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How to penetrate basketball
Dribble Penetration in Basketball : Concepts and Examples
Table of Contents
What is dribble penetration in basketball
Dribble penetration is a basketball offensive action in which a player with the ball near the perimeter areas of the court dribbles between certain gaps of the defense with the primary objective of getting to the basket.
In other words, the player with the ball utilizes the skill of dribbling, especially with different types of dribble moves, to penetrate or pierce through one or more defenders in an effort to get the basketball as close to the rim as possible.
Moreover, dribble penetration could also be referred to as driving to the basket or attacking the basket because that is what the player with the ball is essentially doing.
What is the importance of offensive dribble penetration
Dribble penetration is important, particularly on offense, because it is one of the primary methods for causing defensive breakdowns. This, in turn, could lead to multiple scoring opportunities for the offensive team.![]()
Generally speaking, if an offensive player with the ball is able to execute dribble penetration by beating the on-ball defender with a dribble move or some other offensive tactic, then additional ball side or weak side defenders will be influenced to implement different types of defensive tactics to mitigate that dribble penetration.
However, this could create a possible vulnerability in the defense, in which one or more additional offensive players could become open to receiving the ball from the player that performed the dribble penetration.
When that occurs, it could lead to open jump shots, particularly behind the three-point arc or layups/dunks near the basket; both of which are beneficial to the offense and detrimental to the defense.
What are basic examples of offensive dribble penetration
Example 1
This is an example of offensive dribble penetration when the ball is at the top. In this instance, 1 could dribble penetrate into the gap between X1 at the top and X2 near the right side wing.
On the other hand, 1 could dribble penetrate into the gap between X1 at the top and X3 near the left side wing.
Example 2
This is an example of offensive dribble penetration when the ball is on the wing. For this case, 2 could dribble penetrate into the gap between X2 on the wing and X1 at the top, which is also typically known as driving to the middle.
Furthermore, 2 could dribble penetrate into the gap between X2 on the wing and X5 near the corner, which is also referred to as attacking the baseline.
Example 3
This is an example of offensive dribble penetration when the ball is in the corner. To demonstrate, 5 could dribble penetrate into the gap between X5 in the corner and X2 near the wing.
On the other hand, 5 could also dribble penetrate between X5 in the corner and the baseline itself.
Example 4
This is an example of offensive dribble penetration which also includes basic pick and roll action at the top.
To start, 1 dribbles toward the basket via the on-ball screen by 5. Additionally, 5 rolls to the basket after setting the screen.
Example 5
This is an example of offensive dribble penetration which also includes simple pick and pop action near the wing. To demonstrate, 2 attacks the basket with middle dribble penetration by way of the on-ball screen set by 5.
Moreover, after setting the screen, 5 pops to the empty right side corner.
What are examples of defensive tactics that could be used against offensive dribble penetration
Example 1
This is an example of a possible defensive tactic that could be implemented against offensive dribble penetration from the top. To start, X1 gets beat and dribble penetration occurs near the right side.
After that, X4 could step into the paint to protect the basket while X5 could stunt towards the ball and quickly recover back to 5. The purpose of the stunt and recover tactic is to influence 1 to pass the ball to 5.
Moreover, the stunt tactic could potentially slow down the dribble action of 1, which would then give X1 enough time to sprint back in front of 1.
Example 2
This is an example of a defensive tactic reminiscent of the pack line defense to limit or prevent dribble penetration. For this demonstration, X2 and X3 sag off their respective assignments by standing near the high post elbows while X1 implements on-ball pressure defense.
Afterwards, if 1 is able to get dribble penetration, X2 is already standing near the gap to slow down that penetration. Even if 2 receives the ball, X2 could still have enough time to closeout and prevent a potential uncontested three-point shot.
Also, it should be noted for this particular example, the defensive team presumes that 2 and 3 are non-shooters and/or the defensive team does not mind allowing perimeter shooting if that is the trade-off for limited or no dribble penetration at all.
Example 3
This is an example of a defensive tactic, generally known as protecting the nail, when the ball is on the wing.
To demonstrate, X1 drops back near the center of the high post area.
Next, if 2 decides to dribble penetrate into the gap between the wing and the top, then X1 could stunt at the ball to slow down the dribble penetration. When that occurs, it could give X2 enough time to get back in front of the ball.
