How to Be a Better Basketball Player

Basketball is one of the most challenging sports imaginable due to the variety of skills a player must have. You need to be a good shooter, passer, rebounder, defender and play caller. Few other sports ask this much of its players. It’s easy to see why good players are so rare.

Things You'll Need

• Basketball
• Basketball hoop

Instructions

How to Be a Better Basketball Player

1. Practice dribbling on your own time. Ask your coach for some dribbling drills you can do at home. Dribbling is the key to any good player, and without this talent you are useless on the court. Work to make sure you are equally comfortable with both hands while dribbling.

2. Work on your shooting as much as possible. It’s important to have a range of shots you feel comfortable with. Practice making layups, three-pointers and jumpers from all distances and angles. Being a comfortable shooter from all spots on the floor is a skill all good players have.

3. Find a partner and work on your defense. Few sports ask players to play offense and defense like basketball. Work on guarding your opponent and rebounding shots. Defense is a key element to being a better ball player. It is a skill that will come in handy anywhere on the court.

4. Pass the ball to your partner as well. Passing is the final piece of the puzzle for a good basketball player. While everyone wants to score points, that doesn’t mean that can’t learn to pass. Chest passes and bounce passes should be learned from a standing position as well as a running position.

5. Study your playbook and memorize the plays. Don’t just know where your position should be and what you should be doing, but know what everyone on your team should be doing.

Resources

• Read more ways to improve your basketball skills
• Consider some more basketball playing tips