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Can I Play Basketball If I'm Short? (With Tips For Short Players!)
Are you a short basketball player? If yes, have you ever wondered if playing basketball is for you? Almost all people know that basketball is for tall people only. So, does it mean you can’t play basketball if you are short? Let’s find out!
Can you play basketball if you are short? Height plays a huge role in basketball. However, it doesn’t mean that a short player cannot be good at it. Short people can be good at basketball, but it can be difficult. I know lots of people below 5’8 that play as guards on their school’s team.
However, there are other things you can learn from this topic. Let’s check the reasons why height is essential for basketball players and tips for short basketball players. Also, we are going to answer other questions related to our subject. If you are ready, let’s go!
Check out the shortest NBA players here!
Why Is Height Important In Basketball?
The height of most basketball rims is ten feet. The courts you see in your backyard, gyms, parks, and driveways are almost always ten feet off the ground.
Portable basketball hoops can be adjusted so that young children can play through them. But for high school, college, and professional basketball, the game is played on basketball hoops with standard 10-foot height.
The height of the rim is tall, which is why taller basketball players have many advantages. Taller players have an advantage in basketball because they can lay the ball in the rim effortlessly, they can rebound the ball effortlessly, and have better blocking skills.
However, even though height is essential in basketball, it is still possible for smaller people out there to be good at it. Many short NBA players proved to people that height doesn’t matter in basketball. Players like Muggsy Bogues, Spud Webb, and Earl Boykins are example players.
Height is essential if you are aiming to get the center or power forward position in basketball. But if you are only looking to get the point guard or shooting guard position, it is better for you to be small. Why? Because if you are short, you will have some advantages against the taller guys, like speed. Spud Webb: one of the shortest NBA player in history!
Does Height Affect Performance In Basketball?
Height may affect performance in basketball. When it comes to scoring, it is easier for tall basketball players to score than smaller players. Being taller can help you shoot the ball inside or outside without the risk of a player blocking the ball away from you.
However, this doesn’t mean that small basketball players can’t compete with taller dudes on the court. Taller basketball players may have some advantages, but smaller guys have too. Small basketball players have a speed and outside shooting advantage, while tall basketball players have inside shot and defense advantage.
Short or tall, all of us have different strengths and weaknesses. Height may be a factor that may affect your performance. But the mindset is the greatest factor that can affect your basketball performance. If you have the wrong mindset, you will still fail even though you have the height of Yao Ming.
Is 6ft A Good Height For Basketball?
Yes! 6ft is already a good height for basketball. For the United States, this height is the ideal height for point guards. However, in Asian countries, this height is for centers already because they have a smaller average height of basketball players compared to the USA.
The shortest NBA player is Muggsy Bogues, who has a height of five feet and three inches. Spud Webb is five feet and seven inches that win the 1986 NBA slam dunk contest. These two players are not six feet and not near to six feet. However, they still have an awesome basketball career.
So if you are 6ft, you are lucky enough. You can have a chance to enter the NBA or other professional basketball leagues around the world. With that height, you might get the point guard or shooting guard position.
What Is The Best Basketball Position For Short Players?
The best position for short basketball players is either point guard or shooting guard. The point guard is the one that handles the ball and runs plays. The shooting guard is the best outside shooter on a basketball team.
The reason why short basketball players are usually put into these positions is that short players can dribble the ball fast, pass the ball properly, and run quickly. To be able to fit into these two positions, you need to have these three skills. Short basketball players have these three skills, which is why they fit into these positions.
Can Short Basketball Players Dunk?
Dunking does not depend on height but the vertical leap of a basketball player. Short basketball players can dunk if they have a high vertical jump. There are astounding small NBA players that can dunk, for example, Spud Webb.
Yes, short basketball players can dunk the ball into the rim. However, it is much easier for tall basketball players to dunk the ball. Why? Because they are tall enough to easily touch the rim, but because there are many vertical exercises invented, it becomes easier for any basketball player, short or tall, to dunk the ball to the rim.
Check out the top 7 NBA players who can’t dunk here!