Afterwards, X1 could recover back to the center of the high post area. Furthermore, the stunt and recover tactic could cause 1 to receive a pass executed by 2.
If that occurs, it is a plus for the defensive team because then, not only did the defense completely stop the initial penetration, but they also influenced the offensive player to pass the ball away from the basket.
Example 4
This is an example of a defensive tactic when the ball is on the wing. To begin, 2 attempts to dribble penetrate in the gap between the wing and the empty corner near the baseline.
When that occurs, X5 could step towards the ball to slow down the dribble penetration.
Also, as that happens, X4 could slide into the paint to guard player 5 near the right side low post while X3 drops back to stand in the gap between 3 and 4.
Next, as X5 limits the dribble penetration, X2 could execute a baseline trap alongside X5. Moreover, 1 would most likely cut towards the wing to provide 2 with a viable passing option.
At the same time, X1 could attempt to prevent that passing option by executing denial defense near the wing.
Example 5
This is an example of a defensive tactic, typically referred to as hedging, when the ball is at the top with pick and roll action. To start, 1 attempts to dribble penetrate between the gap at the top and the wing via the on-ball screen set by 5.
However, X5 hedges the dribble penetration by stepping into the pathway of 1 while X1 fights over the top of the on-ball screen to get back in front of 1.
At the same time, if 5 rolls to the basket, then X3 could tag 5 to slow down the roll action.
Afterwards, X5 could recover back to 5 while X3 cuts back to the weak side help position near the high post elbow.
Example 6
This is an example of a defensive tactic, known as drop coverage, when the ball is at the top with pick and roll action. To demonstrate, 1 dribble penetrates into the gap between the top and the right side wing via the on-ball screen set by 5.
However, X5 is able to limit and contain that dribble penetration by staying below the free throw line near the half circle. This allows X1 enough time to fight through the on-ball screen and recover to 1.
Furthermore, if 5 tries to roll to the basket, then X5 is already in a good position to prevent that roll action as well. Essentially, the drop coverage seeks to limit the dribble penetration and cause the roll action to become ineffective.
The main scoring option for the defense is usually the mid-range jump shot but if the defensive team implements the drop coverage tactic, it is typically assumed that 1 as well as 5 are non-shooters.
Example 7
This is an example of a defensive tactic, referred to as ice defense, when the ball is on the wing with pick and roll action. To start, 1 receives an on-ball screen set by 5.
However, X1 takes away the screen by sliding on top of it. This essentially takes away middle dribble penetration and instead, forces 1 to reject the screen and dribble towards the baseline.
When that occurs, X5 limits any baseline dribble penetration by containing the ball until X1 could recover. Also, for this case, if 5 rolls to the basket, then X5 could recover back to 5.
Example 8
This is an example of a defensive tactic, generally known as switching, when the ball is at the top. To demonstrate, 1 attempts to dribble penetrate between the top and the left side wing via the on-ball screen set by 4. However, X4 prevents the dribble penetration by simply switching onto 1 while X1 switches onto 4.
3 Competitive Dribble Penetration Shooting Drills That Improve Spacing, Ball Handling, Passing, and Team Offense
Home > Coaching > Drills > Team Offense > 3 Competitive Dribble Penetration Shooting Drills That Improve Spacing
You just made a great move to blow by your defender on the perimeter.
But as soon as you get near the lane, you have a swarm of defenders. Obviously, you should pass the ball!
But what if no one is open because nobody moved to an open spot and youre in a terrible offensive position. A great move results in a poor outcome due to lack of understanding. And its something thats relatively easy to fix.
The first thing we do is cover our dribble penetration rules. Ours are quite simple:
- Move to an open spot. Sometimes, this requires no movement at all.
- If youre overplayed, go backdoor.
Next, we incorporate some shooting drills that practice these dribble penetration situations and offer some options for the players off the ball.
And once the offense has built confidence in the dribble penetration situations, you can start to incorporate game-like situations with competitive skill-building drills.
If youve been following Breakthrough for awhile, youll know that were huge fans of competitive skill-building drills because you develop multi-threat scorers and everybody is forced to game-like touches in the particular situation you trying to practice which rarely occurs in scrimmages.
