The D1 Player Workout: A Complete Skill Package

with Gary Close;
former University of Wisconsin Assistant Coach (13 years);
back-to-back Final Four appearances (2014-15), including a spot in the National Championship game (`15); 3x Big Ten Champions (1 tournament and 2 regular season titles)

Learn how to develop your players from a coach who is an expert at the craft!

Throughout his career, Coach Gary Close has trained college players of all skill levels and size to become collegiate All-Americans and contributing, consistent NBA players. Close demonstrates a workout (he calls it the "D1 Workout") that can be used to improve every single player in your program. You'll learn a range of skills to teach - ball handling, attacking moves, post play, and shooting.

If you're serious about getting your players to be the best they can be, then seize this opportunity to learn from one of the `masters' in player development!

Ball Handling

Every coach has that sinking feeling when facing a full court press knowing they have a `weak link' in one or two of their players' ball handling ability; instead of dreading what will happen when `that player' gets the ball in a full court press, establish confidence in all of your players' ability to handle the pressure and practice the five drills in this video that Close demonstrates to tighten up your (all of your) players' ball handling (and provide yourself, and your players, with a little extra confidence-building skills!)

The Attack & Retreat drill will prepare your players for breaking down full court defenses with four dribbles to counter pressure. You will also learn how you can work on counter moves while also improving ability to finish at the rim and make shots off the dribble.

1-on-1 Attacking Moves

Enhance the explosiveness of your players' drives with a chair drill that trains them to utilize multiple moves to create space. The Sweep & Go will enable your players to blow past their defender. Variations on this drill will challenge your players to add counter moves and controlled finishes at the rim with a jump stop. You will also learn six separation moves that will free your players up for an open shot.

Post Moves

The chair can be moved to the low block to teach your players how to take up space effectively in the paint. You will learn five post moves that give your players a complete arsenal to score in any situation. The Sikma Series will expand your post players' skill sets to be a threat off the block. Three ways to score from the short corner or mid-post are taught from this essential move.

Shooting Drills

See five shooting drills that create a competitive environment to speed up improvement in your players. All of these drills will motivate every one of your players by having them strive to meet goals, beat times, and/or earn the high score. The Quick Pick Up drill will speed up your players' shooting mechanics and build their comfort level with shooting off the dribble. The Three Shot Combo drill is a great way to help players focus their aim while they work on shots from different distances. To develop players who can make shots under pressure, the Magic Drill is a `must see'. Having your players comfortable and confident to make the final shot, with time winding down, is the end result of Close's excellent instruction!

This video gives you a variety of purposeful skill development drills that are perfect for any team at any level!

69 minutes. 2017.