7 Outdated Basketball Beliefs to Leave Behind in 2024

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Have you ever had a coach or parent that told you to follow your shot? Yeah, I did too, and then one day I realized, maybe I should worry about making the shot, not trying to get my own rebound. I hope at some point you realized this too.
The point is, not everything your coaches or parents tell you is actually good advice. So in this video let's talk about 7 things you might have heard throughout your basketball career, and talk about why the information is outdated.
I had some nice time away from the channel these holidays, but I'm excited to get back to making videos. I can't thank you all enough for 10k subscribers. I honestly couldn't have dreamed of this just 3 months ago!
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[@young__blacksmith]

#7 hits deep. So many coaches out there cursing out 12 years olds like they’re paid professionals. It is so hard to improve when you’re in constant fear of making a mistake

[@joshsmilerbasketball]

Facts

[@TuckerRichardson]

100% agree and I see it way too often which is frustrating.

[@mohamedsankhon2078]

Nah Fr you can say that again 💯💯💯

[@mydogsnameislucy768]

Me who’s 28 and just wants to dribble and shoot the ball better: alright cool.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Haha I hear you.

[@troymiller1426]

The last part of the video really hit home for me. I played basketball all the time up until about the age of 12 or so. I stopped because I lost love for the game because my dad was a little too hard on me. He didn’t gloss over every single mistake but whenever I had a bad game he would scold me pretty bad and treated me worse, it made basketball extremely stressful and I felt like I had the pressure of my whole family on my shoulders when I played. I know that sounds soft but I was a little kid at the time (this happened from ages 8-12). I’m 23 now and I’m too old to play basketball but I do still workout all the time and your video was pretty informative and something I wish I saw when I was 11 or 12. Just the information and the idea of being consistent without it overtaking your entire life was helpful.

[@easyDoes1T85]

TLDR - he’s soft

[@TuckerRichardson]

I'm trying to help those younger players that have the same issue you had. There is a fine line between motivating a kid and taking their joy out of the game.

[@jjhbball]

One piece of advice you could probably expand on is the role of strength and conditioning. It was once the situation where basketball players hardly touched weights until maybe college or professional level, and even then not really much. Strength training is now more common, but I've made the mistake of going too far to the other side and spending too much time in the weight room and not enough time on the court. Don't let weight room work replace your on-court work. It is just there to supplement your on-court abilities and make a more well-rounded athlete. On-court work should still be the priority, with the possible exception that the off-season is a good time to focus on building muscle and developing other attributes.

[@TuckerRichardson]

I definitely agree with this, and I believe as you get older and to higher levels of basketball, strength plays a bigger role. For instance, the professional league I am playing in in Finland is way more physical than what I played against in college. So luckily over the years I have focused on increasing my strength to prepare for it.

[@kman9884]

Lifting 5 times a week should still be on your schedule. Squats, full ROM, overhead press, deadlift, barbell rows. Too many players never do hard lifts with a full ROM and lead to a weak posterior chain and poor kinesthetic attunement

[@slimphotog]

When I was young, the general thinking was to not lift weight because it would throw off your jump shot. Only football players lifted back then.

[@sjnorthmusic]

The worst thing I heard from a coach is, "If you're a real basketball player, you watch college basketball, not the NBA." When the NBA/other pro leagues are the top 1% and you can learn a lot more from pros. Smh. Btw great video, Tucker!

[@TuckerRichardson]

I agree, and I think young players should watch both levels. There is so much to learn from all levels of basketball!

[@newsogn5148]

I was the tallest kid in my class by quite a bit I was the kid that they stuck at center from like grade 3…. Then in high school I had coaches that would make you do sprints when you failed ect. Looking back they were just hot heads the experience really didn’t make me a better player or man, it’s like they saw Bobby knights highlight real and thought yup that’s he mold…. It’s ok and even good to yell as a coach but if you don’t have the self control it’s just anger you have to go back and show a kid the opportunity that was missed not just curse under your breath and shake your head…. I ended up quitting and just spent my time riding and wrenching on my snowmobile which has been far more beneficial as an adult…. As an adult I have grown to enjoy basketball again though I don’t play as much I do enjoy watching basketball again… the other thing I think would have been powerful for me in life is just focus… I have learned this with golf, but in basketball everything is fast and chaotic but if a kid can slow the situation down in his mind and spot the tinniest little spot on the rim that they have practiced you are so much more likely to hit it…. It’s like in life everything can be so chaotic but if you can sift through the noise get a direction and go you are much more likely to make it….

[@kkim5000]

@@TuckerRichardson it feels like college basketball teaches good fundamentals and team play, but separating oneself from the pack requires an extra something beyond those things.

[@mcmerry2846]

I'm 5'6" from a poor country, so stopoed trying after university, i came to Europe 6 months ago and play at the park with pros from Serbia and they ask if I played pro all the time... A veteran pro basketball man from Spain even told me "You're short but dangerous with the ball"

[@TuckerRichardson]

Sounds like you can hoop!

[@Matteo__24]

Thank you really much❤ I’m a 13 year old baller from Germany and I’ve gotten sooo much better because of your videos. Please keep up the good work 💪

[@TuckerRichardson]

Let's go, keep working! Hello from Finland!

[@Mbeezy-Mb]

Hey whats up bro im also german, wo spielst du?

