Tips on how to get better at basketball

A Complete Guide On How To Get Better At Basketball Fast

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Playing basketball is not a skill that you can master in an instant. Even professional basketball players have to spend a lot of time practicing every day.

However, if you are a novice or young basketball player and want to master the basic steps to improve your skills, Scott Fujita will guide you in the article below.

How to get better at basketball at home? Let’s read on to discover!

Detailed steps to get better at basketball

Contents

To be able to play basketball well, you need to know some basic basketball skills. The first step is always the most important to understand the movements often used in competition.

Related: 

• Basic skills of basketball
• How to become a basketball coach
• How to shoot a basketball

To become a better player, the first thing you need to do is develop strong basketball dribbling skills. Start with simple dribbling drills and work your way up to mastery.

It would help if you started practicing with a centered athletic position. Keep your nose behind your toes and loaded hips, so you will not lean forward. Balance is the key to effective basketball handling.

Start moving the ball around your body in a static and athletic position. Don’t hesitate to dribble forcefully to the side of your foot when handling the ball.

You should maintain a bounce height between your knees and hips for the best control. Practice a few times in that sweet spot and then start dribbling. It ensures to keep the ball within your range to score better.

To gain more ball control, you need to put more force in after each dribble. We recommend practicing two-handed dribbling every day until your dribbling skills become proficient.

Also, pay attention to the three basic basketball skills: midfoot, back, and crossovers.

You will need to combine or create new dribbles based on these basic moves in a basketball game. It is vital to make sure you understand this step well before moving on to the other steps.

Check out this video to get an ultimate guide on how to get better at basketball dribbling.

Once you’ve played basketball for a while, you’ll have a clear understanding of your abilities. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to self-assess your performance. Usually, it will take you five to ten minutes to think about and list all of your strengths and weaknesses on paper.

Finding out your weaknesses will help you determine which basketball drills you should practice. For example, if you have trouble at the free-throw line, increase your free throws practice next time.

To become an elite basketball court player, you need to identify and eliminate your flaws to perfect every game aspect.

Most basketball players perform better in solo practice than they do in basketball games. The main reason for this drop in form is that the pressure of time and the game’s fast pace sometimes overwhelms you.

If you tend to shine in practice games but are poor at shooting and dribbling in real matches, chances are you haven’t kept up with game speed. When practicing or playing one on one, imagine defensive players covering you. It will help you a lot in keeping up with the actual game speed.

Opponent defenders won’t wait until you’ve completed a dribble or tried to find the best throw distance to the basketball hoop. If you want to practice shooting, let’s assume there are a lot of opponents around you. Those who hesitate to practice will not be able to perform well in actual conditions. It would be best if you remembered that.

You will not be able to improve your basketball skills if you are not physically fit. Whether you’re a defense or offensive player, fitness is essential to keep a basketball player competitive.

To be able to run across the field, you need to build endurance. Even if you’ve mastered basic skills like dribbling and passing skills, you won’t be able to keep up with your teammates if you’re quickly exhausted after five minutes of running. The best exercises for building endurance include endurance running, sprinting, or weight training to build muscle.

Power dribble before each game to warm up is also an excellent way to get used to the tempo of practice. Do these routines daily to increase your stamina. As muscle mass increases, it will help you become more aggressive to elevate you.

You need to practice shooting basketball frequently

You need to take some shooting drills to build the foundation for your shots. The lower body is the starting point for every shot that can score points. So, you need to focus on training and training your lower body.

Start by pointing your toes in the same direction, first placing them perpendicular to the rim. During practice, try to find the most natural position for your body. If you push the arch of your foot into the floor to load your lower body, it will give you strength and consistency.

Keep your knees behind your toes and focus on letting energy and power flow from your feet to your hips and buttocks. Finally, stroke your toes, knees, hips, and shoulders. Don’t forget to flex your legs after each shot.

You can also use the hand-eye coordination method to make your shooting arm stronger. If you want to practice at home, stand in front of a mirror without a ball in hand.

