Friday, December 7, 2012

Elite Hoops Basketball Playset: PRO SET

Posted by Anonymous | Friday, December 7, 2012 | Category: | 0 comments


Basketball is a game of high energy, runs and momentum. A team can be winning by 12 points, and in a matter of minutes can be down 5 points, now it’s a ball game with only seconds remaining! Players diving on the floor, fans screaming loud, referees grasp their whistles tighter, and the coaches are trying to use their timeouts wisely. At this moment the team needs something big, a guaranteed made field goal or defensive stop to seal the game. Today I have the perfect playset for this moment which is designed to put your team in a winning position.

I call this play “Pro Set” because many professional teams use misdirection, ball screens, and isolation to get the job done on the offensive end. The play starts with P1 at the top of the key, P2/P3 in each corner, and P4/P5 are on each elbow (free throw line). P1 passes to P5. P4 and P1 set a double pick/screen for P3 to come to the top of the key. P3 continues on for a dribble handoff from P5. After the transaction, P5 cuts opposite to create space. Now P3 dribbles hard at P2, baiting P2’s defender for another handoff. P2 fakes up then cuts backdoor, option 1. If P2 is not open, P3 dribbles to the wing and P5 returns for a ball pick/screen for P3. After pick/screen, P3 comes off hard for an aggressive attack. Options will now be available for P3. Pick and roll with P5, penetrate and kick to P1, short pass to P4 diving to the basket, or an open shot for P3.

Click image below to enlarge


Pro Set is preferably used after a timeout or to start a quarter. This will give the players direct movement and action to execute perfectly.  Ultimately giving the ball to your most effective player, weather it is P3, P2, or P1. Stay tuned for additional professional playsets. 

Brandon Chappell
Elite Hoops Basketball

Monday, December 3, 2012

'Tis the Season


When thinking about what I should blog about next I decided to go with the theme of the seasons.  As Thanksgiving just passed and Christmas is just right around the corner I decided to look back and take a moment to be thankful and truly see and appreciate the life I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with.  To start, I have an amazing job that I am thankful for everyday.  Who would ever complain about being able to wear sweatpants and Chucks to work?   Yes there are days that I just want to lay in bed and be lazy, but I think everyone has those moments.  I am fortunate enough to say that I do something that I am truly passionate about as my career.  I get to teach the youth not only basketball but life skills.  Nothing makes me feel better than seeing a player grow in many aspects, on and off the court.  Right there I need to give a giant thanks to all of you out there reading this who has given me the opportunity to train your children.  Without you, I would not have a job (and of course, my boss).

Basketball is not just a sport to me; it is a way of life.  It has taught me so many valuable life lessons.  I have had an amazing playing career that some can only dream about.  I cannot be more grateful for those experiences.  I have learned a ton about myself through basketball.  Who would think that a 28.5 orange ball could take me to where it has?  Something that is so small and simple has changed my life.  Because of basketball, I have made amazing friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime.  I know what it means to take it the next level, how to push through when the going gets rough, what teamwork is, being disciplined, mental toughness, and great time management.  I could go on forever on this part but I will spare you. 

I am thankful for my family and friends who have always been there for me.  My parents did everything they could to help support me with my dreams.  They mean more to me than I could ever say.  They never once shut me down.  They went above and beyond their parental duties to help me follow my dreams.  My dad used to drive me 2 hours each way on Sunday mornings so I could go to shooting coach for a workout at 8 am on his day off, let alone paying the price of the coach.    My parents sacrificed every weekend for my AAU tournaments and driving my teammates and I around.  I am pretty sure I am the only person in my college summer league that had their entire family come to every game (grandparents included).  I owe them the world and thank you could never ever express my gratitude for them. 

Sometimes we tend to let life take us out of our element.  Times can get hard and trying.  But when it gets to be too hard, we need to take a step back and look at everything we have.  I always say the little things mean the most to me in life.  We all need to take a look at those little things that we have and are blessed with them and truly appreciate their value.  You never know when it could all be taken away from you. 

Life is a rollercoaster, and rollercoasters are supposed to be fun.  Enjoy every moment and make the most of those moments.  Learn from the challenging moments; don’t wish they didn’t happen, because they are learning experiences.  Life will never throw anything at you, that you can’t handle.  Accept and embrace challenges, obstacles are just a test of strength.  But most importantly, take time to appreciate what you have and what you have been blessed with.  Give thanks to those who have helped you and take the time to help others. 

In closing, I want to say thank you to all those who have helped me throughout my life and my career.  I would say names but than this blog would go from 1 page long to 200 pages.    I am really appreciative of everyone who has helped me so far and cannot wait to see what the future holds for me.  Thank you to Elite Hoops and everyone who continues to work with us!  ‘Tis the season!

Michelle Manfredi
Elite Hoops Basketball