Below is a series of dribble penetration shooting drills that you can use to improve shooting, passing, spacing, and movement off the ball.
Dribble Penetration Shooting Drill #1 - Wing Movements
For simplicity reasons, we will just look at the situation where the ball handler attacks the middle of the floor and another offensive player is positioned on the wing. We will present you different options to attack from the wing position.
In this situation, I would teach 4 options for attacking the defense:
- Stay
- Curl Up
- Fade Down
- Backdoor
The diagram to the right simulates a situation where 1's defender steps UP to stop dribble penetration. Most coaches would tell you the best option is to fade to the corner or go backdoor in order to keep proper spacing.
I teach differently because I believe you present the different options and you let the player choose.
I want you to do the movement where you have the highest amount of confidence because I believe the overall results will tend to be better and that doesn't always result in "PROPER" spacing. At the same time, if a player keeps making a choice that ends in a poor result, we will suggest they do something different. However, these philosophies would require more in-depth conversations.
Also, the "wrong" read of curl up in this situation allowed me to assist a teammate in 6 straight 3-pointers during the 2nd half of a game.
Option 1: Stay
4 makes dribble move at first cone, comes to a quick stop at second cone.
As 4 reaches 2nd cone, 4 passes to 1 who STAYed on the wing.
Option 2: Curl Up
As 4 reaches 2nd cone, 4 passes to 1 who CURLed UP to the top.
Option 3: Fade Down
As 4 reaches 2nd cone, 4 passes to 1 who FADEd DOWN to the corner.
Option 4: Backdoor
As 4 reaches 2nd cone, 4 passes to 1 who cut BACKDOOR to the basket.
On this drill, you'll want fake high, then pass low to simulate what would happen in a game. Or if you have elite athletes, you could work on lob passes.
Points of Emphasis
Passer uses outside hand - In these diagrams, player would pass
with right hand. On left side of the floor, player would pass with left
hand.
Fake opposite before cutting - It is good to form a habit of faking opposite before cutting as this will take your defender out of position to open up the cut. However, it may not always be needed in this situation.
Cut at full speed - This helps you create separation from the defense.
Hands and feet ready - Stick your feet with hands up where you want the pass, so you can get the shot off as quickly as possible.
Dribble Penetration Shooting Drill #2 - 2 on 1
Now to get some reps with the game-like situations, you can add a defender to incorporate decision-making and increase difficulty.
4 makes the dribble move and looks to score.
There is one pass limit.
Dribble Penetration Shooting Drill #3 - 2 on 1 with Chaser
This is the same as the situation before, except now you add a chaser.
There is a two pass limit.
You can also add dribble limits if you would like.
As I was writing up this drill I thought of adding multiple chasers from different positions to elevate the difficulty even more. I have not done this yet so this may completely bomb. Let me know how it goes if you try it.
Basketball coaching hacks: how to score goals for beginners
Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands.
It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.
Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners
1. Hands up
In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you. Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!
2. Make shield rolls
Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!
3.
Look at the ring, not at the ball
Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control. Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.
4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only
The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers. Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly.
5. Throw with one hand
If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.
6.
Do not jump when protecting the ring
Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands. When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.
7. Don't look back
When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).
8. Bring the throw to automatism
Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism. Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.
Throw the ball with all fives and jump
Throwing Rules:
- Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
- Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
- A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
- The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
- Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.
The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance. Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).
Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.
How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball
How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight. The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.
9. Copy masters and play as a team
Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.
10. Do not throw in a straight line
The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.
11. Do not throw the ball from a full height stand
This is the biggest newbie mistake!
Before the throw, bend your knees slightly and at the moment of the throw, straighten your body, making a jump. You need to straighten up and push off the ground at the same time. When squatting, keep the elbow of the throwing arm close to the body and towards the ring.
The jump will give momentum to the ball and will allow you not to make sudden movements with the brush.
***
And to be a long-term player, do not forget about your health: take care of your joints and muscles, use tapes, do a warm-up. And be sure to strengthen your arms, legs and shoulder girdle, develop coordination. Regular exercises on uneven bars and horizontal bars will help you with this.
How to get into the basketball club - what is a draft in basketball?
