In this article, Ken DeWeese lists those skills and traits he expects from his guards.  If you can master this list, then you are well on your way to being a really good point guard.  If not, honestly evaluate yourself and start working.

Phil Robinson describes the way he uses the basic 2-3 Zone to launch a variety of defensive looks.  If utilized properly and executed well, these disguised defenses can easily throw offensive players off of their games.

Mike Taylor breaks down 4 Post Drills that he uses religiously with his team regardless of the time of year.  Used in the off season, these drills can develop a post player's skill set, while integrating them into an in season practice plan can keep those skills sharp.

Ryan Krueger describes the Pinch Post, another offensive action commonly run in the NBA since it is so difficult to defend.  Especially when good shooters are in the mix, this set is a great addition to any offensive system.

We all know that defense is largely a product of effort.  Keith Williams breaks down strategies for perimeter defenders that goes beyond, "Give it your all."  Shut down your opponent with these tips.

VanHoose, a high school coach and star center of the West Virginia Wild describes some tips for newly appointed head coaches.  Having recently accepted a head coaching job in Kentucky, JR has lived the advice he gives and any new coach struggling to find his or her place can benefit from it.

In this article, Dr. Tom Ryan examines the rise of new statistical techniques and positions within the NBA.  Dr. Ryan questions whether this trend should trickle down throughout the college and high school ranks as well and wants the opinion of the BB readers.  So, check out the article and respond with your thoughts.

Coach Lucien VanKersschaever, winner of 7 Belgian Division 1 titles and 5 Cups of Belgium, breaks down his 3/4 Zone Press.  Implement this defense to change the pace of the game and capitalize on your opponent's mistakes.

Staff Athletic Trainer for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Karen Bloch explains the most common causes of ACL injuries.  With a primer on jumping biomechanics, any player can drastically reduce the potential for this season ending injury.

Inman, who intimately understands the frustrations of poor free throw shooting teams, ponders the question as to whether clutch free throw shooting is hereditary.  With a few slight alterations to form, Inman believes you or your team can improve your FT percentage and begin to successfully close out games.

Tredell Dorsey explains the concept of periodization as it relates to a basketball specific strength regimen.  In this, part 2, he discusses specifically how training of one's motor abilities (strength, speed, and endurance) dovetails with the annual plan covered in part 1 of this series.

In this article, Brian Morehouse breaks down the perimeter workout his guards perform during the off-season.  This program focuses on ball handling, free throws, quickness, as well as the many facets of shooting needed to excel on the perimeter.

In this article, Keith Williams details the workout he created for Steve Francis this off-season.  Included are tips for beating defenders off the dribble as well as an innovative move rated for NBA use only.  If you want to increase explosiveness and your ability to get to the basket, the off-season is the time to do it.

In this article, Amy Freel meets the world of fast food head on.  With school having begun and the season approaching, schedules tend to fill up quickly leading to poorer nutrition.  Freel gives insight on which items to order and which items to avoid at mainstream fast food restaurants.

Fraser Dewar breaks down the concept of team performance analysis as it relates to the team statistical comparison. In this article, an analysis is formulated based on the six game series of the 2005/2006 NBA Finals focusing on shooting percentage versus various types of defense.

Ryan Krueger discusses how he and the NJ Nets prefer to defend against the high pick and roll.  As more and more teams are integrating aggressive screening into their offensive schemes, the need for effective defensive tactics increases.  Add Krueger's strategies to your team's defense to stop being abused by the pick and roll.

In this article, Mike Taylor describes 7 tips for adding Spur-like efficiency to your team's end game situations.  Since many games are won and lost in the final minutes, incorporating just a few of these tips into your practice plan could dramatically increase the number in your W column.

In this article, Steve Hawkins remembers his training under John Wooden who would go as far as teaching a player the correct way to tie his sneakers.  Now a head coach, Hawkins uses that attention to detail when dealing with his own players, finding that an emphasis on balance can often cure mid-season slumps.

In this article, Keith Williams explains techniques for improving what he calls the most under-developed skill in basketball - proper utilization of the weak hand.  Even on the highest levels of the sport, the weak hand is simply that - WEAK.  Become a more dangerous player by adding the versatility of playing with either hand.

Inman shares his insights on running and countering the Matchup Zone.  Early in his career, Inman discovered an obvious weakness in his team's ability to attack zones, but from that failure he developed a new philosophy which ultimately led him to the State Championship.

VanHoose, a high school coach and star center of the West Virginia Wild details a team preseason strength and conditioning program.  Coaches, use this program, broken down day by day to get your players into peak condition before your first game.  Players, get a head start by implementing these strategies into your summer workout.

Tredell Dorsey explains the concept of periodization as it relates to a basketball specific strength regimen.  In this, part 1, he details the division of the training year into periods, the purpose of which being for athletes and teams to peak at the most opportune times.

