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Guaranteed Acceleration Drills to Make Young Basketball Players Lightning Quick

What is one of the first things that spectators comment about with regard to a basketball players ability? Undoubtedly, it is the breath taken speed and quickness that a player displays. When an offensive player crosses over and slices through the defense you can hear sudden “WOW’S”from the crowd. Or when a defensive player smothers the ball handler, the crowd immediately comments on how quick that player is. Speedand quickness are the dominant qualities that stick out in a basketball player’sathletic
ability; of course a good vertical gets noticed as well.

When a young athlete has speed it is even more outstanding than the college or pros. The reason is due to the fact it stands out even greater. A 14 or 15 year old high school ball player can simply dominate the game with speed and quickness; obviously they need some serious basketball skills as to go along with it. I have listed a few drills that will make young athletes lightning quick. Some athletes may not be born with speed and quickness, but you are going to learn some drills that will drastically increase these abilities.

1. The lateral shuffle progression:

a. Speed shuffle- Set up cones that are 15 feet apart. Have the athlete shuffle in one direction as fast as possible with great technique. Repeat this 3-5times on each side.

b. Speed shuffle and stop- Repeat the same drill above but emphasis creating a great stopping angle with the outside leg. The athletes should feel as though they could explode in the opposite direction immediately.

c. 555 shuffle drill- In this drill, the athlete will shuffle as fast as possible with two changes of directions. (The 555 stands for 5 yards 3 times). If the athlete starts shuffling to the right first, they will change direction to go
left and one more change of direction to go right again. The athlete should not allow any hesitation during the stopping or starting motions. Repeat 2-3 times in each direction.

d. Random shuffle drill- This may be the most important drill of all. The coach should stand in front or behind the athletes. The coach should use an auditory command and a visual command. The athlete must be able to
perfectly perform these the shuffle drills in a random action. This simulates the game.

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