Average a Triple-Double like Russell Westbrook
How to become an all-around player
Last night, Russell Westbrook notched his 20th triple-double of the season, a feat that only two other NBA players have ever reached… and we’re not even halfway through the season yet! To say that this is an incredible accomplishment is an understatement. Westbrook is probably the most well-rounded player in the game today as demonstrated by the fact that he averages double digits in three important statistical categories: scoring, rebounding, and assists. The only player to ever finish the season averaging a triple-double is Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, another player known for being well-rounded. To make your game more well-rounded, there are hundreds of free drills on the Hustle basketball drills app to target a particular opportunity. Let’s analyze a few ways you can learn the skills to average a triple-double like Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook has one of the quickest releases for mid-range jumpers. He does an excellent job at pulling up for a jumper off the dribble with a defender in his face. He’s able to keep the defender off balance by freezing and getting them to rock back off balance, creating just enough space for an uncontested jump shot. You can learn how to do this move on the Hustle App with the Freeze Jumpers drill. Practice this with a teammate, or spin the ball back to pass to yourself. Take two dribbles and use the threat of dribble penetration to move the defender onto his heels while you go up for the easy mid-range jumper.
In order to average double digits for assists, you have to be a solid passer. You also cannot be a selfish player, which is sometimes difficult for scorers. Westbrook regularly shows why he’s a solid passer, with both core fundamentals and plenty of razzle dazzle passes that end up on SportsCenter. Before you can make the no-look and behind-the-back passes look easy, you have to have core fundamentals down. To work on this, try out the 3-on-1 Rapid Fire Passing Drill on the Hustle app. With two balls and four players, select one player to be in the hot seat. When that player passes to any of the three other players, the player with the other ball passes the ball back to the player in the hot seat. This is high intensity, but a great way to develop those passing skills needed to average double digit assists.
Even though Westbrook is only 6’3”, he’s one of the top rebounders in the league. He does this by using his speed to the ball along with a strong lower body that helps him box out opponents. After boxing out, he’s quick to the ball for the rebound. To practice this yourself, check out the Box Out Drill with Blocking Pad on the Hustle app. In a normal defensive stance with your back to the basket and the offensive player holding a blocking pad, have someone take a shot. When the shot goes up, box out the offensive player holding the blocking pad, then run to the ball to collect the rebound.
Plenty of players hit a few triple-doubles over the course of their careers, but Russell Westbrook is averaging one every game, proving that he’s a dominant force in the league. When Kevin Durant made the move to the Warriors, Westbrook had to step up… He’s gone above and beyond. But it takes hard work and solid fundamentals to average a triple-double like Westbrook, but you can take those first steps by learning the drills available on the Hustle app.
If you’re looking for guidance on specific drills to improve any aspect of your game, from shooting, passing and dribbling to rebounding, defending and conditioning, try out the Hustle app — it’s free!
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