Based in Florida, Alex Groothuis serves as head men’s basketball coach at the Coral Springs Charter School and leads a team that was able to earn the number two state ranking in 2017-18. One aspect of basketball that Alex Groothuis emphasizes with the athletes is proper footwork, which is vital to moving the team downcourt and threading through traffic.
Another aspect of footwork is in providing a springboard for jumping, gaining control of the ball, and making shots. The classic “ready position” emphasizes balance, with the knees slightly bent and the feet positioned such that they can spring into action.
The best way to achieve this is by placing weight on the balls of the feet and raising the heels slightly. This lowers the center of gravity and adds stability while automatically causing the body to ease into a slight squat, providing maximum leverage.
Another useful readiness stance is one with a wide base, with the feet positioned shoulder-width apart. This enables quick extensions into jump shots, as well as rapid lateral, backward, and forward movements. An extreme example of this wide stance is when establishing post position on the floor against defenders.
Another aspect of footwork is in providing a springboard for jumping, gaining control of the ball, and making shots. The classic “ready position” emphasizes balance, with the knees slightly bent and the feet positioned such that they can spring into action.
The best way to achieve this is by placing weight on the balls of the feet and raising the heels slightly. This lowers the center of gravity and adds stability while automatically causing the body to ease into a slight squat, providing maximum leverage.
Another useful readiness stance is one with a wide base, with the feet positioned shoulder-width apart. This enables quick extensions into jump shots, as well as rapid lateral, backward, and forward movements. An extreme example of this wide stance is when establishing post position on the floor against defenders.