Basketball Skills You Need As A Small Player To Score
If you are a small basketball player and looking to outplay other taller players on the court, keep reading! Because I am going to tell you the skills you need as a short player.
Dribbling Skill
First is you need to have good dribbling skills. Everyone needs to have basic dribbling skills. But for a small guy like you, you need to make your dribbling skill better than the basic and others. This will give you lots of advantages on the court. With good dribbling skills, you can get the spot of the point guard.
Outside Shooting
Because you are a short basketball player, shooting inside is not probably a good idea. Why? Because tall basketball players are inside waiting for you. These tall players can effortlessly block your layups or floaters. This is why you need to have a good outside shooting. Improve your three-point shooting so that you can still give your team lots of points even if you are short.
Step Back Skill
Creating separation with your defender is essential for a short player like you. You have to learn how to execute the step-back move. When you master the step-back skill like James Harden, you will be unstoppable on the court. You can score more jump shots and three-pointers if you know how to create separation from your opponents.
Speed
If you want to score inside, make sure that you are fast as lighting! You are a short guy, and if you move like a snail on the court, you will be useless. Improve your quickness on the court so that you can outplay taller players. If you are fast as lighting, you can drive into the basket quickly, and your inside shots will most likely be uncontested.
7 Tips For Short Basketball Players
Now that you know the skills that you need as a short basketball player, I will give you next to the tips you need to improve those skills you needed. These tips are essential and proven to help you compete on the court even if you are short. Let’s check them out!
Improve Your Dribbling
The first tip I will give to you is you should improve your dribbling skills. Like I have mentioned above, dribbling is one of the skills you need as a short player to outplay other taller players on the court.
If you are a beginner, start with the basic dribbling first, then escalate to the harder type of dribbling moves when you master the basics. If you have good dribbling skills, you can ankle break and leave your defender behind. Also, if you have good dribbling skills, you can get the point guard position.
Learn Defense
Do you know the saying defense is the best offense? It is true!
If you are a short basketball player, you need to learn proper defense to defend any basketball player on the court. Even the tall ones! Don’t be lazy in defense because if you are lazy on your defense, you will earn your ticket to the bench.
You should also know how to steal the ball from your opponents. Because you are a short basketball player, you have to improve your defensive skills. If centers are looking for their teammate to pass the ball, you should steal the ball from them. Because you are a short player, you can move and react quicker than taller basketball players.
Master The Floater Shot
Floater shot is a good shooting technique in basketball for short players. It is easy to make a floater shot because you don’t need to release the ball with an active jump. You only need a couple of steps and release the ball quickly up. It is better to learn to use one hand if you shoot a floater.
Floater shot is a good shooting technique for short basketball players because it is a shot that is hard to block. It is a high arching shot giving tall basketball players a hard time reaching your shot in the air. So if you want to be an effective scorer even if you are a short basketball player, master the floater shot!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiehfRY5B24
Lift Weights
Strength is essential in basketball. If you are already short and also not strong, opponents can effortlessly push you down. If you don’t have enough power on the court, you cannot perform well.
To get more strength, you need to have a healthy diet and hit the gym. Lifting weights is the only way to build your strength. If you have a robust body, you will be a good defensive player and you can bump on anyone on the court.
So if you are not practicing or playing basketball, go to the gym and lift weights instead of playing video games during your free time.
Improve Your Basketball IQ
Basketball IQ is essential, especially if your position is a point guard. Short basketball players are the point guards of every basketball team. If you are a short player, I suggest improve your basketball IQ for better performance on the court.
If you have a good basketball IQ, you can read your opponents’ next moves. You are a short player, which means you are not strong enough to power your way down inside the paint. What you can do is to have a sharp mind to be able to outplay taller players.
Rely On Your Speed
Like I have said above, speed is essential for a short basketball player like you. If you love shooting inside the paint, you need to rely on your speed so that your layups will never get blocked. If you are quick enough to leave any defender, your shots are most likely an uncontested shot.
If you are not fast enough, then improve it. There are many workouts on Youtube about how to be a quick basketball player. Let me give you one video below:
Improve Your Three-Point Shooting
If you are a short basketball player, you cannot go inside the paint because your shots will most likely get blocked, especially if you are not quick. You need to be a three points marksman so that you can give your team more points.
