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.

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.

Focus on strengths - Insulate weaknesses

You know what you are good at, and you know what needs work. Which is more deserving of attention?

As a player, unless you are blinded by supreme confidence, you are aware that you are not perfect. Perhaps you have never been the best shooter, or maybe you are an undersized post player. You also know where you shine on the court or in the locker room.

With something like basketball, it is easy to get caught up in the areas that need improvement. This is not always a bad thing; there are always opportunities to elevate skill level but do not also forget to focus on the strengths that set you apart.

Players like Shaquille O’Neal and DeAndre Jordan have been mercilessly criticized for their free-throw shooting woes. They are also heavily applauded - Shaq was an NBA MVP, and DeAndre Jordan was 1st team all-NBA with the Clippers. Do you see where we are heading with this?

Focus on what sets you apart

Shaq was not a great free throw shooter, but it did not matter because he was so dominant in other facets of the game.

If you are a great shooter, keep working on shooting. Never entirely ignore any aspect of the sport, but stay sharp and keep improving even your best qualities. The all-time great shooters were not content with being decent. They still practiced shooting every single day. 

Even if you are hyper-focused on strengths, do not forget:

Insulate weaknesses to make sure you do not fall behind

Just because you are focused on what sets you apart does not mean you can ignore the other aspects of the game. You can become a great shooter, but coaches will be hesitant to play you if you never bothered to work on defense.

Not everyone can be fast. Stay in shape and keep your conditioning at the best level you can, but do not sweat it too much if you struggle to improve foot speed. Focus instead on footwork and body positioning to insulate this weakness. Then, get right back to focusing on what sets you apart.

Great rebounders practice rebounding. Glue guys focus on defense and ball movement. Shooters get up hundreds of shots. Be a well-rounded player, but make sure your best skills are kept the sharpest for your team.

Make sure to keep up with more on the great game of basketball here at The Basketball Movement.

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.

Knocking off rust

With basketball activities slowly but surely ramping up, how are you planning on knocking off rust?

There is no denying that we are in strange times. Closures of gyms, shutdowns of school ball, summer leagues on hiatus… it has been difficult to work on your craft; at least in the ways that players are accustomed to.

So, for many athletes, some rust has built up over a time where it would not have normally. Now what?

At The Basketball Movement, we are continuing to follow the government guidelines and are only doing individual or small-group workouts while monitoring the number of individuals in our facility. If anyone is displaying symptoms, we are asking that they stay home, as the health and safety of our staff and players is paramount.

We have already had many players reach out to us wanting to begin the process of knocking off rust. Getting into deal basketball shape is a difficult task, even for players that have been taking good care of themselves.

Conditioning is normally the most important part of knocking off the rust. To get the most out of workouts, players need to have enough energy in the tank to get through all training aspects. Basketball is unique in that it has dozens of quick, full-speed moments mixed into a continuous up-and-down flow. Players need to remain primed for explosion at any moment.

Starting slow is alright when getting back into shape - you must walk before you can run. Doing too much too fast can lead to injuries that make your comeback even more difficult. Test your limits, but listen to your body before going overboard. Patience is an important piece of this.

As for the finer skills, many of those have not left you, but may be lying dormant. The best way to wake them up is to get a good sweat going, rekindle some muscle memory, and fall back into what you know. That said, it is still best to sharpen all skills as often as possible. Even the basics of the sport need year-round attention if you want to be the best player you can be.

Having a trainer or coach with you during the process of knocking rust off is important as well. A trainer can help you monitor progress and workload while making sure you are doing things the right way.

If you are looking to get into the gym and get started, reach out at basketballmovement@yahoo.com

No one can argue that these have been difficult times, but as basketball makes its return, it is now also a time for excitement. We hope to see you at the gym soon!

What we are missing at The Basketball Movement

As we continue through these uncharted waters, we stop and appreciate what we are missing about The Basketball Movement experience.

Walking into The Basketball Movement is a sensory overload. Overload may be a term that some would shy away from, but for basketball junkies, it is just what you seek out in a gym.

