No question is a bad question when it comes to basketball. Eddie Johnson wants to hear from you on all aspects of the game. How do you feel about the NBA draft? How will your favorite NBA team fare this season? Who are the top players in the league? Who are the best coaches and the worst? How can I become a more fundamentally sound player etc? Eddie is forthright and honest in his answers. So please do not hold back - FIRE AWAY. Send an email with your question to info@jumpshotclub.com

Q: I am only 5-8 and 128. I developed a post game when I used to lift weights two years ago when I was 15. I had a great back-to-the-basket game against taller, bigger people because I used mostly quickness (particularly a spin-move.) I was wondering what types of exercise can further develop my strength and thus add moves to my game

A: Well at 5'8 you will have to develop explosive moves around the basket and then learn how to use up and under moves to draw contact against taller players. Speed and quickness drills like plyometrics should help. Also calf raises, squats and rope jumping are essential as well.

Q: How many shots a day should I be taking for practice?

A: The key is to take game shots. That means moving without the ball or with the ball at game speed into your shot. Whether it’s off a screen, off the dribble or spot up shooting. An example would be back- pedal to half court and then sprint into your shot around the free throw line at the elbows. Another example would be to use a chair with a shoe on it. Attack the chair off the dribble and pull up for a short jumper get the rebound dribble to half court and repeat. 200-250 game shots are sufficient for any one.

Q: Hi, I have a big question for you. I’m fast moving on the court but I have a big handling the ball problem. I tend to lose it a lot when I dribble especially when on the move, and to make things worst I don't have big hands they are rather small.

A: I suggest you really start concentrating on keeping the ball in front of you. Sometimes players like yourself tend to out run the ball thus losing control. Do a lot of full court drills where you are really concentrating on pushing the ball out in front of you. Dribbling with two balls full court really helps with control. Also try and spread your fingers and dribble ball with finger-tips instead of palm.

Q: I am going to the 9th grade next year. Some one told me that if I don't make the varsity basketball team I will not go to College or the NBA. Is this true? How many people made it playing basketball from a 9th grade team? My coach said I have the perfect shot but I need to learn to handle the ball better if I want to start on varsity or much less make it. How do I get a handle by the end of the summer and get more moves.

A: I suggest you go talk to the varsity coach and ask him to work with you or tell you what things you need to work on in order to make his team. Rip Hamilton is a great role model. Now get to work so you can make varsity.

Q: I just wanted to ask how do you get into the NBA? I'm a 14 year old kid that's about to go to high school and I'm 5'11" and I kill my self to be the best. I practice an average of 4 hours a day. I'm one of the few kids who'd rather go to basketball court and run up and down it with my left hand on Friday afternoons than go to YMCA dance with everyone else. I'm one of the few kids who shoot the basketball properly, with one hand and above my head. People think I'm obsessed with basketball because that's all I play and talk about. I feel like I'm a great solo player like whooping kids in one on one games and games of 21/rebound but when it comes to full court 5 on 5 pick up games I don't perform as good as I practice. What's wrong with me please help?

A: You seem to have the work ethic needed to make it to the next level. The one thing you need to develop and it is hard to do and that is being patient. I guarantee if you continue to put in the effort that you say, then you will start to see improvement in your team game. Please understand that confidence plays a vital role in becoming a very good basketball player. Never underestimate yourself during a game.