IQ is a very important aspect to basketball. Incorporating ways to enhance IQ
while training is absolutely essential for player improvement. The days of baseline cone drill training, unchallenged shooting, strength and conditioning without application are over. Training has evolved and it continues to evolve over time. However, is it evolving in the right
direction?
I've been exposed to training all over. I have been trained by some of the best trainers in the sport. They assessed my dribbling, shooting and movements with individualized drills. However, they failed to assess what really mattered primarily, my basketball IQ or mentality. "Just grab a ball and hop in", they would say. That's it! I believe that to get the very best out of our athletes, we have to assess them mentally first to unlock the skills waiting to be manifested. Here are the 5 W's of improving your player's basketball IQ:
Willingness: Evaluate mentally their willingness to get better. Action--> Simple conversation on their goals and expectations. (Extra--> Provide affirmations to build a solid mentality of improvement)
Watch: Watch the game and evaluate the game with them. You can't expect them to know every aspect of the game without teaching them properly.
"What If": Create game time scenarios to assess mentally if they understand the game. This is a basic Q&A. (e.g. If you had the ball at the three-point line and open, etc.,) This seem tedious but it builds a mental capacity for the game. Trust me!
Walk-through: Next, walk-through scenarios on the court. Solidify what is now known mentally into action.
Work: Now, it's time to work. GAME SPEED! Further solidify your mental capacity into a permanent state. From there, it's all building.
I've used this method over and over. My first high school training session I used this methodology and BOOM! A once shy, not so confident freshman walked in the gym. A few weeks later, I had reports of him nailing 11 three pointers during a weekend AAU tournament (I have evidence). Just know, assessing the mentality of the player is part of the training first.
Adrian Simien, DO
Basketball Trainer and Physician
Owner of Reap and Prosper Basketball Academy
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