Becoming a leader with The Basketball Movement

In basketball and in life, leadership is highly valuable. Therefore, The Basketball Movement aims to turn out as many leaders as possible.

Every individual is made up of unique skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Society and teams are at their best when leaders can step up and guide groups in ways that benefit everyone. The Basketball Movement wants to do its part in creating as many leaders as possible.

On the basketball court, it is easy to point to a team’s leading scorer or point guard when picking out the leader. This, of course, does not have to be true. Leadership is possible at all positions.

A player who always makes sure to be a positive presence on the bench is a leader. Players that work to foster off-court relationships with their teammates are leaders. Players that outrun everyone else during practice are leaders. Players that hold teammates accountable in the classroom are leaders.

You can still have the classic leaders—the most vocal defender, the offense initiator, or others who lead by example.

Leadership is a challenging aspect of life to develop, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Being a leader means taking the initiative and often stepping out of your comfort zone. It's about being confident and understanding the sacrifices it takes to help a team succeed.

“If you’re going to be a leader, you’re not going to please everybody. You gotta hold people accountable, even if you have that moment of being uncomfortable.”

— Kobe Bryant

The Basketball Movement understands that leadership can come from anywhere, so we empower all our players to step up as leaders in their own way. Leadership in basketball is just one of many lessons we want our athletes to take away from their time with us.

Those of you who are leaders already - Go forth! Spread your gift in any way that helps others, on the court or off. As our players apply their lessons to their respective teams and other aspects of life, such as work or school, we wish them the best and hope they continue to hold themselves to our high standards.

For more on The Basketball Movement, you're in the right place. But to stay connected and engaged, we encourage you to follow us on Twitter @BBall_Movement. Be part of our community and stay updated on all our latest news and events!

Got that "dawg" in you?

You have probably heard the term “got that dawg in him/her.” Do you?

When you hear someone say they got that dawg in ‘em, what do you think of? Probably a player that is scrappy, competitive, and brings energy. Those things are indeed true. Having a high motor and no quit is a big part of being not only a successful athlete, but a driven and successful person.

What having that dawg in you really comes down to is mental toughness.

Mental toughness is difficult to teach. It can be instilled in a person/player, but that individual must be receptive.

Over the years, The Basketball Movement and its Trainers have enhanced the mental toughness of countless players. Those skills learned here have positively impacted their lives on and off the court.

We cannot take all credit, though, because it is so largely up to each individual. The true dawgs that we have turned out either had a bit of that fire in them from the start or made a conscious decision at some point to flip the switch and become players who play hard and never quit.

Having that dawg in you does not mean you put your head down and attack the basket every possession. The dawg in you is what makes you make the basketball plays that don’t always make the highlight reel.

Sticking with hard screens, diving for loose balls, boxing out rebounders, delivering unselfish passes, getting in the proper defensive stance every possession, smart closeouts on shooters, and practicing as hard as you play… these are the plays we see from players that have the dawg in ‘em.

Those are tangible examples. There is also the inner drive to improve, the NEED to achieve a team win, the support of teammates even when it is hard… there are many examples of that dawg that it takes to be a winner.

So, do you have that dawg in you? Are you ready to find out? Reach out to The Basketball Movement and learn about ways to test your mettle. We’ll see if you have what it takes.

Staying sharp while playing other sports

For athletes who play multiple sports, it is crucial to maintain your edge on the basketball court.

Football has kicked off at every level, with volleyball, cross country, soccer, and plenty of other sports going on besides. There are many different sports for athletes to choose from, especially at the prep level on down. Many of the best athletes distribute their talents over several of these sports, which is great but also presents new challenges.

Time spent on other sports is time spent focusing your attention on things besides basketball. But, again, this is certainly okay as there are many things in life already more critical than hooping, like family, education, etc.

Once it is time to focus on basketball again, you do not want to have fallen behind your teammates, let alone your competition.

When you are caught up with other sports, time management becomes crucial. The sport season you are engaged in likely needs to be the priority (once homework is done). Being coachable, a good teammate, and a successful athlete in whichever sport has your attention needs to remain at the forefront. However, don't forget about the most fantastic sport in the world: basketball.

“The great players show how much they want to play during the offseason - when it’s hot, when it’s tough, and when no one’s watching.”

