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How to practice basketball in the winter
Basement Basketball - How to Master Some Skills in the Winter Months
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Basement Basketball – How to Master Some Skills in the Winter Months
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Becoming a great basketball player isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes practice and repetition, along with the desire to push to improve your skills. Now that winter is here and the driveway is covered in snow and ice, it’s become more difficult to practice necessary game skills like dribbling and shooting. Though you no doubt get some practice time with your team, in order to really step it up and advance your game you need to find time to practice on your own time, too. But without your driveway net, it’s easy to find excuses to not pick up the ball.
Though it’s harder to practice some skills without the open space of an outdoor court or your driveway, there are a few skills you can work on mastering through the winter, in a space that won’t have your fingers freezing off!
At home drills can improve your game
While many drills need either space, teammates or a net, there are 2 great drills that you can do at home throughout the winter. All you’ll need is a couple basketballs and a hard floor, and your dribbling and shooting game will be pro in no time!
Although these drills are pictured in a gym, you need very little space and they’re perfect for improving your skills – in your own basement! Whether you’re playing rep ball, house league or just working your game – try them!
At home ball handling drill
One of the harder skills for a young basketball player to master is the ability to dribble the ball with both his dominant and his weak hand. The best drill to help advance this skill involves just 2 basketballs. Find a hard floor, maybe in your basement or garage, where you can comfortable dribble a ball. Now, dribble both balls at the same time. Having both hands in play, dribbling a ball, helps to prevent your dominant hand from taking over. It also helps to teach your brain to relax and let your body create a reflex in its weaker hand. Once you have good control of dribbling with both hands, start varying the height of your dribbles, taking the ball close to the floor and back up again.
Another great way to work on your ball handling skills is to practice dribbling between your legs, alternating which leg is forward. You can also work on dribbling at different heights, alternating hands as you go.
At home shooting drill
For this one, all you need is a basketball and somewhere you can comfortably lay down. Lay flat on your back, with your knees up. Hold the ball in a shooting position, and follow through with throwing it straight into the air so that you can catch it again. Start by throwing it only as far as your comfortable, slowly increasing the distance as you go. When you catch the ball, focus on catching it with the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Make sure you extend your arm straight every time you throw the ball.
This drill will help you perfect your shooting form, since the floor prevents your body from twisting or moving incorrectly. It also helps you focus on how the ball feels leaving your hand, so that when you’re on the court it starts to feel more natural.
Winter is a great time to hone skills
When you don’t have a driveway or outdoor court to play basketball on, it’s a great reason to focus on some of those fundamental skills that build on what you practice with your team. If you want to advance your skills and grow your basketball IQ, using the cold and dreary winter months to improve your ball handling and shooting skills can really help to get you ahead when you do get back on the court. Hard work in your off time will really show when it comes time to hit the court!
5 Simple Tips On Playing Basketball In Cold Weather!
Yes, all countries have cold seasons, and it is inevitable. Some of you here are from countries that have snow, and some are not. Whether it has snow or no snow in your country during the cold season, cold weather is a problem for most basketball players. Why? Because most players said in forums that it is difficult to play basketball during cold weather, and they ask for tips.
Yes, it is difficult, especially if your basketball court has no roof. When rain or snow rain comes while playing basketball, it will become a burden for basketball players. However, because I love helping my fellow ballers, I would like to give you tips on how you can play basketball during cold weather. Let’s check those tips!
How to play basketball in cold weather? To play basketball in cold weather, you have to follow these five tips below:
Wear the right outfit for the cold weather
Find an indoor basketball court
Practice basketball in your house
Try accessing your school’s gym
Put a rim on your backyard
Let’s take a deeper look at those tips. We are also going to answer various questions that are related to our subject. I will tell you different clothes you should wear before going outside in the cold and playing basketball. Let’s get right into it!
Five Tips To Play Basketball In Cold Weather
Do you know the saying, “if there is a will there’s a way”? There are many ways to play basketball during the cold season and if you have the will to play basketball, you will follow these tips. There are no reasons not to play basketball in today’s advanced generation.
Today, we are going to talk about five simple tips to help you play basketball in cold weather. Let’s check them out!
Wear The Right Outfit For The Cold Weather
The first you want to do before you go out in the cold and play basketball is to wear the right clothes. Wear the right outfit that fits in the cold weather. However, make sure that the clothes you will wear are comfortable with you.