The smell of hardwood is ingrained in the building. It has been that way for years and did not go away when we re-did the floors a few years back. Hoopers know the smell and can still recall it even after being away from the hardwood for a lengthy period of time. It smells like your home away from home. A place where you can shed blood, sweat, and tears for glory, for your brothers/sisters, or just for knowing you put in a helluva day’s work.

Sensory overload comes too from the sounds. Balls bouncing on both courts make the whole facility feel alive. You are not alone here. There are others that share your passion, your goals. They may be older or younger, male or female, professional or youth ball hopefuls. They are here too, smelling that same hardwood scent, shooting at the 10-foot hoop, dreaming of greatness.

There are sounds of shots going up. Many are connecting with the iron, some fall through with that ever-satisfying swish. Everyone hopes their shot is going in. Some do, some don’t. They all get rebounded and lead to more and more work on the journey.

Other sounds come from trainers and players. Some players are communicating with each other - striving for unison under the guidance of a coach. The trainers are barking, constantly producing advice, encouragement, and due criticisms with the goal of improvement for all. The more players succeed, the more the trainers succeed. The more trainers succeed, the more renowned the facility becomes, drawing in more players and more opportunities to produce something special.

Often hip hop music is bumping out of a speaker in the main gym. This lends to the facility’s urban feel, something that is a unique twist in our community. Still, the warm Yanders smile makes everyone feel right at home.

Rob Yanders, The Basketball Movement’s founder is constantly dispensing basketball wisdom, always in motion. He gives his athletes hell, then turns and gives the parents a sly wink. The parents see what is happening, as Rob is just pushing limits, bringing out the best in the players. Really, the players understand as well. Not just any player can step on Rob’s floor. He can tell if you want it or not and he will let you know.

For those players, their muscles burn as they pound the dribble, stay low, and keep eyes forward even as sweat streams down their face. They understand the privilege of their on-court agony and welcome it on the path to improvement.

The Basketball Movement is a special place. Sure, it has a barber station, leather seats, and a cushy film room. At its core, those that have stepped through its doors understand it to be a grindhouse - a place where players come to get their butts kicked and bodies pushed to their limits. This is where they improve as players. This is where they build character. This is a place they will remember for the rest of their lives as a temple of self-improvement.

We miss this place like crazy, and we vow to come back better than ever once this pandemic passes. Support us and keep up the hard work by checking out Rob’s Evolution of a Hooper program. Yanders had spent years amassing this collection of on and off-court curriculum - it is definitely worth your time. Keep checking back here with more updates as we work through this together. Thank you all!

Striving for the Mamba Mentality

As the basketball world continues to mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant, we remind players to carry on the Mamba Mentality.

The world knew Kobe Bryant by the basketball player we saw on the floor. Only his close family and friends truly knew him as a person. We saw how hard he worked, what he was able to achieve, and for the most part, what it took to get there. There are still countless unseen hours, not just that he put towards the game of basketball, but into his other passions, hobbies, and relationships.

For that reason it is not fair of us, the public, to pretend we knew everything about Kobe Bean Bryant. Media figures and players say ”He would want this,” or “he would have wanted that.” All we know is that he loved his family, loved his occupation, and gave us a hell of a spectacle on the court.

The loss of a family man is an indescribable blow. So, let’s just focus on what we can wrap our heads around: Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality.

We knew Kobe primarily by what he was on the court - a true superstar. Bryant was as feared an opponent as anyone could ever imagine. His offensive repertoire made him a killer, a basketball assassin. He could rip your heart out and crush your dreams in so many ways that he earned the respect of nearly every hooper on the planet.

Since the NBA has been naming first or second-team all-defense, Kobe earned the nod 12 times (nine first-team), the most ever by a guard. So despite being an offensive juggernaut, he was able to still exert enough energy and focus on defense that he was deemed one of the league’s best defenders multiple years. Impressive resume, but what does it mean?

