After building a successful business career, I was fortunate to have two young boys. These boys began growing up and started asking about Dad’s basketball career and sharing his crazy stories in while playing professionally in Europe in the FIBA league.
One thing led to another and I began finding myself on a basketball court again helping my kids, their friends, coaches, and organizations.
While I never planned to be back into the sport of basketball after retiring. My detail and knowledge of basketball became a blessing and a curse at the same time.
I say this because it was very difficult to see the game I enjoyed being played with such difficulty. This led me to helping others the best way I could so the sport was fun and played dynamically — based on what opportunities were given. Not just forcing a move or play, this will only work once or twice. But teaching players, coaches, and organizations how to teach players to react to what is being given to them in the moment — Much like life.
Proof Under Pressure
Training only matters if it shows up in real games. This clip shows proof under pressure as Mirko (8th grader just turning 14 years old) handles the ball against a ranked team at The Alliance National Tournament with no turnovers while attacking the rim. The goal is to develop athletes who can translate practice into performance when competition is at its highest.
Developing Athletes
In this video below, as in life — we teach players how to react to opportunities that are available for one second. We train athletes to recognize the situation and the multiple opportunities they can take at that moment. It is about allowing the student / athlete to find a solution quickly, being creative — without the fear of making mistakes. Teaching players about “next play mentality”.
Lengthening Strides to Attack Rim
In this video below, you will notice a before and after on how Mirko attacks the hoop. I began teaching Mirko how to balance and lengthen his strides so he could attack the rim without taking too many dribbles. He has now mastered this skill and uses it based on what the defense gives him.
Learning To Play Without The Ball
What I explained to players and coaches is that 80% of the time you are without the ball. So you better get good at scoring without the ball. This involves not only spacing… but more importantly when to move — I share this with Mirko in this game finding his 3-point shot on the weak side of the zone.
Timing & Spacing Against A Zone Defense
It’s important to understand there is multiple ways to attack a zone defense. Staying behind a zone defense and cutting at the right time can cause mismatch for the defense. Easy buckets… for those who understand.
Dribbling With Decision Making
It’s important to understand what the defender will do then react and create a secondary move. This is some of the results of our reaction drills can teach players, no matter how tall, slow, or new at the game of basketball — it’s always about decision making.
Mirko is 13 years old. and 6’0 feet in this video playing as a 7th grader, playing up on 8th graders. You will see his reaction to the defense is sound when attacking the rim. Mirko uses crossovers, in and outs, and hesitations quickly — because he knows he has 3 to 5 seconds to score at higher levels of the game.
Duke University Camp – Top Shooter
In this video, Mirko won his division to shoot against the best shooters of the camp including the Duke University players. He uses is 1,2,3 form shooting as taught to insure he shoots while he is moving upward in his form — many young athletes have a habit of shooting on the way down since they cannot get the ball up fast enough.
Mirko has learned to make sure his ball is set before he launches his jump shot. Improving distance and accuracy.
More Ways To Stay Connected
Feel free to reach out. I’m always honored and happy to connect with like minded athletes, coaches, and institutions who believe in honor and developing one-self both on and off the court.
INSTAGRAM – Skupeika Sports
It’s my way of helping athletes, coaches, and organizations.