Basketball addicts who play basketball during the winter or rainy season usually wear a jacket when going outside. Players living in a country with snow wear gloves and jackets. What is the right outfit to wear? Of course, jackets. But what are the other clothes that can help you in the cold? We’ll talk about that later!
Find A Indoor Basketball Court
The second tip is to find an indoor basketball court. If it is raining or snowing, make sure that you don’t expose yourself outdoors. You may get colds or fever when you go home, and you may freeze yourself to death especially if it is snowing hard.
Surely, there are many indoor basketball courts in your local city. Some are free, and some are paid. If you desire to play basketball, no amount will stop you from playing. Even if it costs you some dimes, you will pay for it if you like to play.
Even though you have a jacket, it doesn’t mean that you should stop pursuing finding an indoor basketball court. Playing indoors is best, especially if it’s winter. Indoor courts ensure your safety from the cold weather.
Practice Basketball In Your House
Storms are usual during cold seasons. If there is a strong storm and you can’t go out, you can practice basketball inside your house. You need to make sure that you can practice basketball safely.
There are many basketball drills on youtube that you can follow. You can do some of these drills at home and even while lying on your bed! If there is a will, there’s away. If you want to improve in basketball, there are many ways to conquer the hindrance.
When practicing basketball inside your house, make sure that you have a basketball. Indoor or outdoor basketballs will do. Check out some of our indoor basketballs. A ball is all you need. You can practice your handling and your shooting form at home, which is the essential skill to practice, just with a ball.
Try Accessing Your School’s Gym
If you know who is in charge of your school’s gym, try contacting them and ask if you can have access to the basketball gym. Make sure that you give the person in charge some stipend for opening the court for you. If there are no indoor courts near you, your school’s basketball court is the next option.
Put A Rim On Your Backyard
If you don’t like to go far away from your house, you can buy a basketball rim and put it in your backyard. It is good to have a basketball rim in your backyard during cold seasons. Why? Because if a storm or powerful rain suddenly comes, you can go inside your house quickly.
There are cheap portable basketball rims if you are low on budget. However, I don’t suggest it because a cheaper price means cheaper materials used, and cheaper materials used means easy to break. So make sure you have enough money to buy the best portable basketball hoop for your backyard!
Can You Play Basketball In Cold Weather?
Yes! You can play basketball in cold weather. However, you need to have safety precautions. Why? Because a strong storm or powerful rain may come, which can be dangerous. Also, never forget your jacket before going out in the cold and play.
In all countries, there is a winter season, and it is inevitable. During winter or cold season, expect that there are rains often and it will be cold. You can’t tell the weather to go away because you are going to play basketball. But you can help yourself to play basketball safely in cold weather.
You can play basketball during the winter seasons, but make sure that you wear the right attire. However, even if you can play basketball in cold weather, is it good? Let’s find out!
Is It Good To Play Basketball In Cold Weather?
Yes! It is good to play or practice basketball in cold weather. However, if the news forecasted there is a strong storm coming tomorrow, I would not suggest you play basketball during that day. Make sure that you wear the best outfit for cold weather before going out and play!
Some people said that playing basketball during a very cold day is not a good idea. Why? Because you are going to wear gloves. People said that wearing gloves to play basketball is like a gymnast wearing a sweater. However, I don’t agree with them because there are basketball gloves specifically made for basketball players, and it was proven to help players improve their ball handling.
However, I still don’t suggest you play basketball if it’s really cold out there, not because you wear gloves, but because of your safety. If it’s really cold out there, I suggest you practice at home. However, if you really want to play even if it’s 20 degrees below, find an indoor basketball court to make your temperature warmer, and it is much safer.
It is much safer when you play basketball indoors during a cold season where the temperature is below 20 or even lower! If you are going to play outside, make sure to bring your jacket and wear your gloves before riding your bicycle going to the indoor basketball court.
Can You Play Basketball With Gloves?
Yes! You can play basketball while wearing gloves. But make sure that you are using the gloves specifically made for basketball training. Basketball gloves are training gear that helps players to improve their ball handling. These gloves can also be used if you want to play basketball in cold weather.
There are basketball gloves that you can wear to help you play in cold weather. If you want to keep your hands warm, you can buy and use basketball gloves. The materials used for basketball gloves can keep the player’s hands warm and protect them from the cold while playing.
