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Basketball Singularity

Posted in New Posts, News on November 2nd, 2011 by Troy Miles

The physical displays we are seeing across all sports today are truly remarkable. It’s hard to fathom where they might plateau. The ever evolving physicality of the human species creates a few perplexing questions. Is there a ceiling on the athletic capacity  of an “organic” human being? What about the limit for performance? At what point  will the human processor max out?  I’ve said before that the physicality of the modern basketball player has already morphed the game beyond physical recognition.  Maybe the real question is, where  “The Brain Game”  is headed; and what will it take to stay ahead of the curve? 

For the most part we are living in a very organic time– relative to development and prowess. Outside of a few parts and accessories, the physical fusion of man and machine (Singularity) has not made its way into mainstream sports arena. So far, athletes operate free of implants to acquire skill sets and enhancement – outside of productive work, is still a thing of banned substances. This is inspiring news for the sports purist. It means that great players aren’t being created in the laboratory–yet. It will not be this way forever.

What’s certain is technology will forever expand possibility, and possibility will forever test our morality. There will certainly be those who will operate outside of the ethical boundary, in search of any type of performance advantage. The good news is, those who seek to be machine-like in their approach to development and application today, can use this approach to create significant advantage versus non-virtual adversaries and also against “virtual” opponents who are not fully aware of their virtual selves… ask Stephen Curry, he’s a true technician.

‎”The truth is the math and science of the game never changes when it comes to successful play. In fact, most successful players do the same things. Oftentimes these players are not aware of or even concerned with the mathematical or scientific realities of their actions. They have success doing what they do, so they continue to do it. Unfortunately, most players are not so lucky. Think about it. What are the chances of randomly acquiring the necessary skill sets to become a top player? As a result, “stars” are rare. That means most players are in desperate need of the right information or materials to become the diamond of their dreams.” --The Virtual Game of Basketball

Virtual Play is a real-life app for creating matrix-like outcomes on the court for experienced VPers and instant positive change for beginners. It’s where technical acuity, precise application and a Calm Assertive Mind (CAM) can transcend what seems possible. The truth is Virtual Play is a collection of  basketball functions and operations based on core fundamentals, including those of math and physics. To be Virtual is to be machine-like (in efficiency) across all your basketball functions – physical, technical, intellectual, and (as a human) emotional. “Sci-Fi or Hi-Sci (Highly Scientific)?”

As I’ve said it before, technology will forever change. Adapt now or prepare to fall short of your objectives.

Tags: Performance Enhancement, Sci-Fi or Hi-Sci (Highly Scientific) ?, Singularity, Sports Science, Stephen Curry,

Roles to Get Chose: 3 Ways to Make the Team

Posted in Basketball, New Posts, News on October 21st, 2011 by Troy Miles

When most people think of making the team, they envision themselves knocking down shots all over the floor and having everyone holla—-”I see you.” If that’s the case, you’ll probably make the team.  However, outside of such a Kevin Durant style scoring expo, here are a few ways to impact the coaches and give yourself a shot to make the team– without making a shot.

Read more »

(1) Steal the Rock… Earn a Spot
“D or Die” Defender (D)Let me be clear. The top defender on the floor is going to make the team.  In most cases, the top defender is going to play quite a bit for most coaches –ask Coach Wooden. Whether on the ball or off, making defensive plays will get you noticed. In fact, off-the-ball defense (Lane Patrol) gives you an opportunity for defensive highlights. You should stay in the passing lane. A deflection, a quick push and emphatic throwdown (if it’s like that)– even a lay-up looks nice. Either way you’ll get to put your hands together and holla “let’s go” on the way back.

(2) Get Rebounds…Get Noticed

Rebound Hound (R): If you’re cleaning up the glass, you’ll get to sip the team gatorade all season long. There’s a place for anyone who’s snatching boards, on any level.  Understanding P&P (Probability & Proximity) is a  surefire way to add to your rebound total. Teams with top rebounders always seem to be higher caliber.  Ever heard of Dennis Rodman, Ben Wallace or Paul Silas? I think it’s  the extra possessions and second chance shots they create . Sometimes those extra looks are easy put-backs and ways into the scoring column.

