Training and skill development vs. shooting around

Anytime you have a ball in your hands is an opportunity to get better. Be sure to make the most of your time with The Basketball Movement.

The most successful players make plenty of time to get up shots, work on their conditioning, and hone their craft. Almost any time that can be spent with the sport of basketball will improve your game, even if it is just an imperceptible amount.

There is a big difference however between shooting around in the driveway, park, or gym compared to structured and intentional training. You can get a lot of free throws in at the park near your house, but what if your elbow is too wide from your body or you are not bending your knees enough?

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.”
— Vince Lombardi

Nothing beats supervised disciplined training when working to improve as much as possible. This is not to say that messing around in your driveway at home or just playing "21" after school is not good. Basketball is a game after all, and doing anything active and fun is time well-spent. Just remember when it comes to improving, there is such a thing as time best spent. 

Step up your game with The Basketball Movement

For the ultimate in training and skill development, we are the area leader in maximizing your time and efforts in the game of basketball.

With The Basketball Movement, you can get group or even one-on-one time with coaches dedicated to making you the best you can be. The facility is completely centered around player development, with low-impact, basketball-specific equipment, and full-sized courts.

For more advanced players, we offer additional on-and-off court development, film study, and more.

upload.jpg

There are some things that you cannot achieve on your own, practicing out in the driveway. The Basketball Movement provides the full basketball experience for players of all skill levels. Even if you can just get in on the occasional open-clinic on Saturdays (2nd to 8th grade), you are taking steps to pass your opposition.

Contact us to find out how to maximize your basketball abilities. Don't forget to check out our YouTube channel too for some more drills and helpful moves.

Norwood Pirates at The Basketball Movement

Several junior high players from Norwood, MO are working with trainers at The Basketball Movement and the results are starting to show.

At what can be a pivotal stage of basketball development, the young men of Norwood Junior High are rolling through their competition. There is much to be said about the squad, but we would be remiss to not brag about one common denominator among the athletes responsible - their work right here at The Basketball Movement.

The lights are bright this season for all of the Division I prospects over at Kickapoo High that workout with us. However, it needs to be made loud and clear that no matter the school or program size, big leaps forward can be taken on the court. It takes hard work, and that is exactly what the young Norwood Pirates have been putting in… Work.

Levi McDaris, who does a bit of coaching and has coached their traveling teams says that seven of their eight “A-Team” players have been coming in for workouts. “They’ve been at it for about 20 months,” McDaris says. “After about six months in, there was a huge difference in each of their personal development.” McDaris continues by saying that after about a year and a half, their skills far exceed average players from the area.

Norwood is about 56 miles from The Basketball Movement facility. Someone that knows a thing or two about making the trip from that direction is Missouri State signee, Isaac Haney and his family who lived in Dora, MO for a long time. That was where the contact came from.

After becoming a MSHSAA affiliate three years ago, 5th and 6th graders in Norwood can play up to junior high. For such a small school, this can be a big help since there may be less than a dozen seventh and eighth graders willing to play. 7th and 8th make up the A-Team, while 5th and 6th make up the B. This also means that Norwood gets to play more games each season.

The ability to gain more experience in addition to the work with The Basketball Movement has helped Norwood hoops to explode on the scene.

“We are 22 and 1 right now,” McDaris says. “The one loss was to Ava after we were coming off an extended break. We have been averaging about 65 points per game and have held all local schools to about 32 points on average.”

As is often the case with smaller schools, Norwood’s only issue is size. “We have all guards,” McDaris says. “We can’t afford to take any games off because we have to scrap and play hard all the time. We really rely on outside shooting and some nights, the shots aren’t falling.”

Those shots have been getting prettier and prettier as the young athletes’ time at The Basketball Movement has grown. “Even the kids you may not expect - working at The Basketball Movement has made each player’s fundamentals so sound,” McDaris says. “Each kid gets it.”

“The way I would explain The Basketball Movement is that it is 100 percent basketball,” McDaris continues. “Everything is based on the fundamentals with an emphasis on each player playing to their strengths, no matter the role. They use repetition done right. It is pure basketball.”

The Norwood Pirates are having a strong season and the pipeline for Norwood High is going to mean a bright future for the little town’s hoop hopes. Any player, any team can take leaps forward on the court if they understand what it takes and are willing to get better. The Basketball Movement can help.

Good luck to these young men finishing up their season - Go Pirates!

A Star is Born - Brookshire and Yanders collaboration

Robert Yanders is collaborating with Anton Brookshire to bring their athletic apparel line, A Star is Born, to life.

As someone that has played at every level, built brands, spoken to the media, and has all of the sport experience, Robert Yanders is able to partner with young athletes and provide them with an abundance of resources. He is as good as anyone in the game to help up-and-coming athletes learn what all of this looks like.

Yanders chose Anton Brookshire for collaboration because of who he is as a person and player. “Anton Brookshire is a sensational athlete,” Yanders says. “He is one of the best high school players in the country and is now headed to one of the best conferences in college hoops.”

The collaboration between the two introduces the A Star is Born brand - athletic apparel for men and women that looks and feels great. Check out all the swag here: A Star is Born Store.

“A couple of years ago, Anton wasn’t necessarily ready to be a pro in all aspects,” Yanders says. “Now, he understands that he must be all of the sport. His growth has been impressive, to say the least.”

Yanders says that before collaborating with someone, he must know that they have very high character. With Anton, Rob has no doubts. “At this point, Anton is under the microscope all the time,” Yanders says. “He has so many eyes on him and some probably want him to fail. To whom much is given, much is required. On the court and off of it, Anton is a role model.”

In addition to the store, keep up with A Star is Born on Instagram as Anton and Robert keep dropping fire. As always, keep it locked to The Basketball Movement for everything else.