The reason why I suggest you not play basketball if it’s really cold out there is that I care about your safety. What if you don’t know the right outfit to wear for cold weather? What if a strong storm comes?
When a strong storm comes, it’s a problem, and obviously, don’t go outside and play basketball. There is no debate if it’s a good idea to play basketball if there is a storm. However, if your problem is you don’t know the right outfit to wear for cold weather, I can help you out!
Best Outfit To Wear When Playing Basketball In Cold Weather
The best outfit to wear if you are going outside to play basketball in cold weather is a thick jacket. You can also wear a jogger or yoga pants. The thickness of your jacket depends on the temperature. If it’s lower or below 10 degrees outside, wear the thickest jacket or sweater you have. But if you don’t have one, you can double your jacket or wear a shirt inside.
Make sure that your outfit is comfortable for you. Remember, you are going to play basketball. You are not going to walk around like in the park. Wear outfits that will let you move freely and will build up your confidence.
If I am going to play in cold weather here, I am wearing a long hoodie and jogger pants. I don’t wear any gloves because, in my country, it is not snowing. The lowest temperature recorded in my country is 6.3 degrees celsius. But usually, it is 15-20 degrees celsius during the cold season. Sometimes I also wear basketball arm sleeves if I am going to wear a t-shirt only.
But if you are a basketball player that lives in a country that snows, you have to wear basketball gloves. So if you are living in a country with no snow but cold, wear jackets or hoodies and joggers or yoga pants. But if you are living in a country that snows, make sure you wear a jacket or hoodie, joggers or yoga pants, and basketball gloves. The thickness of the jacket depends on the temperature.
Final Words
So, in conclusion, there are no reasons for you not to play or practice basketball. You can play basketball in cold weather by using my tips above. Before playing basketball in cold weather, make sure that you read the whole article. It will help you to play basketball safely during cold seasons. Cheers!
How do you play basketball in cold weather? Any tips you can share with us? You can share with us your tips below!
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OUTDOORS IN WINTER
Many people mistakenly believe that basketball and training can only be played indoors in winter. And where there are few or no gyms, basketball freezes in winter. Basketball players either switch to other sports or stop training altogether.
In Kuibyshev, for example, there is only one gambling hall owned by the Dynamo society. Until
1954, almost all sports teams disbanded basketball clubs and teams in winter. The number of competitions and teams participating in them was greatly reduced in winter.
So, in the summer of 1953, 9 city competitions were held in Kuibyshev with the participation of 1745 basketball players. In winter there were only 3 competitions with 515 participants. Some teams entered the winter competitions without prior training. The competitions of the teams of physical culture groups and schools from different districts of the city are generally held only in the summer.
In the meantime, in the middle zone of our country, it is possible to conduct training sessions for basketball players in an open area in winter. Department of Physical Education of the Engineering and Construction Institute. A. I. Mikoyana conducted research that showed that training in the winter on an open court makes it possible not only to maintain the level of technical and tactical skill achieved by basketball players over the summer, but also to significantly increase it. A great health-improving and hardening effect of winter basketball lessons in frosty air was also noted.
Based on the data of these studies, two Kuibyshev universities - Industrial and Civil Engineering Institutes - in the 1954/55 academic year, basketball was chosen as one of the main types of sports specialization for students of the 1st and 2nd courses.
These schools do not have winter playrooms. Nevertheless, starting from September 1, 1954, only in the first two courses, 255 students were involved in basketball at the Industrial Institute, and 153 at the Engineering and Construction Institute. Basketball players practiced outdoors regularly twice a week for 2 hours.
In December, summing up the work for the first semester, a competition was held. In the Industrial Institute, 25 teams participated in such competitions (of which 9 were women's), in the Engineering and Construction Institute - 24 teams (8 were women's).
From the beginning of the second semester, all students of the first and second courses were trained in skiing. However, even at this time, students specializing in basketball did not stop classes: one lesson a week was devoted to skiing, the second to basketball.
At the end of the academic year, test competitions were again organized. All students specializing in basketball participated in them. The games showed the increased level of technology and tactics of basketball players. A lot of talented players were identified, who were included in the national teams of the institutes. In the spring-summer competitions for the city championship in the 1st group, the Industrial and Construction Institutes easily managed to put up 7 teams each and in the overall standings, respectively, took second and third places, only behind Dynamo basketball players.