Three-points is the safest shot to take on the court. You can create a separation from your defender and release the ball quickly from your hands. If you make it, you will get three points. If you can score from a range, height never matters because you don’t need to go inside the paint.
Final Verdict
If you are a short basketball player, never lose hope! Because there are tons of things you can do to outplay taller basketball players. I hope that the tips above will help you become a good basketball player even though your height is not that tall.
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How to Get Better if You’re a Short Basketball Player
The main ingredients for success in basketball are skill, playing hard, high basketball smarts, and determination. Genetically gifted with height is a bonus.
Height shouldn’t hinder reaching your full potential; there are advantages of being a short basketball player. You are a walking offensive and defensive threat. Offensive players won’t be easy to shake off your pesky defense with your quick moves and busy hands. When you’re on offense, defenders will find a hard time keeping up with your ball handling, change in directions, maneuvering through the human traffic, shooting, etc. Practice to be the best. Read on to know more about how to get better if you’re a short basketball player.
Does Height Really Matter in Basketball?
Being tall against the competition is an advantage in almost any sport. Basketball players are tall, slim athletes; their physique helps them defend against opponents and score on offensive plays. Other essential features accompany the height, such as hand span and arm reach.
NBA players have an average height of 6-foot-6, 9 inches more than an average American’s 5’9″ frame. Let’s delve deeper into how height matters in today’s game.
Offensive Position
The height of the rim is 10 feet tall. On low post plays, tall players have a clear view of the goal for a more accurate shot, and less force is needed to thrust the ball into the basket. Taller players can shoot over their defenders, ensuring that the ball won’t get swiped. Tall players have an advantage on offensive rebounds for easy putbacks.
When bigs are positioned outside the free-throw lane, they benefit from a clear sight of the activities on the court. They can make their shots with little distraction from the opposition, provide screens, or pass to their open teammates for easy goals.
Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers uses his height to his advantage. At 6’10” (2.13 m), Embiid has a 0.49 field goal percentage which translates to 30.6 points per game during the 2021-22 NBA regular season, including 11.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.
Defensive Position
The center tends to be the tallest and most prominent player on the team. His wingspan and reach are an advantage in grabbing rebounds and hurling the ball to a streaking teammate for fastbreak plays. The center’s presence in the shaded lane intimidates opponents from driving to the basket. The offensive player either gets blocked or changes his shot resulting in a missed goal.
Tradeoffs
Bigs can do it all, though not all equally well since they have weaknesses. Bigs have the advantage in height and heft, but most of them lack agility and difficulty executing maneuvers which is a tradeoff in basketball. Tall players can block shots and get rebounds; however, they are not ball handlers and have trouble guarding outside shooters.
Tacko Fall is a 7’6″ (2.29m) giant whose hands can touch the ring without jumping. Fall played 37 games in the NBA for the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fall was waived by the Cavaliers on January 9, 2022, and was re-acquired by the Cleveland Charge in the NBA G League.
Basketball evolved, and players have to adjust to the game’s needs. Tall players have to dribble well, shoot from the three-point arc, and maneuver in crowded situations.
Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks, represents modern basketball. His height of 6’11’ (2.11 m) is good enough for a center slot, but he plays as a power forward for his team. Antetokounmpo joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James as the only NBA players to win two MVP awards before reaching 26; his credentials include:
NBA champion (2021)
NBA Finals MVP (2021)
2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
6× NBA All-Star (2017–2022)
NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021)
3× All-NBA First Team (2019–2021)
2× All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020)
3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019–2021)
NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017)
NBA Most Improved Player (2017)
NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team
What Height Is Considered Short for Basketball?
The average measurements of NBA players are as follows:
Position
Height w/o shoes
Wingspan
Standing Reach
Point Guard (PG)
6’1 ¼”
6’6 ½”
8’2 ½”
Shooting Guard (SG)
6’4 ¼”
6’8 ¼”
8’4 ¼”
Small Forward (SF)
6’5 ¼”
6’10 ½”
8’8 ¼”
Power Forward
6’7 ¼”
7’0 ¼”
8’10 ¼”
Center
6’9 ½”
7’3”
9’2 ½”
So, if you’re below 6’1 ¼”, you’re short and cannot play basketball. – Not true. Contrary to popular belief, basketball is an inclusive sport that does not discriminate against height, and anyone can play regardless of size. Standing over 6-feet tall is not a requirement.