The Mamba Mentality

Kobe Bryant was nicknamed the Black Mamba. He could and would strike on offense or defense at any moment, and it was always deadly. Players special enough to go so hard on both ends of the floor are rare, but they all possess something in common - a term coined by Bryant himself: Mamba Mentality.

Players do not need Kobe-level skills to harness the Mamba Mentality because it is just that - a state of mind.

The focus of the Mamba Mentality isn’t attacking the opponent like Bryant made it seem. Instead, the focus is internal; promises to yourself to get every loose ball, the drive to play every defensive possession like it is meant to be played, the willingness to let the offense come to you, but also the readiness to take over a game if that is your role.

Mamba Mentality will look different depending on your role. Kobe was asked to shoulder the load on offense and be a defensive stopper. For some players, it may be focusing on snatching every rebound or making sure teammates are involved. Players on the bench, coaches, anyone… the Mamba Mentality can be applied no matter what.

Perhaps the best way we can remember Kobe Bryant the basketball player is to all try our best to approach life with the Mamba Mentality. Fiercely protect family and friends, keep your foot on the gas while you chase dreams, and give your all in everything you do.

Enjoy the processes - even the little moments and the tough times. Keep loved ones close and let them know how much they mean to you. Bryant and the other individuals we lost were taken from the world too soon, but we can make their loss count for something big. Embody the Mamba Mentality and you will be surprised by the doors that open for you. Reach out to us if that means getting in the gym. Reach out even if it doesn’t and we will be a shoulder for you.

RIP Kobe Bryant - thank you for everything.

The Basketball Movement - Respect

An important key in basketball and in life is to treat everyone around you with respect.

A good practice for basketball but also life in general is to be respectful of EVERYBODY - superiors, peers, and subordinates alike. It is true, not everyone deserves respect, but there is never an excuse to treat someone that way. Even if you do not respect somebody, you must act respectfully at all times.

In basketball, the ultimate example of respect happens in the player-coach relationship. Coaches have the difficult task of uniting individuals in a group, developing a strategy, and implementing that strategy through the actions of their team. This can cause friction between all involved and is not always smooth sailing.

Playing time and usage is important to players and are also some of the greatest tools at a coach’s disposal. They put who they want on the floor to give them the best chance at executing their strategies at all times. Even if you have a tenuous relationship with your coach, it is important that you understand that they are trying to complete a difficult job to the best of their abilities. Not agreeing with the methods is allowed, but respect is necessary at all times, or else it will cause fractures in the team as a whole.

Most importantly, your coach is human. They are prone to mistakes, lapses in judgment, real-life issues, and more that deserve the same consideration that you would hope for yourself. Respect that.

As a player, you must also respect your teammates. You have the same goals; win every game possible, limit mistakes, and yeah, show out a bit. Some may have more or less drive than you. Some may be turnover-prone. Some may just not like to pass you the ball. This is still someone in the trenches with you that you need on the same page as to accomplish the biggest goals.

Again, they are human. Acting disrespectfully will fracture the team dynamic, create rifts where there should be friendships, and make life more difficult than it has to be. You don’t even have to like all of them - just treat them with respect to make the best out of any situation.

Sport is and should remain a great school of life that supports young people in their personal development. It teaches respect for others and also for oneself.
— Richard Attias

Referees are different. No wait, that isn’t right because they are also human! Referees have an incredibly difficult job and would probably prefer if you didn’t foul or let the ball go out of bounds. They like basketball too and deserve to enjoy it in their own way without getting disrespected by a player (or coach) that thinks they are doing poorly at their job. They are real people with real issues that don’t deserve to be treated badly.

By now, you have seen the trend. Opponents must be treated with respect. They are a lot like you, only from different locations. The more people you treat with respect, the more likely you will gain respect in return.

Respect can be a difficult concept to grasp even though it seems simple. You do need to earn respect and not every individual does what is needed to have earned it. Strive to earn respect, and remember that treating others respectfully (whether earned or not) is one of the quickest ways to get there.

