I don't play pick up games often, but when I do I very often get disappointed by the competition. Games are normally very chaotic - offensively and defensively.

Players tend to just "run and gun" without any thought behind it, and the best case scenario is that they kick the ball out to a semi open player while leaning way back as they were trying to make a shot over two defensive players.

Education, execution and experience are the three most important pillars of success.

Trying to execute without education will only make you frustrated and will not create long lasting success.
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There’s no such thing like learning on the job without previously building a theoretical foundation. I don’t think you’d want an engineer to learn on the job how to build a bridge you drive on.

Basketball has been changing for years.
Over the past 10-15 years’ players have become faster, leaner, more athletic, more skilled.
We see less typical centers and more combo guards or stretch 3's or stretch 4's... It is not uncommon for point guards to set screens and for centers to shoot 3's.

Hands not ready to catch the ball - it is very common that players hands are in front of the player but not really ready to catch the ball; fingers either pointed at the ground or just loose. While playing with out the ball players hands have to be ready to receive a pass at any moment. With that said palms of both hands have to directed towards the ball, the wrists have to be loaded at 90 degrees, fingers spread, hands placed around the shooting pocket, elbows bent.

One of the most important, yet often overlooked factors in youth sports is proper hydration.
Being hydrated just like being completely rested before a training session or any other sporting event is one of the major keys to not only performing at the highest level but also to staying healthy and creating long lasting results.

I just came back from a few day vacation in the mountains of North Carolina. The cabin my wife, our dog, and I stayed in was located in an area without cellular service, and had a very poor internet connection, which at first seemed like a torture...

I keep on rambling about fundamentals every time I speak, but having a good foundation is a must - athletically, educationally or spiritually.
We tend to skip fundamentals because learning anything that is basic is boring, it doesn't produce the fire that excitement does.