How to Handle Pressure and Play at YOUR Speed

The Art of Composure in Basketball: A Training Session with Nolan

In this training session, the coach and his student, Nolan, worked on a crucial aspect of basketball: composure under pressure. The coach emphasized that becoming a more composed player is essential to controlling the game even when faced with aggressive defenders.

To start, the coach encouraged Nolan to play as calm as possible, without trying to beat him or show off. Instead, the focus was on staying composed and not letting the defender get in his head. The coach demonstrated this by holding onto the ball for a moment, making it difficult for Nolan to steal it, while still moving slowly and deliberately.

The coach then asked Nolan to try to stay calm and control the game as little as possible, using only minimal dribbling but maintaining control of the ball. This exercise was designed to help Nolan develop his ability to float the ball, keeping it in his hand for as long as possible to maintain control. The coach noted that this technique would give Nolan more opportunities to create space on the court.

As the training session progressed, the coach introduced a new challenge: turning towards him as many times as possible without getting distracted or losing focus. This exercise was designed to help Nolan develop his ability to stay focused and adaptable on the court. The coach emphasized that this skill is essential for players to be able to respond quickly to changing situations and avoid getting shut down by defenders.

Throughout the training session, the coach provided guidance and feedback to Nolan, helping him to refine his skills and build his confidence. The coach also encouraged Nolan to think critically about how he could improve his game, asking him to come up with two tips that he would give himself based on what the coach was doing.

One of these tips was to pay attention to how the coach's body positioning affected the ball's trajectory. The coach explained that by positioning himself in a way that made it difficult for Nolan to steal the ball, he could create opportunities for himself without having to use excessive dribbling or speed. This required Nolan to be aware of his surroundings and adjust his movements accordingly.

The second tip was related to how the coach used his body to shield the ball from Nolan's grasp. The coach demonstrated this by pulling the ball back into a safe position, making it clear that this technique would allow him to maintain control of the ball while also creating space on the court.

Throughout the training session, the coach and Nolan worked together to develop their skills and build each other's confidence. By focusing on composure under pressure, they were able to improve their overall game and become more effective players on the court.