— Tony Alfonso

Even if you mess around in the driveway dribbling, getting shots up, or playing pick-up games with friends, you stay sharper than you would otherwise. Just remember to keep learned skills, such as shooting form, in the front of your mind. The offseason is the easiest time to get lax on fundamentals and form bad habits.

One of the best things you can do is use a block of free time for focused, intense training. You probably see where this is going, but a workout session like those offered by The Basketball Movement is perfect for blocking out other things from your mind so you can just focus on basketball.

Even smack in the middle of softball season, track season, and what have you, you can still find a few hours. A few hours of concentrated basketball training, especially over a few days, can keep your skills sharp and serve as reminders of what it takes to stay at the top of your game.

Anytime you can have a basketball in your hands is helpful. To get the most out of your basketball offseason, contact The Basketball Movement. Coaches Craig, Sly, AJ, and the rest are the perfect team to ensure that you stay at the top of your game, even if you are playing other sports. Hit us up!

Rob Yanders Memorial Game

The Basketball Movement is holding a memorial basketball game to celebrate our Founder, Rob Yanders.

On August 17th at 3PM, The Basketball Movement will be hosting a game in remembrance of the great Rob Yanders, celebrating his legacy and accomplishments.

We are not celebrating his accolades as a player or record as a coach, but his impact as a leader, family man, friend, and mentor.

Much like the game that took place around this harrowing time last year, the participants will be current and former Yanders Law players, We Are United prep players, and gym rats of The Basketball Movement.

To keep track of who would like to participate and to better facilitate the event, we ask all current and former players that are interested to reach out in advance.

Call or text Coach Craig at (417)861-2166, or email us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com if you plan on participating in the game.

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to come watch the game. We have two court-length rows of leather chairs that will largely be first-come, first served.

It has been a difficult year for The Basketball Movement family as we navigate a reality without our legendary leader. Nothing helps to alleviate that pain more than seeing Rob’s works in action. A full gym - his gym - with players playing in his style is a powerful testament to his accomplishments not just as a basketball guru, but as a man.

Expect fights over jump balls, immaculate outside strokes, a few tears, and countless smiles as we express our love for Rob through the beauty of basketball!

The Basketball Movement throwbacks

Keeping your eyes on the horizon is important, but do not forget the past.

As always, big things are going down at The Basketball Movement. We are the home of Yanders Law AAU, which is plugging away this summer. We are also continuing to facilitate skill development workouts for players ranging from kids to pros. Sometimes though, it is fun to look back.

There have been many special moments over the years; far too many to share. Part of Rob Yanders’ vision was media exposure for his athletes, so we have plenty of documentation to back up the good moments.

Teammates turned opponents is always a recipe for a good time. Iron sharpens iron and all that.

Another recipe for a good time is an OG catching up with good friends and big-time hoopers…

With legendary events like our Elite Guard camps or The Basketball Movement Invitational, there are plenty of great throwbacks to go around.

The Basketball Movement is excited by where we are headed but also proud of where we have been. The best may very well be yet to come, but the journey so far has been damn good. Rewarding. Fulfilling.

Rob Yanders laid out one hell of a blueprint. Join us as we continue the movement.

We will be posting some more throwbacks in the coming weeks. Follow The Basketball Movement everywhere to appreciate the journey so far and keep up with what comes next.

Fourth of July

Another holiday means another perfect time for reflection, family, and free throw practice… if you ask us.

Independence Day is special because it marks a historic moment for our country and gives us all a chance to celebrate the many freedoms we are afforded. No country is perfect, and this is also a time to reflect on what we can do to continue shaping our piece of this world into a shining example of justice, equality, and peace. We all have a part to play - so go out and make a positive difference in your community!

We hope you get some well-deserved time off to enjoy family and friends and celebrate however you feel is most appropriate. Remember, rest and reflection are just as important as practice and competition. So, while we would suggest using this time to outwork your competition, we also encourage you to take a moment to appreciate your journey and the people who support you.

The Basketball Movement will be closed on Thursday and Friday so our guys can spend needed time with family and friends! However, We will still have our usual Saturday Clinic this weekend (7/6).

Those missing out on that time to work are encouraged to do some ball-handling work in the driveway, get shots up wherever possible, or even watch some hoops and pay close attention to players you may model your game after.

The NBA Summer League kicks off in California this weekend, and the WNBA schedule is regular for the week, so there will still be hoops to watch!

