Coach Wootten's Basketball Camp: Footwork and Finishing Drills

with Joe Wootten,
Bishop O'Connell (VA) HS Head Boys Coach; over 400 career victories;
5x Virginia State Independent Champions;
4x Alhambra Catholic Invitational Tournament Champions - including Back-to-Back-to-Back titles (2002-04);
3x WCAC Regular Season Champions;
3x Virginia State Independent Coach of the Year;
Director of Coach Wootten's Basketball Camp

Individual development is not only a key for individual players, but also for teams. Joe Wootten brings years of knowledge to the court and passes on some great ways to build individual skills for your team while still using your time effectively in practice.

In this video, Coach Wootten shares multiple ways to get the ball into the basket. The moves taught are fundamentally sound, but also challenge even the best players to improve their game. Along with the finishing aspects of the video, Wootten invests time in the beginning part of the attack - stationary moves. This triple threat foundation to basketball gets players ahead of their defender and in great position to finish at the rim. The video concludes with an essential topic for all players - footwork.

Coach Wootten believes that players need to understand both how and why to make specific moves. He also believes that each player must have a variety of moves at their disposal so they can confidently attack any situation.

Finishing Moves

You'll begin with the layup, a fundamental move that is a must at all levels. While extremely basic, Coach Wootten's instruction on the "how" is great, but his emphasis on the "why" is the biggest value here.

Finishing starts a lot earlier than the rim, and the first part is creating space from the defender. Coach Wootten has his players rip through with the basketball and dribble out in front, which creates distance between the athlete and their defender. Without that dribble, it takes more time to get to the basket, allowing the defender to get back into position.

Coach Wootten covers a variety of finishing moves that can help your players quickly develop an arsenal of ways to get the ball in the basket against any opponent, big or small. Some of the moves covered include:

• High Board finishes - Using the backboard and various angles to finish is a must when driving against bigger defenders.
• Euro-Step - This deadly move puts the defender in a difficult situation.
• Floater - The floater is a must for all guards, but can also be an effective finishing tool for bigs as well.
• Pro Hop - This advanced move may be challenging for beginners, but can help separate an offensive player from their opponents.
• Inside Hand Finish - A quick variation to the layup that can help players avoid getting blocked.
• Rondo - Another high-level move that can leave the defender guessing.

Wootten also does a great job of showing how he teaches each move and how he incorporates these moves into larger camp settings. Working with an individual can be much easier than a bunch of campers, but Wootten's method of training can get the most out of both individuals and groups.

Stationary Moves

Coach Wootten's stationary moves series is just as essential to a player's success as the finishing moves. Some of the great stationary moves he teaches are:

• Jab and Drive - Executing a jab step can create the needed space and deception necessary to get open.
• Direct Drive - This fundamental move is taught in a way that will assure you, or your players, get the most out of each attack.
• Crossover Drive - Being able to attack off of both hips is key to keeping defenders guessing.
• Jab Reads - This drill builds on the moves taught before. Coaches defend players in different ways and the players learn to use what they were taught to find the most effective way past their defender.

Footwork Drills

Coach Wootten does a fantastic job of teaching the different aspects of footwork so players can maximize their time with the ball. A few of the teachings included are:

• Double Step - This 1, 2, motion is how players can catch the ball in a great stance to be able to shoot or drive each time while avoiding traveling calls.
• Inside Pivot Foot - You'll see the "Kickstand" technique to get players to be balanced and have their weight on the correct foot prior to attacking.
• Reverse Pivot Move - This move is essential, as players don't always catch the ball facing the basket.
• Nova Pivot - This special move is a great way to create space and help get the ball to teammates.

Quickness kills in basketball, and Coach Wootten's instruction will help every player maximize their potential on the court.

85 minutes. 2018