Dribble Drive Attack Offense: Quick Shooters Guide

Training athletes has  specific fundamental requirements, however when we work with an individual it is important to tailor the program design and also impact their team by creating a training  program that implements the team concepts and philosophy. Having a recent D1 basketball player training for the season, I decided to take a deeper look into the “Dribble Drive Offense” or (DDM)  and create concepts that would enhance the basketball players ability to thrive in this particular offense. Want to get a quicker release the work is done before you catch the ball, the best literally pop off the catch into their shot with ease and pose.  Hips are the key to the car.
– Author Mike Atkinson

The “Pitch and Catch” is a main offensive play in the “Dribble Drive Offense” designed to space out defenders, provide 1 v 1 match ups and force difficult closeouts. One of the key components is to have shooters  on the move ready to shoot, while  keeping the appropriate spacing needed to create open shots or lanes to the rim for dribble penetration.

When catching the ball off of penetration the shooter can either step into the shot (Stride Step) or can hop into the catch with two feet like the floor is falling out. As demonstrated by the video below.

Lets take a closer look at the movements and body strength needed to perform the catch and shoot in the “Dribble Drive Offense”.

The best shooters have balance and a ability to get in a quick shooting stance by sinking into their hips vertically.

*THIS IS THE FIRST LAYER OF THE TRAINING ON THE MOVE SERIES*

Here are some keys to becoming a better shooter on the move.

  1. Spacing– Keep the spacing from dribble penetration to create more attack lanes
  2. Attack the ball – Meet the pass in an athletic position with your hips ready
  3. Feet Set – Toes pointing to the rim
  4. Hips Set – This is the tricky one, hips should be in athletic position at time of catch
  5. Timing – The ability to get your feet set and hips set at the time of reception


Resources and the Guru’s

Vance Walberg

John Calipari


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EPP EVENT: 5th Annual Holiday Handles 2010, Pacific North West

DO NOT MISS OUT ON A HOLIDAY TRADITION!

Holiday Handles by Elite Pro Performance

  • Location : Columbia Athletic Club Click for Map
  • Date: Dec. 20th – 22nd , 9am -12pm
  • Grades: 3rd-8th
  • Fee: $120 non-member $90 members
  • One Day Drop IN Rate
  • 35.00 Member
  • 45.00 Non Member
  • Limited to 40 Participants
  • Call 425 – 745 – 1617 REGISTER

Click to see Past Video of Holiday Handles
Holiday handles Smile
Training will be provided by Elite Pro Performance a sports network consisting of top instructors and trainers from around the country. Elite Pro Performance offers a variety of precision programs ranging from personal training for professional athletes to beginner camps and clinics for elementary school-aged children and skill enhancement for teens looking to take their game to the next level. Our basketball camps provide today’s youth with an unparalleled opportunity to learn from some of the best athletic instructors in the country.

CAll TO REGISTER
Columbia Basketball Holiday Handles

REGISTER 425 – 745 – 1617 REGISTER

Camp Dir. Carlos Humphrey, National EPP Dir.

Featured Guest Trainer: Mike Atkinson

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REV the Engine up! Dynamic Warm Up with Basketball

With winter approaching I recently had an early training session at 5am, so 10 minutes before i left I started my old SUV to warm up the engine and get the frost off the windshield. The car just responds so much better with a little warm up before we hit the road.  I look at this as a preventative measure and something that has definitely increased the life span of the car.  I ask athletes all the time are you a “BENZ” or a “Bicycle” warm the car up and be ready to perform.

– Author, Mike Atkinson

He didn't just walk on the court and do this

  • The Dynamic Warm up involves flexibility during sport-specific movements.
  • Dynamic stretching is similar to ballistic stretching in that it utilizes speed of movement, but dynamic stretching avoids bouncing and includes movements specific to a sport or movement pattern.
  • We add the Ball to create a sport specific element.

Athletes that have not mastered the fundamental movement patterns should start without the ball and incorporate as they work through progressions.

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Knockout the Competition with Boxing Training for Basketball

Training for boxing is a great way to gain confidence, increase basketball performance through cross training in off season and implement new neural patterns and movements. Kids don’t punch people, punch bags.

– Author Mike Atkinson

Bad Form Fellas, Bad Form,Basketball players in general are not known for their hand to hand combat on the court, awful punching techniques, cheap shots and other NBA memorable altercations playback in my memory.

