Interested in becoming the best basketball player? Whether you're a beginner or hoping to become a substitute in the game, there are always ways to improve your basketball skills. The most competitive for players is to practice their difficulty every day! Try to improve your positioning, or learn to dribble better, and you'll be on your way to the NBA.
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Method 1 of 7: Dribbling Practice (Basic)
Step 1. Use correct posture
Your knees should be shoulder-width apart and your feet should be ready to move. Don't stand with your knees locked. When dribbling, do not bounce the ball above waist height. In a defensive position, the incoming ball is no higher than the middle of your thigh.
Step 2. Learn to dribble as much as you can because you need to be able to feel how the ball moves and respond to it
Working each hand separately is also a good step to get used to. Bounce the ball hard and slowly alternately.
- A good dribbling practice starts with dribbling twenty times in a row with the right hand and then switching and dribbling twenty times in a row with the left. Do these three sets as you start and end your basketball routine.
- At first it's still, but keep your knees bent and touch your toes to keep moving. When you get comfortable dribbling from a standstill, do this exercise while walking. When you feel comfortable walking, start running.
Step 3. Alternate hand movements
Start dribbling on the court or on your lawn in a zigzag pattern: forward and right two steps and then bounce the ball into your left hand and forward and left two steps. Once you've mastered it, do the same exercise while walking backwards.
Arrange rows of cones 5 m apart in a straight line and dribble around them
Step 4. Center your eyes
One of the most important skills to learn in the early stages of dribbling is dribbling without looking at the ball. It's difficult at first, but in the end you have to feel the ball without seeing it. Pick a point (like the edge of a basketball hoop) after you start dribbling and run through your dribbling practice.
Step 5. Dribble continuously
Learn to "feel" where the ball is at all times, have control of it, and be able to do whatever you can.
- Try not to let the ball touch your palm. Good dribbling comes from your fingers.
- Spend your free time dribbling basketball. Dribble up and down on the court or wherever you are training. Dribble a basketball when you walk to school or to your friend's house.
Method 2 of 7: Dribbling Practice (Continued)
Step 1. Improve your dribbling power
Think of power-dribbling as "running" while crawling-walking-running. When you're first starting out, your biggest concern will be making sure the ball returns close to your hand, but eventually you'll need to make sure it returns to your hand quickly and with lots of power and control.
- Everything is on the wrist. To develop your dribbling power, alternate bouncing the ball as you normally would and then with a few degrees of strength. Don't bounce so hard that you lose control: bounce vigorously several times in a row without letting your arm go over it as you dribble back down, then alternate back and forth with a relaxed dribble.
- Try dribbling on the ground. You have to bounce the ball extra hard to get it back at the same speed you get used to. When you get used to it, move on and dribble as usual.
Step 2. Practice your crossover power
Crossover is dribbling with two different hands alternately. Fast crossovers will make it harder for defenders to steal the ball or force you to stop your movement. In the mid-90s, Allen Iverson was known for his incredibly fast and powerful crossovers.
Start with a power dribble four times with your right hand and dribble five times with a crossover that is difficult for your left hand. Do the same with the left hand. Then, three times before the crossover, then two, finally switching between your hands a few times with your dribbling power, then building it back up
Step 3. Run fast while dribbling
Run fast on the field while dribbling. Dribbling from the baseline to the free-throw line and back, then dribbling to the three-point line and back, then to the half court and back, then to the full court.
Step 4. Dribble two balls
When you're really confident in your dribbling power, try dribbling two balls at once. This helps instill dribbling in the subconscious. If you can power-dribble two balls at once on the court, you'll be in excellent dribbling condition.
Method 3 of 7: Shooting Practice (Mechanism)
Step 1. Remember BEEF+C when shooting
This set of mnemonics will help you remember the basics of shooting basketball:
- B= Balance. Check your balance before you shoot. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, your knees should be bent, and you should be ready to jump
- E= Eyes. Keep your eyes on the ring as you shoot. Imagine that there is a dime in front of the ring and that you are trying to knock it out with your shot.
- E= Elbow. Continue to shoot with your elbows tucked in toward your body as you shoot.
- F= Follow Through. Be sure to follow your shoot; the hand you use to throw the shot will look like you're reaching for a cookie jar on a high shelf.
- C= Concentration/Awareness. This is the most important part of shooting. Focus on where the ball will be thrown. Once you've made the decision to shoot, commit and focus your attention on the move.
Step 2. Practice one-handed shooting
The shooting movement is almost entirely dominant in your hand, so practice that way. If you are right handed, the purpose of your left hand is to stabilize the ball as you prepare to shoot. This is just to keep the ball from slipping out of the right hand.
- Use the pads of your fingers and hold the ball so you see the light through all your fingers. Like when you shoot, push the ball towards your target as it rolls back towards you. This is called "English" or "spin."
