How to become a better center in basketball

How to Dominate as a Center in Basketball (Tips and Tricks)

The center, who is often referred to as the “five,” is one of the most important basketball positions on the team.

A dominant center can completely change the identity of a team’s offense and defense.

Often the player deemed "the center" is the tallest player on the team, and they usually spend a lot of time around the key on the defensive end of the floor.

Offensively, most of the center’s points will come right around the basket, although it's becoming more common for them to step outside and hit midrange and three-point shots.

Many youth players watch the slam dunks of Shaquille O’Neal or the blocked shots of Dwight Howard and want to mimic the play of famous big men...

But few actually have the characteristics necessary to be a great center.

So, what traits does the “five” man need to dominate?

1. Height

Even though we believe positionless basketball can be a great offensive concept and that multiple players should be able to play multiple positions on the court...

The saying “size matters” still exists for a reason.

The center is typically the tallest player on the team, and therefore is typically responsible for getting high percentage layups and post finishes on the offensive end and guarding the other team’s tallest player on the defensive end.

This isn’t to say a smaller center can’t be effective... but it’s much more difficult.

The team's center also usually has elite strength to compliment that height.

A player who is expected to battle for every rebound, score regularly in the post, and guard the biggest player on the other team will have to be strong in order to be successful.

A lot of teams have players that are tall or strong, but it is far more rare for a player to combine those physical attributes with the willingness to use them.

A great center needs to provide an inside presence on both ends of the court, and size alone is not enough to create that presence.

They must also be willing to play physical with the biggest and strongest players on the other team on every trip down the court.

The tallest player on the team is never going to be the quickest, but a dominant center does still need to be an athletic player who can run the floor and contribute on every possession.

Mobility is a trait that often separates a good center from a great one, primarily because it is so rare among players who are naturally so much larger physically than other players on the court.

Any coach would be glad to have a player who is tall, strong, and willing to play physical...

But if that player is also athletic enough to create shots for himself on the offensive end and block shots on the defensive end, then he will be a truly dominant center.

5. Conditioning

Dominant centers are a nightmare for opposing coaches, and one way they typically try to minimize that player’s impact is by creating tempo offensively and forcing him to run the floor.

Most centers are not built for that type of game, but a dominant one will also be in good enough shape to play a lot of minutes.

After all, even if you are the best player on the court, your impact is not nearly as high as it could be if you are only able to play half of the game.

A center who is in great physical shape will also be in great shape to become a dominant player.

A player with size, strength, and athleticism has the potential to become a great center...

But how should he be putting those characteristics to use?

If you have a player with the size and physicality to be a true center, he needs to be the best rebounder on both ends of the court.

It does not take a basketball genius to realize that the tallest player is the closest to the rim, and therefore the closest to a lot of rebounding opportunities.

A center who controls the glass can be the most valuable member of a basketball team.

More rebounds equals more shots, and more shots equals more points.

So a dominant center who attacks the glass on both ends can completely dictate the game.

As the biggest player on the court, the center needs to provide a presence in the lane for the offense.

This means he must be able to fight for post position, and then be able to execute a variety of different moves to score on the block.

Depending on the level of play, it can be common for centers to be thrust into their role simply because of size, but a dominant center needs to be skilled enough to make efficient moves and finish with touch around the rim.

A great center can completely change your team’s entire defense, primarily because opponents will be much less willing to attack the hoop.

A high level high school center or above may be expected to play above the rim and block shots, but a center at any level can still be a “rim protector” if he is able to be a help defender that discourages the offense to drive.

This is where the height, strength, and physicality mentioned above become necessities for a dominant center, as a smaller player simply does not provide that physical presence.

Naturally, the biggest players typically match up with one another, meaning your center has to be able to guard the biggest player on the other team.

Again, height, strength, and physicality of course play a factor in this responsibility.

Players of any size can get rebounds or score in the post occasionally, but not everyone can physically take on the challenge of defending a center.

If your center has the mobility and conditioning mentioned above as well, then he will have the advantage in this matchup.

If a player is a truly dominant center who is capable of scoring in a variety of ways, then he probably will not be guarded by only one player very often.

Some teams may elect to send double teams or traps to force the center to get rid of the ball, and when that happens, he must be able to distribute to open teammates.

A dominant center scores in the lane often enough to draw additional defenders, and then takes advantage by dumping passes off to the other post player, hitting an open cutter, or kicking out for an open 3-point shot.

Now that we’ve covered what characteristics can make for a great center and what role the center should be playing on the court, how can a player build himself into a great big man?