For a consistent ball feel, optimize your hand positioning. It affects the proper spin, feel connection, and controllability through which you fire. To find the correct hand position is to place the index finger of your dominant hand on the air valve of the ball. You can practice a shooting drill to get used to the feel of the ball in your hand.

When facing a defensive player, choose a high release point to make it harder for them to block. Keep your wrists and elbows in line with the basket. Extend your arms entirely so that your elbows end above the eye at the point of the shot.

For beginners, watching other basketball players play is also an excellent way to learn. Not only with basketball but also other sports. You can see how people play defense as well as set up attack tactics accordingly.

Professional games like the NBA are often thrilling but not suitable for learning. They usually pay attention to individual skills or highlights of the players. In contrast, high school and college tournaments use longer shot clocks. It is more suitable for the way teenagers play.

Observe and save skills that can be useful to bolster your offensive and defensive game. You won’t be able to practice defensive drills without help from other players. So this would be a good way to learn.

Don’t forget to play one on one with a defender

Playing defense is difficult if you practice alone. Most of our exercises will revolve around attacking and scoring. So how can you master the shooting and scoring?

A helpful tip is to observe defensive players’ feet, hands, and noses. They will help you roughly determine their standing position to predict their next move. Make quick judgments and create space with jabs or jumps.

When creating space from a tight defender, you need to achieve three goals. These include breaking balance, keeping the ball close, and creating a lane to the basket.

We recommend that you combine watching the video tutorials below to get the best results.

For you to become a better basketball player, talent is not the deciding factor. Famous stars like Michael Jordan or LeBron James also have a hard time practicing to master skills and apply them flexibly during competition. Take time to practice every day, and you will quickly realize your progress.

Thank you for reading!

How to Get Better at Basketball in 2 Hours (10-Step Guide)

Basketball is a competitive sport.

Every day there are millions of players attempting to improve their basketball skills.

This could be to improve their minutes on the court, to make the local HS team, or simply score more points while mucking around with friends.

If you want to learn how to get better at basketball, this 10-step guide is for you.

By the end of the post, you’ll know exactly how to get better at basketball in only 2 hours.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

The first ten minutes are dedicated to understanding how you currently impact the game.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Sit down with a pen and a piece of paper

2. Split the page into two columns:
   a. Strengths
   b. Weaknesses

3. Spend 10 minutes thinking about your game and writing down the things you do well during a basketball game (strengths), and the things you don’t do well (weaknesses).

When you’re finished, your page should look something like this:

This page will help you in several ways:

a. You’ll be able to focus on maximising your strengths during a game.

b. You’ll be able to avoid your current weaknesses as much as possible.

c. It will help you design basketball workouts to improve your skills.

Next, we’ll focus on improving your scoring.

Think about your current role within the team’s offense and set plays…

(Depending on the level of basketball you’re currently playing, your coach may have provided you with a booklet breaking down the team’s offense and set plays. If so, now is a great time to utilise that.)

Where are your main opportunities to score?

For example…

If your team is running the 5-out motion, you’ll have many opportunities to score:

• Using an on-ball screen.
• Setting an on-ball screen.
• Curling off an away screen.
• Outside shots off a cut.
• Facing up and attacking.
• Basket cuts.
• Backdoor cuts.
• etc.

Once you have this list, figure out which scoring opportunities best fit your skill set.

For your team’s set plays…

Think about the role you usually fill in each of them.

• “Which plays result in you getting an opportunity to score?”
• “What type of shot is it?”
• “What part of the floor is it from?”

These are all very important questions to know.

3. Find Other Opportunities to Get Cheap Points
(5 Minutes)

Outside of the team’s offense and set plays…

There are many other ways you can score an extra 6 - 10 points every game if you’re willing to work hard and compete.

Some of these include:

a. Offensive Rebounds

If the coach’s game plan allows it, be willing to attack the hoop and battle for offensive rebounds when a teammate puts up a shot.

Even if you don’t score yourself, passing after an offensive rebound can lead to a wide open shot for one of your teammates.

b. Sprint the Floor Hard

Unless you’re tasked with bringing the basketball up the court, make sure you’re sprinting down the floor on every change of possession.