2021 Goals - Robert Yanders and The Basketball Movement

Setting goals is a big key in elevating all aspects of life. The start of a new year is always the perfect time to reflect on those goals.

January is always a time for reflection and goal-setting as one year ends and a new one begins. As most seasoned athletes do, Robert Yanders knows the importance of setting goals. It has been an interesting stretch not only for businesses in the athletics space but for everyone. Rob says The Basketball Movement gained momentum through the chaos and is looking confidently to the future.

“2020 had its share of challenges, but we persevered and continued on while taking all appropriate cautions,” Yanders says. “We met and conquered those issues just as we would expect our players to meet challenges.”

Yanders continues by saying The Basketball Movement is still growing and getting better and better each day. There is plenty in the pipeline for 2021. The Basketball Movement will continue to grow because Rob aims to dream bigger and never settle in honing his personal craft or his basketball facility.

“One of our biggest improvements this year will be a full media team,” Yanders says. “We have all aspects - design, film… expect a lot more content, and improved social media presence.”

Look for The Basketball Movement to expand its branding through social media, but also the way individual athletes are able to brand themselves with our help. “This is something we have emphasized with professional hoopers that we work with, but now we are passing it along to younger athletes as well,” Yanders says on the importance of branding yourself.

“We are seeing better and better young athletes in our facility all the time,” Yanders continues. “We are giving them a platform and teaching them the fundamentals of branding - not only for hoops but for lifestyles as well. And of course, we are still stressing the importance of leadership, public speaking, service to others, and more. We expect a lot out of our athletes and on our end, we are preparing them as much as possible for whatever their next steps may be.”

Coming off of a unique year, The Basketball Movement is poised to hit the ground running. With Rob Yanders leading the pack, our trainers, media team, and family are ready to provide the top basketball experience in the Midwest for everything on the court and off. Stay tuned for our best year yet.

The Basketball Movement signs Chrystopher "Tow" Jackson

The Basketball Movement is starting off the year stronger than ever, signing Chrystopher Jackson to a one-year deal.

As many of you know, The Basketball Movement is much more than just an explosive training facility. In addition to numerous other offerings, The Basketball Movement has established itself as a producer of premium hoops media. A big part of that movement is thanks to Chrystopher Jackson or “CJ” for short.

CJ is a videographer that caught the eye of The Basketball Movement’s Owner, Robert Yanders.

“Rob reached out maybe three years ago,” Jackson says about his and Yanders’ first interaction. “I was working with another local trainer at the time, so I had to turn him down out of respect for the other trainer.” CJ moved to Houston for about a year before returning, no longer affiliated with the other trainer.

“I did a video of Zach Howell last summer at the Nixa Shootout,” CJ says. “Rob reached out again and we have been talking each day since. We have been working together consistently since September; I took the opportunity and we both ran with it.”

The Basketball Movement announced at the end of the year that Yanders was committing to working with CJ full-time for the duration of 2021.

If you have been following along with our Facebook stories or particularly our Instagram, you have already been taking in the visual feast the CJ is bringing to the table. With high school basketball in full swing all across the country, The Basketball Movement has been capturing top players in ways Southwest Missouri has not seen before.

As much as The Basketball Movement has benefitted from CJ’s work, he seems equally as pleased to be a part of the family. About creating a long-term relationship with Yanders, CJ says it has meant the world. “Rob is a great person to work for,” CJ says. “He is intense and a motivator, but it is all-loving. It makes me want to work hard for him. When you are working with Rob, you have to have the mindset of constant improvement, which is just what I need.”

Along with his pal JBandz, CJ says that their consistent style is what will set the media apart. They are capable of going outside the box, but the consistent, powerful tone is what lights The Basketball Movement’s Insta on fire. He does mention one other difference-maker…

“Honestly, Rob is our x-factor,” CJ says. “His vision is big and beautiful. He sees things going together in a way that empowers athletes. Working together, brainstorming, and being creative is what sets this partnership apart.”

CJ played football at Evangel University and says he feels like he’s back on a team with The Basketball Movement. “It’s amazing, man,” CJ says. “The family environment, being involved… I’m ecstatic to be a part of a place that lifts athletes up so much. These guys are so open to their athletes; they’ve got kids coming to the gym right after games, breaking down film… Rob is giving these guys 100 percent on AND off the court.”

When asked what The Basketball Movement athletes and fans can expect to see going forward, CJ said they will see someone that works hard. “I’m going to work hard to make the athletes I capture feel worthy,” CJ says. “We are going to be giving them new, better exposure than what you may see on Hudl or other sites.”

With the help of The Basketball Movement’s elevated media exposure, Big Tow aims to extend the reach of the media beyond the Midwest. “We are going to capture with video what is really happening here in Southwest Missouri,” CJ says. “Our platform only stands to expand after COVID. If the athletes know what they are doing on the court, we will make sure it translates to video; they can use that to help them make it to the next level.”

The Basketball Movement and Rob Yanders want to congratulate CJ on joining our team. We also want to pat ourselves on the back for landing such a great teammate. You can follow CJ and see his work on Instagram. To keep up with his collaborations with us, the best place to follow is our Instagram. Let’s start 2021 with a bang.

2020 Angels of the Hardwood

Another year, another successful Angels of the Hardwood event from Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement.

Angels of the Hardwood is an event that highlights the giving season, presenting Yanders Law athletes with an opportunity to give back to their community. In previous years, the only challenge has been wanting to do even more for the children than we were already doing. As you may expect in 2020, additional challenges faced the event.

Luckily for The Basketball Movement and Yanders Law (and the kids), Robert Yanders guided the ship as though the obstacles were not even there, masking up and delivering a unique and fulfilling experience.

“This was one of the hardest years our country has had in a long time,” Yanders says. “The focus should be on the future, the children. We were able to highlight that today.”

