Under the Microscope: Dissecting the Art of Basketball
By Coleman Ayers, Yosef Yishak
Under the Microscope: Dissecting the Art of BasketballNov 23, 2020
The Art & Science of Coaching with Tyler Leclerc
In this episode, Tyler Leclerc of TJL Training joined us to talk about how we can manipulate the training environment to optimize our results. The language we use, visuals we give, and much more are absolutely instrumental for how we coach players, so this was a fantastic conversation. Follow Tyler on IG: @tjltraining.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
Building Relationships with Clients: How & Why
As a trainer, coach or role model figure, it's imperative that you recognize the responsibility you possess in crafting the character of the players that you work with. In this episode we dive deep into how to build these relationships and why they're so important. We give personal anecdotes and our 2 cents on how to go about being a positive impact on the players that entrust you with their time.
Yosef - @ValueBasketball
Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball
The Difference Between Pro and Amateur Hoopers
The difference is night and day. For us, within the first five minutes of meeting a player, we can tell if they're on track to be a professional hooper. Once you get to that level, it's literally a job. So you have to carry yourself accordingly if you want to reach that level.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
Should We Listen to Music During Our Workouts?
Music can have such a profound effect on so many things in life, and that includes our training as basketball players. If you're looking for a "yes" or "no" answer here, you won't get one. But you'll get a very deep understanding of how music can alter our training for better or worse, when we may want to use it, when we may not want to use it, and more.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
Studies:
Biagini, et al. -- https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2012&issue=07000&article=00026&type=Fulltext&casa_token=JVvYfC1VnxUAAAAA:lIrP1RS3DczNAQYi7DWaKRqiAbBu6r2mtiYaVzvzfPSEI_Ny5c05CVhe3UU-UvicVpgw2pAHf8M0pIsBZM4MhTzK
https://thesportjournal.org/article/music-sport-and-exercise-update-research-and-application/
Massage study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20186971/
Plateaus: How to Overcome them in your Training
Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you tried to develop a certain skill or reach a certain goal, you just couldn't make it happen? We've all been there before! Plateaus are one of the most challenging areas of the game that we all inevitably will face. Listen to our thoughts on how to overcome them and rise above them!
Yosef - @ValueBasketball
Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball
The Science Behind 'External Tools' & Our Thoughts on Them
We all want to have that competitive edge over our competition so we're always looking for ways to challenge ourselves in our training. When we do that, we look towards some 'external tools' to assist us; such as tennis balls, cones, heavy balls, etc. Listen to our thoughts about some of the most common ones that we've heard of and seen being used. We also go into the science of the application of these tools so tune in to make sure you're using these tools correctly!
**Please excuse the audio quality, there were some technical difficulties!
Yosef - @ValueBasketball
Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153799/
The 8 Essential Components to Ball Control
Ball control is one skill in itself, but we believe it can be broken down deeper into 8 sub-skills. We broke down each component, how you can target each in your training, and why it is important!
Ball control program: www.byanymeansbball.com/ball-control-program
Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball
Yosef: @valuebasketball
Constructive Self Criticism
Controlling your emotions on the court is not always the easiest thing to do, especially when you're so passionate about it. When you play well, you celebrate, and when you struggle, you sulk. We've all been there! What's most important is that you're keeping a level head and that you're able to learn from your mistakes when you struggle. Too many times, players use their past struggles as evidence of how "bad" they are instead of opportunities where they can improve. Try not to be too hard on yourself and ENJOY the game! Sure it's good to hold yourself to a high standard, but if your self criticism is heading in a direction that doesn't necessarily lead to your growth as a basketball player, then it's a waste of time and needs to be cut out!
If you're a player that struggles with the mental side of basketball, this episode is a must listen for you!
Yosef - @ValueBasketball
Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball
The Perfect Pre-Game Ritual for YOU!