At some point, most coaches have seen a physically imposing center who provides a presence, but his only chance to score is an easy drop step layup or open putback at the rim.

However, a great center needs to have a number of different post moves that they can execute with their back to the basket.

True post players have become fewer and further between in this era of basketball.

In fact, most teams don’t play with a true center at all...

So a big, tall player who probably isn’t as quick as most others or as comfortable on the perimeter needs to have multiple ways to score inside in order to be established as part of an offense.

A dominant center should have a go-to move, a very reliable secondary move, and then also be able to add counters to those moves.

A dominant defensive center is typically a shot blocker.

But simply being tall will not automatically mean that a player will be spiking every opponent’s shot off the backboard.

Blocking shots - and just playing good post defense in general - requires toughness, anticipation, and coordination.

Playing 1-on-1 against an offensive player on the block will help a center develop those skills, and getting a number of repetitions in a row will help build the necessary conditioning as well.

The most common way that an opposing coach will try to limit the effectiveness of a dominant center is by forcing him to score at the free throw line instead of giving up open post moves.

It has proven to be incredibly effective in some situations, especially against big men who are far below average free throw shooters.

After all, “Hack-A-Shaq” is still one of the most commonly used phrases in defensive basketball strategy many years after it was implemented.

A great center needs to be able to step up to the free throw line and knock down shots at a high rate so that he can not be taken advantage of by opposing teams.

Free throw shooting becomes even more important in late game situations, and if the center is your best player, you want to be able to leave them in the game during crunch time.

But if they can’t be trusted to make free throws, then you probably won’t want them on the court in those big moments.

As mentioned above, the time of true centers has largely come and gone in today’s basketball world.

It has become much more common to see different varieties of “small-ball” or positionless basketball, especially at higher levels.

Therefore, a center will only make himself more valuable if he is also able to at least provide a threat to shoot a jump shot.

Long range shooting isn’t necessary for centers, and it is extremely rare for the center to be considered a knock down shooter.

But even the willingness to shoot from 10-15 feet can add an entirely different dimension that can be very difficult for most opposing centers to defend.

If a center can step out and be a threat from 3-point range, too, then he has the potential to become unstoppable.

While shooting and other ball skills can be a great addition to a center’s game, they will never be truly necessary or expected to play the position.

Strength is absolutely essential to the success of a big man who aims to control the paint.

Spend time weight training to get your body to a point where it can physically take on the responsibility and toll of playing center.

A center can be a focal point of a team offense and a team defense if they have the size and physicality to provide a real presence on both ends of the court.

However, the center can completely change the game if they also have the skills and athleticism to control the rebounding battle, score in the paint, and block shots.

Though the position has become less and less common in recent years, a truly dominant center who has the ability to impact the game as an offensive threat and also a defensive stopper will make your team a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches.

Playing Center in Basketball: Tips To Thrive

Center is the player in basketball that typically stands under the basket. This person has a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. As they are usually guarding the opposing team’s center and have to rebound any missed shots.

Being a center can be tough, but it doesn’t mean you can’t thrive in this position! In this blog post we will discuss what a center does in basketball. How to succeed as one, and some of our favorite centers throughout history!

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What Does a Center Do in Basketball?

The Center is usually the tallest person on a team and is responsible for protecting the rim of their team’s basket. He or she is also responsible for rebounding any missed shots that go into or around the hoop. The center often sets screens to get teammates open looks at scoring opportunities as well!

Control Your Emotions

A key part of playing center in basketball is being able to control your emotions during tough games. If you let frustration take over, it can hurt your game by making bad fouls against other players. Or lack of concentration when grabbing rebounds.

However, this doesn’t mean if you are having fun out there then you aren’t working hard enough! Have some positive energy throughout each game so that way even if something goes wrong, you will be ready for anything else that comes your way.

The Center position in basketball is one of the most important ones on a team, especially if they are good at their job! Keep reading to find out more tips on what it takes to thrive as a center in basketball. And some great centers throughout history that you need to know about.

How Do You Play as a Center?

Height and Weight

The center position in basketball is key to a team’s success. To play this role well, you need good height and weight for the job. You also want to have strong legs from all of that running up and down the court!

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Jump High!

In addition, being able to jump high helps out a lot when it comes down near the hoop during games or trying to get rebounds off missed shots. It also doesn’t hurt if you are tall enough where players don’t block your vision while passing by them on offense too!