The Boys and girls Club hosted the event this year. Masks were worn and drive-up options were utilized for many families to make sure Christmas came for kids that may not have had it otherwise.

Rob points out that it took a lot to get the event done, but thanks to sponsors and the Boys and Girls Club, the right people were in place to make it happen. “Thank you to the Boys and Girls Club,” Yanders says. “They share our view that this is bigger than us. The kids were all very happy.”

Shoes, apparel, basketballs, and presents were handed out throughout the event and the smiles did not stop for the children receiving them OR the Yanders Law family doing the giving. Yanders always speaks on finding yourself through the service of others. He believes that happened for many #LawNation hoopers.

content_%2F%2Fmedia%2Fexternal%2Fimages%2Fmedia%2F106.jpeg

“I am super proud of our players,” Yanders says. “They understand the importance of loving others more than themselves and that shined through.”

Yanders continues by saying he is already excited for next year and the next opportunity to bring more smiles to the community - especially when it comes to children. Thank you as always to our sponsors, athletes and their families, and the Boys and Girls Club for another successful event. See you next year!

Angels of the Hardwood from Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement

Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement are teaming up again to bring Angels of the Hardwood to the local community.

This year will mark the third annual Angels of the Hardwood event put on by the Yanders Law Basketball program and its players. Yanders Law will be partnering with the five local Boys & Girls Clubs around Springfield and the surrounding area. The goal of this absolutely free event is to make a difference in the lives of children and let them know that people care.

During the Angels of the Hardwood event, over 100 pairs of Nike shoes will be given to those in need as well as Nike shirts, basketballs, Christmas gifts, coats, and more. This year, the entire event will take place at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield - Stalnaker Unit 1410 N Fremont Ave Boys & Girls Club.

Angels of the Hardwood is an idea by Rob Yanders, born out of a desire to give back to the community using the platform of basketball as a vehicle to assist in his efforts. Rob has explained that our players and coaches should understand the privilege of playing the game of basketball, the game we love. This privilege can be utilized as a platform to reach others - either through inspiration or acts of service. Angels of the Hardwood helps create the next generation of leaders by teaching our players to have compassion, character, and love for everyone. The most important lesson is to be valuable to others and give help to the less fortunate.

“There is no greater way to find yourself than through service for others. Angels of the Hardwood will show the boys and girls of Yanders Law the importance of selflessness and teach them about character, humility, and integrity.”
— Rob Yanders

The players involved in this free program must understand that the giving season does not come about through a red-suited man in a sleigh. Behind all of that are good, real people, working hard to be able to provide for their family and friends. There is a joy to be found in giving, and the Yanders Law program wants players to get to experience that.

Due to COVID-19 this year, we will be taking extreme caution with this event. We will be having a drive-by and pick-up situation with the possibility of drop-offs to homes of families. We take COVID-19 very seriously, but we must continue serving others the best way possible.

“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.

Yanders Law Owner, Rob Yanders reflected back on his time growing up in Milwaukee and what programs like the Boys & Girls Club meant to him and his family. “Growing up, I remember how much I looked forward to after-school programs at Salvation Army, YMCA, and Boys and Girls Club. Basketball meant so much because it was an escape. It could take your mind off a missed meal or troubles at home. It was a chance to make friends and an opportunity to be a part of something. That’s what motivates me to give back.”

The Yanders Law Basketball program is excited to continue this opportunity to be a teammate for their community. Sunday, December 20th, 2020 will be the third Angels of the Hardwood event and we doubt it will be the last.

content_%2F%2Fmedia%2Fexternal%2Fimages%2Fmedia%2F106.jpeg

Follow Yanders Law and The Basketball Movement wherever possible to learn more about initiatives like this as well as some of the best basketball training and development available in the Midwest.

Stamp of Approval - Isaac Haney

We are back with another The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval, this time for Isaac Haney.

For only being a senior at Kickapoo High, Isaac Haney has been tearing up basketball courts for a long time already. His fierce determination to win, willingness to work on his game, and on-and-off court tenacity have earned him The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval from Rob Yanders.

The former Missouri Class 1 Player of the Year at Dora, Haney is now at class 5 Kickapoo and proving that he belongs. Anyone that has seen him in action, with Yanders Law or otherwise, is not surprised. Now, Haney has officially signed on to become a Missouri State Bear.

“It feels really great,” Haney tells The Basketball Movement about becoming a Bear. “A lot of my life has gone into the game of basketball. I’ve had a lot of people in my life behind me - helping and supporting. I don’t think that it’s the end, it’s definitely far from the end for me, but it did feel like 15 years of my life coming to a point where I could look back and be thankful.”

Asked about what made him gravitate towards MSU hoops, Isaac says that being close allowed him to watch them and get a feel for their style of play. “The location is great for me with my parents living in Springfield now and the rest of my family in West Plains,” Haney says. “Also something I was looking into studying was business - Missouri State has an amazing business department.”

“I’ve been talking with Coach Rob (Yanders) about what the college basketball atmosphere is like and I can see how some of my workouts with him have changed,” Haney says. “He has done an excellent job of preparing me for the transition of that little kid stage of high school basketball to what I have to do to be effective at the next level.”

When asked what will make him a valuable player for MSU, Isaac said that he believed confidence translates to any level of the game of basketball. “Anytime that you have a kid that can step on the floor and bring a calm and confidence to the team that you can win anytime you’re on the floor, I feel like I can translate that anywhere I am.”

“Also, I’ve won at any level I’ve been at,” Haney continues. “Just competing and bringing a competitive edge as soon as I step in the doors is something that I’ll bring to the team.”

That competitive edge is what Isaac considers to be his biggest takeaway from his time at The Basketball Movement. “I found my competitive edge here,” Haney says. “I can attribute a couple of my workouts when I was younger, working out with Anton (Brookshire), we had some competitive workouts - something that tuned my mindset, conversations with Rob that have tuned my mindset, figuring out what it takes to be mentally tough to the point of having a mental edge over other players.”