Many of you regularly ask questions about how to get into the Nizhny Novgorod BC, or rather, into the junior team and the junior youth team. After talking with the head coach of BC "NN-2" and BC "NN-3" Roman Gorelovsky, we decided to answer all at once and give you a detailed plan on how to conquer Nizhny. Let's get started!
So, I'm a basketball player. I think I'm pretty good. How old do I have to be to get into the structure of the club?
Answer: BC "NN" is considering candidates born in 2000 this year.
and younger.
Comment: This year we will bet on 2003 and 2004. But do not think that everything will be limited only to these ages. If a guy a little older wants to get into the youth team or junior junior league, then we will definitely look at him so as not to miss anyone. But this is selective. By and large, a boy who comes to play with us must be a practically ready-made basketball player. Of course, we allow a certain level of shortcomings, permissible marriage, but still an understanding of the game should already be formed, because this is the maximum age for the main team. That is, a player who comes to us at the age of 20 cannot be at the same level of development as a guy born in 2004. As for the younger age limit, it is about 8-9Class.
Excellent. I fit the age criteria. What to do next?
Answer: send an application. We will talk about how to do this a little later.
Commentary: Initially, we look at where a potential player is from. If this is Nizhny Novgorod and nearby cities, then they just need to contact the club management or us, leave a request for viewing and arrive at the appointed time.
If these are guys from other regions, then everything is a little more complicated here, but still the principle is the same. The necessary phone numbers and email addresses are publicly available on the site, so there should be no problems with this.
Understood. I sent an application. When can we expect a viewing?
Answer: We usually hold screenings during the May holidays or at the end of April, so as not to coincide with the days of school exams.
Comment: When applications have accumulated, we hold a meeting with the coaching staff, where we determine the date and place of viewings (usually these are May holidays), and even then we invite all the guys who left applications. We have been following some of the local guys for more than a year, we will see someone for the first time, but we still try to look through everyone in order to find out who deserves special attention in the future.
Let's say I came to this preview and the coaching staff liked me.
What then?
Answer: do not rush to relax! Another viewing session ahead.
Commentary: We have a second preview for the guys we singled out on the first one. It passes at the beginning of summer. In fact, these are some kind of fees. Last year we went to the Gorodetsky district, this year, perhaps, there will be the Meshchersky sports complex or the base on the Bor. In a word, at these training camps we make a final conclusion on each player and understand whether he made it to the team or not.
I figured it out. And what happens on the screenings? What to be ready for?
Answer: in fact, this is a regular training, but only with a special purpose.
Commentary: We simply give the guys elementary basic exercises, on which we look at the technical preparedness of the player. That is, how he handles the ball, his dribbling, how much he controls his body, coordination, balance, how the guy learns information in exercises in pairs and triples, his physical condition and endurance, ability to play 1x1, well, game thinking .
Although all this is difficult to see in one viewing fee, since constant communication and observation is necessary to fully understand the level of the player. And yet, some moments are noticeable already at the first interactions.
Will all players have a chance or do you select candidates for certain positions?
Answer: We are interested in absolutely all players, regardless of their role on the court.
Commentary: Absolutely any player can come and declare himself. Most importantly, send applications and indicate your data. We will definitely look at each guy, whether he was born in 2000 or 2004.
I am going to visit you from another region. Is it possible? Or are you looking for guys only from the Nizhny Novgorod region?
Answer: First of all, we are interested in local students who have been trained in sports schools in the Nizhny Novgorod region. But this does not mean that the doors of the club are closed to players from other regions.
Commentary: A person can come even from the other end of Russia. As, for example, the player "НН-2" this season Yegor Chepik. We saw this guy at the IES-BASKET SBL Superfinal, brought him from Blagoveshchensk, and he has been playing for the youth team for a year now. I can say that he has made great progress this season.
I looked at your current line-up and saw that there are a lot of young guys in the rosters. Does this mean that the set will not be as large?
Answer: not at all. The fact that there are practically no children of the maximum allowable age in the teams does not mean that the squads are completed for the next season. Viewings will take place as usual.
Commentary: We do not have a plan to take as many people as possible or, conversely, to limit the limit. Our goal is to focus on the quality of the players. We want to find guys who can potentially progress better than the rest.
If everything goes according to the best scenario, will I be able to get into the main team?
Answer: of course! You don't have to look far for an example.
