Red Wing Athletic Association

Back row (left to right):  Hailey Hurlbut, Kate Stordahl, Lydia Will, Lily Befort, Justine Swenning, Grace Byers, Krista Larson  Front row (left to right):  Hailey Ehlers, Anna Bowes, Kyli Nelson, Kaia Hull, Ashten Chandler, Grace Dube, Elle Thorson

I am very proud of all the girls and the way they listened and did what we asked of them. We saw significant progress in many areas from the beginning to end of this season.

Remember... if your daughter wants to make huge improvements, get her to the Y, out on your driveway or to a park with a hoop as much as possible over the summer! There are two main things they need to focus on when practicing by themselves at this age to get better.

1. Practice dribbling with both hands and "HEAD UP" as much as possible. We want to make sure they are dribbling with their fingers and not the palm of their hand. We also want to keep the dribbles below the waist (not high up by the chest).

2. Practice shooting layups and shots with proper form from the block, using "THE BACKBOARD" from both sides of the hoop. A few helpful hints when shooting:

Make sure they are shooting with only one hand, keeping the shooting hand elbow directly below the ball throughout the shooting motion. The other hand should be there only to help support the ball. It should not assist in the shooting motion.

The ball should be touching only the fingers and no part of the palm of the hand (the same applies when dribbling).

Follow through the shot by snapping the wrist and holding it there (we call it reaching in to the cookie jar or goose neck).

Watch the ball go in!

If every girl works on these two things (dribbling and shooting) during the off season and begin feeling comfortable with both, they will become a much better player and WE will become a much better team.