How to be a better big man in basketball

30 Valuable Tips For Becoming A Dominant Basketball Big Man

players are known to have great advantage while they are playing basketball. The reason behind this thought- the taller a guy is, the closer they are to the basket. So, he will have less distance to travel to the basket. Thus it makes him easier to score. Furthermore, their ability to reach high into the air provides a better chance of blocking the opponent’s shots. For that to happen, to become a dominant basketball big man, you must have genetics first.

However, the game has changed a lot in the last 10 to 15 years. Previously tall, lanky, big men were very reliable on offense. But time flies and with that flow, they have also turned into a defensive anchor, rim protector, and possession finishers.

So the coaches, fans, every basketball freak shall value you. They know how much important you are to win games for them. You are smarter, better, faster and wiser. If you can follow our directions, we promise these instructions shall eventually lead you to become the most fearsome and strongest big man on the court.

Table of Contents

• 30 Valuable Tips For Becoming A Dominant Basketball Big Man
  • 1. Get yourself in shape
  • 2. Take a look at your weight
  • 3. Get Hops
  • 4. More advanced hoops
  • 5. Fit your body
  • 6. Be quick
  • 7. Play intense and give your best
  • 8. Have patience
  • 9. Shoot “off the backboard”
  • 10. Learn to flash and crash
  • 11. Be agile
  • 12. Leader
  • 13. Count free throws
  • 14. Never miss an opportunity to score
  • 15. Strong Determination
  • 16. Be an excellent passer
  • 17. Two man basketball game?
  • 18. Keep on ticking
  • 19. Up and running
  • 20. Screen defenders
  • 21. The ultimate opportunist
  • 22. Master the jump hook
  • 23. A defender’s nightmare
  • 24. Hide behind defender’s eyes
  • 25. Defend well
  • 26. Chin the ball
  • 27. Ball handling skills
  • 28. Practice and shoot
  • 29. Get a coach
  • 30. Study professionals
• Pro Tips:
• Wrapping Up

30 Valuable Tips For Becoming A Dominant Basketball Big Man

1. Get yourself in shape

You must be in a very good shape to play basketball to your full potential. It certainly depends on how well in shape you already are. So, how can you get better?

Start with push ups. Approximately 50-100 push-ups each day. Don’t worry; you don’t have to do all these at a stretch. But see how many you can do in a row. Then everytime, try to beat the previous record.

The better shape you’re in, the greater your stamina, the more flexible and agile you will be. No doubt this game is continuously physically challenging you, so it’s best to be in as good a condition as possible. See how big man workouts basketball is crucial.

2. Take a look at your weight

Weight plays a key part in your performance on the basketball court. Do some basic exercises such as bench presses, leg lifts, focus on your triceps etc.

3. Get Hops

Doing some calf and thigh exercises shall definitely lead into a quicker response time in terms of blocking a shot from your opponent or rebounding. Every morning after waking up, try to do 20 calf raises with each foot.

Performing wall sits are not a bad option either. Set a timer and see how long you can persist against a wall. Compete with yourself everytime.

4. More advanced hoops

One of the key fundamentals of dunking basketball is to jump as high as you can. Let me give you a simple tip.

Go to your basketball hoop and stand under the rim. Without taking any steps, try to jump and hang onto the rim 10-12 times in a row. Then take one step and slap your backboard. Next two steps and after that take three steps and slap.

This will improve your overall timing and jumping a lot. Doing squats 3 to 4 times a week shall help you box out your opponent and balance your jump.

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1. https://sportszpro.com/best-portable-basketball-hoop/

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5. Fit your body

With all the big man basketball drills, exercises mentioned earlier try to add some more warm ups for your shoulder, back, biceps and forearms.

6. Be quick

By doing machine guns, you can bring your knees as high as you can. This will enable you to become quick off your feet and instantly gain rebound after a wrong pass.

