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.

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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.

Keeping your edge as a multi-sport athlete

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

Football has kicked off at about every level, with baseball still going on for many. From volleyball to soccer, 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, 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. Coach Rob and his staff 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!

Becoming a leader with The Basketball Movement

In basketball and in life, leadership is highly valuable. Therefore, The Basketball Movement's goal is 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, though, 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 that 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 as well; The most vocal defender, the offense initiator, or others that lead by example.

Leadership can be a difficult aspect of life to hone. To be a leader means to be one step ahead of others by taking the initiative. That can be a bit scary sometimes, and it may occasionally strike a nerve with those around you. The key is to be confident and understand 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 make sure to empower all of 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 that 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 are in the right place, but you can also follow along with us on Twitter @BBall_Movement

Happy Mother's Day!

THE BASKETBALL MOVEMENT WANTS TO WISH A HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS OR GUARDIANS THAT 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!

Establishing a support system

In basketball and life, you are going to need a support system. The further you want to go, the more critical it becomes.

Whether it is 100 people or just one person, you will need a support system of some kind as you advance in your basketball career. You may already have a circle, but is it filled with individuals who genuinely support and want the best for you?

Yes, your mama can be your support system. Yes, a teacher, friend, or coach can be your support system. It doesn’t matter who it is as long as they are honest, supportive, and willing to have your back. Taking any path in life by yourself will be exponentially more difficult than doing it with the support of others. Even more challenging is going through life surrounded by the wrong people.

Individuals can, unfortunately, be toxic in many different ways. There are those that scheme and undermine you intentionally, though it may not always be immediately apparent. Sometimes people just don’t want you to succeed and will work behind the scenes to hold you back. It is a harsh reality to face when this happens, especially when it comes from a source that you believed was in your corner.

Often, there is an even more difficult obstacle to detect. Some people in your corner may be unintentionally toxic. They think they help, they think they build you up, but really they are unaware that they do more harm than good. These situations are tough to deal with.

Cutting ties with someone you’re close to is going to be complicated. However, it is imperative that you only surround yourself with those who will build you up and help you be the best person and player you can be.

The further you get in your basketball career, the more critical this lesson will become. Of course, a negative influence will impact you at any level. Seriousness turns up as you select a college to play for. The more positive voices in your ear, the better. The more negative influences, the greater the consequences.

After college, if you are trying to play pro ball, you will need to work harder than you ever had in your life. You need everything to be as streamlined and beneficial as possible. At this stage, a negative influence can cost you everything. Make sure that your support system is filled with those who want to lift you up - not those looking for a meal ticket.

Knowing exactly who has your back can be more complex than it sounds. Trust your instincts and listen to any nagging inclinations that someone may not have your best interest in mind. What is easy is stringing these people along for far too long. Don’t make that mistake; you will need to pull the weeds as soon as possible if you are going to grow and flourish to reach your potential (congratulations on reading the first and last gardening/basketball tie-in ever).

We used the words “difficult” and “tough” quite a bit here. Establishing a support system is not always difficult, but maintaining it can be. Do your best, and lean on those that you can trust completely. A strong support system will carry you far in all aspects of life!

Keeping your head in the game

Knowing and understanding various situations in basketball can be the difference between winning and losing.

There is a lot that goes into understanding the sport of basketball. There is more to it than putting the ball in the hoop. Coaching and experience are two essential pieces involved in this understanding.

The Basketball Movement can help further a player's knowledge about many aspects of the sport. The nuances of ball-handling, shooting, and how to conduct yourself are a few examples.

Game-time situations come at you fast. Sometimes, in those instances, you learn the most, whether you get it right or especially if you get it wrong.

“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.”
— Michael Jordon

Even the most experienced can still falter

For all of your coaching, practice, and game experience, you will still make mistakes. Overplaying passing lanes, trying too hard to thread a pass into the post, the list of possibilities is very long.

A player must keep track of what they can control. Always being aware of the time on the game clock (or shot clock), how many fouls you have, and the score are simple yet important facets of the game.

Even a grizzled NBA veteran like JR Smith can still make basic mistakes. Don't be a JR Smith.

Keep your head in the game and control as much of what happens as you can. Mistakes will happen; the best players often average the most turnovers.