[@yuvrajsingh-ge5ku]

yo was geht alle deutsch hier oder wie

[@Ballcenter]

​@@yuvrajsingh-ge5kuNe nur du

[@akimouro15]

was passiert hier

[@TheRoadLessChosen]

I’ve coaches my son his whole life and dealt with this even from my assistants. They continuously would throw my son into the 4 or 5 spot. Hes a sophomore and 6’2.5 without shoes with a 6’7 wingspan, so just under 6’4 in shoes. He hasn’t played organized ball in about 6 years so he really has a lot of catching up to do. I am the assistant and for the life of me cannot convince the head coach to let him break the press. Our “point guards” (short players) cannot get the ball across mid court and he suffers for it. They say it will help him. Get easier buckets. But not if he doesn’t have the ball. Towards the end of the half they move him up to break the press and by then it’s too late. He’s on Jv and was supposed to be there to develop his guard skills but I know exactly what the varsity coach is going to do because they need a “big.” When he was younger and we were playing in the AAU circuit he played pg and looked the part. He looks completely lost at center. Not for lack of trying. He still gets boards and buckets along with easy dunks. What can he do to convince the coach he’s a wing and not a big? I did tell him to just use it as a learning experience. He’s still growing anyway and will more than likely finish as a real 6’4.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Sounds like a really tough situation, especially if you have a relationship with the coach and still nothing is being done. The only thing I can think of is to show the coaches his guard skills in practice situations so then they might be more likely to let him use those skills in games. But tell him do not get discouraged, keep working on his perimeter skills because in the long run they will be beneficial to his game.

[@K4R3N]

My freshman HS son same situation. He's 6ft third tallest on the team but always plays forward so doesn't get to practice his guard skills under game time pressure

[@mcmerry2846]

You have to learn all the positions man. I'm 5'6" and have played PG and SG. In university basketball, that doesn't mean I don't know the functions of a center or a Forward... If your son is a good PG, he should know the roles of each Player in the team

[@southerncoastproductions7587]

you say anything to fit in do ya huh?

[@southerncoastproductions7587]

You don't play anything. You'd be the last person someone needs to take advice from.@@mcmerry2846

[@likhonandamase6615]

My love for the sport has been tested the past year because I had 2 season ending injuries and only played once but hearing you talk about all this is driving me to be more confident and get back to my best. Appreciate it❤

[@Kgkg2]

Thank you man you are really special. I think there are a lot of channels about basketball and the mind games in the game, but you are really different you really understand the struggles and the situations basketball players go through. you explain so good in your videos I am so happy I found your channel. Keep the hard work man, and have a great year!🔥💪

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you for this. I try and use what I went through to help those currently going through it. I hope you have a great year as well!

[@Kgkg2]

@@TuckerRichardson thank you!🙏

[@gator1dl]

Very interesting point about tall kids basically getting typecast and left behind instead of becoming future guards

[@TuckerRichardson]

It is such an issue!

[@ThyBoredApe]

Every situation that u stated ive struggled with , been tall since i was young so im behind on gaurd skills, and currently have a coach that i feel like almost makes me worse, not allowing me to make mistakes or play to my full potential , thank you for all the tips really appreciate it

[@TuckerRichardson]

No problem, glad to help. It sucks to be in a situation like the one you are in, but the good thing is you recognize the problem.

[@timmiller5217]

Great advice. Thanks especially for asking coaches to let the players play and make mistakes while still instilling confidence in them. My son has been dealing with this the last two seasons with his middle school coach. One mistake and you’re pulled out of the game and sometimes will sit for an entire half! It makes the players play scared and that is disaster on team chemistry during the games… I’m very proud of how my son has handled it, but it hasn’t been easy on him and it does affect overall confidence.

[@TuckerRichardson]

100%, younger players should never be playing scared. Yes, they should want to make the right decisions, but playing scared just makes players mess up more.

[@T_Alexander.]

I fractured my talar bone earliy in 2023 so for most of the year I was out recovering. All l could do was go watch others at practise and study but now I've recovered and I'm hopping to make 2024 my comeback year. Happy New Year Guys, don't forget stay LOCKED IN!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Lets go!

[@JawnLam]

I played hoops in high school. My son is getting into soccer right now. I feel like these 7 concepts are universally applicable. I hope to use this to help him enjoy his sport no matter how far he goes. Thanks for sharing.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Couldn't agree more. Everything is changing! Thank you!

[@MaliekBrown4]

Im glad you brought #7 up previously i felt like I have no confidence because if I make a mistake I’m going to get yelled at by my coach or get benched. My first game is in 6 days and I have confidence that ima drop like 15-20 points, But I enjoyed the video keep up the work💚🤞🏾

[@TuckerRichardson]

I love the confidence! Thank you!

[@coler4643]

Yo this is super random but I’m a huge college bball fan so I recognize your name. I remember the 2019 game #2 Tennessee vs #15 Colgate. You made some 3s that game and I thought “damn this dude is nice”. Also I’m assuming you played Texas whenever that season was. Never thought I’d see you here! Great advice man!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Haha yes I was in that game! That was almost 6 years ago now when I was a freshman in college. Crazy.

[@deliciousdale9981]

Started coaching a few years ago after being a player til about 24. I dont like running traditional offenses and forcing kids to stay under the basket anymore because the game has changed dramatically. Its a positionless game now. Everyone needs guard skills. Kids cannot get better if you do not allow them to learn from/ work through mistakes. Give them chances to correct it. I want to win if we play you but from a "Big Picture" outlook, I want every coach to help this game grow. Let kids play and learn.

[@TuckerRichardson]

I love this! It really isn't all about winning when kids are really young. It is about development, development, development. Yes, instill in them that winning is important, but the number one goal should be to make sure they are becoming better basketball players.