7. Play intense and give your best

Run fast, go after the ball, block your opponents, be aggressive while you’re attacking. Even if you know it may be hard to stop the ball from going through the basket still don’t give up; make an attempt. This will make you earn respect from your teammates, coach even from the opposition. Be committed to your team but stay humble.

8. Have patience

After receiving the ball throw a fake pass out to a teammate to make your opponent confuse, see how your opponent team’s defense reacts to this. Also, this will give you some split seconds you may need to attack.

Having a good court vision is essential to spot an open teammate. So that will come handy too.

9. Shoot “off the backboard”

To reduce the effectiveness of a great shot blocker, big guys in the NBA use the backboard to their advantage. This is also one of the highest percentage shots in basketball. Make full use of your tall structure.

10. Learn to flash and crash

The free throw line and short corner are two great places to get the ball. As a big man, if you can flash to get the ball in these two areas, this will create more opportunity.

Throwdown effective passes from these spots. You can use your 15 ft jumper here. To reverse the ball to the opposite ring or to feed a teammate who is close to the basket simply use the free throw line.

Most professional big men in NBA possess a great scoring threat via flashing. Flashing players can help their team’s winning cause by beating zonal defenders.

When a shot goes up, you expect your men to crash the boards. When the ball bounces off the backboard, you want your big men to play the act of rebounding the ball. However, great big men always look to rebound on both ends of the floor. That is a great asset to have in your team if you have a player who can “flash and crash”.

11. Be agile

If you have tremendous scoring threat capability, you will force their defenders to defend almost everything. This can make them toil really hard and they eventually may run out of steam. So, you need to bank on those opportunities.

12. Leader

Whether this is a practice session or conditioning camp, you must be a leader. Show your younger, inexperienced teammates the proper training method and the intensity with which you play the game. Your hunger for success may play a major part in defining your career.

13. Count free throws

Big guys in NBA are most likely to be fouled more than anyone on the court. So when these free throws are awarded to your team, make sure you grab those with both hands.

14. Never miss an opportunity to score

Recognize every scoring opportunity. However, sometimes a pass out is also necessary to get into a better position. For e.g Shaquille O Neal does it better than anyone else. He would pass out to get into a deeper position for an easy post score after receiving the ball.

15. Strong Determination

Professional greats miss opportunities to score. They do feel bad. Yes they do. But hardly they quit the game. They work so hard and efficiently that they know they will make the next opportunity count for sure. Because they are so obsessed with basketball, they are keen to work on their weaknesses until they get it right.

16. Be an excellent passer

Great players can pass the ball off the dribble quickly. You should always dribble with your head up because, in this way, you can see what’s happening around you, where your teammates are and if anyone is unguarded or not.

Dribble as fast as you can but make sure you have control of the ball. Practice dribbling with the weak hand too. Try to handle the ball efficiently with both hands.

17. Two man basketball game?

To get someone an open look, pick and roll, pick and pop, pick and slip are all great options to choose from. A big guy like you who has played in the school/college level should know his strength and weakness. Depending on which of these components you’re best at and most comfortable with, prepare yourself accordingly.

18. Keep on ticking

Because of your body shape and physical exercises you have already gone through, you should be able to maintain possession through the crowd. Take on foul and complete the play.

19. Up and running

Running the floor does not just mean getting up and down on the floor as your wish. It means getting up to the court quickly in offense and beating your opponents down to the other end. This is how a big man can set his teammates up for easy scoring opportunities.

You may tire down other team’s big men and in turn can force a lineup change for them. The impact will be greater if that big man is a shot blocker. Even on defense, getting back everytime will put your opponent under huge pressure. Thus this makes it harder for them to score.

20.

As a big massive guy why not stay beside or behind a player to free your teammate to shoot, pass or drive into the basket?

21. The ultimate opportunist

Always look for a loose ball from the opponent. Great big men are relentless and hugely active on the offensive backboards.