Related: “Bound Together”

(3) Jack of All Plays

Momentum Man (MM): A momentum person always seems to make big plays- at both ends of the court. It could be taking a charge, coming up with a steal, a blocked shot, a pair of big free-throws- maybe a huge bucket…whatever it is, it’s usually critical. These players bring a list of intangibles to the fray that always seem to fit the occasion; it could be something as simple as extra intensity. Every team needs a couple of these guys.

The beauty of these roles is that none requires you to have the basketball. There’s only one basketball, but those three options are always available. Besides, all things equal, you’d only have the ball 20 percent of the time anyway. This way, what you’re able to  do with the ball (when you get it) will only add to your display. Mastering at least one of these roles will not only get you a spot on the team, but will also land you a spot in the rotation. Trust me. Once you make it out onto the floor, I guarantee you’ll end up having a ball.

 

Tags: Ben Wallace, Dennis Rodman, John Wooden, Paul Silas, , Try-outs

How Far is LeBron?

Posted in New Posts, News on October 19th, 2011 by Troy Miles

LeBron James is one of the baddest cats on the basketball planet, and perhaps the best teammate in the game– period . You could even argue he is the greatest player we’ve ever seen–with so much cap space (room to grow).

Yet as super basketball human as he is, LeBron has glaring weaknesses in his game. Read more »

Everybody knows by now that he needs to develop his post game, and I’d love to work him through “A Dose of my Post.” But if  I could just get him to understand “Lane Play” (The Virtual Game of Basketball), every NBA exec outside of Pat Riley and the Heat brass would be looking to give me the guillotine.

Nonetheless, LeBron is a ridiculous player as is and certainly a joy to watch. In my humble opinion he has the greatest scope of vision of any player since Magic Johnson. Yet the enigma that is LeBron James brings up an interesting discussion about capacity (what you have) and capability (what you do with what you have). I suppose it’s why we are delighted by LeBron’s spectacular demonstrations, yet truly marvel at the better players who operate closer to their capacities (Steve Nash still pops in my brain when I think of that guy) .

No matter where you are on the spectrum of  skill (physical, technical, intellectual application, emotional/grit) or PTAG , Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is what it’s all about.  Let’s suppose your PTAG is 2/3/3/3 or 11 out of 20 (11/20)- since the maximum in each category is 5. Thus, 11 would equate to level 55 (or so), still just over half of what’s possible.  Now if  your overall skill level is 10 (out of 100) you ‘re a beginner and  should push to get to level 20 and beyond and beyond– that’s obvious. My point is, once players get to around level 50+ or 60, the majority ( at least far too many) fail to get better -other than physically. Hopefully they continue to get wiser.

Skill set development suffers after that because at level 50+ or 60 players can play, even though they  may be far from their capacities. Many players think they’re better than they actually are and getting them to listen can be a challenge, especially if what they already possess is “enough”. Level 50 (on average) are top high school, level 60 upper college, and 70 approaching NBA level.  Let’s also add that  Kobe could easily be in the upper 80′s with a “Virtual” mindset (cleaner application) . Where are you? How much cap space do you have?

(related: “Evaluation Fixation”)

In the end, LeBron could (with the right information) have the highest number of all time… I’m hoping this is what Scottie Pippen meant to say. Truth is, LeBron is not nor is he guaranteed to be greater than Michael Jordan.  It’s just when you see his immense potential you know in your heart it’s possible, even though your brain may doubt it presently.

Think of the spot he’s in. He’s living the life of a king and his game is filthy–forget championship rings for a moment,.  What will be his hunger pang when he finally puts on that ring (he will). Not to mention, that  once your game gets to a certain level of development it’s hard to find people that can actually help you get better.

(related: “eMPTy Without It”)

I heard LeBron was spending time with Hakeem (Olajuwon) working on the his post game.  The lockout could be providing him more time to get it together. I guess Olajuwon should be careful too.

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

A Shot to Make It

Posted in New Posts, News on October 3rd, 2011 by Troy Miles

When you take a shot during a ballgame, you shouldn’t be trying to make the shot… you should expect to make the shot. Expecting to make shots is a matter of taking a shot your capable of making technically,while satisfying other quality shot selection factors.