[@va3svd]

The NBA game has certainly changed dramatically, but I think all coaches at all levels and all philosophical bents need to be reminded not to get too stuck in a rut. For example: no, not every player needs guard skills. There has always been a place at most levels of the game for your big hockey defenseman or football lineman to be effective. Guys like that can set great screens, rebound the basketball, hold the paint down with physical defensive play, seal defenders for easy post scores, take advantage situationally of mismatches in the post. And there still is a place for players like that, and maybe increasingly so as post play is so rare that most players and teams would struggle how to guard it. It is one thing to want to be open to innovation and utilize “non-traditional” offenses, and challenge old truisms. It is quite another to turn “non-traditional” offenses into new traditions and exclude a different set of player and skill from the game.

[@mrbob7891]

drives are more of a reaction to the defence so saying that using ur left hand on a left handed layup isnt intirely wrong but its actually about how you are protecting your ball during drives. Also something that I really like about my coaches are that they watch a lot of basketball and they improve on their own as well as teach me and the team.

[@TuckerRichardson]

You are really lucky to have coaches who study the game like that!

[@ThomasWalsh-x7z]

Nice video. Love some of the reassurance as I coach my 12 year old. I sent a pic to my old school bro of my son shooting with his right hand on the left side of the basket. He was 10 at the time.....My bro asked if I was teaching that. Told him he got the 2pts. Today he is able to use the left and get the +1. Love the idea of letting kids get creative buckets as long as we work on the left, right fundamentals at practice. Also love the idea of you pushing the Euro basketball leagues. Great talent over here and plenty of players getting great life experience.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you!

[@Hemmerschmidt]

I can vouch for taking a break from basketball entirely. My first year playing in France started off very poorly. I'm a shooter, and I was struggling badly. In practice I was ok at best, but in games I was ass. I took 10-15 shots per game, missed all but 2 at best, and I knew I could do way better but at the time I was just a burden looking for a stroke of luck. Then I went home for a couple weeks during the holidays, hardly touched the ball aside from a few gym sessions to figure out my mechanics, and I came back a completely different guy according to my coach and teammates. My team was one of the best in our league on defense, but offensively we were struggling. Then I finally became a guy they could rely on, and things started to click. Which led us to get the team promoted that season. Before the break, I was averaging 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, less than 1 steal and block, and a few turnovers. After the break, I was averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and rarely turned the ball over. I guess there's a reason why Europeans don't do much basketball related stuff during the off-season.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Sometimes the break does more for you mentally than physically! Such an awesome story and glad to hear that you got back on track!

[@darylcarr8748]

Great Video. Coaches and Parents need to watch this and be accountable for our lack of growing the game in North America the way it should be

[@TuckerRichardson]

Well said!

[@kristoferwong7869]

This is so true I remember being the tallest person on the court scoring under the rim When I wasn't the tallest I realized that getting to the rim became hard and I had to learn how to shoot

[@TuckerRichardson]

That is how it usually goes!

[@gritbasketball9667]

Great Stuff Tuck! Keep exposing those myths and helping kids on their journey. My hope is one day Coaches stop referring to skills as guard, skills or post skills rather than simply stating they are skills that can be used by anyone not just a specific position. The quality of work is way more important than the quantity but I asked you what if you were doing a lot of quality work. that’s what you did. Now later in your career rest and other things may become more valuable, but I don’t believe you get where you are today without the hours of quality work you’ve put it.

[@TuckerRichardson]

I agree with this coach. Younger players first need to understand the grind and what it takes to get to the next level, and then realize that rest is necessary. The rest can't come before the grind!

[@K4R3N]

So my three kids play basketball and tennis. I would say the main difference is there is no "position" in tennis. Every player has to be able to do everything on the court. Dirk Nowitzki was almost a tennis player growing up but just was so tall he moved over to basketball later. He still hits tennis these days.

[@cisqoh]

All of this happened to me and I graduated in 2020 I was a 6’2 big man no offers and coaches wouldn’t let me make mistakes. What sucked is they noticed how hard I was going in practice on defense, but never even gave me a chance to guard the ball in a game. So it made me second guess my love for it, I feel like I have no passion at all rn but I want to tryout at a juco, I’m only 21. I’ve had this habit for a while now and since I stopped caring about my grades ever since this happened my last yr of hs, it’s been hard focusing on my grades in college. I want to make a change in 2024 (edit- an outdated belief is hand placement, I went to a camp and spurs legend James Silas said I should change hand placement and it made my hands too close together and my shoulder stiff. My natural placement is like Steph currys)

[@pucci2k915]

Good luck bro I hope u make the best decisions 💯

[@cisqoh]

@@pucci2k915 preciate it bro 🤝❤️ still working through this in my mind but ik ima make a choice soon

[@pucci2k915]

@@cisqoh igth keep grinding 🙌🏾

[@TuckerRichardson]

The new year is the perfect time to get back on track with grades, basketball, everything. Best of luck in your future and thank you for sharing your story!

[@yigyountry]

i had a similar story, if u have the opportunity to play again u should 1000% !!! have fun and don’t make it weighted with pressure. live your life broski and God bless ❤️

[@guusgeluk3693]

I can't thank you enough for making point 5. To make a long story short. For my teenage years MG childhood was basketball. It was my dream to become a pro but I fell chronically ill and it shattered that possibility. I recovered a bit but I have a hard time starting basketball again because my main drive was always to turn pro and that possibility is 100% wiped away. I need to get into a more recreational mindset and enjoy the game now I still can.

[@TuckerRichardson]

For me, basketball is one of those games I will always play, long after I am getting paid for it. I hope you can find your love for the game in other ways without all the stakes and the pressure!