22. Master the jump hook

Jump when you shoot the hook shot. Bring the ball higher and closer to your body and then flick it without using the arm.

23. A defender’s nightmare

You must know how to use your backside to position and seal off defenders from creating a good defensive position. Raise your basketball IQ and be skillful to beat the best defenders. By doing so, you will gain a better offensive position and may get a chance of scoring from a more effective angle or position near the hoop.

24. Hide behind defender’s eyes

Why should you look to hide behind the defender’s eyes? Because it will force defenders to turn their heads and make them “flat footed”. So you create quick flash post chances in a very high percentage scoring area.

25. Defend well

Defend the ball and keep yourself between the basket and the ball at all times. You should be well aware of the fact that greater defensive act contributes to better rebound possibilities.

26. Chin the ball

Keep the ball tucked under your chin. Try to keep the ball in your most comfortable position, which is your strength.

27. Ball handling skills

As a big guy, you should have both soft and strong arms. Develop good hand-eye coordination, handling the ball, take a look at your finger strength. You must have excellent techniques in keeping the elbows pointed out to press the ball inward.

28. Practice and shoot

There is absolutely no alternative to practice. Work on your skills such as passing, dribbling and shooting. Shoot from a variety of positions. Knowing your shooting range in basketball is crucial.

One thing you must not forget while shooting to the basket is- holding the follow through to maintain the technique. Keep your head still and watch the rim of the hoop very closely.

29. Get a coach

Now you have got a real taste of the game. These skills do require practicing a lot and it might be worth to get a coach who can drive you in the right direction, help to improve your game and teach you finer lines.

30. Study professionals

Watch players, especially professionals to learn more advanced skills of the game. Observe what they are doing and what they are not. See their feet movement and what their defensive and attacking tactics are.

Pro Tips:

1. Show your opponent that you’re the boss, you control the game here. No mercy at all. Every coach wants his big man to be a barbarian who won’t care even if they get a bruise while going up for the basket.

2. Yeah you should always look to dominate your opposition but never grow a bad intention of “hurting someone deliberately” on your mind.

3. Maintain your ball possession.

4. Save your teammates. You’re the big tall guy out there, you should be the savior. When someone pushes one of your guards technically push them back and play mind games.

5. Play hard but fair. This will earn you respect.

6. Yeah this is a game of both mental and physical. So, maintaining the tempo of your game on the court by both mentally and physically is so important. But staying humble and keeping your emotions in check is equally crucial too.

7. Stay alert and be purposeful with your activity. This is meaningless Absolutely no point of just running consistently with high energy for no definite goal.

8. Learn big man moves and skill development- is something you should focus on.

Warnings:

1. Have a good form with your weights. Otherwise, you may hurt your joints during practice sessions.

2. Remember to start small and stretch first while getting in the weight room.

Things necessary:

1. Weights

 2. Basketball

 3. Basketball hoop

Wrapping Up

The great big guys in NBA are nasty to play against every single day as expected none wants to have a confrontation with these players. I hope everybody knows who would come off worst.

We therefore provide you all the necessary tips which shall make you invincible. Because if you train and implement these basketball skills, your effectiveness shall go to another level.

To become a dominant basketball big man, you should never forget these steps. Then it will be an almost futile attempt to stop the power, intensity and determination yours. Big man, I can’t wait to see you dominate this basketball game!

You might be interested for:

1. https://sportszpro.com/how-to-become-a-better-shooter-in-basketball/

2. https://sportszpro.com/how-to-become-an-nba-referee/

3. https://sportszpro.com/how-to-become-a-better-basketball-player-in-2-months/

4. https://sportszpro.com/how-tall-is-a-basketball-hoop/

Becoming a Great Big Man

Read these 18 Becoming a Great Big Man Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Basketball tips and hundreds of other topics.