Basketball is a game between two teams with players pitting skills against each other. Most people who play basketball do it for the love of the game. You feel the adrenalin pumping when you outplay your opponent; one-upping someone gives a psychological advantage; it makes you feel good. Controlling your dribble, hitting the bottom of the net on shots, and maneuvering through crowded plays complete your game. Your training and basketball smarts paid off by raising your level of play.
The NBA’s policies do not have a minimum or maximum height requirement. Instead, players are selected based on the skill and ability they bring to the court. The NBA welcomes talent; as long as you’ve got a game to show, the organization has a place for you.
Here are some basketball trivia about short basketball players in NBA you might not know.
Wataru “Wat” Misaka of Japanese descent is a 5’7″ (1.70 m) point guard. Misaka was the 61st pick in round 7 by the New York Knickerbockers (Knicks) in the 1947 NBA draft, known then as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). He was the first Asian and non-white to play professional basketball.
Anthony Jerome “Spud” Webb, who is 5’6″ (1.68 m), was the third shortest player in the NBA and the shortest Slam Dunk King who won the crown in 1986.
Louis Herman “Red” Klotz was the shortest, 5’7” (1.70 m), BAA (now known as the NBA), player to win a championship ring with the Baltimore Bullets in 1948.
Muggsy Boggs measuring 5’3” (1.6 m) is the shortest basketball player to don an NBA jersey. Boggs’ career spanned 14 seasons playing for four NBA franchises. He appeared in a cameo role in Space Jam alongside Michael “His Airness” Jordan.
Can You Be Good at Basketball If You Are Short?
The average height in the NBA is 6’6,” and you meet the average size in the world of 5 feet 7 inches. So does it mean that you’re too short to play basketball? It all depends on your goal as a player and how bad you want it. Things will be more complicated than for a tall player. There’ll be lots of days when you’ll get discouraged and frustrated.
You have to change your mindset; work on your weakness, which is your height, by improving on the other facets of your game. You have to accept that you’re short, and you need basketball smarts and work your ass off to be good in your game. The reality of basketball is height is might. Even if you have a hand in the face of the shooter, they will still knock down the jumper.
Here are some tips on how to get better if you are a short basketball player.
Improve your Ball-handling and Driving to the Basket
You have to establish yourself as a reliable guard. The ball will be in your hands often, and you’ll control the game’s tempo and create plays for the team.
Your ball-handling abilities should be better than anyone on the court. Ambidexterity in different dribbles is an effective weapon against defenders, such as cross-over, speed, reverse, low, and change-of phase. Practice dribbling with two balls in your hands; dribbling with one ball will be easy during a game. While at it, practice with chairs acting as defenders, and maneuver over them as you drive to the hoop. Every dribble and movement should be quick and strong. Use your speed and size to work your way around the basket. Your drive will free you up for opportunities to score or draw the defenders to you for a dish to an open teammate.
Shooting
Basketball is a scoring game; the team on top gets the W when the buzzer goes off.
Aside from ball-handling; and driving, drawing, and dishing to an open teammate, a small guard should have a decent shooting percentage. Defenders will get confused whether you’re driving in for a lay-up or pulling up for a jumper. Short players use the floater to score. Shooting is an offensive weapon that will make the defense hard to catch up. Take the cue from Steph Curry, who makes 1000 practice shots a day.
Defense
You should make up for speedy feet and energetic hands that you lack in height. Learn to be swifter and more responsive than the tall players. Covering the open lane to your rim will disrupt the play of the offensive team and allow your teammates to set defensive positions.
Build a strong body
Basketball is a contact sport, and body strength is needed to last the bumps on the court. Behind the spectacular passes and unique shots is a rigid body that adds up to speed.
Be a team player
Successful teams play unselfish, play together, and they play hard.