Generally, people around you will give you opportunities to earn respect and reward you with it. Still, there are those that will want to bring you down. Nothing will eat at them more than treating them respectfully when all they want is to ruffle your feathers. That is why treating others with respect is some of the best advice we can give.

You can’t go wrong with acting respectfully, so do so as much as possible! Even when you stumble, be apologetic, humble, and gracious to get back on the right track. Respect is important in life (and on the court), so make it a focus in 2020.

For more tips, basketball news, and more, keep it locked with us here at The Basketball Movement!

Push limits with Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement

What limits you from being the best player you can possibly be? The Basketball Movement can help you push those limits.

Every individual has limits, whether perceived or literal. A literal limit may be that you are considered undersized for the sport of basketball; you can’t change when you are done growing. A perceived limit is that your small stature means you can’t guard bigger players, get up for rebounds, and so on. Those are perceived limits because you can do something to change that. We can help.

When they say you can’t, they show you their limits, not yours.
— Kevin Keenoo

One of the biggest lessons that I (Site Blogger, @WilHarrington) learned growing up came on the basketball court. My teacher was Robert Yanders.

I’d been working out with Rob on and off for a year or so and was just 13 or 14 years old. I had started bringing a teammate along and it was definitely elevating our skill level. The breakthrough for me though was all about pushing limits and the power of mind over matter.

We were nearing the end of one of Rob’s trademark grueling workouts, got to shed our weighted vests, and got on the line to do some running. He wanted us to do a simple down-and-back, but put a very limited amount of time on the clock. He blew his whistle and my friend and I took off, touched the line to head back, and didn’t quite make it before the buzzer sounded.

We thought Rob was simply going to have us try again. However, he stepped over to the scorer’s table and took a second off the clock. Was this punishment? We lined up again, made our attempt… and missed the mark. We were completely exhausted at this point. What did Rob do? Let us grab a drink to come back and try again? Let us hit the restroom to vomit in peace? Of course, he took another second off the clock.

My friend and I never made eye contact, but we clearly had the same thought flash in our minds. “This guy is crazy. This is an all-out sprint because if we don’t do it this time, we’ll be doing this until we leave in wheelchairs.”

“Ready,” Rob shouted with his whistle in his mouth. “Go!”

Adrenaline propelled our tired legs and carried us like we were running for our lives. There was nothing but teeth-gritting, sweat flying, and the blur of two desperate white boys moving faster than they had ever moved. We went down and back, both touching the final baseline with a second or two to spare.

This lesson didn’t change the fact that I was five-foot-eight and just interested in playing the sport for fun. I never had NCAA aspirations or professional delusions. But what I learned that day shaped me as an athlete in general and as a person. It showed me that my limits were in my hands and I could push them as far as I wanted.

The confidence I gained from that day in the gym that would become The Basketball Movement helped me to push my high school self to two All-State baseball selections, contribute to a basketball team that took 3rd in state, be an All-District cross country runner (hell, even All-District choir for that matter), and the courage to date the girl that would become my wife.

That all may seem like a real leap to draw from a down-and-back run. Those who have trusted Rob Yanders to help them as I have can attest to what I’m saying though.

Assuming you are not already the best in the world, you must try to push your limits to see what you can really do. Not only on the court but in all aspects of life. For those interested - reach out. The Basketball Movement was built for this. We’re ready if you are.

Social media: Unplug when you're on the court

One of the oddest takeaways from these past NBA Playoffs was a player on the bench looking at his cell phone.

In the very first game of the 2019 NBA Playoffs, there was a strange moment in which the camera captured Joel Embiid and Amir Johnson looking down at Johnson’s cell phone. This didn’t happen pre or post-game, or even in the locker room. This occurred on the bench during the game with their 76ers squad trailing the lower-ranked Nets.