So enjoy the weekend! Work hard if there is work to be done, but do your best to find time to reflect and be grateful as well. As always - keep checking back right here as we monitor the world’s basketball movement and do our part to uplift an already incredible hoops community.

Planning for self-improvement

Do you have a plan for self-improvement?

In today’s basketball world, the number of talented players is incalculable. The talent pool is deeper than it ever has been. The number of lockdown defenders who will never play D1 ball is shocking. The number of three-point snipers who cannot crack their varsity squad is intimidating. How, then, can you hope to stand out or excel?

Before anything else, you need a plan.

Having a plan for self-improvement provides a roadmap for players to set goals, identify areas for development, and take actionable steps toward achieving their desired level of play.

In surpassing players around you, many of whom may be more naturally gifted than you, a good plan of attack is essential. With the framework of a plan, you can stay focused and motivated where others may fall off.

Time allocation, skill prioritization, and progress tracking are a few of the pros involved in having a thought-out approach to improving on the court.

We have spoken before about the need to focus on your strengths while insulating your weaknesses.

The Basketball Movement was built to improve basketball players, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help creating specialized plans for improvement.

Our weight equipment has been explicitly designed with basketball players in mind. We have a rebounding shooting gun - keep track of your makes and strive for improvement. Get a little faster each time you condition. Be open with coaches and trainers about your willingness to work and improve.

Our trainers are one of the ultimate basketball resources in this part of the country. If you want to make a plan for improvement and need help getting started, there is no better place than The Basketball Movement.

Contact us and get started right away!

Happy Mother's Day!

THE BASKETBALL MOVEMENT WANTS TO WISH A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS OR GUARDIANS who FILL THAT ROLE.

Dealing with so many young athletes, The Basketball Movement is blessed to witness many special relationships. We see mothers drive kids to games or workouts, supply meals and equipment, coach, and give time and love in countless other ways.

Whether it is a mother or another figure that fills that role, the bonds we are privileged to witness always warm our hearts.

So, this Mother’s Day, we want to say thank you to all these special people in our lives and the lives of the athletes we work with! We preach the importance of who is in your circle as a hooper, and a mother figure can be an essential piece.

Do not take mothers for granted, as the work it takes to be a good mom cannot be understated. The Basketball Movement knows a thing or two about working hard, but motherhood has no off-season. Let them know you love them not only today but as often as possible. Please show gratitude for the countless things - big and small - that they do for you!

There are many special moms affiliated with The Basketball Movement. They know who they are, and we hope that they feel the love always! Happy Mother’s Day from The Basketball Movement family!

Film analysis with The Basketball Movement

An undervalued skill in basketball is knowing how to adequately prepare for matchups - a skill The Basketball Movement can help you develop.

As you grow in the sport of basketball, the intricacies get more and more important. You have heard for a long time that the little things add up - that becomes more true in each level of the sport. By the time you are playing high school ball and especially hit college or the pros, you should have the fundamentals down. You will be working on the finer things.

One area that too often goes uncoached is the art of mental preparation. You may be equipped with a deep bag of on-court skills, but if you aren’t as prepared as your opponent for the mental portion of the game, the scales will tip.

Luckily, you have a resource. The Basketball Movement has been helping players develop these skills for years, not only teaching players to learn on the fly but also what to look for in film analysis. As you grow in the sport, prepping for teams and individual players becomes crucial if you wish to be competitive. Shouldn’t you learn how to get the most out of this aspect of the game? (The answer is yes)

If you as a player or coach need to learn how to adequately prepare for matchups by studying film or even what to look for in-person, contact us at The Basketball Movement.

Our facility includes a state-of-the-art film room that is designed to teach these skills with interactive smart screens and just the man for the job. Head Trainer, Rob Yanders has learned from years of collegiate and professional basketball exactly what to look for and exactly how to look for it.

This is just one piece of what The Basketball Movement has to offer, but it is a piece that will be difficult to find anywhere else in Southwest Missouri. The specific knowledge and expertise that go into providing lessons on film analysis shouldn’t be discounted. We help hundreds of players each week in so many ways, but this is one way that does not get used enough. Use us! We want to help and need you to know how much more there is than on-the-court action.

Again, to take advantage of our facility and knowledge to give you an edge, please contact The Basketball Movement here and keep it locked to this blog for more of what we do best!

Spring Break

How are you spending spring break this year? How are your opponents spending spring break this year?