“I think The Basketball Movement has prepared my mentality just as much as it has prepared my physical basketball game.”

To Coach Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement trainers, Haney had one simple thing to say: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” He says that Coach Rob likely does not even realize how much of his confidence stems from the work and belief he put into him.

“All the other guys here that may go unnoticed, even guys that have moved on,” Haney continued. “The coaches here bring the energy every single day. Anytime you came in here and maybe didn’t feel like going hard, they made sure that you did. I can honestly say that even if I wanted to cheat myself, the coaches here made sure that I didn’t.”

From the other side, we at The Basketball Movement can confidently say that Isaac Haney would not have cheated himself with or without us watching. He is a tireless worker and someone you certainly want on your side from the opening tip. That is why he has earned our Stamp of Approval.

Good luck to Isaac as he finishes his senior season and eyes new beginnings playing D1 hoops for Missouri State University. We are fortunate to have our name attached to you on your journey.

Stamped.

Approved.

Stamp of Approval - Anton Brookshire

Robert Yanders gives The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval to Mizzou signee, Anton Brookshire.

The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval signifies that a player has been tested and proven at our facility and is ready for the next level, whatever that may be for them. For Kickapoo High senior and Yanders Law alumni Anton Brookshire, that means D1 hoops at the University of Missouri.

Brookshire earned his Stamp of Approval with his relentless work ethic over many years, as well as his proven commitment to striving for greatness. The Basketball Movement Writer, Wil Harrington caught up with Brookshire in the midst of a busy senior season.

When asked about officially signing with Mizzou, Brookshire said that it meant a lot for multiple reasons. “Inking with Mizzou meant a lot because I always wanted to go to college first off,” Brookshire says. “Signing with a school that’s in the SEC but also close to home is a big deal to me. Just being able to be close and have family go to games, maintaining my support system; it’s a blessing.”

“The coaching staff there, the facility, everything about it, I fell in love with”

Asked how confident he was about being ready for D1 hoops, Anton’s response was not surprising. “I’m very confident actually,” Brookshire says. “I still have stuff I can work on, but I am super ready to go and have prepared a lot.”

Brookshire will not be headed to Columbia alone as fellow Yanders Law and Kickapoo teammate, Trevon Brazile has signed with the Tigers as well. “It means a lot,” Brookshire says. “Trevon’s a great guy and he works hard. Knowing that he’ll be going to the next level with me is good news.”

Having been around The Basketball Movement since fifth grade, Anton had plenty to say about how the facility and trainers have contributed to his dream of playing college hoops and beyond. “The Basketball Movement has helped me a lot as far as my skill development, gaining publicity, and being around great guys and in a great atmosphere,” Brookshire says.

“The coaching staff is great,” Brookshire continues. “I give them a lot of credit and I appreciate them. Those guys help me and always tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear. As far as my Uncle Rob (Yanders), I appreciate him for developing me into the man I am today. Also for just pushing me to be the best I can be.”

The Basketball Movement Stamp of Approval means that Anton is certified not only as a relentlessly hard worker on the court but also as someone who displays our values off the court. His dedication to his craft will undoubtedly serve him well at Mizzou. As he continues his trajectory, it will likely serve him well in the pros as well.

Stamped.

Approved.

School choice, rankings, and labels

Player rankings, which schools they play for, and labels assigned to them are all trivial once the game clock starts.

Sports fans are all familiar with player rankings. They happen professionally all the time. College players get ranked as the draft approaches and teams get ranked ahead of the big dance. In high school, top national players get ranked as they near college age.

For those high school players, they are also judged by the number of scholarship offers and the perceived quality of those programs. Many players garner labels such as skinny, shooter, weak defender, low post player, headcase, pass-first, and so on.

How much do all of these judgments and perceptions actually matter? Glad you asked.

The answer is very little. We cannot say “not at all” because that is not true. Scouts have to have labels to do their best at finding top recruits. Schools like Duke and Kentucky have earned the right to be more respected basketball programs than most. However, what really matters is what happens when the ball goes up and the game clock starts.

At The Basketball Movement Invitational that we recently hosted, we had several nationally ranked players such as Anton Brookshire, Tyrese Hunter, and Jordan Nesbitt. As Rob Yanders pointed out in his opening address, we do not care about your rankings or scholarships. The players that belong among the elite must prove it on the court.

Rankings are fun, but at the end of the day, the players that are best equipped to move on to the next level will do so. The physically gifted may get a head start, but hard work is the biggest separator in our eyes when it comes to how we “rank” athletes.

Players, please do your best to not sweat these things. If anything, use it for fuel. It seems that in every pro game, there are impact players being pointed out as being from small schools or undrafted. These recent NBA Finals featured a former Division III athlete in Duncan Robinson.

It does not matter where you come from, but how you intend to get where you are going. Go light it up at a small school. Be the hardest working player in a gym of highly ranked players. Shed your labels and prove you are the player you know you are.

As always, we can help. Hit us up at basketballmovement@yahoo to get with a trainer and make it happen.

Training at The Basketball Movement

The Basketball Movement Invitational has come and gone, but the ferocious work ethic remains the same.

The Basketball Movement Invitational is an opportunity for us to gather a large group of extremely talented individuals and push them to become better; better competitors, better players, and hopefully better people. As much as we look forward to the event and as much fun as it is each year, we hope you realize that the intense work that happens during the camp is not a flash in a pan. We get this work year-round.

That dog-eat-dog mentality and drive to elevate every individual that comes through our doors never go away.

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 carries over off the court as well.

Though we accept willing players from all levels, we do ask a lot from the athletes that 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 in 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. We even offer training resources in the form of videos for coaches, trainers, and players in Robert Yanders’ Evolution of a Hooper.