[@highlightcenter5651]

As a Wisconsin fan once I heard you played at colegate I knew you weren’t lying when you said shooting was your strong suit😂 just looked up your stats and you TORCHED us that game

[@Original_Brute_Force]

from experience, not crossing your feet on defense is important when kids are young and their feet grow faster than the rest of their body! I got to coach and ref 5th and 6th grade ball, it was fun seeing the kids enjoy themselves but I was shocked at the parents and opposing coaches. It was bad enough, I only did it one season. Great video though! this is a great perspective that people should keep in mind!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you!

[@GremlinZ420]

My first rec coach changed my play so much. He started me, even though we had a better forward that could've taken my spot easily, because I'm a really good defender and rebounder. Probably got 12 blocks, close to 40 boards over 8 games as a 5'9 14 year old kid. Pretty solid for middle school rec. When I got to High School, I didn't try out for B Team or JV, and instead focused on personal training. My coach helped me find my strengths. Interior Defensive, especially when I don't get stressed about fouls and get real physical, finishing, and grabbing them boards. I built/am building my shooting, driving, and overall perception. Without that coach starting me, I never would have had the confidence to ask not only coach but also the guy on our team I most looked up to (Actually the guy I started over, easily second best on the team but offered to play high minutes off bench) what my strengths were. How to improve my shoot. Etc. Good coaches make all the difference. A bad first coach can make a player with abnormal or specific strengths give up because they never play and think they have no chance. A good coach can push them to build a bag around those strengths.

[@TuckerRichardson]

100%, coaching is almost more important at the younger levels because it molds kids into the players they are going to become. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@Jimyjonson]

It’s crazy to see how fast this channel is growing. Love ur vids

[@TuckerRichardson]

I appreciate it, I can't believe it either!

[@martavious650]

As a coach to a player don’t take too many days but life experiences w family and friends are super valuable and will give you more purpose on the court. Keep grinding cross training but have fun !

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yes agreed, your starting point should be a focus on consistent training. Once you have that base, I believe it is okay to take mental rest at times. Thank you!

[@Tito110-t9u]

Amazing video. There are a lot of basketball channels like this but for me your channel helps me the most. Thank you for doing videos like this. Happy holidays.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Wow, appreciate this. Happy holidays to you as well!

[@Igor.Kucinski]

Tucker I discovered your chanel this year and you really helped my game. I will work hard this year and to play against your soon 😉 Peace for all and stayed focused

[@TuckerRichardson]

Maybe I will see you overseas down the road! Keep working!

[@Igor.Kucinski]

I hope

[@cannabisfreedomnow]

My coach back in the day didn't even let me get past the initial gitters of going in. Never even gave me a chance, and it shattered my self-esteem since basketball was my life.This was 20 years ago mind you. I hope that coaches will give kids a chance.

[@JakeA365]

the break advice is really important! i took 5 days off of training to visit my grandparents and when i came back i gained 5 inches on my vertical suddenly. i went from not being able to touch rim to getting my whole palm above it!

[@Lmmsns]

Cap

[@appiahfff]

Thank you man these tips really help been watching since 1k subs

[@TuckerRichardson]

You are a real one! Thank you!

[@RoofDoctorsJoanne]

Back in like 1985, Steve Mix (my dad was good friends with him) came to one of our high school practices and gave us some pointers. The one thing I remember was him saying & showing us how to use your strong hand on each side of the basket. He was left handed, and was explaining why he used his left hand on each side of the bucket. I went to a lot of camps, no one ever said that before. Lol, it obviously was good advice.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Very interesting!

[@jrida3062]

I appreciate the insight as a parent/coach. I don’t know everything, but now I feel better about things I implemented because I came up seeing a lot of things you described. Especially with the punishment thing, I hate punishing kids for messing up. I only had a few scenarios where we would “punish” kids and my major one was not paying attention during instructional time. Other than that, I wasn’t about to disrupt the whole practice and run ppl for not making layups. I would just make note of some things and then try to implement some drills where I saw the kids struggling. And I definitely like having kids go watch who they want to emulate. Now, the game is horrible to watch sometimes because we have middle schoolers trying to play Morey ball, so now it’s a lot of 3pt shots and highly contested layups. Which leads to maybe something else to touch on, but a lot of coaches constrain and keep a kid on such a tight leash where they are afraid to learn how to create their own shots and branch out.

[@TuckerRichardson]

I'm glad you were able to take some stuff away from this. I feel like being a coach is constant learning process for sure.

[@BlackKingEnt]

Quickly becoming my fav basketball page ! Keep it up brother.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you! Will do!

[@BrockMak]

When I was playing, I wished that I left behind the whole idea that "I must jump off the opposite leg when performing a layup (and probably the same for fadeaways)". It stuck with me even when I switched to indoor soccer (as a goalkeeper) and high jump. Years later, I had to have 2 months of chiropractor fixing my hip alignment.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Hmmm, that is really interesting. Sorry to hear you had those issues!

[@DaRealBenRichards]

I expected this to be a generic youtube vid but you have real knowledge. Inspeire the youth!

[@TuckerRichardson]

I appreciate it! I'm trying!

[@itsjayn4538]

even when I am too old to be grinding basketball after my knee surgeries now , but VERY GOOD VIDEO ... sure there are helpful advices here for every young hooper and even (youth) coaches

[@TuckerRichardson]

Wow thank you!

[@franciscosamir5256]

Hey I'm an Argentinean coaching kids in Ibiza Spain.... I have only one rule and thing I want my players to sink in, USE AND TRAIN with TWO BALLS, whenever they are able to... I think it's as close to a universal benefit as we have in basketball right now.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Very interesting, I do a lot of two ball stuff as well.

[@ianburke5592]

Love your videos man! Really excited to watch your videos in 2024 !!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Let's go, appreciate it!

