The 2024 WNBA season has kicked off with a bang, and one of the most anticipated rookie classes in league history has not disappointed. From Caitlin Clark's explosive scoring to Angel Reese's dominance on the boards, these rookies are making their mark. In this blog post, we break down the top 2024 rookies, their performances, and their most exciting upcoming matchups. Get the inside scoop on the elite WNBA rookies!

1. Caitlin Clark

How has Caitlin Clark performed so far?

Being one of the most hyped draft picks in recent years in the WNBA, many had high hopes for Caitlin. Although the Indiana Fever have struggled with a 1-8 record, Clark has been able to show out - averaging 17.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. In her last game against the Los Angeles Sparks, she put up her season-high with 30 points, along with 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. As Clark adapts to the WNBA, we expect her to have more consistent performances. 

What makes Caitlin Clark special?

Clark is a 6´0 shooting guard who has to be guarded 94 feet. Her ability to shoot off the dribble is second to none. She has a canny ability to get to the line and knock down free throws.  She is the first player in WNBA history to tally at least 100 points and 50 assists in her first eight games.

Upcoming Matchup to Watch

• vs. Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday (12 p.m. ET, ESPN): This is a must-watch game as two of the most polarizing women’s basketball players, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese go head to head in their first Pro Matchup.

2. Angel Reese

How has Angel Reese performed so far?

Angel Reese has had consistent showings for the Chicago Sky. The No.7 pick is averaging 12.0 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per game, leading all rookies in rebounding. Reese recorded her first double-double against the Seattle Storm with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Reese will continue to dominate in the post throughout the season. We look forward to seeing her once college rival now teammate Kamilla Cardoso and her work together in the post. 

What makes Angel Reese special?

Reese is an incredible athlete and moves well for her size. She is a quick forward who is a relentless rebounder. She is a consistent scorer and is able to protect the paint defensively. .

Upcoming Matchup to Watch

• vs. Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday (8 p.m. ET): Reese will look to build on her double-double performance against a tough Sparks team and rookie post Cameron Brink. 

3. Rickea Jackson

How has Rickea Jackson performed so far?

Rickea Jackson, a key player for the Los Angeles Sparks, scored 12 points in her first career start, helping her team to an 88-82 victory over Indiana. Jackson has been praised for her defensive presence and offensive skills.

What makes Rickea Jackson special?

Jackson's versatility in guarding perimeter players and her ability to contribute offensively make her a critical player for the Sparks. She is quickly adapting to the WNBA and may see more starts in the future.

Upcoming Matchup to Watch

• at Chicago Sky on Thursday (8 p.m. ET): Jackson will face off against fellow rookie Angel Reese in what promises to be an exciting matchup.

4. Cameron Brink

How has Cameron Brink performed so far?

Cameron Brink, the No. 2 overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, has experienced some ups and downs. After a season-high 21 points in a loss to Dallas, she scored just 3 points in a win over Indiana. However, she contributed with rebounds, assists, and blocks.

What makes Cameron Brink special?

Brink's ability to impact the game in multiple ways, even when her scoring is down, showcases her all-around talent. As a post player, her involvement can vary, but her defensive contributions are consistent.

Upcoming Matchup to Watch

• at Chicago Sky on Thursday (8 p.m. ET): Brink will aim to bounce back offensively and help her team secure another win and go against superstar rookie Angel Reese. 

Conclusion

The 2024 WNBA rookie class is living up to the hype, with players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Rickea Jackson, and Cameron Brink leading the way. As these rookies continue to develop and make their mark on the league, fans have plenty to look forward to. Be sure to catch their upcoming games and witness the future stars of the WNBA in action!

Caitlin Clark played an impressive game today against the New York Liberty, finishing with 22 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. This marks her best performance in her young professional career. The Liberty, with Clark’s contributions, made history, achieving the largest paid gate of any WNBA game since 1997. Although the Liberty won 91-80, the Fever and Clark made critical adjustments that allowed them to find success throughout the game.

Uptempo Transition

This game marked the first time I saw the Fever push the pace and truly run down the court to maximize fast break opportunities. This strategy allowed Caitlin Clark to find space and attack downhill to create her own shots, while also enabling guards like Kelsey Mitchell to use their speed in transition to get easy buckets. Clark was able to excel in what she does best – passing. With her teammates running up the court, she pushed the ball ahead with her full court passes.

