them throughout the year, though most are in the summer. I know that the two Seattle newspapers have weekly calendars in the sports page of local things to attend, you might find it in the Tacoma and Olympia papers as well.

Another thing is to check with local youth centers, which might have clinics on occasion. Also, keep an eye out for clinics put on by the local high schools as well.

A really novel idea might be to talk with the local HS or small college and see if the coaches have any players who might want to be a coach to your daughters. With some high schools, they have community outreach requirements that might qualify for the hours they need: teaching basketball to your daughters or some local kids (a clinic).

If you have baby-sitters with your kids on occasion, is it possible to find a baby-sitter who plays basketball and would be interested in teaching your daughters some basics?

I have four nephews and I gave them a videotape of some basketball drills to work on. The tape was made by Pete Maravich several years ago. You can find all kinds of basic video tapes for coaching purposes at http://www.syskos.com They have a great number of tapes, and if you are not sure which one you might like, give them a call, and maybe they can recommend one for you.

Best wishes to you as you lead the way for your daughters to learn more about basketball! And thanks for your interest. Let us know if there are any other ways we can help you!!!