- Practice this lying down. Shoot the basketball straight into the air so that it comes back down into your hands. You can do this for hours on end, while listening to music, or when you have trouble sleeping. The ball should feel like part of your arm, extending into the hoop.
Step 3. Practice lay-ups from both sides
Lay-ups are all about dribbling, mechanics and approach. Use proper body position, every time you have to make a lay-up. Practicing lay-ups especially with your non-dominant hand is a great way to make you a more versatile player.
- Dribble into the ring from the three-point diagonal line. When you get to the lane line, you'll have two more steps to the ring. If you are on the right, dribble once and then when you hit the lane with your right foot, jump with your left. If you are on the left, do the opposite.
- On your right side, hold the ball in your right hand and right knee at the same time. Imagine your elbows are attached to your knees with a thread. Place the ball off the board aiming at the top right corner of the back box of the hoop. Don't try to bounce it with force until your momentum comes and you have to do the rest.
Method 4 of 7: Shooting Practice (Accuracy)
Step 1. Practice from all parts of the field
Once you have a shooting mechanic, practice your shooting from various fields. This exercise helps to have a friend or partner rebound and pass the ball back quickly. This drill involves at least 7 positions, but you can adapt to your needs. You must make each shot before you move to the next position on the court. Do it quickly and with a few shots.
- Start with a shoot lay-up. Immediately walk to the baseline at the point between the lane line and the three-point line. Your friend will pass your ball and keep shooting from there until you make it. From there, run to the point between the corner of the street and the baseline and shoot again. Then move to the corner, then to the free throw line. Keep moving around the path until you have made your way around.
- Extend the game to include the same points on the three-point line as you consistently shoot down the road. Like Brennan Idor.
Step 2. Shoot free throws until you get the hang of it. A shot defended, free throw is the purest display of shooting mechanics. You can't let your feet leave the ground, so you have to perfect your movement and accuracy.
- See how many free throws went in a row.
- Practice shooting free throws when you're cold and when you're really out of breath. If you can consistently make free throws while breathing heavily after running the line or doing dribbling drills, you'll be in good shape to play.
Step 3. Practice fade-away, hook-shot, other melee techniques while on defense
It won't be easy to get a loose shot. If you've been practicing on your own and making all kinds of shots from all distances, it can get pretty shocking in the game and hit nothing but bricks. The defender attacks you, your face, and will try to steal or block your shot.
A quick round or fade-away shot will ask you to over-correct with your arm to go backwards. You will lose the strength you get from pushing your feet
Step 4. Play "Horse" This game is perfect for developing shooting skills from all over the field
When you make your shot, it's tempting to go easy on the shot, but when someone else chooses where you shoot, it can be a lot more interesting.
Method 5 of 7: Training Defense
Step 1. Develop a defensive position
To be a good all-round basketball player, you need not only to be able to make some three pointers, but to regain defense and block shoots. The first step in developing your defensive game is in your position.
- Open your feet wide and place your weight on your heels. Lower your buttocks and hips back.
- Your arms should always be raised and reach out wide. However, don't reach or touch the opposing team's attacking team players, or you will be penalized. Use both your hands to distract the player and try and block the shoot.
- Focus your eyes on the player's waist and chest, not the ball. That way, it will be easier for you to guess which direction it will move.
- Make sure not to focus on your opponent's stomach and legs. They will lead you to the basketball hoop every time you do so. Is this helpful?
Step 2. Practice the shuffle step
Typical basketball practice will include the shuffle jump (moving quickly sideways) down the court and back. Practice switching directions by dribbling left and right. Move back and forth in a defensive position when mirroring movement.
Step 3. Trapping opposing players with your feet
Push players from the attacking team to the side with your feet between the lanes to the hoop. So if he comes in the middle, push him to the left with your right foot. You're blocking access to the road and to the ring, so pushing your opponent to the side will mess up your opponent's plan of attack.
Ask a teammate for help to dribble from one baseline to another. Play defense with your hands behind your back, forcing the dribbler to change direction with your feet. You have to quickly shuffle steps down the field to stay in front and direct people with the ball
Step 4. Don't jump
A common mistake players make is making too many jumps to try and block the shoot. Your feet will be less useful for defense. If you think the person you're guarding is about to shoot, raise your hand in the air, but not directly. Distracting the view of the ring can be just as effective in blocking the shoot.
Step 5. Box out. Always keep an opposing player from getting a rebound by standing in front of him and blocking him with a basketball hoop.
Method 6 of 7: Improve Teamwork
Step 1. Learn to pass
This may sound obvious, but precise and accurate throwing is the main difference between a good team and a group of individual players. Even if you are all individually talented, learn to work well as a team to be successful on the pitch. Team practice will help your group become efficient feeders:
- Simulate a quick break. In groups of five, move along the path of the court without dribbling the ball, letting the ball hit the floor, or moving your feet when the ball is in your hand.
- Play "hot potatoes" (literally). Call someone to play music in the background and stop suddenly. Whoever holds the ball when the music stops is the one who comes out. You have to walk fast, without dribbling. When you get the ball, look for someone.