Off-Ball Movement

There was significantly more off-ball movement. In their first two games, the Fever were caught between running set plays and a stagnant high pick and roll, which did not yield much success. Caitlin Clark was seen coming off staggers, flares, and other off-ball screens that freed her up. She was not forced to come off ball screens or work excessively hard to create her shot. Boston also benefited from this, getting more 1-on-1 opportunities and cuts off the post.

Notes on Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark looked more comfortable in today's matchup against the New York Liberty. Despite her having the defensive specialist Betnijah Laney-Hamilton on her, she was able to score an efficient 22 points and connect with her teammates racking up 8 assists. As the Fever improve their on-court chemistry and offensive tempo, Clark will find more opportunities.

The Fever are now 0-3 and face the Connecticut Sun next on Monday. Despite the rocky start, the Fever showed much promise and fundamentals that can be built upon. Let’s see how Clark and the Fever respond.

The Indiana Fever’s opening night was ruined as the New York Liberty won 102-66 with Breanna Stewart leading the way with 31 points. Despite the hype around the rookie superstar Caitlin Clark, which drew out a sold-out crowd of 17,247 in their home opener last night, she struggled to get it going against the Liberty putting up nine points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three turnovers. This loss comes two days after the Connecticut Sun defeated the Fever 92-71, Clark leading the Fever with 20 points but racking up 10 turnovers.

Caitlin Clark finishes the game with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 turnovers. Watch her highlights against the New York Liberty.

Performances like this leave everyone wondering: Is Caitlin Clark really the player everyone thinks she is? 

Caitlin Clark Effect

In short - it is way too early to tell. The Caitlin Clark media phenomenon has created unrealistic expectations for the 22 year old rookie fresh out of Iowa. It is unreasonable to think that Clark would have a seamless transition into the WNBA without any growing pains. Think of some of the best to ever play the game: Kobe Bryant averaged 7.6 points his rookie year, LeBron James didn’t lead the Cavs to the playoffs his first year, Dirk Nowitzki struggled against bigger and more physical defenders his first time in the NBA. Caitlin Clark is two games into the WNBA and people are confused as to why she isn’t producing. The answer: she’s figuring it out while adjusting to a different game, shorter shot-clock, and bigger, faster, and stronger defenders! Although the controversial statements from WNBA veterans were brash, they did hold some truth. 

Indiana Fever Game Analysis

Another thing to note is that Clark is on one of the worst WNBA teams in the league. There’s a reason the Fever secured the first pick in two consecutive drafts to get Clark and Aaliyah Boston. After the Fever’s first two games, the offense is far from elite. Erica Wheeler and Clark have little to no on-court chemistry and the slow-paced no-movement offense that the Fever has in place is not helping either. There has been a lot of criticism towards head coach Christie Sides and some of it is warranted. So far, Sides is not allowing Clark to display her offensive expertise as she has Wheeler handling the ball through high picks and rolls and Clark stationary in the corner or wing. In order for the Fever and Clark to maximize offensive output, Clark is going to have to get a lot more touches in scoring positions. This means more off ball movement and a faster paced offense.

The Indiana Fever has a tough road ahead with upcoming games against the top-ranked Liberty, Connecticut Sun, and defending WNBA champions Las Vegas Aces. The question remains: Do the Fever have what it takes to rise to the challenge?

While it’s too early to draw definitive conclusions about Caitlin Clark, patience and strategic adjustments could pave the way for her and the team’s future success.

One of the most crucial aspects of basketball is ball handling. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or a pro, there's always room for improvement when it comes to controlling the ball. Ball-handling skills are a key to the game and can elevate your performance on the court. Even if you're not a basketball player, dribbling is a fun and engaging way to get your cardio workout in.

One of the best parts about ball-handling is its versatility. You can practice on the court or even in the comfort of your own home. The flexibility of ball-handling drills means you can fit it into your routine whenever it suits you. Whether it's a quick session or warm up or a weekend practice, the opportunity to enhance your skills is always available.

