text: i am a 16 year old sophomore girl and i tried out for my basketball team last week.? i had an injury to my quad and looked horrible, so i got cut. i am about 5'9", and not the most athletic girl in the world but i have a fairly good shot and play good defense. i am pretty quick down the court but my jump isn't too great. i'm not a good ball handler at all. i just want to know if you think i could work on some skills and make a comeback as a junior. if so, what skills should i focus on and how? i really love this game and am miserable that i won't get to play this year. help! i coached high school basketball for a few season and coaches always look for a few things:  1.  foot work 2.  court vision 3.  moving with-out the ball 4.  and of course, shot technique (regardless if it goes in or not)  things you can do include the following drills:  1.  jump stop and pivot with both legs (front and back pivot).  start from one baseline and jog to the other baseline, and do a jump stop and a pivot in the free-throw line, half-court, other side free-throw line, and then finally baseline on the other side. 2.  dribble between cones with your head up (since you admit not being a good dribbler, this will help you out), and at 5'9", you will need dribbling skills.  warm-up by dribbling in one place for 5 minutes with your head up.  remember, practice more with your off hand.  (less dominant hand) 3.  learn to set picks and move with out the ball...coaches love players who can do this with-out being told.  this unfortunately can only be learned by playing alot, but while you are playing, try not to ask for the ball, instead, try setting picks and opening up other players for a shot. 4.  as far as shot techniques, you can do a few drills...my favorite is when a player starting above the top of the key dribbles toward the shoulder of the free-throw line and takes a shot.  another drill would be starting from the sideline then heading toward the free-throw, have someone to pass you the ball from the otherside, and then pivot and shoot at the same time.  pretend you are coming off a curl or screen.  hope this helps you get started.