The Crossover between Boxing and Basketball will make you a Better Athlete and Player!

Continue reading

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DO You Pass the Eye Ball Test?

As I took my seat down on the plane after a (International Basketball League) game against the Santa Barbara Breakers (missed a triple double by 1 point), I could not help but overhear the man I was sitting next to on his cell phone discussing that Paul Milsap was  the steal of the NBA draft.  After analyzing the mans gear for a second, I came to the quick conclusion he was a professional basketball coach (loose collar button up +jeans+new BBAll kicks = coach).  At the time I was still an aspiring pro player with goals of making the D-League and wanted to start a conversation.  Before take off I leaned over to the Coach and asked , “What do you think of Fazekas”? referring to the EX- Nevada Wolf Pack standout and NBA Draft pick Nick Fazekas. His two word reply “Bad Wheels”. As the conversation continued I came to find out he was indeed a NBA coach and a former D1 Head Coach.  As I reflected upon the answer to my simple question and conversation on the plane that day, the definition of the “Eyeball Test” and the amount of athleticism it truly takes to make it in the NBA has stuck in my mind for years.
-Author Mike Atkinson

Passed the "Eyeball Test"

You Only Get One Chance to Make a First Impression.

Non Verbal communication has often been described as the most important form off communication, whether being evaluated by a pro scout, coach, or even a parent in the stands, the “Eyeball Test” is in effect.  The “Eye Ball Test” has long been described as the very first attributes we notice when watching an athlete.   Our minds are looking at the current athletic model we have come to recognize and the certain physical traits associated with great athletes and their respective sports to analyze the “Eyeball Test”. Continue reading

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Single Leg Squat w/Ball Progression- Basketball Performance

Train for Balance, Strength and Stability: Single Leg Squat with Basketball:

  • Keep chest Proud and back flat
  • Keep knee stable
  • Reach back and sit in hips, do not let knee go in front of toes
  • Keep pressure evenly distributed through foot with focus on big toe

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The “Swiss Army Knife Player”


In training and basketball, I refer to the “Swiss Army Knife Player” to encourage growth in all areas.  I dedicate this to a 6’9” 240lb beast who is a smooth shooting guard at heart, or even better the 6’3” 175lb undersized post player who was a SG last year.  Because of overall lack of height, he has to play the center position his senior year in high school.  This is your chance to increase your role and make yourself a “Swiss Army Knife Player”. Author- Mike Atkinson

30.8 ppg, 11.4 apg, 12.5 rpg.

Oscar Robertson averaging a triple double in a whole season
Magic and Bird

“The Swiss Army Knife Player”

  • A player that has the tools and abilities for all obstacles thrown their way during competition
  • The analogy  of a famous brand of tools built for any circumstance

(kids don’t play with knives)


The Tools needed to become a “Swiss Army Knife Player” Continue reading

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Balls 2 the Wall-Basketball Performance drills

Often coaches incorporate a two ball routine into their development sessions.
I like to mix the two ball drills up with different release points and footwork patterns off the wall for reaction.

Incorporate into warm-up or your favorite two ball routines.

The video below -Mike Atkinson Elite Pro Ball/Wall Series sure to help your handles.

Email MAtkinson@eliteproperformance.com

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Gain leverage over your opponent- Lateral Lunge

Increase your ability to move in an athletic position.  The game of basketball is played at multiple angles consisting of a large percent of lateral movements.  Perform lateral lunge for increased mobility and strength in hips and adductors.

The lateral lunge is a must for any basketball player-  (video via @coreperformance)

How to Apply to Training-

  • Incorporate into the warm-up with movement
  • Add resistance to apply as a strengthening tool

Keys to a Lateral Lunge-

  1. Reach back in the lateral lunge,sitting back in the glutes
  2. Not letting the knee go in front of the toes
  3. Keeping intermedial foot on the ground
  4. Knee inside the big toe for power and change of direction
  5. Proud Posture

Game Application-

The "Answer" showing proper form

Forget ankles AI broke MJ's stance first.(see left knee)


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Mr Miyagi- Elite Pro Card Catcher Video

We like to mix it up during warm-up and on recovery days. This is a great drill to work on overall ball handling, balance and hand speed.

Enjoy the video below and the wise words from one of the best trainers in the 1980’s Mr. Miyagi.

Catch fly with chopstick

Catch a fly with chopstick

Keys to the Card Catcher:
1. Stance
2. Proprioception-reaction
3. Ball handling

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