Moreover, improving your ball-handling isn't just about becoming a better basketball player; it's also a fantastic way to boost your fitness. Dribbling involves constant movement, agility, and coordination, making it an excellent full-body workout. You'll build strength, enhance your reflexes, and develop better hand-eye coordination—all while having fun.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to get better at ball-handling. We'll cover essential drills, techniques, and tips to help you improve your control and confidence with the ball. Whether you're looking to boost your game or simply enjoy a fun way to stay active, this guide has got you covered. 

What are the Basics of Ball Handling & Dribbling? 

Ball-handling and dribbling are often used interchangeably in basketball, yet understanding how to improve your ball-handling skills doesn't have to be a hard task. While the concepts of ball-handling and dribbling may seem difficult at first glance, breaking them down into smaller components can simplify the learning process. By focusing on specific aspects and skills, you can gradually improve your ability and confidence in handling the ball.

Ball Control and Manipulation:

• Master controlling the ball with your fingertips and hand to ensure maximum control and accuracy.
• Practice different pickups and cupping with the ball to improve your ball control and the ability to manipulate the ball. Here are 5  BEGINNER EXERCISES FOR BETTER BALL CONTROL.
• Focus on developing dexterity and flexibility to execute advanced dribble techniques with ease.

Hand-Eye Coordination:

• Develop strong hand-eye coordination to track the ball's movement while maintaining awareness of your surroundings.
• Practice dribbling drills that require you to focus on the ball while reacting to changes in the game environment.
• Enhance your ability to handle the ball with precision and control by improving your hand-eye coordination.

Creativity:

• Experiment with different dribble moves and combinations to develop a versatile skill set.
• Develop your own unique style of play by incorporating creative elements into your dribbling routine.
• Embrace your personality on the court and use your creativity to keep defenders guessing and create scoring opportunities.
• Play short sided games with different constraints and 1 on 1 to experiment new moves on live defense!

Does regular practice develop dribbling skills for game situations?

Regular practice sessions are essential for developing dribbling skills for game situations. By consistently working on dribbling drills and exercises, you can build better control and a heightened feel for the ball. This familiarity with the ball allows you to react more confidently and decisively when facing live defense during games. Through repetition, your dribbling becomes more fluid and natural, enabling you to navigate through defenders with ease and maintain possession under pressure.

Here is a 10 minute beginner follow-along workout that will help you improve at ball handling. GET BETTER HANDLES HERE.

https://youtu.be/lV1K2NkBd2I

In conclusion, ball-handling and dribbling are fundamental skills that every basketball player must master, whether you're just starting out or you're already a seasoned pro. The versatility of ball-handling practice makes it easy to fit into any schedule, and the benefits extend beyond the court. Improving your ball-handling not only enhances your basketball performance but also contributes to your overall fitness, building strength, agility, and coordination.

By focusing on the basics of ball control, hand-eye coordination, and creativity, you can develop a well-rounded skill set that allows you to handle the ball with confidence and precision. Regular practice and dedication to these drills will ensure that your dribbling skills are sharp and game-ready. Remember, the key to improvement lies in consistent practice and pushing your limits.

Whether you're practicing alone or incorporating these drills into your team training, the steps outlined in this guide will help you on your journey to becoming a better ball-handler. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and watch as your skills and confidence grow. With the right mindset and effort, you'll find that handling the ball becomes second nature, allowing you to take your game to new heights. So grab a ball, start practicing, and get ready to elevate your performance on the court.

Ball handling is a hard skill that can take time to master. Starting your ball handling journey can be intimidating and seem never-ending. Luckily, there are a ton of resources at your disposal to get better and use as a guide to improve your ball handling.

Check out our video that we made about it.

There are a lot of different components when it comes to ball-handling. Some of them are the execution of certain moves, ball control, and dribbling against live defenders. With consistent technique practice and exposure and practice against live defenders, your handles will drastically improve over time.

In this guide, we are going to give you 5 simple beginner drills that focus on ball control and manipulation. These drills are designed to increase your confidence with the ball, and help you have that ball on a string. You can either follow along by reading this guide or follow along on our video The 5 Best Basketball Drills For Beginners Let’s dive in and get to work!