Becoming a Great Big Man Tips has been rated 4.3 out of 5 based on 3243 ratings and 13 user reviews.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

A Great Big Man catches the ball and waits a split second to survey the court, to see how the individual and team defense will react to the low post pass. One thing I teach Big Men is after receiving the pass, to throw a fake pass out to the teammate who just passed you the ball. This usually prevents any sagging guards from reaching in and taking your precious rock, also giving you that split second you need to survey and then attack. This split-second rule let´s a Big Man: 1) read if a double team is coming, 2) who is collapsing, and 3) who might be left open should the double occur. It also helps in keeping good court vision so you can spot an open teammate caused by a rotating defense.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

A Great Big Man can use the backboard when scoring to reduce the effectiveness of a great shot blocker. Shooting "off the glass" also creates higher percentage shots by increasing your room for error in close quarters.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

Great post player stay active to force their defender to respect and defend each position on the court as a possible scoring threat position following each pass whether they are at the strong side low post, weak side, or high post.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

A Great Big Man is a leader by example in practice, in conditioning, and all aspects of training. They do not walk through the motions some days, and attempt to bring their "A" game to the top level with inconsistent practice methods and intensity. The greatest post players are nasty to play against every single day. No one wants to get in the trenches with this player. It´s almost futile to stop the power, intensity, and determination of a great post player.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

Great Big Men can make their free throws because they know they will be fouled and most likely to go to the foul line over the course of a season more than any other player or position. Post players who can make 80% of their foul shots are less likely to be strategically fouled in the post, and more likely to be more honestly defended to keep them off the foul line. This makes them more difficult to defend in the normal 1 on 1 low post confrontation.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

A Great Big Man is neither a "black hole" nor a "automatic toss-back machine" when the entry pass is made. They recognize scoring opportunities but also see when a pass-out is necessary, either because of a double team, or to get better post position for himself. Trust in your teammates. Shaq is a great example of this. Watch how many times he passes out, just to get deeper position, usually receiving the ball right back for an easy post score.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

A Great Big Man does not belly-ache about not getting the ball down low. They work so hard and efficiently that it is totally obvious to their teammates they are open and can score. If one "moment of opportunity" is missed they don´t sulk and quit playing, they remain hungry and continue to work for the "next moment of opportunity" when it comes.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

Great post players can pass off the dribble. By this I mean once they have put the ball on the floor during a post move, they have the skills to immediately pick up the ball, center it and pass it back out to an open perimeter player, teammate cutting freely toward the basket, or with ease back to the person who entered the post pass. I have coached against some excellent post players who could score, but once the ball was on the floor, it was Johnny in a barrel over Niagara Falls with no chance of a return pass. These skilled post players are relatively easy to defend. Just force the dribble, trap the dribble and look for the loose ball.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

Great post players "take a licking and keep on ticking" (to borrow the age old commercial phrase from Timex watches). They have great upper and lower body strength and can take hits and punishment without losing the ball. Able to maintain possession in traffic, take a foul, and complete the play.

how do I play defense?

A Great Big Man hustles back on defense in transition and never lets either the post player they are defending nor their other low post teammate´s beat them up the court. Getting back every single time enables early transition defenders to keep pressure on the ball reducing rapid ball movement which might isolate an open offensive player in transition.

how do I play defense?

Great post players talk on defense and move their feet to support the defensive perimeter. They call out screens well before they are set and adjustments when the angle or location of a screen changes. They also keep light on their feet and active to show and release, or trap on tough perimeter pick and roll screens. They rarely come late to support the pick and roll screen hanging their perimeter defenders out to dry.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

Great Big Men are extremely active on the offensive backboards. They are relentless, with the scent of a bloodhound for the loose offensive rebound, and an insatiable desire to get points from loose ball situations at the offensive end of the court.(see Rebounding the Basketball section)

How do you execute the jump hook?