Throughout the winter, basketball players did not have a single case of colds and sports injuries. Students positively assessed the hygienic effect and expediency of playing and training outdoors in winter.
Organization of winter basketball lessons in the open area is not a big problem.
The basketball court must be cleared of snow and lightly sprinkled with dry sand. One person will be able to maintain it in a condition suitable for practicing, spending one and a half to two hours a day on it.
After a heavy snowfall, the practitioners themselves should be involved in clearing the snow. 12-15 people in 10-20 minutes can fully prepare the site for classes. The job of clearing the site itself serves as a good warm-up, if it is supplemented with exercises in running and jumping.
You can mark the site with chalk (dry or diluted in hot water).
Outdoor basketball players must be suitably warmly dressed. A ski suit is suitable for this. In frosts of more than 10 degrees, a sweater must be worn under the ski shirt. The best headdress is a knitted woolen skating cap.
On the frozen ground of the playground, you can play in any footwear (basketball or speed skating boots are better). Our students play in basketball shoes, skating shoes, rubber shoes (woolen socks), and ordinary shoes. It is only important that the sole is not smooth, as a player in shoes with a smooth sole is very slippery.
Gloves are best worn only during warm-ups or when the wind is biting. In general, it is not recommended to use them, hands get used to the cold, and during intensive exercises with the ball they do not feel cold.
For outdoor activities, you need to prepare the balls - soak the tires with grease and dry. It is better to have spare balls to replace wet ones.
It is most convenient to work with a group of 12 people at one site. In the initial period of training, all of them can even participate in a two-sided training game, and later on, ten play, and two referee (they can also replace players).
The generally accepted method of training sessions is also suitable for winter outdoor activities. In the preparatory part of the lesson, you need to introduce more exercises that contribute to the general warming up of the body, especially the warming up of the hands (exercises with stuffed balls, paired exercises, relay races with carrying a live load).
The introductory and preparatory parts of the lesson can last from 15 to 25 minutes (the colder the longer).
The main part of the lesson (60-65 minutes) should begin with a special warm-up - previously studied simple exercises with the ball in pairs-threes, on the spot and in motion. Each lesson should include new exercises (no more than two) to improve in technique and tactics.
The intensity of exercise in frosty air increases significantly. Therefore, exercises with greater mobility must be alternated with exercises of lesser mobility.
A two-sided game is required in every lesson. Breaks in the game should be used for streaming exercises in free throws.
The colder the air, the more time you need to allocate to the game, reducing the time of exercise. In severe frosts (more than 15 °) it is better to completely abandon learning new elements of technology and tactics, and after a special warm-up, immediately proceed to the game.
A normal basketball lesson can be held in frost up to 20° (no wind).
The final part of the lesson is a calm jog and walking. Then basketball players should go to a warm room in an organized manner or immediately get dressed. It is very important.
Winter basketball lessons in the fresh air should be introduced as widely as possible into the sports practice of all sports teams. But in winter it is necessary not only to train, but also to compete in open areas. And let there be more such competitions - regional, city, and maybe even republican.
A. KISELEV, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, AI Mikoyan
V. KUZNETSOV, Lecturer at the Industrial Institute. VV Kuibysheva
P. IVANOV, Lecturer of the Engineering and Construction Institute named after AI Mikoyan
How to go in for sports on the street in winter and not get sick - Tips
Going in for sports on the street in the warm season gives people not only a toned body and good health, but also positive emotions. However, with the onset of cold weather, many doubt whether to continue training. The RIAMO in Lyubertsy columnist found out how to dress properly, what to take with you and how to train in winter so as not to get sick.
You can continue to train outside until the air temperature is minus 10 degrees. If a person is well tempered, then he can practice at 15-20 degrees below zero. However, the colder it is, the more likely it is to get sick. In severe cold, even the most trained athletes risk catching a cold.
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Breathing
Breathing is very important during winter outdoor training. Always inhale through the nose and exhale through the nose or mouth. It is worth remembering that if breathing is confused, if it becomes difficult to inhale through the nose, then the athlete overdoes it with the load. In this case, you should immediately stop training, return home and warm up.