In this article, Ken DeWeese lists those skills expects in his post players and wing players. With summer quickly approaching, identify those items on the list that are not second nature, get in a gym, and turn those weaknesses into your strengths.

In this article, Steve Hawkins examines the lost art of screening.  He breaks down those fundamentals necessary to excel as a screener, avoid fouls, and get your teammates open.  He also explains why often times players who are great screeners make great rebounders as well.

In this article, Amy Freel promotes an often overlooked nutritional necessity, Vitamin-D.  Although naturally produced within the body, outside sources are vital to athletic as well. Among the most respected sports nutritionists in the country, she has conducted professional presentations for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, and guest lectured for graduate and professional courses.

In this article, Keith Williams runs through a passing refresher course.  Often, especially at lower levels of the sport, passing gets ignored since it isn't as glamorous as scoring.  Here Williams emphasizes its importance by breaking down the most common passes and giving 15 quick tips on improving passing efficiency.

Kelvin Sampson explains the main factor in maintaining a team's focus and ability throughout the extended basketball season.  Although highs and lows will occur, motivation and effort are constants necessary for an already successful team to improve to its full potential.

Bo Ryan explains how teams can overcome bad stretches - both during a season and within a single game.  Especially when it comes down to tournament time, a bad stretch can end a season.  Improve your chances by preparing your team to counter failing offense with consistent D. This article was provided exclusively for Better Basketball by College Insider.

Phil Robinson, who has 40 years of coaching experience on various levels, defines "free throws" as not only unchallenged attempts at points, but also free time for coaches to call interesting and valuable sets.  Some of these techniques and sets off of a missed or made free throw might even help you win a game.

Moose Miller, retired NBA player and first contributor to the Online Magazine, passed away last night due to kidney failure.  He was a jovial, humorous man who will be missed by the basketball community as a whole and specifically by his friends here at Better Basketball.  Here is that first article, taken from an interview with Moose almost 10 months ago.

New Jersey Nets Assistant Coach Ryan Krueger answers a reader's question regarding basketball's mental game.  In this article, he details three ways he encourages his highest level players to increase their basketball intelligence.

Lute Olson explains why the cliché expression, 'Defense Wins Championships' rings true.  Also, he details the differences between the defensive mentality on the main levels of the sport - high school, college, and the pros.

VanHoose, a high school coach and star center of the West Virginia Wild breaks down the post workout he runs his player's through.  Here, he describes five basic post moves along with their counters so that players can always keep defenders guessing.

Bill Self emphasizes both the role and importance of senior players.  According to Self, when given a choice, most coaches would give up some talent for the uncoachable attribute of leadership.  Usually a coach finds that in seniors, which makes them vitally important.

VanHoose, a high school coach and star center of the West Virginia Wild breaks down the post workout he runs his player's through.  With drills to improve shooting accuracy, conditioning, as well as physicality, this workout when done consistently can improve any post player's game.

Tredell Dorsey gives an introductory look at flexibilty - its proper definition, proper categorization, as well as a handful of tips for athletes.  In order to reach peak performance, a proper flexibility routine is necessary.

Willis Wilson explains his theory of why free throw shooting has eroded from the skill set of today's players.  He then gives tips to mentally and physically improving your free throws so that when the game goes down to the wire, you can knock down the big ones.

LaMont McIntosh, who finished 6th in scoring in Belgium's professional league last season gives a peek into the window of European basketball.  In this article, McIntosh explains the strategies he uses to stay ahead of the mental game.  Incorporate these tactics into your season preparation to get the most you can out of every situation.

John Giannini, in this article, explains the importance of having good assistant coaches.  He also details some of those attributes that he is looking for in a coach in order to improve the team and keep him sane.

Mike Glenn, NBA sharp shooter in the 70s and 80s, discusses the confidence of a shooter as well as some tips on developing that mentality and even getting teammates to buy into one's shooting ability.  Glenn, nicknamed "The Stinger" because of his ability to "sting" the nets with his shot reached a shooting percentage of .588 while with the Atlanta Hawks.

In this article, Amy Freel along with Kerri Cooper a dietetic intern describe the risks and returns of ergogenic aids for basketball players looking for a competitive edge.  Freel is the director of sports nutrition at VT. Among the most respected sports nutritionists in the country, she has conducted professional presentations for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, and guest lectured for graduate and professional courses.

In this article, Keith Williams discusses mental training.  Every drill imaginable can be done in the practice gym or in the driveway, but great players have that quality of basketball IQ or mental toughness that separates them from the rest.  Develop that quality and your game could explode.

In this article, Brian Morehouse breaks down the post workout his team performs on a regular basis during the off-season.  This program improves footwork, mid-range scoring ability, and ball handling, all the while getting in that always necessary conditioning.