After all, every team’s goal should be the best shot for the team each trip down the floor. So if you find yourself in the act of shooting, it should not only be a shot you’re capable of making, but also a shot that fits the team goal for quality shot attempt. Let’s face it, if you’re jacking up a shot under heavy duress or rushing to get it off, it’s probably not a quality shot. Read more »

Even if you are open, is the shot you’re about to take the best option for the team.  Sometimes a fifteen foot open shot is worse than a twenty -two foot open shot.  It all depends on whose taking the shot. The raw truth is…you’ve got to have a shot to make it. As a shooter you’ve got to expect to make it every time you shoot it. However, a true sign of being  a quality shooter is when everyone around you (coaches, player’s, fans) expect you to make it. Unfortunately, all shooters are not created equally. the good news is not all quality shooters share the same mechanics, but all HAVE mastered the technical and artistic nuances necessary to put the ball in the basket.

THE BALL DOESN’T LIE, IF IT DROPS OFTEN YOU QUALIFY. CONVERSELY: IF YOU DON’T POP THE NET ON THE REGULAR… YOU’RE SHOT IS JUST REGULAR.  ——

Fortunately, there are other ways you can contribute, and it might include scoring, just be judicious about what shots you take. If you really want to clean up your shot, my suggestion is to consider how a machine would shoot a ball and work to refine your technique in accordance with those principles and your particular anatomy.  I’m willing to bet that if you were given a shooting machine that didn’t function the right way mathematically and /or make shots, you’d be anxious to return it or have it fixed.

I’ve organized a strategy for learning to shoot and refine your technique according to how a machine would operate. The “6 F’s of Shooting” deals in preparing yourself  to shoot and preparing to make the shot.  Find out more in the “The Virtual Game of Basketball“ http://virtualgameofbasketball.com/about_book.html A players capacity to make shots is based on his or her shooting proficiency and efficiency. Proficiency is the raw skill of being able to make shots from a said position on the floor and efficiency is how that skill translate to game conditions.  I can appreciate a player’s proficiency value (it takes a long time to refine a shooting stroke), but as a coach, I’m more interested in a player’s efficiency rating.

ER is the ability to make shots during game conditions which basically is the net of shooting proficiency and shot selection. The variables of game-time conditions include defensive and emotional pressure and shot location.  Therefore, effective game-time shooting is based on the type of shots a player gets and ultimately takes. That’s what quality shot selection is all about.

The Great Rim Debate There’s always been a great deal of hoopla (lol) concerning using the back-rim vs. front-rim as a target for shooters.  I have seen very few quality back-rim shooters, and can spot them (back-rim shooters) from across the gymnasium. Back-rim shooters misses are typically clanks because of the failure to take enough (speed) off of the ball to miss the back rim and have it fall in.

Front-rim shooters may miss short more often, but it’s definitely easier to “add a little” (follow through with the fingers) than “take away”. In fact, extreme follow through is the ultimate finish for most shot attempts. I believe the less the follow through, the less opportunity there is of making the shot. “Posing” the finish is critical.

In a drill I have students stand two feet from the basket.  I then have them attempt to just hit the front-rim by aiming the ball two feet over the rim, with extreme follow through. In this exercise, despite the shooters efforts to miss the shot, the ball continuously goes into the basket .  If a shooter continually makes shots while just trying to hit the rim, shouldn’t it (the front-rim) be a logical target to make shots? In fact, it’s  tough to hit the “skinny” rim  from a particular location. Therefore the shooter can psychologically flip the script on makes, by using the front rim as the target; expecting to miss the rim and have the ball drop into the basket.

Although two men’s basketballs fit in the hoop at the same time, getting it in the cylinder is not an easy task. Here’s what Brett Morrow– shooter supreme and US Distributor of Boomerang Basketball Systems has to say: Boomerang Basketball | The most innovative, forward thinking producer of basketball training systems  

Brett Morrow: “The Ball’s entry angle at 35,45 & 55 degrees. The SHOT is a skill that is supported by Physics, (Galileo, Newton & Einstein) you want to dispute it, take it up with them. WHAT DOES THE BALL SEE? If the ball drops from the ceiling at 90 degrees it sees a 18″ circle, but when you shoot the ball it sees an EGG or ellipse.

