This book provides an easy-to-use program for expanding and refining skills and drills. It can be used as a self-improvement manual and instructional resource for players of all levels and as a reference for teachers and coaches. Using this step-by-step approach, players follow ten steps covering basic skills and concepts. The book outlines the mechanics for the following basic shots, and how to correct common errors: one-hand set shot, free throw, jump shot, three-point shot, hook shot, lay-up, runner shot. Also included are details of six basic passes, nine different dribble moves and the emotional, mental and physical qualities necessary to be an all-round player. Over 100 drills are outlined for improving offensive and defensive skills, with illustrations.
Dr. Hal Wissel has a wealth of experience in the National Basketball Association as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Jersey Nets. Hal was also director of player personnel with the Nets and scout and special assignment coach with the Milwaukee Bucks.
As a collegiate head coach, Wissel compiled more than 300 wins. He turned losing programs at Trenton State College and Lafayette College into conference and division champions respectively. Wissel led Florida Southern College to four straight trips to the NCAA Division II tournament and three straight trips to the Division II final four ('80, '81, and '82), winning the Division II national championship in 1981. Wissel coached Fordham University into the 1972 NIT Tournament and also coached the Dominican Republic national team in 1975.
Wissel founded Basketball World and CoachWissel.com, instructional ventures featuring basketball camps, clinics, books, and DVDs. Basketball World's highly successful Shoot It Better Mini Camps are conducted worldwide for players from youth level to NBA and WNBA level.
Wissel received a bachelor's degree from Springfield College, a master's degree from Indiana University, and a doctorate in physical education from Springfield College. Wissel's best-selling book Basketball: Steps to Success has been translated into eleven languages. Wissel is also the author of Becoming a Basketball Player: Individual Drills, which has been made into a DVD. Wissel has also produced five basketball shooting DVDs.
Wissel's honors include being named Coach & Athlete magazine's Eastern Coach of the Year in 1972; Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year ('79, '80, and '81); and Division II National Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1980. Wissel has been inducted into the Florida Southern College Athletic Hall of Fame, the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame, and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
Hal and his wife, Trudy, reside in Suffield, Connecticut, and have five grown children and one granddaughter.