Don't sweat the small stuff, but also do not assume that you will make the correct decisions at all times. Take deep breaths, analyze as much of each situation as time will allow, and play the game.

To continue taking your game to the next level, get in touch with us here at The Basketball Movement.

Using size to your advantage

Basketball players come in many shapes and sizes. Each variety can be used to a player's advantage.

For a long time, basketball was closed off to only the biggest individuals at its highest levels. Throwing it into the post to let your bruiser back their way to the cup was the most effective form of offense. Times have changed.

The game itself has evolved, as has our understanding of what it takes to win. For example, Foul-calling and three-pointers have been equalizers. Also, the general, widespread knowledge of what it takes to succeed at smaller sizes.

It still certainly helps to be big, but now more than ever, smaller players have opportunities to compete as well.

Guards can use skill and speed

Perimeter players can be light or on the shorter side while still achieving success. A great shot can go a long way in the sport of basketball. Ball-handling and passing as well. A taller player may get a better view of the floor, but being lower to the ground often means improved ball-handling prowess and bounce pass options.

There are numerous examples of shorter players experiencing great success at all levels of the game. For example, the Basketball Movement's Rob Yanders played professionally with grit and savvy rather than overpowering opponents with strength and size - though quickness and toughness helped.

Post players aren't going anywhere

Just because it is easier to be an undersized baller does not mean that post-play is out the door. A surplus of height or even extra (managed) weight/muscle is always an intimidating factor on the court.

The taller you are, the closer you are to the rim. Offense and defense both become a bit easier with height. The top rim-protectors have always been tall with an above-average wingspan.

Even if you are on the bigger side, but height isn't part of the equation, there are ways to succeed. The bigger you are, the more you will be able to impose your will on smaller players.

Not too big, but not too small?

You can definitely work with this too. Being somewhere in-between means that you may be able to match up with multiple positions.

A well-rounded skill set will help you use your size on the perimeter or hang with the bigs down low.

The Basketball Movement is the ideal place to maximize your potential and learn to take advantage of your stature - no matter what that may be. So contact us to schedule some time into your Summer to step up your game with our great coaches and facility!

Definition of elite

The Basketball Movement breaks down the definition of elite - a word that often gets misused.

The Basketball Movement recently announced the first-ever Rob Yanders Elite Guard Camp. This new camp is designed to enhance existing skills and is for guards who intend to achieve an elite level of play. What does it truly mean, though, to be elite?

The Oxford Languages definition of elite: “a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society.”

So, elite does not have to be one individual. You do not have to be the best to be considered elite, but you need to stand out from your peers as superior. In our world, that means having advanced basketball skills in addition to the necessary mentality to maintain and expand upon your status.

Not every player that comes through our gym doors is elite - not by a long shot. Elite is not a requirement at The Basketball Movement. But the hunger to become elite? An intrinsic drive to improve yourself and overtake your peers on the court? Not only do we encourage that, but the lack of such drive may get called out. We do not like to see you or your parent’s hard-earned money going to waste.

For larger-scale events such as the Rob Yanders Elite Guard Camp, we cannot evaluate the mentality of every single player. However, through the course of the camp, the cream will rise to the top as it always does. Even those that do not stand out have the opportunity for drastic improvement as long as they maintain the desire to be elite. Becoming so is a jog, not a sprint.

That said if your kid cannot make a layup, do not try to sign them up, but also try not to be discouraged. The players we expect at these camps have already put time and effort into their hoops journey. Once a player has shown commitment to this journey and puts in some necessary work, we will talk.

Player and person growth and development is what The Basketball Movement is all about. Our goals are an extension of who Rob Yanders is and what he strives for. Not everyone can be elite, but the journey can make us all better.

Happy Fourth of July weekend!

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 to shape 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 time off to enjoy family and friends and celebrate however you feel is most appropriate. Of course… we would suggest using this time to outwork your competition, but we strive for greatness!

That said, we also want to remind you that there will be no Saturday Clinic this weekend (7/3) as we give our guys a break to be with their loved ones. Those that are 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.

Saturday will feature game six of the Eastern Conference Finals between Milwaukee and Atlanta. Both teams have been pushed to the brink with their stars having to sit out. The result so far is role players stepping up and fighting tooth-and-nail for a chance to face Phoenix in the NBA Finals. The weekend has a normal slate of WNBA action each day as well.

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.