Ten Thoughts on High School Basketball

I have watched hundreds of high school basketball games over the past 10 – 15 years. Here are a few of my own observations on high school basketball as it relates to skill development, game situations, recruiting and other aspects of the game.

1. Players need to work on weak hand development. For example, every good point guard on the college level can drive it both ways.
   


2. It seems like every game I go to or DVD of a game I watch both teams are playing zone. The most common: 2-3 zone
   


3. Passing and catching is more important than you think! Work on it. This is true also at the college level
   


4. Every player thinks they are a three point shooter. This is furthest from the truth.
   


5. High School players have poor footwork skills. Developing footwork (jab fakes, front pivots, inside pivots) on the perimeter and in the post is crucial for success in college


6. There is nothing worse than going to a game and watching a player that does not play hard and compete
   


7. They all want to go Division 1 in the summer and fall. In the winter and the spring reality sets in. Did you know that only about 3% of HS basketball players go onto play college basketball? Think about it!
   


8. Most teams have an undersized, strong and powerful football player that plays in the post
   


9. If you have a good offensive system (whether it is a continuity or sets) you will get wide open shots
   


10. Missed Layups are something that happen often