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In winter, sportswear must be especially carefully considered. On the one hand, it is necessary not to freeze, on the other hand, not to sweat and not to “worn out”.
In the cold season it is better to dress in layers. You need to put on a set of thermal underwear directly on the body - a special fabric will retain heat, protect against overheating, and remove moisture from the skin. If there is no thermal underwear, you can wear a cotton T-shirt and underpants or leggings.
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The second layer is a wool sweater or fleece sweatshirt, windproof pants. The third layer is a windbreaker or light jacket. In such clothes, you can freeze if you stand still. But it is worth starting to move, and the body will quickly warm up.
Mandatory accessories - hat and gloves. A sports snood or a fleece scarf is also useful, and on especially frosty and windy days, a special mask that protects from the cold. On the feet - woolen socks and warm sneakers or boots. Shoes must be non-slippery, otherwise the athlete risks injury.
It is important to choose comfortable clothes made of modern materials that do not hinder movement. If training takes place in the evening or early morning, when it is still dark, it is better to give preference to bright colors. Clothing must have reflective inserts so that the athlete can be seen from afar.
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Warm drinks
Take a thermos with hot tea for winter training. Black tea with lemon, ginger or honey is ideal. You can also take warm water with you - ordinary or mineral. It is best to drink 150 milliliters every 15-20 minutes.
One of the most popular types of winter fitness is running. Here you need to pay special attention to clothes and shoes. The sole of the sneakers should not slip or harden in the cold, the joints and seams should not get wet, but the shoes should breathe. Therefore, summer sneakers are not suitable for winter running - it is better to visit a sports store and buy special shoes that will withstand slush and frost.
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In addition to equipment, a warm-up is important - if possible, very active and in a warm room. If you have not run before, it is better to start with one and a half or two kilometers, and then gradually increase the distance.
When jogging, it is important to get the route right. At the end of the workout, you should run in the direction of the wind: in this case, it will be easier to overcome the distance, and the athlete will not choke on cold air.
The optimal time for winter training is one hour. In winter, it is enough to do 2-3 times a week. It is better to avoid running at night - in the evening it is more difficult to notice the slippery surface, and falls can lead to serious injuries.
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Walking with sticks, or Nordic walking, is an ideal option for those who do not want or cannot run, but want to be in good shape. This fitness is also suitable for pensioners, children and athletes after injuries.
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For training, you need to choose shoes with non-slip soles and buy special sticks. If the street is slippery, it is better to purchase iron tips for them. You also need to dress warmly, but not too much: during training it will become hot, but you should not undress on the go - this can lead to a cold.
First, you can walk along the cleared paths in the local park or just along the city streets. If the snowfall passes, it is worth trying to walk in the snow - this will create an additional load, which means that the result will be more tangible.
You can start with 10-20 minutes, more advanced people can try to walk 40 or more minutes. An adult is recommended to walk for an hour and a half a day - this will be approximately 5-7 kilometers.
Workout is a popular kind of street sport. Athletes all year round are engaged in horizontal bars and uneven bars, push-ups, pull-ups and squats. In the summer, such training brings the most tangible results, in the winter it is worth reducing the load and concentrating on maintaining physical fitness.
During the winter workout, you should not strain too much: you should do push-ups and pull-ups until your arms get tired, and it’s better to “overpower” yourself in the summer.
It also helps you focus on how the ball feels leaving your hand, so that when you’re on the court it starts to feel more natural.
Let’s get right into it!
But what are the other clothes that can help you in the cold? We’ll talk about that later! 
You need to make sure that you can practice basketball safely. 
It is good to have a basketball rim in your backyard during cold seasons. Why? Because if a storm or powerful rain suddenly comes, you can go inside your house quickly. 
But you can help yourself to play basketball safely in cold weather.
If it’s really cold out there, I suggest you practice at home. However, if you really want to play even if it’s 20 degrees below, find an indoor basketball court to make your temperature warmer, and it is much safer.
The materials used for basketball gloves can keep the player’s hands warm and protect them from the cold while playing. 
One person will be able to maintain it in a condition suitable for practicing, spending one and a half to two hours a day on it. 
The RIAMO in Lyubertsy columnist found out how to dress properly, what to take with you and how to train in winter so as not to get sick. 
In this case, you should immediately stop training, return home and warm up. 
But it is worth starting to move, and the body will quickly warm up. 