Speed Helps

While being big helps play center in basketball. Having speed can be just as important so you aren’t limited on getting up and down the court throughout each game either. Some centers even do better when they are fast enough to play guard.

So being able to dribble down the court quickly can give them more options when it comes time for scoring.

There are a lot of different things that you need to be an effective center on your team! We have talked about what makes you tall and strong as well as fast enough where playing guard is easier too.

Becoming a Center in Basketball

As previously stated, a center’s job on the court during games includes scoring points, grabbing rebounds, and playing defense too! It might seem like an easy position to play but there is so much more than meets the eye. Where one mistake can cost you or your teammates big time.

Centers need to be tall which means they have a height over their opponents. As well as being able to run up and down without getting tired along with having good stamina for this sport we love: basketball!

The first step into becoming a center is finding out if you even want to play that role. Because not everyone has what it takes physically which makes sense; however, if you think this is a position for you then the next step would be to find a good coach. Who can help teach and train what it takes to play center.

Surround yourself with people who love basketball too. Because they will not only motivate but also push you to get better which makes perfect sense! The more practice that one puts into something like playing center on the court; then the more skilled he or she will become at said role–networking with others is key here.

Should I Be a Center?

Whether you become a center in basketball or not is completely up to you! You can’t be a center if you aren’t tall enough, so being big helps for this position. Also, having quick feet and hands is necessary too along with the good vision that way no shots go by undefended when scouting out the court during games.

If all of these things sound like something that could interest you then why don’t give it a try? Play some pickup games with your friends at home where nobody gets embarrassed about how they do because everyone has fun playing basketball together!

If nothing else comes from your experience, at least now you will know what it takes to play center in basketball which might help later on down the line as well!

Now let’s move on to the next part, Field Insider’s top three centers in basketball history. The best to ever do it, in our opinion.

The Best Centers in Basketball History!

Shaquille O’Neal

Undoubtedly, one of the best centers in basketball history is Shaquille O’Neal. This man stands tall at seven feet and one inch, making him a very intimidating center to play against!

Some of his accomplishments throughout the years include winning four championships with three different teams, having one NBA MVP award, and being selected to 15 All-Star games!

Shaquille O’Neal is a center that many players will look up to in terms of success. He has done it all on several occasions throughout history which makes him not only one of the best centers in basketball but also overall too!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Another center that helped shape the game of basketball is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This man was a champion six times in his career, being selected to 19 All-Star games and winning six NBA MVP awards throughout history!

Not only did he help lead different teams throughout the years but also leaves behind an amazing legacy for players today too. He has quite possibly scored more points than any other player in NBA history which makes him one of the best centers ever to play this sport we all love so much.

Many consider Kareem Abdul Jabbar as not just one of the greatest Center who played during his generation; however, they consider him among some of the greats such as Michael Jordan and Jerry West–even Oscar Robertson!

Wilt Chamberlain

Last but certainly not least is Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain. He was one of the best big men ever because he averaged over 30 points per game for his career which made him second all-time behind Michael Jordan after he retired from the sport.

This center has titles under his belt, being an All-Star fifteen times and winning four MVP awards throughout history too!

He also had 22 rebounds per contest during games too which means this guy knew how to get down low for rebounds and how to score when he had the ball.

In terms of achievements, it might be hard to compete with a man who averaged over 50 points per game in one season during the 1961-1962 season–something that has only been done by two other players so far!

This man was a force to be reckoned with on the court; however, he is not only known for his amazing skills but also for having one of the best personalities too. He will always go down as one of the greatest centers ever who had both an incredible skillset and personality which made him even more lovable!

Conclusion

If you’re interested in learning what it takes to play center then we hope this blog post helped out! We hope you enjoyed this blog post on how to play center in basketball! If that sounds like something that interests you then why don’t give it a go?

We’ve also given our top three centers in basketball history; Shaquille O’Neil, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain. Got any others that deserve a mention? Let us know below!

Here are Some of our Favourite Basketball Sneakers

Here we will be giving more of an opinion, rather than facts. Are the sneakers worth the price that they are being sold at? Should you upgrade from your current sneakers, depending on what boots you own? What features stand out on these sneakers? If any. Does it do the job? Speed, control, stability etc. Depending on your needs/preferences. We can also mention its durability, if we have collected enough data on the specific sneakers.

What did we expect vs. what we got. Is it maybe overrated/underrated?

Elite

Here’s our pick from the very best of the bunch.

Pro

On your way to the pro leagues? Here’s our pick.

Beginner

Want something to start with? Have a look at our pick.

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, one must not only 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

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