Ex-youth player Georgy Zhbanov is currently playing for the main team, and in a recent home match with CSKA he updated his performance record (18 points). In a word, everything is in your hands!
Everything is cool, but I sent a request for a long time, and you still have not answered. Why?
Response: We are not currently responding to these applications because the exact viewing dates have not yet been determined. As soon as everything is known, we will definitely let you know.
Can I get some advice from the coach before the screenings? What qualities will help me in the first place?
Answer: in short, you just have to be strong in spirit.
Comment: Unrealistic desire, perseverance and diligence. After all, to become a good player and prove yourself, often enough just a strong character. You may be weaker physically, but mentally you are already ready to endure all the difficulties of the training process and progress every day, and this is the most important thing.
All the same, many, becoming players of the youth team and junior youth league, face great difficulties, because here you are far from your home, and being a schoolboy, it is very difficult to take such a step and completely change your life. At such moments, the character comes to the fore, so that in spite of everything, you continue to train and do not turn off the path you have chosen.
I understood everything. Please provide a link so I can submit the application.
More news from the Generation-НН category Volna takes revenge on the Seven and becomes the U10 championGeneration-NN Volna takes revenge on the Seven and becomes the U10 champion
Today we're going to take a look at the main aspects of the NBA draft. It is likely that you have already heard about it, but perhaps you do not know how the procedure itself is arranged..
The
NBA Draft takes place annually and serves to attract new players to the league. Most of its participants, these are students playing in the NCAA, also cannot do without European players who have proven themselves well in the Euroleague and in international competitions.
Often, high school students take part in the draft, although the league is struggling with this, it wants to see educated basketball players in it. By the way, it was from the school bench that Kevin Garnett and LeBron James came to the league. But Kobe Bryant got into the league after high school, straight off the street.
Let's talk about the draft procedure. Now it consists of 2 rounds. Each NBA club selects fielded players in order of their turn. Priority is given to weaker teams that did not qualify for the playoffs. Recently, a lottery procedure has been introduced. This was done so that the teams did not deliberately fail the end of the championship in order to get the first number in the draft.
A player selected for the draft NBA is obligated to sign a contract with the club that chose him, this is the law. The first contract for young players, as a rule, does not promise much profit, so they are happy to accept an invitation from any team. For them, the main thing is to get and gain a foothold in the NBA.
Quite often our players get drafted, so it was with Andrey Kirilenko, Alexey Shved, Viktor Khryapa and Sergey Monya, the list goes on, but here are those who were able to achieve at least something in the major league. By the way, in his first season, Andrey Kirilenko was one of the league's best rookies, which allowed him to take part in the All-Star game.
But you need to know how to get on the basketball team and what it takes? After all, the skills of the game can only be learned in a team.
Basketball team: what do you need to get into it?
Of course, everyone wants to be on a professional team. But this is not easy to do, for this you need to have 1 category in basketball. Any men's basketball team, just like women's, needs only professionals. But keep in mind that this sport is divided into two categories: professional league and amateurs.
If you have been playing basketball since your school days, and then participated in university city and district competitions, this is not a guarantee that you will be interested in a basketball club.
For them, the main thing is how often your team won. And if the indicators turn out to be weak, then the road to professional basketball will be closed to you. But still, what ways can you take to get there?
- All professional basketball clubs are represented on the Internet. You need to go to the site and submit your application. If they are interested in a high-level player, they can invite you to watch. But if you get a refusal, do not despair, there are other options to get into a professional club.
- In every city there is a weaker both men's and women's basketball team, where it is much easier to get into. If you think that you deserve the best, then you need to show yourself as a leader in this team. When your team starts to win, then there is a chance to move to a higher level. After all, in professional clubs they are watching which players from the minor leagues they can strengthen their team.
In order to get into the lower level basketball club, you also need to go online and apply.
They will definitely ask where you performed. And then they will check what kind of team it is and how it showed itself in the competition.
Establishment of an amateur basketball team
In fact, you can play basketball not only in a professional team, but also in an amateur one. Of course, the conditions here are not so good, but you will be doing your favorite thing. After all, in addition to the professional league, there is also an amateur one. To do this, you need to create your own basketball team with your friends. If there are not 10-12 avid basketball players among your friends, then you can go the other way.
