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ET (Early Time) Guidelines

Early Time or "ET" is the time allotted before practice actually begins. This 20 to 30 minute period allows for players to arrive and prepare for practice. This is especially needed, when players have to travel to practice. Although, most coaches tell their players to use this time wisely and work on individual skills; in reality, most of this early time is spent socializing and getting caught up on the latest gossip. Who is dating who, etc.

ET Is A Vital Part Of A Practice.

The importance of Early Time cannot be over emphasized. It is the foundation of a successful workout. Early Time does not only prepare you physically; but more importantly, it puts you in the right frame of mind. With a proper use of early time you will be able to better concentrate, understand, and learn. As a result, you will be able to accomplish much more during the ensuing practice.

Be Sure To Be Early For ET.

Players should allow themselves ample time to get to practice. There is nothing worst than arriving late for practice (or a game). Not properly warming up, will not only affect your performance and shooting, but it also increases your chance for injury. If for some unforeseen problem, you happen to arrive late for practice, do not expect to step on the floor and be at game speed. Use the first part of practice as your warm up. Handle the ball several times before shooting. Hopefully, you will be up to game speed both physically and mentally for the second half practice.

ET Starts With Putting On Your Shoes.

Sitting on a chair or bench, make sure your socks do not have any wrinkles and lace up your shoes up properly. Be preventive and do not let the severe pain and agony of a sprained ankle teach you the lesson of the importance of putting your socks and shoes on correctly.

After lacing up your shoes, take a few minutes to sit on the edge of the chair or bench and warm up your hands and wrists by bouncing a ball. Dribble with each hand with head up. Cross over in front and behind your legs. Dribble one handed around a single leg, etc.

Have A Definite ET Routine.

If your coach does not provide you with definite ET program, be sure to create one yourself. Here is one that has been very instrumental over the years in providing for very successful performances and individual skill improvement:

Individual ET Program

ET Phase 1. Basic Running.

This running segment is intended to loosen you up, build strength and stamina, and prevent injury. All of these runs are done with both hands up near your shoulders. Go down and back before going to the next option. If desired you can run with a partner. When running with a partner, the spacing is such as when one partner gets to half court then the other one goes.

1. Jog. Easy jog with both hands up down the length of court. Pause and jog back to starting baseline.
2. Backward Running. Run to half court with hands up, turn and run backwards to baseline. Pause and repeat back to starting baseline.
3. Cross over Running. Facing side of court, use cross over steps (karaoke) to go the length of the court with hands up. Pause and facing same side of the court continue cross over steps back to starting baseline.
4. Vertical Jumping. Go length of floor with vertical jumps. Jump high with right knee coming up toward chest and right hand extending as high as possible. Land and repeat with left leg and left hand. Pause and continue back to starting baseline. Vertical jumping is similar to skipping except that you want jump as high as possible on each jump.
5. Hopping. Using the sideline, or any line running the length of the court, hop back and forth on one leg. At half court, change legs and continue to hop back and forth over the line to the baseline. Pause and continue hopping back to starting baseline changing legs at half court. This is a skiers exercise use to build ankle strength.
6. Accelerations. Accelerate(sprint) to half court and then de-accelerate (jog) to the baseline. Pause and repeat back to starting baseline.
7. Defensive Slides. Run to half court, turn and defensive slide, changing directions, to the baseline. Pause and continue back to starting baseline.

ET Phase 2. Basic Shooting.

Although these shooting drills may seem simple and redundant, they are vital to becoming a good shooter. They also should be done any time you practice on your own.

1. Backboard Tipping. Tip the ball one handed off the backboard (or wall) 10 consecutive times right handed, and then tip 10 consecutive times left handed. You may try to tip the tenth repetition into the basket. Be off the ground for each tip and learn to control the ball with your finger tips. (Repeat three times for a total 60 tips).
2. Alternate Lay-up Drill (Mikan). Face the basket, take a step with your left foot toward the right side of the basket and shoot a right hand lay-up off the backboard. Rebound the ball and take a step with your right foot to the left side of the basket and shoot a left handed lay-up. Keep the ball high and do not ever allow the ball to come below your out stretched arms. Continue until you make 12 shots. (Repeat 3 times for a total of 36 shots).
3. Rebound Shot with bounce. On right side of the basket, toss the ball high off backboard. Jump up and rebound it, keeping arms straight. Without bending arms quickly bounce off both feet and shot the ball into the basket. Quickness is important on this shot. Repeat on left side of basket, shooting with left hand. Continue alternating right side and left side until you make 12 shots. (Repeat 3 times for a total of 36 shots).
4. Dribble Shoot. From the right elbow (corner of the free throw line) take one dribble to the basket and shoot a right handed over hand lay-up off the glass. Rebound the ball and take two dribbles out to the opposite (left) elbow. Pivot without stopping the dribble and take one dribble to the basket shooting a left handed over hand lay-up. Go hard to the basket and keep your head up and eyes on target. Dribble with your right hand on right side of basket and with left hand on left side of basket. Continue until you make 12 shots. (Repeat 3 times for a total of 36 shots).
5. Individual Shooting. This is not a free shoot. Concentrate on the areas and types of shots that you will be taking during an actual game. Be sure to include "Bank Shots" and Free Throws. In fact, never start a practice or a game without taking some Bank Shots and Free Throws.

NOTE: If time is a factor cut down to 2 sets rather than hurry. Remember you can practice bad habits as well as good habits.

Cooling Down. End all your workouts and practices by making 10 consecutive free throws. For younger players make 10 free throws.

© 2002 Ernie Woods, HoopTactics