A career as a professional basketball player is not an easy job, but it is not impossible. If you're still in middle school, high school, or college, setting a future goal in the NBA will help improve your basketball game. So, don't be afraid to aspire as high as you can.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Practice Being the Best
Step 1. Practice shooting from various points on the field
Practice shooting from close range, long range, and from the point of the three-pointer to become an all-round dexterous shooter. To improve your shooting skills, run a continuous three-week rotation training program, and practice one shot per week. Your playing on the field will improve as your shooting accuracy increases.
Try to keep your average shot ratio. Aim to average 60% in the two-point area, 40% over the three-point area, and 75% over the free-throw line
Step 2. Record yourself playing
Pay attention to your body movement when the throw is done well and when it misses. That way, you can fix your flaws and improve your game. If you're still in middle or high school, ask a friend or parent to record your game. If you're already in college, the basketball team usually has a media assistant who records university games. Try asking the trainer's permission to review this video recording.
You can combine the best parts of the recording into a single highlight (video summary), which can later be sent to NBA talent scouts. Edit the video so that the content is compact with a duration of no more than 5 minutes
Step 3. Play with someone who is more proficient
Your abilities and intelligence as a basketball player will increase if you continue to hone yourself by facing players of higher skills. Push your skills against better players to improve your skills. If you're a high school student who is already playing better than most other players your age, try joining an amateur league team to find players who can push your skills even further.
In the US, amateur league teams are usually monitored by varsity scouts and are one way to get athlete scholarships. Amateur league teams usually gather top players from various high schools so that they become a strategic place for talent scouts to find potential new players. For example, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and Josh Smith, started their careers playing on the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team. If you live in the US, you can find the nearest AAU club by visiting the aausports.org website
Step 4. Increase the difficulty of the drill drill
Increase the intensity of your running and drill exercises by increasing the difficulty level. Try running on the sand or dribbling on the gravel. This exercise will sharpen your skills and increase your endurance. This exercise can be done by middle school, high school, and college students.
Step 5. Go on a strength training program to build muscle
Increase your physical strength so you can shoot further and collide with opposing defenders. Start a strength training program with a coach who understands basketball. The trainer can tailor exercises to suit your body and strength.
- If you are still in junior high or high school, try asking the school basketball team coach for a referral to a weight training coach with experience in basketball.
- If you are a student, the varsity basketball team may already have a weight training expert on the team. Contact the athlete director to see if you can get a one-on-one session with a personal trainer.
Step 6. Boost your immune system by adopting healthy habits
Players will run a lot in basketball matches so that the physical condition of the body must be maintained in order to play optimally from start to finish. Keep your body hydrated, sleep 8 hours a day, and eat healthy foods to help your body function optimally and increase your immune system.
Part 2 of 3: Becoming an Attention-grabbing Player
Step 1. Find the right coach
If you are still in junior high or high school, of course, the school already has its own coach. However, if you don't pay much attention to the coach, and really want to improve your game, try hiring a personal trainer. These coaches can provide detailed feedback and help develop your playing skills and cover up your playing weaknesses.
- You can try to find the services of a personal basketball coach on the internet.
- Practice one-on-one against a coach to build a more intimate relationship. When interviewing a potential personal trainer, look for someone with a good record and who values your accomplishments. Even better if he knows a lot of talent scouts.
Step 2. Use each skill to gain an advantage
If you have a certain technique that is strong enough, set it as a hallmark. Many basketball players are highly skilled, but you can stand out by specializing in one area.
For example, if you are a fast player, try to include speed in all the skills you apply on the field. People will notice your unique strengths as a player
Step 3. Be a leader on and off the pitch
Your attitude affects the team. A basketball team must have good cooperation. So, establish yourself as a promising player by being a leader and role model for other players on and off the pitch. Everyone wants players who get along with other players and can inspire the team.
- Learn from mistakes and set high standards to improve your leadership in the game.
- Don't hesitate to ask the school coach to become more responsible for the team.
Step 4. Compete in as many tournaments as possible
Performing as much as possible in front of talent scouts from universities (for junior high / high school students) and amateur teams (for students) is the key to a successful career as a basketball player. Participate in as many tournaments as you can because this is where many coaches and talent scouts gather who are looking for new players. The more people who watch, the higher your chances of being recruited.
- If you're in high school, many amateur league teams participate in regional tournaments that your school doesn't participate in. If your dream is to play in the NBA, try to enter as many tournaments as possible. However, try to keep the schedule not too tight so that it is too burdensome for you.
- If you're already in college, the varsity basketball team has entered the right tournament. Make sure you play your best in inter-university tournaments because this is where many talent scouts gather.
Part 3 of 3: Preparing to Play Professionally
Step 1. Shine on the high school team to get into the university team
To play in the NBA, players must be at least 19 years old, and most players are recruited from university. Be the top player in high school and amateur leagues so you can enter a university that has a competitive basketball team. In the US, NBA scouts typically look for players from the Division 1 program.
- A personal basketball coach will help raise the level of your game.
- If you're still in high school, a good report card will make you more attractive to talent scouts as a student-athlete. Think like a scout: You need to be an athlete who can easily fit into any team. If you need help improving your report card, contact the dean's office for a tutor who can guide you.
- Most high school and college basketball coaches usually know when talent scouts are in attendance. Ask the coach, if you hope to be recruited.
Step 2. Play abroad, if possible
The majority of NBA players who were not recruited from university played in another country before joining the NBA. In the US, if you attended a D2, D3 or junior college, this route is good for the NBA. By playing abroad, you can meet more and more powerful players and different types of basketball playing styles. If you have decent skills, but don't think college is right for you, look for an international basketball league that has lighter requirements than the NBA.
Hoopsagens.com has a large international directory to help connect you with agents in your country
Step 3. Use the services of an agent
If you've been playing at a high level but haven't been approached by a scout, you're probably past college age or haven't been watched by the right people. The services of an agent will help arrange important meetings to launch your professional career.
Hoopshype.com has a list of basketball athlete agents who can be contacted. See how well the agent's performance history is, including the number of players successfully added to the team, and the teams entered, if you want to enter a specific team
Tips
- Have a backup plan in case your dreams don't come true.
- Try joining the basketball summer camp to increase your flying hours
- Talk to a scout or coach to look for all opportunities and never put yourself down.
- Try to always stand out in a positive light when playing on the field. Own and master your own signature moves! Get as many eyes on yourself as possible.
- Learn how to be a point guard. Even if you're not a rare talent like LeBron James, if you can dribble, pass and shoot quickly and intelligently, you'll always be in need of a team.
- Train your body to build strength and practice good shooting stance. Eventually you'll be good at throwing three-pointers.
Warning
- Never get involved with bad people and drugs. Drugs will reduce your athletic ability.
- Be realistic about the position you want to play. Compare your height with players in the NBA who are in the same position.
- Do not use drugs to improve performance. This is illegal and will get you kicked out of the team.