[@zardfn9903]

I worked every day for years. Grinding, watching, making my life and personality the game. Sacrificing things like hanging out with friends and family time which I should not have. I live in Australia and the next level from the base is WABL (Western Australian Basketball League). It was my goal my whole life to get there. And I did it. I cried when I heard I would get to play at that level. And I only started working harder. But something happened. About half way into the season, after achieving moments that did not think were possible like averaging 10 points per game over a 3 week period, having defensive assignements on some of the leagues best players, and starting most my games in my first season, it all changed. I lost my love for the sport at that level completely. Sounds like I am yapping but I would just love to know what you think happened. I know I did not really like my team (I was kind of awkward but also a different kid to them), and our coaches worked as much harder than I ever wanted to, but I feel like that stuff is normal. I also had a perfectionist mentality where small mistakes would ruin me mentally and i did not enjoy 90% of the season. I have the opportunity to play again this year but I've made the decision for my sanity to not. Love to hear anyones thoughts and comparable experiences. Love the videos bro, wish I still loved the hustle and that level to fully implement this stuff. Also, i play social basketball now which is fun.

[@TheRoadLessChosen]

You accomplished your goal and might just be ready to move on. Lot of times the grind is the journey and once you meet that goal you’re mentally ready to move on to something else. Also, taking a break is great. You might find that you can’t live without the game and you come running back.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah, I agree that sometimes in life we realize something just isn't for us. If it is making you unhappy or unfulfilled, that is a sign to move on. And I love to hear that you still get joy out of playing with friends. I think that happens with a lot of people. When the pressure is off and they can just enjoy the process of shooting around or playing for fun, they rediscover what made them fall in love with basketball in the first place.

[@inFAIMous03]

I just want to add, although crossing your feet isn’t necessarily bad, you need to have good hips in order to not get burnt in higher levels and more athletic people. Also training pylometrjcs is important to elevate your game. I truely agree with number 7. Toughness is useful but not overly tough

[@TuckerRichardson]

Appreciate hearing your thoughts!

[@barleymepodcast2301]

Damn. Loved all of this. I was tall young but was a top 3 shooter in my school but I didn’t play the wing til Junior year when my coach finally gave it a shot. Then we replaced him with a “tear you down” coach and I quit and lost a lot of my drive for the game.

[@LakeManship]

i’m a 29 year old man who has never played organized basketball but i appreciate this video

[@TuckerRichardson]

I appreciate you watching!

[@jamesharden9843]

These videos have been great to watch on my basketball journey. I love your story especially since I’m from NJ too and I’ve played in Flemington and Hunterdon. Your advice to everyone is awesome and I can’t wait to see how big you grow in the future. I’ll be watching these throughout my basketball journey and I hope I can hit the level of college basketball that you experienced. Thank you so much and keep succeeding in Finland. Also, do you know Taylor Langan who played for the Colgate girls team over the last few years.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you so much for the support! I do know Taylor!

[@jamesharden9843]

She’s one of my aau coaches

[@brettdavis4]

I hope more coaches would realize it is better to go after the rebound instead of focusing on blocking out. I had a coach go nuts on me for that. This could be why he was only a freshman high school coach.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Maybe block out and get the rebound?

[@rawness19]

Blocking out is very important especially when your dealing with bigger players. Defense ends when you secure the rebound

[@joshsmilerbasketball]

Great video! Definitely agree with the rest days. It’s soo hard to not play basketball 😂

[@TuckerRichardson]

Haha yes it can be but sometimes you need that mental break.

[@josephangelo6519]

First point so true. I play volleyball and when kids first start out it’s good to be good at everything kuz u have no clue what you’ll end up doing in the future

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yes, best thing to do for younger players honestly in any sport.

[@Luotttaa]

I have been binging your videos as a 13 year old hooper. I have a dream To play in the ncaa and go to march madness and your vids have helped me improve. Thank you ❤

[@TuckerRichardson]

Keep working! I'm glad to help.

[@Luotttaa]

@@TuckerRichardson I have a question, how did you find your shooting form and how do you keep it consistent

[@TuckerRichardson]

Like I mentioned, I began working out with a trainer my freshman year of high school who completely changed my shot. I keep it consistent by getting hundreds of reps up in my workouts. It is no secret, consistency comes from the work. The hard part is developing good form.

[@Luotttaa]

@@TuckerRichardson I know I sound like a fraudulent fan rn but one last question, how were you able to find a trainer to help you

[@TuckerRichardson]

It was a very lucky situation, he was helping out with one of my sisters AAU practices and we started talking. He offered to work me out and from there we have been training together for over 8 years. I didn't actually seek out a trainer at first. And then over time I have trained with so many different guys to learn different training philosophies.

[@jpc0309]

Knew about you cause of your Colgate days and discovered your channel about a month ago. Love the vids man! Keep it up!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you! I'm so lucky to have gotten the opportunity at Colgate.

[@skl345]

Playing football can be tough. I've always had the "work hard every day" mentality, but it gets stressful thinking about practicing both offense and defense lines daily. Last year, after hernia surgery in June, I pushed through the season, only missing the final two games due to a pulled groin. Despite that, I still made the region's second team. Now, with one year of high school football left, I worry constantly about reaching the next level. When I see other linemen, some playing since they were four, with more experience and lifts twice my PR, it's easy to lose hope. My scar tissue from the surgery hasn't fully healed, sometimes significantly impacting my workout performance.

[@Crookedsensei]

Yo that first one ‼️dawg same exact situation with me 6 feet in middle school played the five but had great post up and face up scoring ability but the big issue was dribbling and shooting consistently. It took years to really hone in on those key skills we in a era of positionless basketball now morale of the story WORK ON YOUR ALL AROUND GAME

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@joejett5084]

This needs 50 million views 🎯💯💯💯💯

[@TuckerRichardson]

Appreciate it!