Amir Johnson was listed as “inactive” for the game. Embiid was “doubtful” to play, but still showed up and had some decent numbers despite poor shooting. Whether he was active or not, Johnson violated the NBA Operations Manual for “Use of Technology”. After the game, Joel Embiid stated that he looked at Johnson’s phone because his daughter was extremely sick. That makes the situation more understandable, but Johnson clearly didn’t alert the team, which fined him for having his phone after the incident.

No matter the circumstances, this incident served as a good reminder for our athletes that cell phones have no business around a basketball court. During workouts, practices, or games, attention needs to be on the task at hand. There may be instances that a phone is necessary to have a link for important things happening off the court. In those situations, coaches or trainers should be made aware of the necessity.

In the age of social media and tech, phones and other devices are ubiquitous. They have become an unavoidable part of society. That said, there must still be boundaries and a basketball court is certainly one of those.

It is okay to be plugged in, but not at the expense of a team or moments that demand full attention.

Stay tuned for more tips from The Basketball Movement as well as news from local hoops through the pro level - after your workout of course.

The Basketball Movement: Tips, motivation, and guidance

We are more than just a gym to go break a sweat in! Click around and you’ll see what we are about.

At The Basketball Movement, skill development is our bread and butter. Making sure that you or your athlete improve basketball skills on the court is our most fundamental priority, and we pride ourselves on being good at what we do.

We also want to make sure that our athletes are prepared for whatever life throws at them off the court as well. Using basketball as a tool, we are always striving to enhance the qualities of our players that extend beyond the sport.

Our blog is updated weekly with more than just news from around the world of basketball. It is an excellent resource for tips, motivation, and guidance for not only athletes, but parents, and fans as well. Check out a few such articles below:

Setting goals for yourself

A few tips for parents and other fans

So you didn’t get drafted

Becoming a leader with The Basketball Movement

What to do during the offseason

These are just a handful of examples pulled from the last month and a half or so. So, as you can tell, we are coming at you with this content all the time. Our blog is a great place to check-in for tips and motivation centered around hoops.

As The Basketball Movement looks to step up not just the hoops community, but the community as a whole, keep checking back for content like this that can motivate, guide, and inspire budding or established hoopers.

Setting goals for yourself

Setting goals is an important thing to do at any stage in life. Do not forget to set some on the court and off.

Many of basketball's brightest stars were born with a lot of natural ability. However, most of them still had to work incredibly hard to get where they are today. Hard work is best when it is directed by established plans and aimed at particular goals.

The Basketball Movement can help players to establish plans and regimens to help them along the way in achieving those goals.

It is not hard to find quotes and tips from people and players that have experienced success in their careers. Setting goals is important, but the growth and experience obtained in the pursuit of those goals is often the true victory.

It’s not about looking for outcomes, but just enjoying the process. That’s when you become in the moment.
— Steve Nash

Goals can be big or small - daily or long-term. They are important in sports like basketball, but also in many other aspects of life.

What goals will you set?

Different individuals may come up with very different goals and aspirations. As a basketball player, one player's goal may be to crack the starting five on their Junior Varsity squad. Another may want to become a professional, overseas or in the NBA.

Skill development represents smaller, more compartmentalized goals. Your goal may be to improve your free throw percentage by a certain amount or to add two new post moves to your repertoire by the end of the Summer.

A winner is someone who recognizes his (or her) God-given talents, works his (or her) tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his (or her) goals.
— Larry Bird

Personal goals off the court are important also. Goals for school or for a career help you to stay focused on what is important. Try to make a point to be an achiever in all that you do.

For more motivation, basketball news, and Basketball Movement goodness, keep looking around our blog here!

So you didn't get drafted

The 2019 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 are you to 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 that is dedicated to helping take your game as far as it can possibly go. We saw the snippets of the NBA Draft’s top pick, Zion Williamson - when he was four, he wanted to be the top player in the nation. By nine, he was getting up hundreds of jumpers every day.

Being at the top of the basketball world doesn’t just happen; not even for freak athletes like Zion. 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 that are required to make it to, and stay in these leagues is a barrier to entry that not many 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 make sure you won’t regret it. You may find out this road is too hard for you, or you may just let us help you all the way down the road to your ultimate destination. We’re excited to find out with you.