Every point guard should be ready to pass over the defense giving you a wide open layup.

c. Set More Screens

This is a very overlooked way to get more shot opportunities.

When you set a screen for a teammate, there’s a high chance the defense will get confused and you’ll find yourself open to score.

If they switch, take advantage of your mismatch.

If they trap / double the ball-handler, roll into space for an open shot or layup.

4. Identify Ways to Increase Your Playing Time
(10 Minutes)

It’s a taboo topic…

But there ARE several things you can do to increase your playing time.

Spending more time on the court will allow you to gain more valuable experience, have a bigger impact on the game, and prove your skills to the coach, teammates, and everyone watching.

Learn how by reading this post on increasing your playing time.

Some of the tactics include:

a. Improve Your Level of Fitness

If your current conditioning doesn’t allow you to be productive for long periods of time, your coach isn’t going to play you many minutes.

b. Become a Great Defender

Every coach loves to have a go-to defensive player to shut down an opposing player when they’re having a great game.

Be this player.

c. Be Willing to do the Dirty Work

Games are won and lost by very few possessions.

If you’re a player who’s willing to take a charge, dive on a loose ball, or fight hard for an offensive rebound…

Your coach IS going to give you more minutes.

5. Create a Workout Program
(20 Minutes)

Here’s something you must understand:

If you’re only working on your skills during team practices, you’re never going to extend yourself from the competition or your teammates.

You MUST be practicing in your own time.

Which means creating a basketball workout to use at least 3 times per week.

You have a few options:

1. Create Your Own Workout

This involves putting together a list of drills that you’ll go through each workout.

It’s important to refer back to the pages you created with your strengths and weaknesses and also the shots you’ll get during games when you’re creating this.

They’ll help you put together a workout that’s customised to your needs.

Or...

2. Find a Basketball Workout

The other option you have is to simply find a basketball workout online to use.

I’ve put together several workouts you can find here:

3 Basketball Workouts for Players Who Want to Dominate

On that link are three workouts:

a. Advanced Guard Workout

b. Advanced Post Workout

c. Kids Basketball Workout

Pick the one you think suits your game the most (or swap between all of them), download and print off the document, and then complete the workouts.

6. Schedule Time to Complete Your Workouts
(5 Minutes)

This is one of the most important things I’ve learnt in the past few years:

If you don’t schedule time to do something, it won’t happen.

If you simply “hope” that your workout happens, I promise you other things will get in the way and you won’t find time to get it done.

You must schedule your workouts into your calendar and make the a priority.

Treat your workouts like doctors appointments.

You can’t miss them.

7. Improve Your Shooting Technique
(10 Minutes)

Shooting is the most important skill in basketball:

Start by reading my complete guide on shooting technique.

In it, you’ll learn:

• 10 steps to great shooting
• 5 shooting form mistakes
• Why becoming a great shooter is important
• 3 must-use shooting drills
• 11 shooting tips
• + more

Make sure you’re shooting the basketball with correct technique.

8. Improve Your Dribbling Technique
(10 Minutes)

Dribbling technique next.

Here’s what you’ll learn in my complete guide on dribbling correctly:

• How to protect the ball from defenders
• Which part of your hand shouldn’t touch the basketball
• The importance of being ambidextrous
• 3 important dribbling drills

Then it’s time to go outside (or in the gym) with your basketball and make sure you’re using the correct dribbling technique.

9. Commit to a Free-Throw Routine
(10 Minutes)

With all the hustling you’ve committed to do, you’re going to be shooting a lot more free-throws.

So, let’s make sure you’ve got a routine.

Having a free-throw routine when you step to the line will provide you with confidence and will give you something to focus on to block out pressure.

Mine looks like this:

• Stand back and receive the basketball.
• Spin the ball and set my feet.
• Three bounces
• Shoot.

It doesn’t matter what your free-throw routine consists of…

But make sure it’s exactly the same every time you step to the line!

10. Play 1-on-1 Against a Great Player
(30 Minutes)

This is absolutely the #1 way to get better at basketball.