To create a basketball team, a recruitment must be announced. And for this, there are special sports forums on the Internet. You should immediately contact the representative of the amateur league at the regional level and find out what conditions exist so that the team can participate in tournaments. We should try to discuss in advance on what conditions your team will be able to take part in the competition.
If you have leadership qualities, then you can definitely create a basketball team and become its captain. The main thing here is desire. And if you become a great player, you can find a sports agent who will look for a club for you at a higher level.
In the history of Ukrainian basketball there are not many players who have made successful careers abroad. And if it still succeeded, then, as a rule, already experienced basketball players with an established reputation. Standing apart in this row is the pupil of the Nikolaev sport swingman Sergey Gladyr, who left to play abroad at the age of 19. And no matter how critically someone evaluates Gladyr's successes, he has been spending his fifth season in the strongest leagues in Europe and has become one of the leaders of the Ukrainian national team, which has achieved the greatest success over the years of its existence. Due to an injury, Sergei was unable to enter the court in the Euroleague Kiev match with Budivelnyk, but this did not stop PB from talking to him about basketball and more.
- Sergey, at the age of 25 you managed to achieve a lot in sports with your work. And to whom do you owe your arrival in basketball?
- First of all, I owe it to my parents, since I have a basketball family. My father has been working in a basketball club all my adult life, my mother is a physical education teacher at the university, my sister also played basketball, my godfather is Valentin Berestnev. I often came to my dad to work in the gym and over time I fell in love with basketball. And now, since the age of five, I have not parted with the ball.
- Let's go in order. From Nikolaev, you were drafted to the NBA, and then signed a contract with the Spanish Manresa. Was it your goal to leave Ukraine?
-First of all, it was my desire. As a young ambitious player, I wanted to play at a higher level, I wanted to grow as a basketball player. At that time, I received an offer from Spain, and I immediately agreed. In my opinion, this was the perfect career path.
- You stayed in Spain for four years. How can you characterize the DIA League and how is it most different from the Ukrainian one?
- The difference in championships is big. If you compare me in the last season in Ukraine and the last season in Spain, then everything can be seen without words. More specifically, the leagues differ in the overall level of basketball, the skill of the league players, the organization of matches.
- You were selected in the NBA draft, but it didn't work out with America yet. Will there be more attempts to get overseas?
- To be honest, playing in the NBA is my dream. But I want to not just get there, but to play. Sitting on the bench and not knowing whether you will go out on the court today or not is not for me. But I would really like to play there and feel all this rhythm and the whole level of the strongest league in the world. So yes, I will try.
- The coach of the Ukrainian national team, Mike Fratello has considerable experience in America.
Do you feel its influence on your gaming development? In particular, it seems that you have added in physical terms after the national team?
- Regarding my physical development, I'm just growing up. And of course, years of hard work come into play. Mike Fratello helps me grow both technically and mentally. But what swings physical training, it depends only on the player himself.
- Throwing is considered your strongest point. How would you characterize your weaknesses on the court?
- My weakness is the passage, I'm not too strong in this component yet. Of course, I know how to walk into the aisle, but still not as good as I would like in the first place myself. Another game aspect in which I have something to strive for is defense. Although I am considered a good defender, I myself am sure that I still need to work a lot on defensive actions.
- The Ukrainian team showed a phenomenal result in Slovenia - you are going to the World Cup. What are the team's ambitions there?
— We are going to the World Championship for the first time.
And therefore, by and large, we have nothing to lose there. You just need to go out, play, give your best and that's it! In fact, do everything the same as we did in Slovenia, and then the result may be similar.
- Who is the main motivator of the national team in the locker room. Not counting, of course, the coach?
- Dima Zabirchenko, as a captain, tries to cheer everyone up and create a positive atmosphere. But he can scold, if necessary. In turn, I try to support him in all matters.
— After EuroBasket, where you were one of the leaders of the Ukrainian national team, you sign a contract with Nanterre. Were there any offers from the Superleague?
- "Nanterre" is my personal choice. There were proposals from Budivlnik, but we did not agree. Among a number of reasons, I was not happy that I would be the fifth or sixth small player in the squad. I would have to share playing time with players like Summers, Ahearn, Minard and Drozdov. Which means I wouldn't get a lot of playing time.