What team chemistry really means

Coaches, fans, and basketball pundits all love to talk about team chemistry. What does it really mean?

At the risk of starting this off as a middle school essay, let’s just go ahead and state the literal definition of the word “chemistry”. The definition is not as clean and simple as we may like. However, you can see how when broken down, it can be simply applied to the sport of basketball.

Google defines chemistry as “the branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is composed; the investigation of their properties and the ways in which they interact, combine, and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances.”

To start, we can fill in a few of the terms with basketball jargon: Identification of the players of which a team is composed. Identifying for our purposes isn’t just knowing your teammate’s names. To achieve ideal chemistry, you must know their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies.

“…the investigation of their properties and the ways in which they interact, combine, and change…” Once you know them as mentioned above, you can begin to anticipate their actions, while also watching them grow as players and teammates.

Finally, “form new substances” is the resulting team. Players that know each other inside and out, on and off the court form the teams that will have what is referred to as great team chemistry.

Chemistry can be difficult for teams that introduce or bid farewell to players frequently. Still, stressing the importance of chemistry allows our coaches and teams to have a working understanding of what is necessary at all times.

We create a standard for how we want to do things and everyone’s got to buy into that standard or you really can’t have any team chemistry. Mediocre people don’t like high-achievers and high-achievers don’t like mediocre people.
— Nick Saban

When a team has good chemistry, it shows. Chemistry happens in the trenches, such as during practices. It also happens off the court, when teams are able to bond on more personal levels.

This is an important area for teams and we encourage our players to always stick together. Help your teammates up, give them affirmation in real life or on social media, just… be a friend.

For more on teamwork, motivation, and everything else basketball, keep it locked right here!

Thriving in the underdog role

With the NBA Playoffs underway, we have had the opportunity to see multiple teams embrace the underdog role and surprise the big dogs.

No matter your record, seeding, reputation, anything, you can still beat the odds and be the best team for a game. Once you start rolling, you may gain momentum that can help you sustain that success. We have seen it many times before, especially in the NCAA Tournament as we did again recently. In the first round of the NBA playoffs, we have already gotten to see it multiple times.

Despite long odds, the Nets, Clippers, Magic, and Spurs have already pulled off upsets on the road. The biggest one came last night, as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors in game two of the series.

The Clippers were down by 31 in the third quarter before storming back to defeat the back-to-back NBA champs. Rookie Landry Shamet (formerly of Witchita State) hit a go-ahead three to seal it. Patrick Beverly continued to lock down Kevin Durant and Lou Williams went on one of his scoring tears to climb back into it. The 31 point comeback marked the biggest comeback in NBA Playoff history.

This seems like a good time to remind you that no team is invincible. There are still plenty of games left in each of the NBA series’ involved in these upsets. That said, the landscape has significantly shifted, stealing confidence from one side and feeding it to the other. Confidence is big in the sport of basketball.

Everything negative - pressure, challenges - are all an opportunity for me to rise.
— Kobe Bryant

For that reason, it is important to approach every game and every moment with confidence. Believe that your shot will go in. Believe that your team can win the game. Believing is clearly not everything, but if you have put in the work, there is no reason that you can’t give it your all and compete. If you do that, then you can shift the odds at any time.

Being the underdog in a game or being overlooked as a player or team often means that you may be underestimated. Use that as fuel. Harness the chip on your shoulder. No one knows what you can do better than yourself. There isn’t much that is more satisfying than defying odds and proving naysayers wrong.

So be that team! Be that player! Don’t sweat rankings or records, just control what you can by working as hard as possible, being confident, and not backing down from a challenge.

Remember, to help you work as hard as possible, stay at the peak of your game, and keep raising that peak, contact The Basketball Movement. We believe in you and we can help you be ready for the big moments.

Don't be like Mike - The beauty of knowing your limits

Most players and fans grow up idolizing players on TV. The superstars carry a lot of appeal, but not everyone can be Michael Jordan.