[@AlexDodig]

The thing with "use your right hand on the right side of the basket" and vice versa is that if you don't learn to make layups with both hands early on, you become predictable to defenders. That's why I would stick to this seemingly outdated rule in the early stages of development, and not mix it up until you get really confident with both hands. I have seen too many young players who cannot make layups with their off-hand because they have not worked on this fundamental skill.

[@MaxMinersHoops]

From this video i have seen so much stuff that i can change to get better, in my team training we cant cross our feet and if we do the team has to run so now i can change that in games and get better D.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yes, and it is not for every situation. But the idea that you should never cross your feet just doesn't make sense. There is a time and place.

[@williamsewell6094]

i played for a terrible high school program with terrible coaches. ever since ive graduated and went to college, ive gotten so much better at my game. like i would literally get pulled out for missing a shot while the little ass kissers younger than me were chucking up 3 pointers fucking left and right. but yeah everything you said here is pretty much spot on.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah, happens way too often. A lot of times a coaching change can really open up a kids game and they will begin to do things they didn't even realize they were capable of.

[@Sincful77]

Thank you bro. I really needed to hear this. much love ❤

[@TuckerRichardson]

You are welcome, glad to have helped!

[@ellaerith3199]

following your shot is great! if youre shooting from up close, especially if youre a center or power forward, but dont be the goofy ass point guard chucking up a 3 sprinting into the paint.

[@sheball5901]

Just came across your video today and it’s really helpful I’m a ball struggling with a lot of stuff such as pressure and doubt. Thanks a lot

[@TuckerRichardson]

Glad to help!

[@bumpandrunboys]

I’ve seen u in games from watching Woodward cause he’s from my home town. You were tuff bro

[@TuckerRichardson]

Appreciate it. Jeff still hooping at Colgate haha

[@dustyplok]

I'm a junior in highschool 6'1 and oh jv they never let me practice shooting and barely let me even try to dribble. now I'm terrible at dribbling and shooting I have bad confidence but I'm very good at rebounding but my confidence kills me on the offensive side

[@TuckerRichardson]

Sounds like you still have some time to work at getting better at those skills, but I am sorry to hear about your situation.

[@standingmaximumverticaljump]

Colgate I haven't heard of this college since Adonal Foyle was drafted in 1997. Yes I am that old.

[@TuckerRichardson]

That is how most people know of Colgate haha

[@boombazookajoe7480]

I was always the tallest kid in my class, so "naturally" I was put at center. I was 5'11" in the eighth grade, and 20 years later and I'm 6'2", so most of my growing was in middle school. Put me in weird place in HS b/c I no longer was as tall as these centers i was going up against, but didn't have the skill set to play a guard either. I had to work harder to develope my ball handling and outside shooting b/c I played down low my whole life. But topping out at 6'2", I'm barely tall enough to even play in the league

[@TuckerRichardson]

I hear this happen so often. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@GermanSubliminal777]

You're so damn right!🙏

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you!

[@liontribepoet]

As a former 2x all state high school star that led area in blocks and rebounds 2x years 1 year being 7bpg and 14rpg in, if your an undersized big, 6'2-6'6, work on your game and develop a multi dimensional presence! Whether it's being a good passer, shooter, ball handler , LEARN SOMETHING, i was 6'4 played like a pure center , but once i got in NJCAA D1 , Things got tricky and i had to fight and scrape for my share against 67-6;10 guys on my team that can shoot compared to me being 6'4 great center that couldn't shoot. ALthough , i did become a good passer and a LETHAL perimeter defender. SO WORK ON YOUR GAME! (EDIT) MY POINT IS, DO NOT let a coach / trainer tell you that you can't become a perimeter player.

[@TuckerRichardson]

100% agree with this, thank you for sharing your story!

[@liontribepoet]

@@TuckerRichardson Thanks for the content my guy

[@manifestdemocracy3604]

Love your videos, high quality and really valuable info for young hoopers like me. Keep it up 👍💪

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you!!

[@Iggy1378]

As a youth rec-league coach I don't have the luxury of recruiting exactly the right combination of player skills and talent/sizes.. and we have very limited actual coaching/practice time to teach everything we need to teach. Youth coaches WILL give kids positions so they know what to do to help that particular team.. while still trying to teach a wide variety of other skills to help the player progress. Don't expect youth coaches to teach you everything.. they cannot.. but take the experience you get and keep pushing/exploring/developing your other skills... players need to (eventually) take ownership of their own playing direction.

[@BobLoblowLawFirm]

Excellent video and analysis.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Appreicate it!

[@snekmeseht]

On shooting form. There are 2 elements. There is the magic, and there is the shooting form. Shooters with great magic, don't need great shooting form. However, you can compensate for less magic with greater shooting form. Even the greatest shooters that depend on the magic would improve their percentages if they also developed great shooting form. By the way, a shooter with great form will almost never miss left or right, only short or long.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Agree, great shooters don't miss to the side. That is a good indicator as to whether or not your shot needs a major change.

[@BrockMak]

4:46 I'm the other way around. My coaches (one of which became the coach of the NZ National Team, and was a teammate of Sean Marks), PE teachers all told me to only shoot underhanded layups for at least a month at a time to improve coordination and spatial awareness because I had to put spin on the ball. Sure, it was at a time when Iverson was coming up, so any way for smaller players to get their shots is as good as any.

[@TuckerRichardson]

That is pretty cool! Sounds like your coaches were ahead of their time.