Small guards should focus on dishing out the ball for open looks by teammates.
What Position Does Short People Usually Play in Basketball?
The positions of the five players on a team are the point guard (PG) or 1, the shooting guard (SG) or 2, the small forward (SF) or 3, the power forward (PF) or 4, and the center (C) or 5.
The point guard is the court general and the shortest player on the team on the court. This position requires good ball-handling skills, high basketball smarts, and the ability to direct team plays. The point guard can also play the 2 role if he has a good shooting arm.
The role of the point guard is to push the ball upcourt and keep the offensive wheels rolling. They should dish passes to open teammates, retreat on defense, and make most of his shots count.
Wrapping Things Up: How to Get Better if You are a Short Basketball Player
Being short is not your fault; blame your genetics. Blame yourself if you’re not a good basketball player.
Height does not determine if you can be a good basketball player, but heart over height will. There are short basketball players in NBA who carved their names in the game. If you can’t beat tall players, outwork them.
Never rest until your good is better and your better is best.
We hope you enjoyed this post! If you did, be sure to check out our other basketball FAQ articles here.
You might also be interested in our posts about:
> How to Get Better at Basketball at Home
> How to Get Better at Basketball: Tips & Drills
> How to Get Quick Feet for Basketball
> How to Become More Explosive in Basketball?
Basketball coaching hacks: how to score goals for beginners
Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands. It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.
Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners
1. Hands up
In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you. Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!
2. Make shield rolls
Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!
3. Look at the ring, not at the ball
Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control. Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.
4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only
The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers. Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly.
5. Throw with one hand
If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.
6. Do not jump when protecting the ring
Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands. When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.
7. Don't look back
When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).
8. Bring the throw to automatism
Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism. Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.
Throw the ball with all fives and jump
Throwing Rules:
Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.
The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance. Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).
Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.
How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball
How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight. The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.
9. Copy masters and play as a team
Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.
10. Do not throw in a straight line
The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.
11. Do not throw the ball from a full height stand
This is the biggest newbie mistake!
Before the throw, bend your knees slightly and at the moment of the throw, straighten your body, making a jump. You need to straighten up and push off the ground at the same time. When squatting, keep the elbow of the throwing arm close to the body and towards the ring.
The jump will give momentum to the ball and will allow you not to make sudden movements with the brush.
***
And to be a long-term player, do not forget about your health: take care of your joints and muscles, use tapes, do a warm-up. And be sure to strengthen your arms, legs and shoulder girdle, develop coordination. Regular exercises on uneven bars and horizontal bars will help you with this.
exercises and useful tips for beginners
Basketball is one of the most difficult and spectacular ball games. The beauty of the duel depends not only on the number of hits in the basket. The main thing is still the technical aspects of dribbling and passing it. At the same time, you can’t just take a projectile and immediately play like LeBron James. It takes years of hard work to grow a real basketball player out of a child.
Among the many specific terms in this game sport is the concept of dribbling. Translated from English, the word means "to carry the ball" and implies the ability to maneuver with it during a duel. Dribbling training in basketball is aimed at developing this skill in the attacking team, who must not give the ball to the opposing side. The beauty of the game and the result of a sporting event largely depend on how the attacker owns dribbling.
Dribbling techniques
Basketball is a game based on three pillars - dribbling, passing, shooting. Each stage is important, requires skill and affects the course of the game. Dribbling means the maneuvering movement of the attacker on the playing field with the projectile. At the same time, it is forbidden to hold it in the hands, with the exception of the moments of transfer to the partner and when making a throw. In the process of dribbling, it is necessary that the projectile constantly bounces off the floor, and the athlete can touch it with his fingertips or with an open palm.
The dribbler constantly moves around the playing court and maneuvers between the defenders of the opposite team, for which he uses a variety of techniques:
changes the speed of movement;
makes sudden stops;
performs so-called feints with shoulders, arms, head and even eyes.
All these techniques pursue several goals at the same time:
Organize the correct direction of attack.
Move the ball into the opponent's zone as close to the basket as possible.
Beat an opponent and make a successful roll.
If a cluster of players from the opposing team has formed around the projectile, then remove the ball from there.