Life will always be handing you great excuses for not honing your craft—bad weather, a full schedule, holidays, no gym, and so on. Of course, there is nothing wrong with taking breaks or needing time off - life happens. Just remember that the players you strive to be better than you may not be doing the same.

Even the workhorse himself, Rob Yanders, would preach to his top athletes about the importance of seeking peace. You can consider ball to be life, but without balance, you can inadvertently burn out, chipping away at the razor edge of your passion for the sport. Taking time to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit is not just a good idea; it can often be essential.

Keep in mind also that time taken away from your craft, especially extended time, comes with a price. You must hone the edge of your passion but also keep the other edge sharp as well - your skills.

While time off can be critical, the important part is finding balance. If you take too much time away, there is a good chance that others are outworking you. Opponents do not stop coming. Some fall off, but many keep pushing themselves to improve constantly. If you do not want them to catch you, or if you are the one trying to catch them, you must always be working in one way or another.

Spring break is a great time to reset in many ways. Younger athletes get a break from studies, and many take time away from work to be with family. It sounds like a good time to tighten up your handles to us!

To get in the gym and get better while you have the chance, reach out to us here.

Enjoy your time off, but remember what it takes to be the best! If you know what that means, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Who can be a leader?

When we think of leaders in basketball, we often think of point guards or top-scorers. Leaders can actually come from any position.

Inspiration can come from a lot of places. When your team is tired, a fiery speech from a coach or a commanding shout from a teammate can ignite a flame that helps everyone push through. Leaders keep heads from hanging when you're down, and egos humble when you're up.

There are a lot of great examples of leaders in today's game, from coaches like Gregg Popovich and Erik Spoelstra to players like Fred VanVleet and De’Aaron Fox.

The Basketball Movement was founded by legendary leader Rob Yanders, who taught us so much of what we know about leadership.

Leadership can be vocal or even just by example. Not every player has the personality to be a vocal leader for their team, even if they're the best players (for example, Kawhi Leonard).

Leadership does not always come from the top.

If the top player for a team is not up for being vocal, that role needs to fall to someone else. Communication is essential to basketball - on fastbreaks, offense, and especially defense.

The top vocal leader on your team may even come off the bench. Players who are engaged and helpful from the bench are much better for a team than players who quietly wait to enter the game.

The best way to be a leader - no matter your role on the team - is to lead by example. If you are a player who does not give up on plays, constantly pushes the pace, and defends tenaciously, you continually set an excellent example for your teammates. That is called leadership.

“Leadership is diving for a loose ball, getting the crowd involved, getting other players involved. It’s being able to take it as well as dish it out. That’s the only way you’re going to get respect from the players.”

— Larry Bird

You may be the last player to come off the bench at the end of the game. If you play hard and scrape your way back into the game, you can inspire others to follow.

Leadership is incredibly important in basketball as well as other aspects of life. Remember that you can be a leader by working as hard as possible and setting an example for others to follow, no matter your position or role.

The love of the game

It is Valentine's Day, so The Basketball Movement reminds you of the importance of loving what you do.

Keeping a love of the game of basketball is very important when striving to become a great player. Loving what you do does not have to apply only to basketball or other sports - it is essential to love your job, your life, and whatever motivates you to be great.

We hear from the pros all the time about their love for the game or, occasionally, how they fall out of love and drift away from the sport. Love for the game is a common theme for top-tier athletes.

Almost everyone likes sports, but it takes true passion to be in the gym for hours each day, perfecting your craft.

“The game of basketball has been everything to me. My place of refuge, place I’ve always gone where I needed comfort and peace. It’s been the site of intense pain and the most intense feelings of joy and satisfaction. It’s a relationship that has evolved over time, given me the greatest respect and love for the game.”

— Michael Jordan

Do not be afraid to pour your heart into something like basketball. Even when your days as a player are over, the game gives back in unexpected ways. You can love watching the game, coaching the game, writing about the game (a personal favorite), and much more.

This Valentine's Day, cherish what you love. Have a little chocolate if you must, but remember to put down the box and get some free throws up, too.

Happy Valentine's Day from The Basketball Movement!

Staying sharp over the holidays

Poor weather? No problem. Indoor court, outdoor court, no court - there is always a way to keep working on your game.