I believe those that are very consistent shooters who control distance are more “Center” of target minded then a specific loop or back edge of the rim. I know others say that the aim for the middle of the hoop, not sure how that works from 15′-24′ from the hoop. Based on thousands & thousands of reps this group and others instantly have a “knowing” (muscle memory) how much velocity or speed they need to apply out of the release along with how high the ball needs to go so that it is driven from the middle of the hoop to the edge of the back rim.

The ball only “sees” an 18″ circle when it falls from the sky at 90 degrees, the hoop is only a circle when we are dribbling or passing the ball, once a ball is launched in the hoops direction the circle becomes an elliptical or egg shaped. I am not saying a “Swish” is not the way to go, a true “Bulls eye” is when the center of the ball travels 11″ beyond the front rim, for ideal distance control if we can average the center of the ball entering 6″- 16″ beyond front edge we eliminate front rim and short. Its amazing how many “highlight videos” of these great shooters show their ball grazing the back rim and instantly going down in the hoop…”

The moral of the story is shooting is essential and machines can be ideal, but…

“…hopefully you’re not grooving any faulty mechanics.  As strange as it sounds, be careful with shooting machines. Using machines before you’re technically “ready” will help you get tons of less than optimal reps and “help you” get better at  shooting with a higher degree of difficulty than what is necessary?–from: “Ok.What Did the Chart Say?”

Learn the proper shooting mechanics first, then find yourself a quality machine to help maximize your efforts to refine your technique.

Tags: 6F's of shooting, Boomerang Basketball, Brett Morrow, Larry Bird, Ray allen, Virtual Game of Basketball

“In the Lab” with Nia Jackson

Posted in New Posts, News on September 17th, 2011 by Troy Miles
Nia Jackson

Click pic for profile

Nia Jackson is an All-Pac 10/12 guard at the University of Oregon, and one of the most explosive players in the country.  I was able to spend three days (12 hours) with her in the “Lab” recently .  Nia has been working hard to rehab a knee injury suffered against the University of Washington last season.  Physically she is about 60 percent and is limited to what she is permitted to do on the court. The good news  is she was still able to add to her PTAG –Physical, Technical, Application (Intellectual)  and Grit (Emotional) development, because “Virtual” growth isn’t necessarily a physical process.

Read more »

FOCUS=GRIT=TOUGHNESS
Let’s go….I’ll let you peek inside our journey.

Day 1

Film (2 hours).  Two+ hours of  game film breakdowns helped me to identify her defaults (skill sets  and nuances) and put together action steps to not only optimize and add to her skill sets, but also to help her be more efficient in her applications.

Q&A period (1 hour)

Day 2

Lab (3 hours)

Q&A period (1 hour)

Day 3

Lab (3 hours)

Q&A period (1 hour)

Key Point Analysis: 9/7

Here are some of the key points discussed during film breakdowns.

Defaults: established modes and nuances for play. You can create defaults for play as ifs they were Apps for your phone. Put these on the list for your “market”.

Flex on contact: gives you physical supremacy and greater stability on any impacts. It transfers the energy back into the opposition and provides leverage for you in the moment of exchange. It’s a key element of bodywork.

Absolute Speed (wide stance): Being on“Both sides of the line” simultaneously or in “virtual” terms: occupying lane 1 -3 at once. This creates tremendous speed just by virtue of your stance. Requires less physical effort—particularly with “push” and“control” foot awareness. Speed becomes a matter of exchanging the ball from lane to lane crisply.

Push (transition) awareness: Your technical push mechanics are sound. Be certain to look up the court and employ “Scope of vision” (Floor- to- rim) the absolute moment you touch the ball. Early awareness slows everything down and speeds up your processing dramatically. Floor -to-rim vision broadens your view of the surroundings, which includes early awareness of defensive intentions. Be sure to push the ball out in front initially to force a burst to catch up. Bursting to catch up creates immediate separation from the defender. The early space advantage then allows you to slow down which in turn makes processing play and decision making easier. Many times the most efficient route up the court includes bodywork,–which safeguards getting up the floor expediently w/o going breakneck speed.

Ballhandling = Footwork + Bodywork + Dribbling, in that order!