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: 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 out there that want to sharpen their iron with ours. We’ll see you on the court.

The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020 recap

A wild weekend of hoops has concluded at The Basketball Movement with the 2020 Invitational in the books.

You may stop believing us, but as it does every year, the intensity reached a whole new level at this year’s Invitational camp. Anyone in attendance can vouch for this indisputable fact. As he always does, The Basketball Movement’s Robert Yanders set the tone right from opening night and had the elite group of high schoolers ready to leave it all on the hardwood.

“This camp has a culture,” Yanders says. “That culture is based on toughness and old school, blue-color hard work.” This year’s Invitational had the most player jawing in recent memory, but we thank them all for keeping things good-natured and displaying sportsmanship throughout.

Things started off with a bang, as the camp hosted its first-ever official Three-Point Contest. One round was played with classic NBA rules and the three high scorers moved on to compete in a final round. All three finalists were from the Yanders Law AAU family: Isaac Haney, Drew McMillin, and Zach Howell.

All three knocked down shots at an impressive clip throughout, but Zach Howell was built for this contest. His quick, minimal effort release allowed him to hum along quickly and consistently. Haney put up a great fight, but once Howell was locked in, it was over.

Another first for The Basketball Movement Invitational was a Slam Dunk Contest. We have let the participating athletes show off their slams in the past, but this time, we had a panel of judges to add a level of seriousness. Alize Johnson, Forward for the Indiana Pacers acted as a guest judge for the contest.

We had multiple high-flyers in the building, but a few separated themselves clearly from the rest. Nicholas Kern had some slick dunks, but Tyrese Hunter and Trevon Brazile stood out immediately. Brazile leaped over a fellow competitor, 6’8” Jonathan Dunn and later windmilled an Isaac Haney lob off the side of the backboard.

019A1580.jpg

Tyrese Hunter was whipping out Vince Carter-esque slams that impressed in a big way with his 6’1” frame. Unfortunately, he could not get his final attempts to stick, allowing Brazile to bring another contest title to the Yanders Law family.

After the dunk contest, some 1v1 king of the court action started. The competition was fierce and the matchups did not disappoint. From there, the camp moved to 3v3 and 4v4 contests, and multiple rivalries were immediately formed. The next day, some more king of the court, including full-court 1v1 pushed the competition to the limit.

“Of everything we did, king of the court, particularly full court was my favorite,” Rob Yanders says. “As a competitor, I love it. There is nowhere to hide.”

Rob says that this was the fiercest camp to date. “Every one on one, contest and game was close,” Yanders says. “Every game was within seven points at the buzzer. This was the most competitive atmosphere we have ever created in this gym.”

Naturally, this made for some incredible basketball games over the final two days. Players committed to D1 schools, nationally ranked talent, and unknowns with little interest laced up and clashed in epic fashion with incredible results.

“We look for certain kinds of players and pit them against each other,” Yanders says. “Our games are great because we reward the competitors. We don’t care if you’re ranked - If you are complacent, you aren’t a competitor. If you’re a ‘21, ‘22, ‘23, ‘24 grad, it doesn’t matter. You show up and prove you’re good, THEN you belong.”

For all of the talent and impressive performances, there could be only one MVP.

In his fourth and final time participating in The Basketball Movement Invitational, Anton Brookshire fittingly took home his first MVP in the gym he practically considers home.

Brookshire’s team (Team One Day One Life) was the winningest one at the 2020 Invitational. There were multiple key players, but Brookshire’s perimeter prowess and improved playmaking stood out as a steadying force for the squad. “He is a big-time kind of player,” Yanders says of Brookshire. “He has a great feel for the game and knows when to get his own or get others involved. He worked hard all weekend.”

Yanders says that the way the camp consistently elevates each year means that everyone should be very excited about where the event is headed. “We want to thank absolutely everyone who participated,” Yanders says. “Coaches, trainers, staff, refs… we couldn’t do it without you.” We are already excited to see you again next year!

Antonio Curro at The Basketball Movement Invitational

The Basketball Movement Invitational Camp will be more than a hub for elite players in 2020, with professional-level spectators in attendance such as Antonio Curro.

National media brands, NBA talent, and big names in the grassroots world will be in attendance this year for The Basketball Movement Invitational 2020. For years, the level of players has been climbing at Robert Yanders’ annual elite camp for high school boys. That continues this year, with big names from around the sport taking notice.

Antonio Curro, National Recruiting Editor of NY2LA, is one big wheel in the basketball world that we are excited to welcome to The Basketball Movement. Curro is the Founder & Director of Basketball Scouting and Grassroots Basketball Platform Initiatives for NY2LA Sports based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“Antonio Curro is truly an NBA-caliber guy,” says Rob Yanders. “He evaluates all levels of talent around the country and we are so excited he is coming to our facility.” The Basketball Movement Invitational draws multiple athletes from the Yanders Law AAU program, which plays in the NY2LA grassroots hoops leagues. This year, Yanders extended invites to a few members of Phenom University - Team Herro and Indy Premier, both of which also participate in NY2LA leagues.

Curro has worked with multiple top 100 players across the country. Several players have hit the NBA scene that he has mentored. It comes as no surprise that sources have told The Basketball Movement that Curro is highly sought after by NBA organizations.

We are honored to have Antonio Curro come to our facility to observe our Invitational Camp. The Basketball Movement Invitational is one of our favorite events of the year and 2020 should be the best one to date. Stay tuned as we continue filling you in on the happenings leading into the start of the action Friday the 16th.

Saturday Clinics are back!

After a long and cautious wait, The Basketball Movement is bringing back our open Saturday Clinics!