The jump hook is executed just as you would a regular hook shot. The differences are that you jump when you shoot the hook shot. The ball is brought up higher and closer to the body and you flick the shot without using the arm.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

A Great Big Man knows how to use their back side to position and seal off defenders from getting good defensive position. Not only that but they are intelligent enough and skilled enough to bait even the best defenders into fighting for a seemingly desired position, only to gain a better offensive position and chance of scoring from a more effective angle or position near the basket.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

A Great Big Man knows how to hide behind defender's eyes, make them turn their heads, and get the defender "flat" footed to create quick flash post chances in very high percentage scoring areas. Their activity is purposeful and not wasted. Staying active does not mean just constantly moving with high energy for no purpose. It means playing an active chess game with their individual, and against an inspired team defense to find those "moments of opportunity".

how do I play defense?

A Great Big Man can defend on the ball, keeping themselves between the basket and ball at all times. Rarely do they leave their feet to give up a foul, or position. Great defensive positioning also contributes to better rebound position, thus keeping them in the game by avoiding foul trouble, a common problem amongst mediocre low post players.

How can I best play against a defender in the low post?

Great post players keep the ball tucked under their chin, keeping the ball in a position of strength. The only time the ball comes down is a low-explosive-power dribble into an open space behind a defender, or down between the post players own legs where it is the most difficult to have a ball pocked out by a pesky defender. The time the ball is low and exposed is very limited in great post players. The same technique is used after grabbing a defensive rebound. Chin the ball until you find a good passing lane to one of your guards.

how do I get the ball in the post?

A Great Big Man has both soft hands and strong arms. The ball lands on their finger tips like a butterfly to a flower but sticks like velcro to...velcro. This comes from well developed finger strength, good hand-eye coordination, and excellent techniques in keeping the elbows pointed out to press the ball inward.

How can a basketball player develop without access to the gym?

4 tips to become a better player, athlete and personality

It happens to everyone that you want to train, move forward, progress, but there is no access to the court and the gym. This article contains 4 recommendations for this case. Read and apply.

1. Start monitoring your nutrition and sleep

One of the most important components of progress and development on the site is recovery, and nutrition and sleep are its foundation. Without this, stretching, contrast showers and everything else make little sense.

So you can not sit if you sleep 4 hours a day

2. Work on your body

This does not always require a basketball hall or even a gym. Charging, yoga and stretching, some other recovery procedures (only with a really heavy load), core is the minimum that can be done at home.

In fact, at the initial stage, it is possible to exercise effectively and beneficially for the body at home. Add this and you will already become the best around, because you will train more.

Images from our online school where you can train at home

3. Analyze matches

This will help you better understand the game and increase your basketball IQ. Analyze your game and the game of professionals you want to be like, analyze your opponent. And always pay attention to details.

Kobe Bryant was a crazy basketball player down to the last detail. He watched the matches and noticed the details so much that he knew how his opponent would act in any situation. In his book, he described a moment where, thanks to analysis, Kobe dunked through the center opponent, because he knew how he would put his hand to resist, and was able to remove it.

Curry said that when he watches his games, he pauses and notes what decisions he can make. Then he chooses the best and turns on the tape to test himself in the game. You can do that too.

You can also look at professionals. You turn on the match of a player you are similar in style to and follow his every move.

Kobe does not waste time and watches the game during the flight

4. Learn

Read books, watch educational and useful videos, be interested in something else. You may not become a professional basketball player, but you can always become a good person.

To be successful in the game, it is necessary not only to have good athleticism and skills. Knowledge in psychology will help you better understand the actions of opponents. Communication skills will help build better relationships with teammates. Good time management will allow you to use your time more efficiently. A successful career consists not only of playing on the court, but also of acting outside of it.

We add material and tools to the online school that help not only in basketball, but also in life. Some guys start to study better and do more things in a day, because they become more disciplined and learn a lot of new things. This is important because life does not end with basketball.

LeBron has been using the slogan "More than an athlete" for several years now. Because basketball goes beyond the sport where everything ends in the hall. Now this is life.

Nikita of coachmen

Founder Ball in

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