At Nanterre, there were not so many quality players in my position. The high level of the French championship also played a role.
- Unlike Spain, many Americans play in the French league. How do you feel in such conditions?
- I'm getting used to it slowly, with each game it's getting easier and easier. I train with athletic and fast guys, and it spurs me on. It is clear that it is not easy physically, you need to maintain a high pace of games and training. Partly because of this, the knee could not stand it again. But we will work further.
- Continuing the theme of the Americans. At EuroBasket 2013, a new “legionnaire” appeared in the Ukrainian national team - Pooh Jetter. Do you think the Ukrainian national team is strong enough not to attract naturalized players?
- I think that at the moment we still lack the first number. As talented and productive as Mishula is, he lacks international experience. He is young and still needs to learn. For this, he has all the makings.
If you take Lipovoy, he can take the ball out, play it, but still he is not the first number. Therefore, the main personnel problem of the national team was precisely in the position of a playmaker. We found a player who, in my opinion, is very suitable for our team. He fit into the team both as a person and as a player. Jeter was often the initiator of evening walks after the game, offering to walk and warm up. As a result, we went out to McDonald's for a bite to eat and talk. Pooh is very sociable as a person. And as a player, he helped us in every match.
- When you throw a three-pointer and hit, you make a characteristic gesture with your hand, putting it to your eye. What does this mean for you?
- In Spain, the games are broadcast on TV, and two years ago one of my friends told me: "Come on, when you score, show me like this!". So in this way, I kind of said hello to him. Since then, it has become a habit, and I already do it for good luck (laughs).
- Apart from basketball, your wife is an Olympic champion (Elena Khomrovaya, fencer - author's note).
And you are considered the most successful sports couple in Ukraine. How do two athletes get along at home?
- Get along very well. Actually it helps a lot. We are both athletes, and both understand what it means to be far from home, without loved ones. What is it like to be tired after a workout, when there is no desire to see anyone, but you just want to watch a movie. In addition, Lena goes to all my games.
— And where did you meet?
Sergey: We studied together at the Nikolaev Higher School of Physical Culture
Elena: We studied in different classes. But we got to know each other closely in 2008 after the Olympics (Elena became the Olympic champion just in Beijing - author's note).
Sergey: I was also famous then (laughs). It was my first year in the national team.
— What basketball shoes do you prefer?
- I love Nike LeBron James. 10th model.
- Who was your childhood idol?
- I grew up on the games of MBK "Nikolaev".
Didn't miss a single match. Then the leader of the team was Sasha Raevsky. For us, then, his level seemed something unrealistic. The most vivid memory is of 1998, when we beat Shakhtar in 3rd place. And the idol was Michael Jordan. Watching the NBA live at that time was not possible, but if I came across some kind of video, I immediately watched it to the holes (laughs).
— What is taboo in basketball for you?
- I never get into any conflicts and fights. Even if they attack a player of my team, I will only separate them. We play basketball, not boxing.
Source:
How does the draft work?
The NBA draft system is constantly changing. Once upon a time there was an infinite number of rounds, "territorial choice", to stand as a candidate right after school.
All players who meet special conditions can be drafted, which will be discussed in more detail a little later.
Teams also participate in a lottery to determine who and under what number will choose.
As a rule, the best players are taken under the first draft numbers, but this does not always happen. For example, Darko Milicic, who was selected at number 2 in 2003 right after LeBron, but never received any big awards in the NBA. On the other hand, there are players who were selected in the second round of the draft but became stars: Nikola Jokic (41st pick), Marc Gasol (48th pick), Isaiah Thomas (60th pick) and the list goes on.
The draft lottery is held one month before the draft itself. Based on its results, the order of selection of players by teams that did not make it to the playoffs is determined. Playoff teams are assigned a draft pick number based on their final spot in the regular season.
There are 1000 combinations in the lottery. Until 2018, the worst team in the pre-draft season received 250 combinations, which is a 25% chance of getting the first pick, after which the number of combinations decreased among all 14 teams. From draft 2019the rules have changed, now the 3 worst teams of last season get the same number of combinations (140), and the 4th worst team - 125, 5th - 105, 6th - 90, 7th - 75, 8th - 60 , 9th - 45, 10th - 30, 11th - 20, 12th - 15, 13th - 10, 14th - 5.