Whether it's Lebron James throwing chalk up into the air, Dwyane Wade doing 3 pull ups on the rim or Russell Westbrook dancing, most players have their own quirky unique pre-game ritual they do before EVERY game. There's a reason these exist. Tune in to listen to the science behind why these pre-game rituals are beneficial and some ways you can apply them! We've also included some anecdotes from the players that we work with on a consistent basis from pros to high schoolers. Tap in!
Yosef - @ValueBasketball
Coleman - @ByAnyMeansBasketball
The Myth of "Foot Speed," Debunked
"Foot speed" is not really a thing, if we take it literally. And even if it was an existing quality, it wouldn't be important to us hoopers! So, Coleman gives you a run down of WHY people tend to look at this the wrong way, what implications it has in our training, and how we can use this to train in a more effective manner!
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
Skills Workouts & Conditioning: What You Need to Know
We all know conditioning is a very important part of basketball so why is it that sooo many players do it incorrectly? In this episode, we talk about when conditioning should be an emphasis in your offseason, the three energy systems that pretty much make up conditioning and different ways to incorporate conditioning into your skills workouts! For all the hoopers gearing back up for their seasons, this is a must-listen episode!
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Our Predictions and Thoughts on the 2020 NBA Season!
Today's episode is a bit different from the rest. We took a break from all of the science and education today to just take some time and talk about the NBA. Tune in to hear some of our selections for this season's awards and how we think the playoffs are going to go in the bubble! Hit us up with any of your thoughts! We'd love to have a respectful debate
Yosef -- @ValueBasketball
Coleman -- @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Importance of "Role Players" // Efficient Scorer Package
If a majority of the shots taken at the college level (and even the pro level) are not isolation situations, why do we train every day as if they are? Too many times players hear the phrase "role player" and get discouraged or turned off. Role players are critical components of the game who are extremely valuable to every and any team they're on. Now with that said, how can YOU use that to your benefit? Tune in!
In this episode, we also we give a little sneak peak to our Efficient Scorer Package that just dropped this past Saturday! We talk about what's included, how the drills are set up, why we made it and why we feel as if it's our best program yet!
For more information about the Efficient Scorer Package, visit http://www.byanymeansbball.com/efficientscorer.html
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/under-the-microscope/support
How to Add New Moves to Your Game, The Right Way
Adding a new move to your "bag" should consist of way more than simply rolling a ball out and trying the move! We walk you step by step through the process of optimizing how these moves enter your style of play.
Monkey Study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006191/
Basketball Study: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23809092_Action_anticipation_and_motor_resonance_in_elite_basketball_players
Archer Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25539036/
Preparing Like a D1 Hooper, Different Routes in the Basketball World, and more Ft. Peter Fusilero
University of Georgia Graduate Assistant Peter Fusilero joined us to rap about a ton of different topics, including his diverse road through the basketball world so far, how D1 player prepare, incorporating failure into workouts, and much more.
Pete: @litfuse_
Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball
Yosef: @valuebasketball
Basketball Culture Right Now: Are Mixtapes Helping, Hurting, or Both? Should We Train Like Pros? & More
Basketball's culture is in a very unique state right now, and it's important for us (as coaches, at least) to continuously assess it and what we can do better, if anything. We talked about everything from if the "mixtape culture" is helping or hurting the game, to having no excuse not to be training at a high level, to why training like professional hoopers may not be the best idea. Check it out!
Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball
Yosef: @valuebasketball
How to Assess your Own Game the Right Way
When it comes to your game, you never want to be dependent on anyone else. The better you can get at analyzing your own game, the better you can get at developing your own weaknesses and strengthening your strengths. Too many times, players use the excuse that they never had a coach or trainer teach them how to play. Even though that may be a disadvantage, it should never be an excuse if you truly love the game! Listen to this episode and apply what you learn to your next workout!
In-Season Strength & Performance Training ft. Yoeri Pegel
Dutch National Basketball Team Strength & Conditioning coach Yoeri Pegel joined us to discuss how to program your weight room work in-season, how to stay fresh throughout the strenuous (and long) season, and how to sneak in gains while also maintaining your in-game performance.
