Mr Reisman's Blog

Sets and Nets

Its That time of year again.  5th graders are beginning the all-time favorite Square Dance unit.   We begin with the exciting time of   "Who is going to be my partner"?  What a scene in the gym as I announce the squares. The anticipation is overwhelming.   Everyone in each square is aware they will be working cooperatively to work together the best they can.  Treating eachother with respect at all times, laughing, and having a good time are the expectations of the unit.

Game on!

4th and 5th grade classes are now into game play in our basketball unit.  this is more complicated than it sounds.  there is a whole series of rules that need to be applied.  Basketball has a lot of rules whic need to be applied, at the same time having an understanding of each rule.  So basketball is as much cognnitive as it is physical.  Actually, to play any game at your best, the cognitive side of the game is very important.  One cannot do their best without total concentration.  The fundamentals we worked on, passing, dribbling, pivotoing, jump stops, rebounding, defense will all be pu

How to find a Passing Lane

When games begin and we begin to learn how to play defense, this creates an issue with all the offensive fundamentals we have learned so far.  How do we make passes, or dribble, or fing our shot, if the defense is making this so difficult to move the ball.  The solution:  find a "passing lane".  A passing lane is a direct line, unobsrtucted by defense that the players have to create, byt moving without the ball, and by the use of the pivot and the dribble.  Working together it is possibler to find these lanes all over the court.  First the player has to be aware of them, second you have to

The Art of Rebounding

As we move closer to playng Basketball games, we need to understand the importance of rebounding.  After all, even in the professional ranks, only the best shooters make 50% of their shots.  So in class, I would have to say we make 20 to 30% of our shots.  So that means there are plenty of rebounds, many opportunities to gain control of the basketball.  Step one is to assume that every shot is going to be missed ,and be ready.  Turn quickly and face the basket and get ready to catch the ball.  Bend the knees and get ready to jump, if you catch the ball high in the air, you will get it befor

The Perfect Jump Shot

The 2nd week of Basketball skills we begin to focus on the fundamental of shooting the basketball.  Everybody wants to score a basket.  So lets look at the most important factors.  First, it is a one hand shot.  Non-shooting hand is used as a guide, to hold and balance the ball in your shooting hand.   Shooting hand under the ball with fingers contacting the ball.  Non-shooting hand on the side of the ball.  Shooting elbow directly below the ball. Always shoulders squared up to the basket.

Rutledge Hall School
6850 N. East Prairie Road
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
[Ph] 847-675-8236 | [Fax] 847-675-9320


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