Life will always be handing you great excuses for not honing your craft—bad weather, a full schedule, holidays, no gym, and so on. Of course, there is nothing wrong with taking breaks or needing time off - life happens. Just remember that the players you strive to be better than may not be doing the same.

Basketball is, of course, an indoor sport primarily. If the weather is good enough to get to a gym, you can practice to your heart's content. Not everyone has court access (young players can at least check out The Basketball Movement's Saturday Clinics), but there are always things you can do.

Are you locked in the house with bad weather? Grab a basketball (no, we're not going to tell you to play pickup games in the house). Do some around-the-world drills to keep your handles and the feel of the ball fresh. Lay flat on your back and get some shots up, not hitting the ceiling, just watching the ball's rotation to check your release and flick of the wrist.

Sharpen your mind

Whether you are a player or even a coach, there is always studying to be done on the game. Watch game footage. You do not have to have tapes of opponents or anything like that. Watch some NBA or college hoops. Get on YouTube and watch some of the greats to learn footwork and where to be on D.

Visualization can be a big part of the game. In the same way pros visualize the ball going in the hoop at the free throw line, you can put yourself in the shoes of the players you see on the screen. Keep your eye out for players you think you can model your game after.

Not everyone can be LeBron James, but there are things to be learned from any player that has made it to college or the NBA. Work on your weaknesses, but also focus on your strengths to become elite.

If the weather has you cooped up, keep these things in mind. Also, check out The Basketball Movement on YouTube for footage of players worth modeling your game after.

For more on everything hoops, keep in locked to The Basketball Movement.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Basketball Movement!

The Basketball Movement treats those involved in what we do like family, so we are so grateful for every member - trainers, players, parents, and everyone behind the scenes.

It was a challenging year at The Basketball Movement. Despite tragic loss, unsurprisingly, there is still plenty to be thankful for. Let us start by acknowledging that we are thankful for the legacy and life lessons left to us by the great Rob Yanders. We miss Coach Rob every day and are eternally grateful for him.

Beyond that, we are thankful for individual player achievements, successful events, We Are United taking steps forward, and much more. As great as all those things are, we are still most thankful for you.

Anyone who has teamed up with The Basketball Movement has created a bond for life. Nothing can be accomplished in what we do without the driving force of the individuals involved. Without the relationships formed, there would not be success.

We are also grateful for the outpouring of love for Rob’s family and all he left behind.

There is nothing soft or embarrassing about showing gratitude. Many individuals take time to help you achieve; the least you can do is thank them. Those small acts of kindness reassure the helpers and make them want to help again and again. You never know who is in need of reassurance, so remember to take the three seconds to make someone’s day.

We want to personally thank our trainers and staff, who dedicate so much time to bettering not just The Basketball Movement and our programs but all the young men and women involved.

Another personal thank you to the unsung heroes: Parents and guardians of the players. A final thank you to the players themselves that make us what we are. You are part of something special because you make it special. Nothing we do is possible without you, and we want nothing but the best for each and every one of you.

Everyone enjoy the holiday! If you get too full, just run out and get some shots up to burn off those excess calories. Or, hit us up and come get this work!

Applying basketball lessons to life

Basketball can teach you so much. Carry the discipline and team mentality with you in all aspects of life.

The Basketball Movement and the sport itself can teach you many things. The Movement focuses on skill development, conditioning, and team training. It also focuses on "soft skills" such as leadership, speaking, film analysis, marketing, and exposure.

All of these things center around the incredible sport of basketball. However, the skills that you acquire can be applied off the court as well as on it.

Focus, discipline, and competitiveness can benefit you in practice or a game. What about after the buzzer sounds? The same skills are necessary for the most critical parts of your life, such as education, employment, and interpersonal relationships.

The discipline applied in practice needs to also apply to homework. Then, the locked-in focus of a game can be mirrored in test or quiz situations. At work, leadership and the ability to communicate effectively are paramount. Tough boss? No problem; you have probably already had a tough coach.

Follow your passion at The Basketball Movement

Hard work seems much easier when it focuses on something you are passionate about. Think of the challenging classes at school or projects at work as running lines/conditioning for basketball. Of course, there will always be parts you don't like, but they are necessary to get a well-rounded finished product.

None of this is to say that you must go through life with your nose to the grindstone 24/7. Never forget to have fun! Basketball is a blast to play, school is one of the most fun times of your life, and working means funding some of your favorite things.