Yoeri: @yoeripegel
Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball
Yosef: @valuebasketball
Akii Dean: What Coaches Want to See From Players, Getting Players to Buy In, Building a Culture, and More
Akii Dean joins us to cover everything from how he got started, to how to keep players grounded, to what he wants to see from players when they come into his gym (and much more). This one's not only great for players, but coaches and trainers of every level.
Akii: @akiidean
Yosef: @valuebasketball
Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball
Answering Our Most Asked Questions Ft. Xavier Brown (@thesportzgeek), and How You Can Ask Better Questions
In this episode, we list off our most asked questions, answer them in short form, and then let you know how you can ask better questions related to that topic! We want to help you guys as much as possible, so asking targeted questions is the best way to do so. Hit us up with all of your questions at:
Xavier: @thesportzgeek
Coleman: @byanymeansbasketball
Yosef: @valuebasketballskillstraining
Q&A Episode: Tough Defenders, Most Exciting Players to Watch, How to Workout, and Much More
Tune in to hear us answer a lot of the questions that we've been asked pretty often. We go very in depth about plenty of topics such as getting past tough defenders, how we've gained all of our knowledge on basketball and performance, our thoughts on the direction of the NBA, and we even give our thoughts on "how to increase your vert."
Tune in and check it out!
Do Compressions Work? We Break Down The Science Behind It
Coleman gives a detailed breakdown of why compressions may or may not work for you, and how you can use your MIND to your advantage with compressions.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
Studies:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11591420-000000000-00000
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15438629809512525
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00965.2004
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0264041031000101971
https://www.libres.uncg.edu/ir/asu/f/triplett_travis_1996_influence_of_compression.pdf
Are You Overtraining? Why Overtraining Can (Sometimes) Be Worse Than Under-Training!
We're not convincing you to not work as hard. Promise. We just want you to do it in the smartest way possible. The most elite players have really maximized their ability to work efficiently, and it's part of what makes them successful.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
George Floyd Panel: Discussion on what Systemic Racism is, Personal Experiences, and Actions Anyone Can Take to Make a Difference
To finally break our silence on the climate of the world today, we were able to bring together 3 highly articulate and well informed individuals to come and speak on the racial issues we face in our country. Take the time out of your day to at least educate yourself on the matter so you can be more well informed and understand how you can play a role in crippling and reversing this disease that African Americans face on a daily basis!
- Akii Dean, Skills Trainer & Pastor: @akiidean
- Michael Deegan-McCree, Partnerships Coordinator at Bail Project: @mdmccreeca
- Frankie Hedgepeth, Yale Law Student: @frankiehedge
Resources:
- ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/voting-rights/
- Information on Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives
- Information on Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact
- Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/
"Where Should I Look When I Shoot?" We Answer the Million Dollar Question
This episode may ruffle some feathers, but we have no problem with it. We've both been asked this question far too many times (it's not a bad question, though, at all!) so we figured that it was time for us to answer it in-depth. Enjoy.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130236/
How to Become Undeniable ft. UMass Lowell Guard Christian Lutete
In this episode, we are joined by UMass Lowell guard Christian Lutete. Christian has plenty of accolades and accomplishments under his belt, including scoring 51 points (a school record) in one game, and he credits all of them to his faith in God, but most importantly, his faith in himself! For hoopers out there that are struggling to see the fruits of their labor, tune in and listen to how keeping your head down and working your ass off will eventually pay off tenfold and make you an UNDENIABLE player!
Christian: @Chris_theIVth
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Bet on Yourself! How and Why to "Throw Yourself in the Fire" and Invest in Yourself
In Episode 13, we talk about the importance of betting on yourself, not only in basketball but every walk of life.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
How To Perform Better In-Game, Calm Yourself Down, and Live Happier by Taking Control of Your Nervous System
This may be the most applicable episode yet. Players ask me all the time, "how can I perform better in-game?" "I get nervous in-game, what can I do to limit this?" At the end of the day, it all comes down to the nervous system. Coleman and Yosef talk about how taking control of YOUR nervous system can not only help you on the court, but as a human in general.