[@BrockMak]

@@TuckerRichardson Not really. I suspect they grew up watching George Gervin.

[@HooperPremium]

Thank you for this. Always looking for some advice and this was very good advice.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Glad to help!

[@23thecurse]

im on your side bro but same time, for kids its about building good habits. teach them the fundamentals and the right way early. but yea those lessons shouldnt continue as they get older

[@TuckerRichardson]

I think you should always teach basketball the right way. I guess I would argue that the way old-school coaches teach kids a lot of times is not the right way.

[@Michael-cb5nm]

Most coaching at the youth level in the US stinks. Undertrained volunteers or “travel” mercenaries focused only on racking up winning records and pleasing parents. The only reason that the US produces elite players is that we have a robust basketball culture whereby players are playing high level pick up and practicing on their own outside of the formal practices and games. Without that culture, we’d be about as competitive in basketball as we are in men’s soccer.

[@TuckerRichardson]

It is certainly hard to find good coaches all the time. I have been lucky over the years to have mostly really good coaches, but I know that isn't true for everyone.

[@slimphotog]

Squaring up has been taught forever, but it's not about making shots. It's about being able to pass left or right, dribble left or right, and shoot. Remember also that when this advice became standard back when players took set shots with 2 hands. It was completely reasonable advice before the advent of one-hand jump shots.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Okay but now people don't shoot with two hands...so why would anyone square up? You should teach shooting form so players can make more shots.

[@slimphotog]

@@TuckerRichardson It's still good advice to tell players to square up in order to pass/dribble left or right because otherwise you give information away to the defense. But squaring up in itself won't improve your shooting percentage.

[@brentjansen166]

Here’s the thing about telling players to shoot and dribble a certain way. I have a 13 year old cousin who’s 5’11” and has played for one year. I tell him to shoot, dribble, pass and do things the conventional way because he has no experience. When he gains experience and a mastery of the basic concepts then he put pizazz on the basics he knows.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yeah this makes sense when kids are very young, but I still believe the earlier kids can understand creativity in skill development, the better they will be in the long run!

[@hackinghoops]

Hey Tucker. Is that Naz Reid in one of your video clips? Didn't he play on SportsU with you? And Jahvon Quinerly? Thanks for the great videos!

[@TuckerRichardson]

I did play with both of them. It has been so cool to see the success those guys have had, especially Naz in the NBA!

[@Shiftyy236]

You played with Jelly JQ?? That's crazy broooo! Appreciate you for all the advice as always. Keep going!!

[@TuckerRichardson]

Yes I did in AAU in high school! Such a good player, been cool to see how his career has developed. Thank you!

[@pariswalker1063]

This video made me feel so much better thank you.

[@TuckerRichardson]

That is what I like to hear!

[@wxracer23]

I remember being told to follow my shot meaning to follow through your form and the follow your shot by rebounding so I’d get mad confused haha

[@MrDiplomat180]

Thanks for the advice for 2024

[@TuckerRichardson]

You are welcome!

[@asmith2071]

There is also a benefit to be able to play in the post at any size.

[@TuckerRichardson]

100%, it goes both ways. Guards that can post up give themselves an advantage as well.

[@ShareefusMaximus]

Awesome video as usual. Coach John Wooden established that players should follow their shots because UCLA used a zone formation for offensive rebounding. Modern teams require 4 players to get back in transition defense. Some team still send 3 1⁄2 players to the offensive glass. My team's press on missed shots, so the shooter has to get to his assigned floor position right after the ball leaves his hands. I hold that pressing on miss shots is the most modern of modern basketball. I teach the turn and the dip, but I have to admit, great shooters have been created on the 10 toes, hand in the cookie jar method. Do we think Oscar Schmid would be a shot misser today? Or that Manu Ginobli needed a ball dip? All players should remain coachable during team play and expand their games during their off time. Kentucky played Anthony Davis under the rim, all of his terrific face up game is there by his own effort and practice.

[@TuckerRichardson]

For sure, great comments. I just wanted to respond to one thing you said. The point about Anthony Davis is well taken, although I think because he was 6 foot 11 in college, it is a little different. He knew he was going to be a big in the NBA. It is different for a younger kid who doesn't know how tall he is going to be, and is forced to play under the basket without knowing how to train other skills. Anthony Davis had way more access to that kind of information than a 6th grader might, that is why I think it is more of an issue at the younger levels.

[@christianbreaux2305]

Colgate is a GREAT University, Colgate will get you into many doors that other university’s can’t . Great vid and keep pushing positive

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you, I am so lucky I got recruited by Colgate. Such an incredible place!

[@christianbreaux2305]

The relationships your created there will serve you all the rest of your days on earth

[@UnlistedVenom]

6'3 at 13 and forced to play center even though I can shoot and handle the ball...

[@TuckerRichardson]

Ugh, terrible. But at least you have those other important skills in your bag! Use them.

[@ClayHales]

I feel like a lot of the old ideas like follow your shot shouldn't totally be discarded. Learn them, but understand the why and when not to do them. You mentioned focusing on the journey, not the destination. You read Stormlight Archives by chance?

[@TuckerRichardson]

I have not read that, what is it?

[@ClayHales]

@@TuckerRichardsonIt's a fantasy series by Brandon Sanderson with an order of knights that "Journey before destination" is one of the ideals they swear. The way you used those words almost sounded like you were a fan. It's a pretty serious time commitment if you want to get into it.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Wow that sounds really interesting! That is just something I have learned along the way throughout my own journey haha@@ClayHales

[@hardfought1842]

Great video. I coach my sons 7th grade and this is good infor

[@TuckerRichardson]

Glad to help!