Prevent the enemy from taking possession of the projectile, which is especially important in the last minutes of the match.
There are 2 types of dribbling: high and low. The first is performed at high speed and is used in situations where a basketball player needs to quickly move around the court. In this case, the leading arm is almost completely straightened. The height of the bounce can reach the athlete's chest, but the amplitude should be maintained at which the basketball player manages to develop maximum speed.
The second method is also known as shell cover . It is used when it is necessary to dodge an opponent. In this case, the basketball player's legs are bent, the body is tilted forward, the arm is pressed to the body, the rebound is not higher than the level of the knees. Moments of low driving are characterized by the highest intensity.
Dribbling drills
Professional basketball players are excellent at dribbling. Many techniques are very difficult to perform, but at the same time the most effective during martial arts.
Dribbling behind the back
An excellent trick, used by players when they are blocked by opponents from the target and they need to escape, but not give up the projectile. The athlete takes a stance on bent legs and passes the ball from one hand to another, doing it behind his back, covering his body from the opponent.
Dribbling between the legs
A very difficult and effective hold. For its execution, the legs are placed as wide as possible and bent at the knees, one hand is located in front, the other behind the body, the eyes look at the enemy. In this position, the ball is passed from one hand to the other, each time moving between the legs.
Keeping the head up
This means guiding without eye tracking. Only the most experienced players can act like this. With this skill, the basketball player does not need to be distracted by the search and visual tracking of the ball, which makes it possible to concentrate on more serious goals.
Crossovers
This technique also belongs to the category of deceptive and disorienting opponent. The attacker dribbles around the court, hitting the projectile with one or the other hand, “drawing” the Latin letter V. In such a situation, it is difficult for the opponent to understand from which side the attacking actions will follow.
How to learn basketball dribbling at home: tips for beginners
You don't have to be on the court to hone your dribbling skills. This can be done anywhere, because at the initial stage it is necessary to simply get used to the ball, learn how to feel it, hit it, control the rebounds. This can be done in any open area, in the yard and even in the apartment. Start by slapping the ball. This develops the sensitivity of the palms. Keep your wrist as relaxed as possible at the moment of impact.
Another fundamental skill to master at the very beginning is dribbling with the tips of the phalanges. In this case, you should learn to control the impact force and at the same time increase the speed.
To improve the quality of training outside the gym:
find a friend and train together;
master the simultaneous dribbling of two balls, alternate hands, then hit both balls at the same time, then in turn, change the rhythm of rebounds;
learn to dribble not only moving forward, but also sideways or moving backwards;
practice driving at every opportunity: on the way to the store, to the bus stop, to school, etc., practicing the ball handle in basketball is especially effective when moving on an uneven surface;
always use both hands during training;
arrange an obstacle course, use any available items and go through it, changing the configuration of the track from time to time;
start training with standard exercises, as you master them, you can move on to more complex ones;
to develop strength in the arms (which is a necessary condition for success in this sport), train them by squeezing a rubber ball. This can be done outside the basketball court and not even during training, but in any free minute.
You will probably be interested to know about this : “How is street basketball different from ordinary basketball?” and "How to learn to play basketball?".
Basketball dribbling training
When you learn to control bounces, hold the ball confidently, and move along a given trajectory without losing it, you can move on to mastering the classic tricks.
Touching with the tips of the knuckles, not with the palm of the hand
The ability to dribble only with the tips of the fingers, according to many professionals, is one of the main skills in basketball. The projectile should be controlled, but not exerted with excessive effort, and this can be achieved not by slapping it with the whole palm, but only by touching it with the fingertips. The palm should be opened as much as possible, fingers spread out so that the grip area is maximum, but at the same time work only with the phalanges.
Rebound work
Hold the ball in your supporting hand with only your fingertips and tap it on the floor. Hit him firmly and confidently, but not too hard, as this will make it difficult to control. Every time try to catch the ball, doing it gently without effort and tension of the hand, and then hit it in the same manner.
Keeping the hand on top of the ball
For full control of the ball during movement, the palm must always remain on top of the ball while dribbling. This will prevent the projectile from flying far and will not give the enemy a chance to knock it out. This skill worked out to automatism will also help to avoid accidental catching from below, which is punishable by a fine in the game.
