One of the recent terms that has worked its way into basketball vocabulary is “Ball Skills.”

Unable to find a definition I have decided to write my own. The days of just being a ball handler or a passer are long gone. The game’s development has ushered in the need for ball skills by players that want to play in junior high, high school, college, and the NBA.

There once was a time when being a sharpshooter was enough to be considered a real threat on the floor. A penetrating guard who could slice up defenses also was a valued player. Everyone needs a player with exceptional passing skills. Every team has a designated stopper on defense also. Standing alone a player possession one of these skills was good enough………but no more!

Due to competition at younger ages, the challenge is for players to develop an assortment of skills belonging to the game. These skills cannot stand alone and are bundled into a potent skill set that is required in this ever competitive environment.

1. The ability to handle the ball in the open court. This includes no less than a dozen fundamentals skills belonging to the area called ball handling.

2. The ability to handle the ball under pressure. Handling the ball against one, two, or three defenders while being pressured AND making the right play in the face of this adversity.

3. The ability to make plays with the ball, off the dribble. Good decisions at the right time to the right player on the right place on the floor.

4. The ability to get open to catch a pass against pressure. One of the most under-taught offensive skills in basketball.

5. The ability to assume triple threat position and effectively pass, dribble and shoot from that spot. Easy to practice, hard to execute.

6. The ability to catch the ball on a consistent basis under all types of pressure and circumstances. Another under-taught skill.

7. The ability to use screens effectively causing you to catch the ball with your defender at a great advantage.

8. Rebounding the ball with two hands. A two handed rebound is the only sure way to gain possession of the ball. As many rebounds are tipped or fumbled than rebounded cleanly with two hands.

This is by no means a complete or exhaustive list but a good starter list. These eight areas are required in today’s game. Anything short of possessing all eight skills increases your chances to ride the bench at game time.

Take a serious look at the ball skills of each of your players and determine where they are deficient. The results may surprise you!

Randy Brown has passion for the game of basketball. He works as a basketball consultant and mentor for coaches. Visit him at http://www.coachrb.com for free resources, Q & A, newsletter, and coaching programs. A speaker and writer, he has authored 75 articles on coaching and is nationally published. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 23-year career. Mentored by Basketball Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at Arizona. Resume includes positions at Arizona, Iowa State, Marquette, Drake, and Miami of Ohio, 5 Conference Championships and 5 NCAA appearances. His efforts have helped develop 12 NBA players including Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott, and Jaamal Tinsley.

To contact Randy, email him at rb@coachrb.com