Intellectually, use mid-court as the first “Decision line” (after the big push). Be aggressive in exploring the greatest advantage for the team EVERY trip -which might include your shot or drive. Capitalizing on your opportunities not only helps define you as a player but also helps you include your teammates in a more effective manner.

Hover: The typical push is three dribbles up the floor. Once engaged the “hover “ dribble with range-of-motion (ROM) and proper “Scope”(floor to rim) will give you more time to process the action and ultimately make you more manipulative in your decision making. At the same time, ROM will keep the defender at bay and force her to respond to your movement of the ball going out into the lane — which becomes a threat. This will make navigating easier, remedy picking the ball up and cut down on Deferrals.

Deferrals are passes that don’t lead to an immediate production opportunity or create advantage for the receiver. Deferrals thrusts the receiver into the “point guard” or decision making role. You want the receiver to be able to knock down shots or be able to manipulate the defender more easily because of your effort. This mentality makes you more effective running set plays as well. It creates a ripple of advantage.

Anatomy of a Move/(ABC’s): Your leadership position- (A)allows you to initiate or be first . As the defender reacts or becomes (B) it allows you to see (C) what to do -as a response.

Key Point Analysis: 9/8 Pre-Video

Push (transition) awareness, “Scope of vision” 

False-Leg: False-leg is essentially extreme push-foot control, following an extreme threat to drive by (engage your shoulder). Hypothetically, a false-leg could be an inch or drawn out to the end of your extension to go by. As the defender retreats to catch up, stopping your push foot (on one side or the other, it depending on timing) will create separation-especially if you use proper extension or ROM (range-of-motion) in the intended direction. It’s also powerful to accelerate into stops. You’re anticipating a stop, but the defender has no clue, but they’ll have to match the energy of the burst forward, regardless of how short a distance. It’s amazing how far you can make people move with that.

Stopping on the inside foot (as the push foot) will create an outside false-leg (control foot on the outside), and vice-versa. Awareness of your push foot , leads to push foot control or having a sticky push foot. This will create a slight pause in your movement forward, which will give you more time to process so you can gauge whether you’re actually going to continue forward. An activated (established) push foot also gives you the ability (balance) to stop your control foot at whatever fraction of a step-if necessary, according to the defense. Hovers and false-legs are a potent tandem to keep your opponent off balance just like fastballs and chang-ups in baseball. Read more about this in chapter 6. (Handles in a Hurry)

Key Points Analysis: 9/9/11

Shooting: Finger pads vs. palm

Finger pads (tip of the finger to the first knuckle) or in virtual terms “the platform” provide the most control of the basketball. It removes the space (variance) the ball must travel from the palm up to the release. Therefore shooting from the palm creates a higher degree of difficulty in delivery than starting with the ball on the platform.

Backboard Mastery: Spot A,B,C … reverse (spin) Spot A,B,C –both sides

Ballhandling: Cage (Diamond) Dribbles Dribbling 360 degrees around your body via: front-cross (over) to diagonal-cross (front-to-back) to back-cross, to diagonal cross (back-to-front), back to front-cross. Outside of a behind the back wrap around dribble, cage dribble are the only dribbles necessary for changes lane changes while face-up on the opponent. It’s important to increase your exchange rate (of the ball)from lane to lane. Following through with your fingers raises your “snap index” (velocity) on the ball and makes changes crispier.

Remember: Foot (control foot), hand, ball drill All 3 arriving at the same time when moving the ball side to side on changes. Crossover key point…let the ball breathe out to full arm extension or (ROM). The sooner you touch the ball the less range you’ll have with your ROM –before carrying it or having to transfer it back. The less range you have, the less time you have to process, get a reaction from the defender or exploit advantages –without picking the ball up. Picking the ball up usually leads to a deferral and sketchier opportunity for the team that trip down the floor.

Bodywork

Head and shoulders out in front . A “punch” with your shoulders mentality generates earlier responses from defenders by speeding up your threats to go by, which allows you to manipulate more quickly. Engaging with the shoulder creates leverage against the defender on drive-bys. The more leverage you can create, the easier it is to fasle-leg or use line-drive maneuvers– ball tuck, lane-change on final approach to the basket. (chapter 10)

Tags: college basketball, In the Lab, Nia Jackson, Player Development, , Troy Miles, University of Oregon, Virtual Play

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