Step 2. Learn the role of your position
If you play for a team, you will have a certain role to play. While it might be fun to come back down and make three pointers every time your hand hits the ball, that's usually not a center job to do. Talk to your coworkers and your coach to find out where you need to be.
- The point guard is the field general. In this position, you need to look at the field and organize attacks. You have to want to be a selfless feeder and a good shooter.
- The shooting guard is a supporter of the point guard. Usually, the shooting guard is the best shooter or player of the attackers on a team.
- Small forward is the most versatile position. You must be able to be a good shooter for offensive or defensive rebounds, and have good vision so that you can throw the ball back to the guard to attack.
- The power forward is a good defensive player, a shot blocker, and an excellent player on the field. This is probably the most physically fit player on the team.
- Center (among them) may be the tallest player on the team. You'll also need to be a good rebounder and passer, with the ability to control the line of play when attacking.
- Use other players as inspiration. When you watch an NBA or college game, pay special attention to players who play in the same position you do. Where is the power going while the shooting guard is taking three-point shots? What does the guard do on the rebound after attacking?
Step 3. Learn to set options
An option is set when you attack and block a defensive player with your body to allow your teammates to clear path with the ball. You must have a static foot, or this will be called a foul. This requires a lot of communication with your teammates, who should push the defenders in your choice, not you directing yourself to the players.
Stand still and straight, your hands gripping your waist and your feet flat on the floor. Let your partner come. Be strong, and be prepared to receive attacks
Step 4. Develop game creativity by harnessing the strengths of your team
The goal of playing is to break through defenses and pass the ball to an open player to shoot. Provide basic selection patterns and let the point guard run it when attacking. Practice this with a few defenders and practice your timing.
The most basic game is one of the forwards coming out and making a choice for the guard. The guard then goes into the inner lane and kicks back forward, which must be either open, or paired with (possibly) a shorter defender who originally guarded the guard
Method 7 of 7: Developing Mental and Physical Stamina
Step 1. Run regularly
A full basketball game includes a lot of running. Players who are not used to running will tire very quickly. You don't even have to be the best defender or shooter if you can outlast your opponents on the field. Here are some running exercises and getting your stamina up:
- Superman Drills. On the court, start at a baseline and run to the nearest free throw line. Stop and do 5 push ups on your fingertips, then stand up and run back to the original baseline, then run to the three-point line, stop and do 10 push ups and do the same for each row on the court, back and so on, until you reach the first line again. Shoot at least 10 free throws after practice if you're tired.
- "Kill Drill": this is a drill that uses the full field. If you're really not that fit start maybe with 4-6 "above" in 1 minute 8 seconds (going from 1 baseline to another and back to the original). That sounds like a fair amount of time until you've run 160 meters. Once you've built up your stamina, try 13 push-ups and run in 68 seconds. Again, shoot at least 10 free throws when tired.
Step 2. Learn all you can about the game
Playing smart is as important as playing well. The official NBA rules are available for free online so it helps them to learn them before playing. You may find something that explains that you have misunderstood.
Talk to other players, browse websites, ask coaches for advice. Knowing the history of the rules also helps. Watching old games, watching streetball games, reading about the invention of basketball
Step 3. Always be a team player
Look for open players and pass the ball. Don't have the ball when you get it and try to take small opportunities that waste your team's chances.
Step 4. Increase your vertical jump
If you are fast, and agile, and can jump, you can get even more rebounds from a taller player. The tallest people don't put all their effort into rebounding because they don't need it. You can beat them if you work.
Try jumping rope. Jump as fast, long, and as hard as you can. The better you do, the faster your footwork you can have on the court
Step 5. Do lots of push-ups, especially fingertip push-ups
You'll be amazed at how well you grip the ball if you have strong fingers. Even if you think you don't have hands big enough to grip the ball, it can be done if you have stronger fingers.
Step 6. Train your strength:
abdominal crunches, leg lifts, planks, and lower back lengthening. If you have strong strength you will be able to take the hit and finish it firmly in the ring.
Tips
- Before the game, eat something that will give you energy and that fits your stomach, like fruit or something packed full of carbs, not as sweet as candy.
- Practice whenever you can. You don't even need a basketball or hoop. You can do push-ups, run, and work on your hand eye coordination, using everything around you that can help you to train.
- Play on your ball handling, even if you don't have the best shot, if you can handle the ball you can still be a big advantage for your team.
- Do your best in the game.
- Avoid too many rear-view mirrors -- "hear the steps" of what's behind you or in your blind spot. Peripheral vision is learned and expanded / extended by using it as a skill / talent in its application.
- Juggling can improve your hand skills, hand-eye coordination, depth perception, peripheral vision, nerve-muscle balance, speed under control, and concentration for activities like basketball free throws.
- When you hit the ball to get it make sure you don't hit your friend's hand it will be a punishment.