We saw Kobe Bryant, who clearly modeled his game after Michael Jordan, grow into one of the greatest basketball players ever. Young players everywhere are honing their skills hoping to be just like LeBron James or Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, almost none of them will be. Don't worry! That is perfectly okay.

Everyone is made differently. You can hit the weight room every day,  but you are most likely not going to be able to bang in the paint with Dwight Howard or Shaq. Does that mean you should give up? Does not being Michael Jordan mean you should quit reaching? Heck no.

MJ could jump, handle, guard like crazy, and make defenders look silly in almost every way. There aren't a lot of people who can be so extraordinary at so many aspects of the game.

So what do you do?

Find your personal strengths and work on them until it hurts. Shore up any weaknesses, but focus even more on what makes you a special player.

Just because you do have limits, doesn't mean you can't raise them. Have a decent jumper? Become a reliable jump shooter. Then, become a dangerous shooter. Always elevate each aspect of your game as much as possible, just don't get frustrated when you aren't the best there is.

If the Bulls had five fantastic shooting guards, would they start five shooting guards?

Every team needs bigs to crash the glass. Every team needs willing defenders who are content being the glue that doesn't stand out on the stat sheet. There are a lot of champions at every level of the game who are there because they put their ego aside and did what made them great for their team.

Don't be defined by your physical limits, but don't be afraid to embrace them either. There is a reason that Kyrie Irving doesn't care about dunking and Tim Duncan never worried about the three-point line.

You can be great. Adapt and conquer the game in every way that is available to you. Don't be like Mike, be the best version of you that you can create.

Start by jumping aboard The Basketball Movement.

You're not the only one that can ball

You may be good - even very good, but so are other players. Set yourself apart with help from The Basketball Movement.

A lot of players are familiar with being one of the top players on their team - maybe even the conference, division, state, league, what have you. It is a good feeling to be one of the best. You must keep in mind though, there is likely someone better than you.

You are not the only one that can ball. There is someone out there with a prettier jumper, someone who has a better nose for rebounding, someone stronger, or someone faster. No matter how good you may be at basketball, you are likely not the best.

So... what are you going to do about it?

Talent is one thing, but hard work is what really starts to differentiate players and allows them to take their game to the next level.

Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.
— Kevin Durant

If you are willing to put in the time and effort to elevate every aspect of your game, you will be on your way to building separation between yourself and the competition. Basketball requires some natural athleticism at the higher levels of the game. Hard work and dedication to your craft is the top tool that can be used to make up for any comparative deficiencies that you my have.

The grind can't stop either. To work to be the best will require passion that allows you to constantly improve and keep learning more about basketball. 

Here comes the tough news. Not only are you not the only one that can ball; you also aren't the only one that can put in hard work. So, what then?

Set yourself apart with The Basketball Movement

You know the old expression "work smarter not harder"? That is partly true; just make sure that while you're working smarter, you are still working insanely hard. That is the specialty of Rob Yanders and The Basketball Movement. Get in, work your butt off to get better, and get out/take care of your body.

The Movement offers plenty for basketball players seeking an edge. The facility has two full-sized courts, basketball-specific workout equipment, and one of the best staffs for coaching and a player-centered development mentality. It even has a chop shop upstairs to get you a fresh cut, a deal with Gatorade so fridges are always packed, and Area 11 where you can finally relax with some NBA 2K, FIFA, and more.

Any player can find a place to get shots up. At TBM, we offer things like film analysis, skill development, team placement, and more all the way up to Euro-prep and NBA prep. You don't need to have professional aspirations though, as boys and girls of almost any age are welcome to take advantage of our curriculum, open-clinics, and coaching staff.

Basketball experience, top-tier facilities, and a hard-nosed continuous improvement mentality is what TBM can offer players looking to separate from the pack. An urban feel, but professional process at The Movement propels its players to the top.

You may not be the only one that can ball, but you can maximize your potential right here at The Basketball Movement to stay ahead of the competition.