One of our favorite offerings, our Saturday Clinics, was put on hiatus in the wake of the national covid pandemic. We are excited to announce that they will be resuming the weekend after Labor Day - Saturday, September 12th. The Clinics will be held every Saturday from 9:00-11:00 am unless otherwise posted on our site and social pages.

These mini-camp-style open gyms are for both boys and girls from 2nd to 8th grade. It is $25 to participate.

Registration is not necessary, but if you have questions or would like to ensure spots, you can call (417) 861-2166 and speak with Coach Craig.

There are no plans for limiting the number of individuals at this time, but as we continue monitoring the impact of the pandemic, we ask that you adhere to best common-sense practices. If possible, we ask that you limit non-participants that come in and practice social distancing as you observe or move about the facility.

We have missed these Clinics and are ready to get back to offering this fun weekend activity to our community. If you have any further questions, call or email basketballmovement@yahoo.com

We look forward to seeing you!

More than a game

With the Milwaukee Bucks using basketball as a platform for something more, we are reminded that hoops can be more than a game.

Today, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to stay in their locker room and boycott game 5 of their playoff series with the Orlando Magic. The decision came in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. The OKC Thunder and Houston Rockets are following suit and the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to as well.

We anticipate that the games will be rescheduled, leading many to ask what the point is. Here you go: we are now talking about the temporary boycott, leading to further discussion of the social issues that the players want to be discussed and acted upon.

A reschedule is not a given, with future action to be discussed more tonight.

This serves as an excellent reminder of the power of basketball and sports in general. There are many ways that individuals can use basketball as a platform for what they deem to be crucial issues or missions.

For example, The Basketball Movement and Yanders Law team up each year to bring Angels of the Hardwood to our community - using the basketball platform to give to those that need it and offering a fun distraction in what can be a difficult time for some families.

At the professional level, the voices are amplified by a major platform. For so many consumers saying they are staying away from pro sports, this seems to have their attention once more.

The NBA Playoffs have been a blast so far and the Orlando bubble experiment has certainly been a success to this point with no covid cases for over 300 players for about a month straight. From the viewer’s perspective anyway, things have been surprisingly similar to the broadcasts we are used to seeing.

No matter the message, it is clear that basketball is capable of being so much more than a game. We are seeing so many athletes doing the best they can at sticking to their guns and raising awareness for what they feel is right. That is something we can really appreciate.

Sometimes the movement happens off the court. Being “The Basketball Movement,” we can dig it.

Shooting: Extending to three-point range

In today's game, it is almost impossible to get by without a shooting touch. Is a three-point shot realistic for you?

For a long time, three-pointers were reserved for point guards and shooting guards. Post players would be chastised for daring a shot attempt beyond 16-18 feet from the rim. In today's game, however, big players are getting faster, handling the ball better, and showing finesse in their shot attempts. For guards, shooting has become even more important to hang with such players.

The saying goes: "The grass is always greener on the other side." Players that can shoot would give anything to be a powerful dunker the same way a powerful dunker wishes they could shoot (though of course, some can do both). Needless to say, most players wish they could drain threes from anywhere like Damian Lillard.

Shooting, especially long-range shooting, is not an inherent talent. Shooting takes years of work to perfect. Players do not start out shooting from deep either. Before you can hit threes, you need to be able to hit deep two-pointers. Before deep twos, mid-range shots should be no problem. Before that: shots in the paint.

This applies not only to young players, but also current ones that would like to extend their range. You must be able to hit mid-range before long balls the way you must be able to walk before you can run.

Determining if you are a three-point shooter

No one can stop you from working on outside shooting. However, if your coach says "Stay in the paint", then stay in the paint and practice everything that they tell you while you are on their watch. Sometimes if you want to branch out, you must do it on your own time. Get in a gym - maybe one with a basketball shooting gun at its disposal... we may be able to help with that part.

20180403_174311.jpg

As mentioned previously, you can't become a deep threat overnight. Extending your range must be a gradual process. Get comfortable hitting mid-range jumpers from everywhere on the floor. Once you are fully comfortable and efficient from that range, reward yourself with some three-point shots. Just make sure you are practicing the right way. 

Again, The Basketball Movement can help.

For many young players, it is a matter of strength. If heaving up threes takes you out of your traditional shooting motion, it might be a little early. Keep working on your strength and shooting from shorter distances. Patience is a virtue.

If you are already an established player looking to extend your range, seek guidance to make sure that you are starting the right way in terms of form, focus point, and situational awareness. Contact The Basketball Movement here to get started.

Outside shooting is not for everyone, so do not get discouraged if it doesn't work out. There are always other skills that you can work on to make you the best player you can be. You may possess abilities or qualities that other players wish they had, so focus on your strengths and keep grinding.

Players to watch at each position

With NBA hoops returning by the end of the month, we once again line out some players to study by position.

Basketball is almost back, which is great for all types of fans. Even with only 22 of the 30 teams participating in the Orlando bubble, there will be ample talent, as it is all squads in playoff contention. We have outlined player profiles for you before; lists of players to watch and study at each position. We noted current and former hoopers that are excellent examples at their respective positions. Check them out below:

Point Guards | Shooting Guards | Small Forwards | Power Forwards | Centers

The Basketball Movement outlined many players in the above, but we are going to keep it a bit more simple this time around. The players we note below will only be those that are participating in the upcoming seeding rounds, and we will be focusing on players that we had not previously discussed. So, no Trae Young (not playing in Orlando), no James Harden (previously discussed), and so on.

Time to dive in.

Point Guards

Just about every team coming into the Orlando bubble has a solid point guard that has traits young guards can learn from. Perhaps the most exciting is Ja Morant.

The likely Rookie of the Year, Morant receives ample attention for his flashy play and explosive attacks at the rim. However, if you keep an eye on him, you will see that the young PG is fundamentally sounds as well. His footwork, vision, and handle are what will make him a lasting presence in the Association.