Holding the body between the guarding opponent and the projectile
Being in this position, you create big problems for the opponent in terms of possession of the ball. The reception is especially effective if several representatives of the opposing side have gathered around you.
Low stance work
Low holding prevents the opponent from taking possession of the projectile. For a successful maneuver, the legs should be bent at the knees, and the body is tilted forward, rebounds should be as frequent and low as possible (not higher than the leader’s thigh). To hone the exercise, you need to learn how to feel comfortable when the projectile is somewhere below. In this case, tilting to the sides is not allowed.
Avoiding Stops
A stop while dribbling must always end with an action, pass or throw. Otherwise, further dribbling, according to the rules, will be impossible, which the enemy will certainly take advantage of.
Timely passing
Masterful dribbling is beautiful, but everything should be in moderation. There are many situations in which it is much more efficient and useful for the team to pass the ball to colleagues. For example, in the case when they are in a better shooting position or if the space between you and the basket is occupied by several opponents.
Do not run before throwing
In this sport, running is prohibited, which includes one step with the ball in hand, especially carrying the projectile while walking or running, as well as moving or changing the supporting leg during a stop. Hence the conclusion: it is necessary to work out the skill of moving around the sports ground without the above-described hitches.
Training Enhancement Goggles
Special goggles have been invented for practicing blind dribbling. They look a little like the ones swimmers use: a plastic frame with rubber straps and a thick rubber shutter at the bottom. The rubber helps the goggles stay tight on the head during training and closes the athlete's view from below. It is this curtain that plays the main role: the basketball player does not see the projectile. This forces him to focus not on the projectile, but on what is happening on the field.
Why? Because if you are short, you will have some advantages against the taller guys, like speed. Spud Webb: one of the shortest NBA player in history!
If you have the wrong mindset, you will still fail even though you have the height of Yao Ming. 
The point guard is the one that handles the ball and runs plays. The shooting guard is the best outside shooter on a basketball team. 
Let’s check them out!
If centers are looking for their teammate to pass the ball, you should steal the ball from them. Because you are a short player, you can move and react quicker than taller basketball players.
If you don’t have enough power on the court, you cannot perform well. 
They can make their shots with little distraction from the opposition, provide screens, or pass to their open teammates for easy goals.
Tall players can block shots and get rebounds; however, they are not ball handlers and have trouble guarding outside shooters.
– Not true. Contrary to popular belief, basketball is an inclusive sport that does not discriminate against height, and anyone can play regardless of size. Standing over 6-feet tall is not a requirement.
So does it mean that you’re too short to play basketball? It all depends on your goal as a player and how bad you want it. Things will be more complicated than for a tall player. There’ll be lots of days when you’ll get discouraged and frustrated.
Ambidexterity in different dribbles is an effective weapon against defenders, such as cross-over, speed, reverse, low, and change-of phase. Practice dribbling with two balls in your hands; dribbling with one ball will be easy during a game. While at it, practice with chairs acting as defenders, and maneuver over them as you drive to the hoop. Every dribble and movement should be quick and strong. Use your speed and size to work your way around the basket. Your drive will free you up for opportunities to score or draw the defenders to you for a dish to an open teammate.
Take the cue from Steph Curry, who makes 1000 practice shots a day.
Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing! 
Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals. Practice with the ball constantly. 
Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it. Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge. 
Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket. Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal). 
The main thing is still the technical aspects of dribbling and passing it. At the same time, you can’t just take a projectile and immediately play like LeBron James. It takes years of hard work to grow a real basketball player out of a child. 
In the process of dribbling, it is necessary that the projectile constantly bounces off the floor, and the athlete can touch it with his fingertips or with an open palm. 
This can be done outside the basketball court and not even during training, but in any free minute. 
The palm should be opened as much as possible, fingers spread out so that the grip area is maximum, but at the same time work only with the phalanges. 
The reception is especially effective if several representatives of the opposing side have gathered around you. 
For example, in the case when they are in a better shooting position or if the space between you and the basket is occupied by several opponents. 
