"YOUR FOOTWORK MUST WORK!"

Why is footwork so important?

What do Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Deion Sanders, Barry Sanders and Hakeem Olajuwon all have in common?  Besides the fact that they were all great @ their respective sports-they all had amazing footwork! For all of you aspiring basketball players out there, this is one phase of your game that you have to constantly improve.  I consider it a skill that is highly underrated!  This skill however has nothing to do with shooting, passing or dribbling.  I'm talking about the asset called great footwork.  I can't tell you how many guys I have the pleasure of working with that don't understand the importance of having great feet.  Fine tuning your footwork will allow you to be more effective on  both offense and defense.  Defensively you'll be able to deny the wings and  contain your man one on one.  From an offensive standpoint, the effects of having great footwork are limitless. Coming off screens for a shot in a 1/2 pivot.  Stutter steps and hesitations.  Front and reverse pivots when being trapped, on the wings for pull-ups (M.J. and Kobe), or in the post. (Think vintage Tim Duncan and KG.) I can go on and on.  In my opinion, a boxer can play football, a football player can play basketball and a basketball player can be a boxer.  All because of their foot work capabilities.

Ways to improve your footwork.

It's not difficult to improve your footwork,  you just have to be consistent with your work habits.  Here are a few tools that I like to use during my workouts.

1) Jump Rope
Why do you think boxers use the jump rope as one of their main tools while training?  Because it develops foot speed balance and coordination.     There are different variations to it.  (Both feet, alternating feet, and single leg jumps.) Using the jump rope 20 minutes a day will automatically take your footwork to another level!

2) Stairs
Yes stairs.  I absolutely love the stairs.  It's an old school method-but it's guaranteed to do 4 things for you.  They're going to strengthen your legs and increase your jumping ability.  Running the stairs will improve your conditioning level.  Your balance and coordination will get better. Lastly,  the stairs will enhance your footwork.  The cool thing about the stairs is that you can find some almost anywhere.  The beginner level for the stairs is to run up touching each one, keeping your back straight, core tight and staying on the balls of your feet.  On the way down you want to work on your foot speed by touching each step and work on balance by not holding on to the rail.  An advanced player should skip steps on the way up.  The more flights you run and the longer you are able to sustain it-the quicker you will be able to accomplish those 4 goals.

3) Ladder
The ladder is a tool that football players primarily use to get their feet faster. There are many different variations to it-I'm sure if you google or you tube it, you will find them.  As I mentioned before, the work on the ladder will translate to the court.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Use the info and take your game and footwork to the next level!!  You can contact me @ trainwithericharris@gmail.com for individual or group instruction.  As well as more tips and insight.