Another good PG to watch is Jrue Holiday, who is hoping to be named to an All-NBA defensive team for the third year. Deferring to young stars when he needs to, yet maintaining the killer instinct to close games, Holiday is an all-around point guard that is worthy of your analysis if you want to learn about the highest level of point guard play.

Shooting Guards

There are a few prominent guards that play plenty of point but slide nicely into the shooting guard position. A couple of those to watch in the upcoming Orlando games are Donovan Mitchell and Fred VanVleet. Mitchell works well as a shooting guard because he has the athleticism to guard varying players and the shot to play true SG. VanVleet is no longer a backup PG, but a full-fledged starting SG playing alongside Kyle Lowry.

Plenty of film is out there from VanVleet in last season’s title run for the Raptors. Still, keep an eye on the Wichita State product again this year to learn from his fearless playstyle.

For a straight-up killer shooting guard, look no further than CJ McCollum and Buddy Hield. Both are primed to put on shooting clinics per usual.

Small Forwards

We touched on many small forwards in our previous iteration of these player profiles. One that has come on strong since then is Jayson Tatum. There is still room for improvement in Tatum’s game, but the guy is already averaging 24ppg, so you know he brings plenty to the table. His knack for putting the ball in the hole has improved every season and he is a great one to study for long, athletic forwards.

A pair of other young small forwards to watch out for are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jonathan Isaac. A defensive force all season, Isaac is questionable with an injury, but has entered the bubble with the Magic and may return to teach a thing or two about shot-blocking.

Gilgeous-Alexander may not strictly be a small forward, but that is just because his handles and offensive instincts make him a lethal point guard as well. A breakout player for the Thunder, he will be scoring in bunches in Orlando.

Power Forwards

Somehow, we did not mention Anthony Davis in our previous player profiles. So, let us just say: Anthony. Davis.

You know every Lakers game played will be blasted everywhere, so young power forwards have no excuse to not watch and learn. Anthony Davis is a do-it-all power forward that has stepped up his defensive presence while still dominating in the paint, on the boards, and even from the perimeter.

Another great one to watch going forward is Bam Adebayo for the Heat. Bam has come on in a big way, earning his first All-Star bid this season. He is a devastating athlete but also strives to do the little things that are important in playing winning basketball.

Centers

Here are few underrated guys for you big men to watch: Domantas Sabonis and Brook Lopez.

Sabonis was an All-Star this year, but not by much. His game doesn’t grab you like the biggest name guys, but his tenacity and nose for the ball make him an excellent study for young big men that need to learn to play the right way in the paint.

Brook Lopez is a former All-Star, previously known as an interior scorer. Now, he is a defensive anchor and three-point threat for the top team in the NBA in Milwaukee. One of the NBA block leaders this year, Lopez has stepped up on effort plays while doing an excellent job of knowing when to exit the paint to stretch the floor for the attacking Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Those are just a few examples of excellent players to keep an eye on and learn from during the NBA seeding games and Playoffs. It will certainly be an interesting way to resume the season and you know we will be keeping up and keeping you informed. Check out how these games will look and the schedule here. Stay tuned!

One-on-One with Yazoo Motif

The Basketball Movement has been collaborating with photographer and visual art mastermind, Yazoo Motif.

Robert Baker (better known by his artist name, Yazoo Motif) is a man on a mission - using his cameras to capture the versions of others that they most want to see. Always improving, always wanting to make his family proud, Yazoo is simply creating masterpieces whether it is at The Basketball Movement or in NBA arenas.

Originally from Yazoo City, Mississippi (yes, obviously that is where his moniker comes from), “Zoo” has been moving around for much of his life. “I moved to Atlanta when I was 12,” Yazoo recalls. “From there it was Lexington, Kentucky, where things sort of took off.”

Kentucky is where Yazoo linked up with friends of Kentucky Wildcats center, Willie Cauley-Stein, who now plays in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks. Yazoo, Cauley-Stein, and videographer/editor “iburks” became a tight crew, working together to propel themselves to the top levels of their respective crafts. Check their hashtag #SHIFTeverything on Instagram to see all the collabs between the three.

Willie Cauley-Stein started his NBA career in Sacramento in 2015, taking his stud media duo along for the ride, allowing Yazoo to shoot an abundance of NBA talent (see below). WCS began the 2019-20 season in Golden State before being traded to Dallas last January to provide rebounding and explosiveness in the paint.

“Everything you see on Willie Cauley-Stein’s page is either me or iburks,” Yazoo says. “Getting to go with him, I’ve had the opportunity to see greatness through a lens and study every detail. I don’t take being in those situations for granted.”

Motif cites his access to the Golden State Warriors media day being one of his favorite opportunities so far. “Getting to shoot Steph, Klay… that really hit home as far as where I was and the greatness I was surrounded by,” Yazoo says. One of his other favorite subjects is recording artist, Yoku Naru, who he also linked up within Kentucky and has been working with for several years.

“(Working with) Yoku Naru is great because we have excellent back and forth,” Yazoo says. “It’s the same thing with Rob Yanders.”

Yazoo Motif at The Basketball Movement

On collaborating with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement, Yazoo says the experience has been “refreshing.”

“Rob has been great,” Yazoo says. “He is honest and speaks his mind. He gives you full creative control, but his suggestions are still highly relevant. It really improves upon the process.”

Yazoo says that the back-and-forth with people like Rob is what allows him to bring out exactly what people like to see. “My main goal is to work with people and bring their best version to life,” Yazoo continues. “Everyone has a vision of themselves and they want to see themselves in the best version of that, so understanding that and bringing that out is how I set myself apart as an artist.”

Motif often goes by “Zoo,” which he says works well because he sees as himself being able to work with all different “animals” or all the different looks he can create based on the subjects.