New Jersey Nets Assistant Coach Ryan Krueger explains the benefits of a team having a terminology of its own.  He also breaks the NBA code revealing the terms and meanings that are most often used in the pros.  Add some of these to your team's collection.

Tredell Dorsey answers a subscriber's question regarding the "right" time for young players to get into the weight room.  In this article, Dorsey details a regimen beginners should employ as well as the dangers to avoid.

In this article, Ken DeWeese details the way he spends the first portion of every one of his practices.  This routine incorporates passing, shooting, and ball-handling into a concise program that fosters skill development and concentration while getting players loose.

Following an unsuccessful attempt to repeat as State Champions, Inman discusses how true success can be found in the losses as well.  In a game sometimes too caught up in the importance of wins, Inman suggests that it's the people, the process, and ultimately the game that are truly important.

Dr. Czech, a published sports psychologist who works with players in the NBA, MLB, and NFL, describes those traits common to successful people.  After studying this topic for innumerable years, Dr. Czech has created an acronym which can help players at all levels achieve their basketball and life goals.

Hall of Famer Rick Barry answers the following question from a subscriber.  "Being a great scorer yourself what was your read when the defender played you in that middle area where he can challenge both the shot and the drive and what can someone who lacks size do to get their shot off when the defender is in that area?"

Rick Duckett answers this question from a reader - "I am a guard that plays on the perimeter for my high school team.  I was wondering if you could help me and all the other players who have problem with their mental game.  What steps can I take to improve the mental part of my game?"

In this article, Mike Taylor breaks down the various offensive systems used in the Bundesliga.  The youngest Head Coach in the German Bundesliga this year, Taylor guided his ratiopharm Ulm team to a record setting 29-1 season and a 2.Bundesliga South Championship in 2005-2006.

With past experience as General Manager of the USBL's Long Island Surf and as an international coach for many years, Ed Krinsky knows the intricacies of every level of the game.  In this article, he explains a system for high schools to best aid seniors in the recruitment process.  With the supplied forms and good cooperation, a school can help its players make a wise college decision.

In this article, Amy Freel breaks down the pros and cons of every type of water on the market.  Now, you can know what you are drinking.  Freel is the director of sports nutrition at VT. Among the most respected sports nutritionists in the country, she has conducted professional presentations for the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, and guest lectured for graduate and professional courses.

New Jersey Nets Assistant Coach Ryan Krueger discusses the necessity and techniques involved in successful closeouts.  Use these drills to properly train yourself or your team to stop both the shot and drive after that extra pass.

Torbett answers the following question from a subscriber. "Coach, we see the trapezoid lane in International play.  Do you think the trapezoid is a better lane design and if so should we adopt it in American basketball?  Also, are there any other differences between International and American rules that would benefit us in the States?"

Barlow answers the following question from a reader.  "I am a high school coach and recently my team was involved in a nail biter.  After the buzzer sounded, a player received a technical foul for unsportsman like conduct.  I guess when it comes down to it, my question is this - does a referee have any official authority once the clock strikes 0?"

Bill Fleming, the President and GM of a minor league team, cuts dozens of pro players every year. In this article, Fleming breaks down the Kareem Abdul Jabar's classic sky hook including the step by step mechanics and the reasons it is so effective.  To this day, NBA scouts are looking for a post man who has mastered the sky hook.

Sherry Winn, in her first article for the Online Magazine, describes the attitude and belief system that she instills in her players regarding overcoming obstacles.  Over the years, Winn has devised a method for addressing issues with communication and openness before they cripple a season.

Dwight Davis, in part 2 of this article, details the elements of defense that initially defined him as a player. Here, he discusses the basics of defensive mentality and positioning.  Davis was drafted third overall in the 1972 NBA draft to the Cleveland Cavs, where he played for five seasons.

LaMont McIntosh, who finished 6th in scoring in Belgium's professional league last season gives a peek into the window of European basketball.  In this article, McIntosh details the options and correct reads off of a fade screen - a screen used often in European leagues, but is equally effective in any league.

With past experience as General Manager of the USBL's Long Island Surf and as an international coach for many years, Ed Krinsky knows the intricacies of every level of the game.  In this article, he describes a simple way to disguise offensive play calling by using a variety of audible signals.

In this article, Byron Samuels breaks down his philosophy on team building.  Since a team works best as a unit, Samuels gives ten tips for creating a system that unifies a team by reinforcing the proper leadership and the proper priorities.

In this article, Keith Williams discusses the shortcomings of today's players.  Too often in the game nowadays, players do not put in the time or effort to truly develop themselves as a thinking player.  Williams even gives several examples of how a player can improve simply by respecting the game.  Keith Williams spends extensive time training various NBA and International players including Steve Francis and Gilbert Arenas.