Pocket Pounds

A pocket dribble is the foundation of any good ball-handler. The ability to manipulate your wrist and bring the ball up into your pocket allows you to get into different moves easier and protect the ball from defenders.  Your dribble pocket is the space between your shoulder and hip, essentially where the pocket of your shorts are.

In this drill, you are going to start with three pound dribbles, and then rip the ball into your dribble pocket. To do this, bring your elbow back allowing the ball to hang in the air. I like to tell my players to think of starting a lawn mower as they yank the ball. Make sure to keep your hand on top of the ball and allow your elbow to do most of the work to bring the ball back. 

Complete 20 reps with each hand and repeat twice. This should take you about 2-4 minutes and can be done every day along with all drills in this guide. This is a great way to improve your handle and allow you to gain control of the ball. ‍

Over & Back Pounds

We are continuing work on ball manipulation with the Over & Back Pounds. For this drill, you need to find a line, cone, or anything that gives you a marker for ball placement accountability. Similarly to the Pocket Pounds, we are working on wrist manipulation and ball control as we are pounding the ball back and forth over the line. 

To complete this drill, you need to pound the ball over and back your accountability marker (line/cone/water bottle). Focus on keeping your hand over the ball and letting your wrist bring the ball over and back. Do not be scared to really pound that ball! It may take a while to get the hang of the pounds - but do not soften the dribble (it makes the exercise way harder!)

Complete 20 reps with each hand and repeat twice. This should take you 2-3 minutes and can be done every day along with all drills in this guide. This drill will allow you to progress and strengthen your technique with moves like the Push Cross!‍

Stationary Wraps

Stationary wraps are one of my favorite ways to warm up my handle and really work on my ball control. Throughout my whole playing career, I used stationary wraps to keep my handle tight and feeling good. While completing this wrap series, be sure to cup the ball and exaggerate your wrist movement pushing the ball in and out. 

Back to Front Wraps

The first wrap we are doing is the Back to Front Wrap. To complete this wrap you have to bounce the ball from the back of your body to the front of your body. The goal is to continuously wrap the ball back to front around your leg. Complete 10 continuous wraps twice. 

Front to Back Wraps

The second wrap we are doing is the Front to Back Wraps. To complete this wrap you have to bounce the ball from the front of your body to the back of your body. The goal is to continuously wrap the ball front to back around your leg. Complete 10 continuous wraps twice. 

Modified Version

This drill can be complicated at first for beginners - so we added a couple of modifications you can use until you can progress into continuous wraps.

1. Wrap With 1 Dribble in Between
   • This modification allows you to dribble in between each wrap. Lessening the load on the wrist and allowing you to reset with a dribble.
2. Wrap With Catch in Between
   • This modification allows you to catch in between each wrap. Every catch will allow you to reset between the wraps.

Wraps on the Move

We are now moving from our stationary portion of this ball handling guide and going on the move. For this drill, we are combining the back and front wraps while moving forward and backward between the baseline and the free throw line (about 4 feet if you don’t have access to a court).

To complete this drill, you will wrap the ball back to front to move forward. Use short choppy steps to build that rhythm and flow. With every step incorporate a wrap. If this is hard you can modify and add a bounce in between! Once you reach the free throw line, you will wrap the ball from front to back. Use the same short choppy steps to maintain rhythm. Use modifications as necessary. Do this 4 times down and back.

To get a good visual and breakdown of the next drills checkout our YouTube Video! You will get a comprehensive Basketball Drills Tutorial to all the drills mentioned throughout this post.‍

Float Dribbles 

To be a good ball handler, you must have float dribbles in your bag. A float dribble is when you let the ball hang in the air while continuing your movement. Float dribbles are great to change pace and set up a change of direction or speed. A key to mastering the float dribble is the ability to turn your wrist out and control the ball. The drills previously mentioned will help you work up to being a pro at Float Dribbles! 

To complete this drill start at either elbow - you will take two float dribbles across the free throw line. Finish with a jump stop or speed stop pickup. Repeat this 10 times each hand. Alternate hands each time. 

Incorporating these five essential drills into your basketball training regimen will undoubtedly enhance your ball handling skills and elevate your performance on the court.