South O.C. (RSM) AAU/ 8, 9, 10, 11, 12U Boys Elite Club Basketball Team

Philosophical Approach
It is my view that basketball is a habitual sport, so the instruction offered must promote proper technique at game speed. Practice will be videotaped periodically to ensure proper form and technique are being implemented on a regular basis. Basketball muscle memory is best promoted anywhere from 6 to 12 years of age. This time in a young basketball player's life is a crucial window to capture if they are going to be the best they can truly be. For a few, this means playing college or even pro basketball one day, and for most it can be the factor that prepares them for a great high school experience. Mental and physical quickness will be developed on a daily basis through a variety of drills and practice pacing. This kind of instruction is typically accessible only to basketball players at the elite high school and college levels. Competing at the highest levels is unlikely to happen unless there is a deliberate and strategic approach to instruction that begins with early, elite coaching. Everyone wants to be successful, but only a select few are willing to truly prepare for that success.

The basketball instruction in this club is demanding both physically and mentally. This program requires a meaningful commitment. We seek kids that really have a passion to get good at the game of basketball! Our goal is to build versatile, complete basketball players, rather than rigid positional players. Most importantly, this will be done with integrity! Values will be fostered throughout the club experience. Specifically, team work, courage, sacrifice, selflessness, work ethic, dedication, and perseverance will be promoted throughout the athletes club experience. Athletics is a unique vehicle for instilling these values that will serve the athletes well for the rest of their lives. AAU Basketball offers the highest level of competition, so the vision is for all athletes to have an environment where they can become the best they can be. Additional "B" and "C" teams will be developed as needed, so players can get meaningful game minutes. We will strive to have no more than eight or nine players on a particular team.

Offensive Approach
In general, the emphasis will be on players learning how to change speeds and directions with and without the ball, moving without the ball, screen, cut, pass, dribble, when to dribble, lift fake, ball fake, motion offensive principles, creation of space, breaking zone gaps, screening the zone, post moves, passing into the post, passing from the post, foul shooting, shot selection, inside out play, getting to the basket, playing with your knees bent, turning and facing the basket, and plyometrics to improve shooting range as well as other athletic skills that will enhance basketball productivity. No matter how talented a particular athlete might be, it is only a matter of time before they compete against another that is even more gifted. Supperior mastery of the basketball fundamentals is the only way one can compete against bigger, stronger, faster, quicker athletes. Mastering the fundamentals within the offense is the best way to make any offense better.

Defensive Approach
All players will learn how to play Man to Man Defense and grasp the many adjustments that can be made within this defensive scheme. Guarding the ball, jumping to the pass, maintaining a ball to man relationship, denying the cutter/ shooter, jumping the ball screen, doubling the ball, hedging the ball screen, switching screens, deleting screeners, stepping out on screens, closing out on the shooter, bellying up, closing the door on the cutter, maintaining a ball man relationship on defense, denying the ball, help and recover concept, taking the charge, man to man-weakside rotation, trapping rotation, fronting the post-X-Step, Guard Cover Down on post, Double Down on the post, fronting and backing the post, playing behind the post, quarter front the post, both offensive and defensive transition. Also, the importance of bending your knees in a defensive stance at all times.


Contact Coach Greg Haskell
Email-haskellgs@yahoo.com
Phone 949-742-4582