Studies:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3726866/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5709795/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6542468/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30293954
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
Building Your Own Lane as a Hooper ft. Jao Ituka
For those outside of the DC/Maryland/Virginia area who don't know who Jao is, you may want to get familiar! Jao is one of the hardest workers and dedicated hoopers that we've witnessed, and joined us to talk about everything from taking his own path at a less prestigious basketball school, to how he attacks workouts. If you're a hooper looking for some insight into making it to the next level, this is a great listen for you.
Jao: @Jao_Ituka25
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Why Basketball & Dancing Are More Similar Than You Think....
Coleman and Yosef talk about what makes dancing so similar to the game of basketball and how we can use it to our advantage.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef:@ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
Assessing Yourself As a Hooper, Unique Training Methods ft. Basi Prokofyev
Basi: @Basi_Training
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
How Should I Structure My Workout? We Give Our Methods
This may be the most-asked question for both of us. And while there are infinite ways to structure a basketball workout, there is a pretty general structure that we will follow in our sessions. We discuss our different types of sessions, what the first step to any program is, why a ballhandling warmup can double as a dynamic warmup, and much more.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
The Science of Building Skill, and How it Applies to YOU
Skill acquisition is an insanely deep science, but we brought it to you in 40 minutes as best we could! Learn how to manipulate your workouts and lifestyle to optimize the way you develop your skills on the court.
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Sources:
- https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/tsp/16/4/article-p368.xml
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02701367.2011.10599746
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10671188.1965.10614658?needAccess=true
Anthony Cowan Jr: UMD PG Talks Leadership, Clutch Shots, Small Guards
We got University of Maryland PG Anthony Cowan Jr. on the podcast to talk about his journey to becoming one of the top point guards in the nation despite his lack of size.
Ant's IG: @anthonycowanjr
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
How the Coronavirus Will Change Basketball Forever (and how you can navigate it)
We're in the midst of something that our generation--or any generation, for that matter--has never seen before. It's implications will stretch far and wide, so much so that the implications in the basketball world will feel minor compared to the lives lost and altered. Either way, the repercussions in the basketball community will be felt everywhere. It's up to YOU to navigate it and make the most of it.
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
Is the "Hot Hand" Real?
Everyone knows how it feels to have the "hot hand," right? It's something that every hooper has felt. What if I told you that it doesn't exist? That it's a complete myth... That's exactly how we felt when we came across this study by Amos Tversky (and backed by many very smart people) that the hot hand is just a facade based on probability. We try to clear the air on this episode!
Read more about it: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0010028585900106
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketball
The Scientific Truth Behind Sand Workouts
Sand workouts are a great tool. No one can argue that. However, as with any training modality, we can't blindly use them without knowing the purpose. Coleman explains why sand workouts may not be fitting for you (or why they may be perfect) and all the cool science you'd ever need to know behind it.
Study used: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22843041
Our Instagrams:
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
The Most Important Skill in Basketball & Finding YOUR Role
This is a long-standing conversations (and sometimes argument) among coaches, so we had to give our takes on it. We believe that before you can even begin to elevate your game, it's vital to understand where your opportunities are as a hooper. And knowing the skill that coaches value the most is HUGE. Also learn why specialists make so much money, why Kyle Korver doesn't have to do sh*t but shoot, and more!
Our Instagrams:
Coleman: @ByAnyMeansBasketball
Yosef: @ValueBasketballSkillsTraining
Who We Are, and the Magic of Visualization
On this introductory episode, we give some insight into our backgrounds, as well as talk about the benefits, techniques, stories, and more regarding visualization and imagery, which is likely one of most underused techniques among hoopers to elevate your game.