One of the best places that you can go to establish great habits and a winning mentality is The Basketball Movement.

The Trainers and Coaches of The Basketball Movement have a passion not just for basketball but for developing excellent people with every opportunity to succeed.

If you are ready to contact us immediately, check here! It is always a good time to work on your game and a winning mentality for life. Let your friends at The Basketball Movement help propel you or your player to the top!

Where to put in WORK

The Basketball Movement is the home for any hooper with ferocious work ethic.

High school boys and girls, professional hoopers, grade school kids, college players… it does not matter who you are - we want to help you reach your next goal as a player. Hopefully, we can teach you enough about putting in work that it also carries over off the court.

Though we accept willing players from all levels, we ask a lot from the athletes who step on our court. If you cannot work hard and give the necessary effort, Rob Yanders does not want your money. We hold ourselves to high standards and associate only with players that do the same.

If that sounds like you, come get this work.

The Basketball Movement’s bread and butter is skill development. Our trainers include former college players, pro players, and individuals that have been obsessed with the sport for as long as they can remember. You will be challenged, and if you are willing to accept that, you will improve.

We also offer film analysis for higher-level players - one of the most undervalued skills you can have at the college and pro levels. Learning it can be difficult, and we are one of the few teachers around.

One-on-One workouts, group work, strength and conditioning… we are equipped with everything necessary to elevate your game, all wrapped up in a facility modeled with professional setups in mind.

If you or your athlete are prepared to take their game to the next level, reach out to us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com or even drop by and see for yourself what we are all about at 2135 N Sports Complex Ln, Nixa MO 65714.

Serious improvement is not for the faint of heart. We look forward to hearing from the warriors who want to sharpen their iron with ours. We’ll see you on the court.

So, you didn't get drafted

The 2023 NBA Draft has come and gone, with only 60 names being called. What now?

Only a limited number of individuals in the world can be a part of the NBA or WNBA. There are professional teams all over the globe, but the top of the basketball world is known to be here in the good ol’ U.S.A. With spots at the top being so limited, what will you do if you don’t make it in?

If being in the NBA or WNBA is your dream, if basketball is your passion, and if you are willing to work, nothing should stop you.

Here is what you do: Get in the gym. Come to The Basketball Movement. Meet with a trainer dedicated to helping take your game as far as possible.

Being at the top of the basketball world doesn’t just happen, not even for freak athletes like Scoot Henderson. It takes WORK. Hundreds of hours in the gym, peak physical condition and then some, and being married to the game.

If you don’t love basketball, the NBA and WNBA aren’t for you. These leagues are not for the faint of heart. The unseen hours required to make it to and stay in these leagues is a barrier to entry that few can hurdle.

So you didn’t get drafted? You aren’t working hard enough. You must have a fire to make it to the Association, and there is nothing The Basketball Movement does better than stoke that fire. If you have the work ethic, we have the work. Strength and conditioning, skill development/maintenance, film study, and more await you within the doors of the basketball mecca of the Midwest.

Our own Rob Yanders’ first-hand experience at multiple levels of the pro circuit, mixed with the passion all our staff possesses, is a recipe for elevating you to reach your potential. Reach out to us, and we will ensure you won’t regret it. You may find out this road is too hard for you, or you may just let us help you to your ultimate destination. We’re excited to find out with you.

What is your favorite thing about basketball?

Basketball is a global game for a reason. There are so many things to like; what is your reason?

Major sports are popular because they are not only fun to play but fun to watch. Players get satisfaction from things going right on the court, and fans get satisfaction from watching competition - human successes and failures, head-to-head in real-time.

As a player, your favorite thing may be the swish of a pure bucket. It could be the camaraderie of playing as a team. It could be amassing victory after victory, until being at the top of a league or region.

As a fan, a favorite thing may be the success of a favorite team or player. It may be highlight reel dunks or the experience of attending a big game in person.

Many people get to watch their children play. Many players get to team up with their best friends. The things to like about basketball are nearly endless.

At The Basketball Movement, we check all of the above. We love everything about the sport: behind-the-scenes work, bright light show outs, and the community it can form.

Rob Yanders has used the sport to help others in need, bring people from all walks of life together, and bring out the best in countless individuals.

On and off the court, the betterment of others is likely our favorite part of the sport. Shaping young players into leaders, helping transform dreamers into professional hoopers, and using a fun game to genuinely touch lives... nothing better.