“For Rob, he is intense and attention detailed. I think I have been able to capture that for him.” (He definitely has - see below video)

Asked what drives him creatively, Yazoo Motif says it is the desire for constant improvement. “I’m my own worst critic,” Motif says. “I want to improve on every detail from piece to piece. Another motivator comes from my wife and my one-year-old son - I want to keep growing and make them proud.”

The Basketball Movement asked what is next for Yazoo Motif: “Working with bigger and bigger brands,” Yazoo says. “Figuring out how to do that is part of the adventure. My main thing is not stealing ideas and being original. I don’t want to become mainstream; I want mainstream to be me.”

Please go check out Yazoo Motif on Instagram, Twitter, or yazoomotif.com to see his work. His creative mind deserves exposure and The Basketball Movement has been fortunate to have him around. Check out some more of his stuff below and follow along for more visual poetry!

Pro-level workouts

The Basketball Movement offers pro-level workouts for men and women that are aiming for the top.

At The Basketball Movement, we go through skill workouts, clinics, and camps with athletes of almost all ages. Some of our favorites, and some that we are best-equipped for, are pro-level workouts with men and women with professional aspirations.

Even if you are already a professional hooper, we have proven over and over that The Basketball Movement can elevate even the most elite athletes. Whether you are a junior or senior in high school, college player, overseas or domestic pro, we can help you get to your personal next level.

(Peep the video below to see what a professional jump shot looks like with Toshua Leavitt)

With the NBA returning with all teams arriving in the Orlando “bubble,” we will finally get to see a return to action for guys like Monte Morris, Alize Johnson, Deonte Burton, and Anthony Tolliver that can all attest to what The Basketball Movement can provide.

For many other players that are not able to resume game action, now is the time to elevate. Robert Yanders is a former pro and specialist in this area. There are few trainers that can match Yanders’ intensity, experience, and knowledge of the game.

For all pro players and agents (or anyone interested in training at the highest level), reach out to us at basketballmovement@yahoo.com to get with Yanders and his staff. We can accommodate difficult schedules and assist in making arrangements for those that need to travel.

Everything Yanders does is centered around the fundamentals of the game, but the speed, intensity, and purpose of his drills are what sets him apart from other trainers.

“Rob’s a great guy. He genuinely knows what he’s doing and exactly what he’s talking about. He has been a great mentor for me because of his experience and that he doesn’t sugar coat anything; he tells it like it is.”
— Alize Johnson, Indiana Pacers

Check out our social sites; they provide media that offers a window into what these workouts look like. Every hooper has a limit, and we will find yours and push it. The Basketball Movement is designed based on professional facilities. We are equipped to help you get that work, but can also assist in cooldown. The facility features a film study room as well that allows us to teach some of the most undervalued skills in the game.

If you are a pro or want to be a pro, come see us. We are the top training facility in the Midwest for the best players to come to if they are not satisfied just being elite. Do you want to be great? We want to help.

Ania Bracken - Xclusive Apparal

Ania Bracken is creating apparel that appeals to people like her that just want to be different and feel good. This is Xclusive Apparel.

The Basketball Movement is known for propelling young lives on the court, but those that know us best know that it is the off-court impact that drives us. Our founder, Rob Yanders is committed to enriching and empowering the lives of those around him. In this case, he is helping to lend his platform to his niece, 16-year-old Ania Bracken, and her new brand: Xclusive Apparel.

We sat down one-on-one with Ania to get the scoop on this exciting new venture.

Ania says that the idea behind Xclusive Apparel is all about being creative and different in your own way. “I’m a colorful person,” Bracken says. “So, I try to make everything I do fun and colorful.”

T-shirts will quickly become the staple of Ania’s new collection, but she says that she plans to add hoodies soon as well as possibly moving into shorts, joggers, and anything else that can add variety to her unique offerings.

When asked about the memorable Xclusive Apparel logo, Ania seemed to have one main goal in mind - to be different. “When I thought about it, I knew I wanted it to be fun,” Bracken says. “One eye has the X, one is regular, the braces… I just have a bit of an over-indulgent personality, so I wanted that to shine through. It should appeal to those who have attention for detail, like me.”

For Ania, being different is what inspires her creativity. “I believe people are at their best when they are being themselves,” Bracken says. “For me, that is knowing that I’m different than my peers. I figured out that I like different things; I love drawing and being creative. I arrived here creatively by investing time in finding myself and my personal style - my swag.”

“I believe that people are at their best when they are being themselves.”

Asked what helps Ania get into her creative mindset, she says that she keeps it simple. “I love listening to music. I also love just sitting outside and looking at the sky. It gets my brain going, then I get paper or a notebook and just start sketching.”

“I also have an entrepreneurial spirit, so I am trying to use my creativity to be my own boss and hopefully make some money,” Bracken says. She continues by saying that she would love to be able to capitalize on her creativity rather than having to work for someone else. She is not the only one in her family that has that mindset.

Ania says that her Uncle Rob has helped her “tremendously” to this point. “(Yanders) has helped set everything up so far,” Bracken says. “He really believes in me. I told him, and he was on it immediately. We think alike in a lot of ways.”

The “kindness in his heart” is what has shown through the most from Ania’s Uncle Rob.

When asked what people can expect from Xclusive Apparel going forward, Ania gave a short and convincing answer: “Dope clothes.”

“I am going to be bringing a lot of different styles and colorways,” Bracken says. “There will always be more color and more fun, which I keep saying, but that is a key to this brand. Anyone that wears Xclusive Apparel will feel good, be comfortable, and know they are wearing something exclusive.”

We are excited to see where this empowered young woman takes her new business. You can be sure to find plenty of Xclusive Apparel in and around The Basketball Movement going forward, with all of our athletes looking to add to their collection of drip. Stay tuned to Xclusive Apparel’s Instagram as well for all the details!