[@Nvent1]

You don't have any shorts? I mean KZbin shorts lol they seem to reach more of an audience. Just a thought, thanks for all your help peace

[@TuckerRichardson]

I know, I know. Something I gotta look into at some point, maybe when this season is over and I head back home in the summer and have more time. Thank you!

[@creature1273]

I both agree and disagree with #4 rule. Totally agree with each of those as hard and fast rules. Which is where the difference in development and teaching come into play. The dip being taken away should be taught not as its bad because of it being able to be blocked, but as a source of all the strength from the shot. Correct hand each side is for the typical layup scenario, and growing the usefulness of both hands around the rim. I am pretty sure you are saying this in the video, but also you are trying to make a short informative video so context gets left out. Either way great, positive video. Keep up the great work.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Thank you and I appreciate this comment being so clarifying.

[@Rub-hd1vn]

Had a kid in my highschool who was 6'2 with a good amount of skill for the game, the coach put him at center and made him play under the basket, so he never developed dribbling technique or the ability to shoot, so the coach basically fucked any hopes of being a good player because all he cared about was "winning" witch they didnt do anyways

[@TuckerRichardson]

This is exactly what is frustrating. The truth is those games don't matter as much as a kids future, and they end up losing anyway!

[@NeverNotHoopin]

As a youth coach I only agree with positionless basketball until players reach certain age. Other things have more to do with discipline, self control, aso. There are always reasons a coach makes you do stuff. I would elaborate on everything but would need to write an essay to explain why "old school" coaching is important. Simply said, you need "old school" fundementals to do "new school" stuff.

[@TuckerRichardson]

I would push back on that a bit. I really feel like there are a lot of ways that the "fundamentals" are taught that are incorrect or incomplete or hold players back from their potential. It makes sense because the game has changed so much over the years. Coaching and players have to adapt.

[@NeverNotHoopin]

@@TuckerRichardson no offense young fella but this is the reason why you´re stuck in Finland after D1. Just like me, who was stuck in a similar league until the end of my professional playing days. It took me years until it came from my ass to my head. First you need to establish great habits and discipline. And I´m not saying you shouldn´t adapt, what I´m saying is you need to learn fundamentals so you understand the core of the game and then go forward on modern stuff. Great habits like active hands, hand in the passing lane one pass away. Discipline like don´t get cought ball watching, get low (low man wins) Example, if you never learned to slide your feet your ankles gonna be broken every game with a simple double crossover. I cross from left to right and do one step, you cross your right foot over your left and for that you´ll need to turn your hip, then I cross back from right to left and you´re down. So you need to learn how to slide first and then you learn when you should cross your feet. Same with close outs, same with lay ups. Don´t do Kyrie stuff until you can make 50 two handed lay ups of the board if I wake you up in the middle of the night. You need that fundamental stuff to rely on once that shiny stuff ain´t working. I hope I could make it understandable since english is my 3rd language. Keep it up and i wish you a long and healthy career with an transfer to a strong Euroleague club.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Haha, stuck in Finland? It is my first year playing pro and the Finnish league is very competitive nowadays. I agree with some of what you're saying but I wouldn't try and attack my basketball career. You can check out my resume I think a lot of it speaks for itself. This year is only the beginning...@@NeverNotHoopin

[@NeverNotHoopin]

@@TuckerRichardsonI'm aware of EU basketball and the leagues. Finish league currently is ranked as 27th league in Europe with no international experience. But I love your determination! Keep grinding, stick to fundamentals and I hope one day I might see you in Euroleague. Maybe for my favorite club. 😉

[@lancastergerard]

100% correct on tall kids developing ‘guard’ skills in today’s game. 100% wrong on following your shot. You shoot first, land, then follow. Should not effect the shot release. A quick dip is fine. Most youth players go too low and slow. Underhand lays protect the shot when the defender is behind you. Best coaching advice ever would be ‘just let them play’ The most outdated coaching strategy today is probably playing mostly zone defense.

[@TuckerRichardson]

Appreciate these ideas. I hear you on the follow your shot, just don't think anyone should be worrying about it in the act of shooting. And yeah, playing zone is terrible for development, should honestly not be allowed before high school.

[@kidhavocc3846]

I agree coaches should try to develop guard skills in taller kids but when you have one kid that stands out from the rest and dont have too much time its hard not to make them a big man

[@TuckerRichardson]

You can play in a way so that your tallest player doesn't just get stuck under the basket while still utilizing their size.

[@Connor_Duncan]

Hi been watching ur videos for a good while now really enjoy them, what types of fundamentals do you work on 20 mins before practice?

[@TuckerRichardson]

All kind of things, but at Colgate it was a lot of shooting. Shooting off of movement, off of dribble handoffs, and off of ball screens were the main things I worked on because those are the shots I would get in games.

[@johndavis9321]

Hello I am new to your channel but have been binging a bit due to the quality if possible do you think you could make a video on some common offensive half court sets/formations and/or plays I k ow of a basketball player who is currently trying to transition from playing pickup ball to playing organized ball and needs some help with transitioning his game into fitting in an organized offense thanks again and hope you have a good day

[@TuckerRichardson]

There are a lot of great KZbin video breakdowns on this kind of stuff, but will certainly look into it moving forward! Thank you!

[@Brain__Drain]

In Summary, do NOT listen to your COACHES? 😂😂😂

[@TuckerRichardson]

Well, it depends on what coaches you have!

[@YTISASF]

Bro I have so many friends that were bigger in elementary school and played center even tho in their adult life they were the height of a guard, like 98% of them. And you’re right that fucked up their development

[@TuckerRichardson]

It sucks that it holds so many players back!