Immediately after the school bus pulls away I hear the familiar twap-twap of a basketball dribble on the home basketball court next door. (Backyard basketball courts are a blessing for families because everyone, regardless of age or ability, can have fun – and get exercise – with an adjustable Goalrilla Basketball Goal. Basketball Goal Store has a huge stock ready for delivery.

Today, mixed in with the twap-twap-twap was a seemingly heated “discussion,” but all I could catch was “Michael Jordan.”  

When I remember Michael Jordan, I always think of two things:

air and aggression

MJ’s leaps were unbelievable and no one can dispute he was an aggressive player. One of the drills I want to share definitely has that Michael Jordan aura about it:

The Snatch and Chin Rebounding Drill

The goal is for the player to excecute 10 repetitions from the right side of the basket and then move to the left side and repeat tossing with the left hand for 10 reps. One set is 10 reps on each side and the player should execute 2 – 3 sets. 

Key points to ponder:

• The player should focus on exploding upward into the air, jumping and reaching as high as possible to retrieve the ball.
• A snatch is just that – a grab – a “this is mine!” action
• The movement of squeezing the ball tight and into a position under the chin with elbows out defends the ball from opponents.

The Drill:

1. Start from the squatted athletic stance position and softly toss the basketball underhand with the right hand and then follow the toss by stepping toward the backboard in order to jump in the air to meet the basketball.
2. Reach with the toss hand (the right) to catch the ball and snatch it out of the air bringing it to the left hand.
3. With both hands squeezing the ball as the player lands on the ground, bring the ball under the chin with elbows out.
4. Pivot and return to original position to repeat until 10 reps have been completed.

Work on maintaining a powerful lower body position. A powerful lower body squat position occupies space and makes it harder for the opponents to access the basketball – just like “chin-ning” the ball protects the ball and keeping elbows out expands your space.

Another important aspect of the drill is maintaining the pivot foot position. With a good pivot foot, you will be able to pivot and keep your backside toward the opponent as you secure the rebound and maintain possession of the ball. 

Like I said, this is a “This is mine!” drill – match it with the same attitude, air and aggression.  

-Pat of the Basketball Goal Store Blog Team