How to Play Basketball Better

No matter what level of basketball you are playing, there is always room to improve your skills. Many basketball players are adept at certain parts of the game, such as shooting or passing, but have noticeable weaknesses in other areas, such as rebounding or ball-handling. There are ways to become better at basketball and mold yourself into a more complete player, but first you must recognize your weaknesses.

Instructions

1. Make yourself into a respectable shooter. Accomplish this by first working on your mechanics and then practicing them repeatedly until your shooting stroke is down. Work on setting your feet under you and facing the basket when you shoot, as well as having the ball balanced properly when you release it. At first, practice shots that you can make, starting close to the basket and then extending your range. Don't immediately try to become a long-distance threat when you have problems hitting 12- to 15-foot shots. Once your shooting stroke is fluid take as many as 500 shots each day from various points on the court. You may never become a high-percentage shooter but you can increase your odds of knocking down an open shot. Practice shooting free throws and get to the point where your shooting stroke from the foul line is always the same and you don't have to think about it while you are shooting.

2. Work on your ball-handling skills. If you aspire to be a guard this means being able to dribble with both hands and being able to dribble with your head up so that you can see what is happening on the floor. Guards have to be able to break a press, where the opponent is intensely pressuring you all over the court. Forwards and centers need to be able to put the ball on the floor to get past a defender or to help break the press. The way to get better as a dribbler is to continually practice your dribbling. This means simply dribbling the ball on the court, in your driveway, or anywhere else where you can safely practice. Work on the hand that is the weakest after you are content that you can dribble well with your strong hand. Set up objects such as cones or cans and dribble up to them and around them, zigzagging in and out. By being able to dribble to your left or to your right with equal skill you open up the entire court to your offensive game rather than cut it in half by being one-dimensional.

3. Show the desire to be a better rebounder. Of all the skills a basketball player can improve, the easiest one to get better at is rebounding. This is because rebounding is a mindset, with the players that work the hardest at getting and maintaining position being the best rebounders. Practice getting position on players and keeping them at bay with your hips and extended arms while timing your leap for the basketball. Approach each shot with the idea that it will not go in the basket and it will be coming into your area. Box out opponents with a purpose and never just go through the motions.

4. Drive yourself to be a better defensive player. While not everyone can learn to be a great offensive player it is possible to make a player into a great defensive force. This starts by wanting to be good defensively. Fight through picks, keep your hands up, deflect passes, and box out for rebounds. Keep your feet and hands moving and pay attention to what the other team is trying to accomplish.

5. Learn from your previous mistakes. If you continually make the wrong decision over and over this is going to earn you less playing time and serve to further discourage you. If you aren't sure what the correct move was when you make a wrong one ask your coaches or teammates. Don't be afraid to ask for direction. Some of the most common mistakes players make, such as passing to the wrong man on a fast break or losing their man on defense, are easily corrected. Know your assignment in the offensive and defensive schemes that the coaches have laid out and ask questions when you aren't sure where you are supposed to be on a particular play.

6. Seek out help from your coaches. Express to them that you want to improve and let them know that you are willing to work hard to do so. Be open to any criticisms that come your way and rather than sulk or ignore this criticism, learn from it. Ask your coaches for specific drills that can help you be a better dribbler or shooter and make sure you fully understand them before working on them.

Resources

• HoopsU.com