I just finished reading a book written by John Wooden. Coach Wooden frequently ran basketball drills without the ball. He insisted that this improved foot work and technique. Since Coach Wooden did win 10 National Championships I think we should give some credence to his practice habits.

I just finished reading a book written by John Wooden. Coach Wooden frequently ran basketball drills without the ball. He insisted that this improved foot work and technique. Since Coach Wooden did win 10 National Championships I think we should give some credence to his practice habits.

 

Absolutely correct. The drill is meant as a mental preparedness and positive thinking exercise. Much like seeing yourself being successful in your mind as you approach the plate for an at-bat, self-talk if you will. It does work for many players just as most drills work for most players, but not all. I like it, it does take a little of the nervous edge off in a critical situation and it serves as positive reinforcement of technique without potential negative consequences (missing the ball in warm-ups, etc.). Of course, some kids (just like some coaches) absolutely hate it, which again, is pretty much the same with just about any drill. I'm not sure I'd have the cajones to run it at the Regional tournament (maybe that says more about me than about the kids), but I definitely can see the value. I think anything you do before a game has to be done to infuse that last minute jolt of confidence in your players.

While there may be individual players and/or games where "no ball infield" is beneficial I'm with History on this one. I don't think most high school kids take advantage of it's purpose.

While there may be individual players and/or games where "no ball infield" is beneficial I'm with History on this one. I don't think most high school kids take advantage of it's purpose.

 

Dixie "no balled" Lloyd back in 91' in the district finals, let me tell you it served its purpose by igniting Dixie and it had lloyd wondering what the heck was going on! I loved it and think that it has a place in very smalll doses, for instance big games or for big rivals. Any more than that and you take away its sting.

I just finished reading a book written by John Wooden. Coach Wooden frequently ran basketball drills without the ball. He insisted that this improved foot work and technique. Since Coach Wooden did win 10 National Championships I think we should give some credence to his practice habits.

 

I am sure History will still stick with his own thoughts on this. :popcorn:

Dixie "no balled" Lloyd back in 91' in the district finals, let me tell you it served its purpose by igniting Dixie and it had lloyd wondering what the heck was going on! I loved it and think that it has a place in very smalll doses, for instance big games or for big rivals. Any more than that and you take away its sting.

 

You just proved my point.

I just finished reading a book written by John Wooden. Coach Wooden frequently ran basketball drills without the ball. He insisted that this improved foot work and technique. Since Coach Wooden did win 10 National Championships I think we should give some credence to his practice habits.

 

IMO this is an invalid analogy/comparison. Basketball success is often built on precision. Baseball is not.

I apologize before I say this but that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. I am not sure there is any sport that requires more precision than baseball.