SWENSDAY STUFF

Let the Players H.O.R.S.E. Around
Swen Nater

Dribble through the legs, around the back, hold the ball in the right hand only, and make a reverse layup, off the board, no rim.

Freethrow, hit the front of the rim, then the backboard, and in the basket.

Standing out of bounds under the basket on the left side, jump with both feet from the out of bounds, and make a bank shot with the right hand.

Left hand hook shot, from the left side, off the board.

Recognize some of these? These are moves you try and make while playing the ancient game of H.O.R.S.E. I can’t tell you how many games of H.O.R.S.E. I played. It’s about the only game I can play now, by the way. I credit this wonderful game for helping develop my skills and competitiveness. I loved playing it (and beating) better players. That was fun.

Now, there are negative people that would say, “You shouldn’t practice fancy moves and shots until you get the fundamentals down.” I say, Bah Humbug! Aspiring players should play this game at any stage of development. If you’ve never thought about what this game can do for players, here are seven things I came up with.

1. Visualization: Whether a player is creating a move, or copying that of the competitor, the move must be visualized first, and then executed. 
2. Improves Skill: Creating or matching moves tests skills and often makes the player execute skills not yet practiced. This may involve dribbling and shooting. The tall player is challenged to handle the ball like a guard and the guard is challenged to make inside shots not yet practiced.
3. Promotes Creativity: The move creator, in the attempt to create a letter for the opponent, must make things difficult. Difficulty is caused by creating new and difficult moves, often ones even the initiator has not even practiced.
4. Improves Shooting Touch and Accuracy: Often the move creator indicates exactly how the ball is to enter the basket (i.e. off the board, over the board, the ball can’t touch the rim).
5. Develops Shooting Under Pressure: Having to make a shot the opponent has made, especially if missing that shot can lose the game, is good practice for shooting under pressure.
6. Develops a Competitive Spirit: Shooting under pressure and, demanding a rematch, develops a competitive spirit: “Giving your best when your best is needed.” John Wooden.
7. It’s Fun: Last but not least, H.O.R.S.E. is fun.

What happened to just getting out by the garage basket and playing games like H.O.R.S.E.? During the season, players are being coached to do things the coach’s way. During the off season, they are enrolled in more games and practices and, the next thing you know, the season is starting again. They don’t have a chance to have fun, be creative, and develop on their own. C’mon! Let the players H.O.R.S.E. around a little. It’s good for them.

From the freethrow line, throw ball off the board and back to you, bounce ball off your forehead in the air, off right knee into the air, off left knee into the air, off forehead and into the basket. No rim.