What is your favorite part about basketball? The NCAA tournament? Your daughter's AAU team? #NBATwitter? There is something for everyone, so everyone is welcome to celebrate the sport with us at The Basketball Movement!

Willingness to adjust your game

You may have a good way of doing things. But are you willing to adjust your methods to become great?

Numerous players have multiple things they are good at. Solid free throw shooting, decent assist-to-turnover ratio, and serviceable defense can make you a contributor to a team. However, a player should not settle for these things. For example, are you shooting free throws at 70 percent? You may have to take some expert advice and be willing to tweak your shot to get to 75 or 80 percent.

Especially when it comes to shooting, players are often too proud to admit that they need to adjust from their old way of doing things. A few players have made it far with unorthodox shooting motions, but few of them have been considered great shooters.

You could get away with funky shooting if you make up for it in other ways, like, say... Shaq or Dwight Howard. But let's be honest; you likely aren't Shaq or Dwight Howard.

You can step back and take advice from those who have not only played the game at a high level but also closely monitored the successes and failures of other players at a high level; that is how you can improve.

To be a good or great player, you will need to be able to adapt to doing things the best way possible. For example, keeping a low, strong dribble will reap more rewards than dribbling loose and high. Being tall will help you get rebounds, but working hard at pursuing and having a nose for angles will elevate your ability. Always be willing to improve.

“We can always be average and just do what’s normal. I’m not in this to do what’s normal.”

— Kobe Bryant

If you are already doing something your way or a prior mentor/coach’s way at an impressive clip - that's great. A good trainer or coach can recognize that and allow you to keep doing your thing. However, if they advise you to tweak it slightly to improve consistency (like keeping your elbow in a bit more while you shoot), it can't hurt to listen and give it a legitimate try.

We may be biased, but results don't lie. The Basketball Movement is the premier training facility in this part of the country, with the best coaches and trainers. If you're already good, that's awesome - we love it. There is however an opportunity for you to become great, and we would love to help you. So contact us here to take your game to the next level.

Pursue your passion at The Basketball Movement

We encourage everyone to pursue their passion. If yours is basketball: you couldn’t be in a better place.

Each individual is gifted with a unique array of preferences, strengths, and interests. To maximize strengths, cater to preferences, and pursue interests is to seek a happy and successful experience in life. Woah… got deep for a second there. All that is to say that you need to do what makes you happy.

If you are reading this, you likely have some sort of tie to the game of basketball. Noting that it is a game is often important, but at the same time, it is a true passion for many people.

Whether you play the game, watch it, coach, ref, or just like to play 2K, the game has something for everyone. The back-and-forth action is perfect for getting the adrenaline pumping. The mix of speed and strength, brute force and finesse, or offensive versus defensive prowess means that no game will be the same. The constant is two teams that want to win and maybe even more so: don’t want to lose.

The Basketball Movement keeps its doors open for all kinds of players. Multi-sport athletes looking to get in shape can certainly come in and get in intense workouts. Players that just need to stay sharp with occasional drills or with our shooting gun are always welcome. Though the facility accommodates so many types of players, it was clearly built for those that are passionate about the game.

Rob Yanders, Founder of The Basketball Movement, is one of those individuals that are passionate about the sport of basketball. It is evident all over the facility. The off-court amenities such as the Chop Shop upstairs, the smart screen in the film room, the embroidered leather seats, everything is detailed in ways that show Rob’s passion for the full breadth of the sport. Still, the true fire for the game blazes on the courts.

The Basketball Movement, Rob Yanders, and the other coaches are all at their absolute best when mixed with other individuals with a true passion for the game.

A desire to improve is good, but a desire to be one of the best is the kind of all-in mentality that it takes to be an elite player. This facility is built so that you get out exactly what you put in. If you leave it all on our courts during workouts, you will improve without a doubt. The change could be subtle or drastic, but rest assured that the passionate will come away better.

Want to make varsity? Play at the D1 level? Get paid to play professional hoops? We can get you there; you will just have to be willing to put in the time and effort.

If basketball is your passion, you have to reach out to us at The Basketball Movement. It is a business, but it is one run by passionate hoop-heads that want little more than to bring others into the fold and maximize their potential on the court or even off of it. You will not regret pursuing your passion for basketball right here at The Basketball Movement.