Using the Barkley 😤 · SAVI Coaching

Using the Barkley 😤

Barkleys have been a hot topic recently in our paid community so here’s a quick breakdown of how we teach it and why it matters!

This is one of my favourite skills - it improves control & vision, decreases turnovers, and is useful for ALL players.

🧠 When to Barkley:

Neutralized below the elbow
Slower drivers
Attacking a switch or mismatch

🔑 Teaching Points:

Change of Pace: Start with a hard, genuine drive—don’t play for the Barkley. Then, slow down and transfer the ball to your off-hand (e.g. right-hand drive into left-hand Barkley).
Feel the D: Don’t pre-determine your move. Instead, use the dribble to feel whether you can beat your defender to the midline.
Reads from the Midline: If you can get middle ➝ rise up for a soft jumper or jump hook If you feel chest ➝ step through If you’re cut off middle ➝ drop step for a 45-degree angle finish

📐 Why Midline Matters: Attacking toward the middle creates better finishing angles and forces defenders to make harder decisions. We want feet leaving the floor with purpose, not pre-set moves.

💡 Live Drill Progressions:

Play "either-or": Finish off one foot if there's an advantage. If not, Barkley.
Every 1-on-1 should include protection plans so players learn how to protect space and get quality shots—not just chuck tough ones.

🗣️ The "post" isn’t just for bigs. It’s a place of attack—and every player should be equipped to operate there.

More on this and other protection plans in our new Player Development Course exclusive to members!

DROP YOUR THOUGHTS & QUESTIONS BELOW👇

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