Here’s how to do it:

a. Find someone who’s slightly better at basketball than you

This could be a friend, teammate, random person in the gym, anyone…

b. Challenge them to a game of 1-on-1

You can play to 11 or 21, and it doesn’t matter whether the scorer gets the basketball back or whether you switch who has the ball on every possession.

Simple, isn’t it?

1-on-1 is fantastic for development because you don’t have any teammates to bail you out.

Offensively...

You don’t have anyone to pass to when you get stuck.

You’re forced to learn how to create a shot and score against an opponent using fakes (shot fakes, jab steps), correct footwork, and smart decisions.

Defensively…

You don’t have any teammates to save you.

Your only option is to play tough and smart on-ball defense and guard your yard.

1-on-1 works on every part of your game!

Advanced Tip - Play one-on-one with limited dribbles allowed. For example, the offensive player can only take 3 dribbles before they must shoot.

Conclusion

Every player claims they want to get better at basketball…

But there aren’t many doing it the right way.

Unfortunately, most players aren’t focused on the things that will allow them to become better players and compete with the best players in their region.

Examples:

• Instead of working on their shooting technique, they’re practicing fadeaway shots.
• Instead of figuring out their strengths, they’re complaining about the coach.

By following the 10-step guide I’ve created above, I guarantee that you’ll be working on the things that will help you become a better player in the shortest amount of time.

Tips from experienced masters: how to become the best basketball player

Basketball is gaining more and more popularity every year. Today you will learn a few simple guidelines that will help beginners build a path to a real professional. The development and improvement of mastery depends on how much a person can master the skills of independent development in this area.

Physical training is the basis of a good basketball player

All professional athletes, including basketball players, have a good and comprehensive physical development. In order to have an advantage over your opponents in this game, you must develop the following qualities: strength, speed, endurance, agility and coordination.

By training in the basketball section, you are most likely mastering general physical fitness. However, if you train only with the ball, then you will not be able to comprehensively develop your fitness. In order to achieve it, you need to take up other sports. For example, athletics - it will help develop endurance and speed. Other qualities can be developed with the help of specialized exercises.

Each sport is unique and has a priority of development of one criterion, others, of course, are also developing, but to a lesser extent.

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• There is no limit to perfection. Any, even the simplest technique, can be perfected over the years. Which one to focus on? Pay attention to your own body.
• Athletes must master many techniques with high quality and then try to use them during training games.
• If a basketball player constantly develops his technical skills, then in time he will become a virtuoso.
• You must master your strengths and over time work on getting rid of your weaknesses.
• Do not try to go too far at once, gradually master new movements.
• Beginners should learn the whole arsenal at once and understand where to focus.
• The player can choose his specialization after he has already mastered many techniques. And then choose your style of play.

Master yourself

You must remember that every workout allows you to master your movements more clearly. Do not be lazy, and if there are no valid circumstances, then do not skip classes. The main thing is regularity. Over time, you will develop a habit, and you will not be able to imagine your life without basketball. Get rid of your weaknesses and focus on your strengths.

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Practical tips to improve your game

• Remember that every sport favors muscle elasticity. Do your best to be flexible. Eliminate the possibility of injury due to lack of flexibility.
• Carefully study all the rules of the game. Find out what you can get a foul for, what is dribbling, rebounding, etc. Also, if you have a friend who can pass on some knowledge to you, be sure to chat with him.
• Practice basic movements. Become your own coach, choose a sports ground that you like and train hard on it. Move at different paces, throw the ball into the air and catch it as you move. Practice throws into the ring from different angles.
• Practice with other basketball players. Learn all the terms and definitions and start using them regularly. They should fit tightly into your vocabulary.
• You must be a good friend. Pass often, occupy an open area in order to help another team member who is blocked.
• Come up with new tricks. Start with simple ones and gradually complicate them. Be patient and keep practicing until you succeed. Don't give up, be determined.
• Play at least once every two days, preferably every day. If you have the opportunity to go to the basketball court - by all means use it. Develop tolerance and a sense of devotion to basketball, and then you will definitely achieve certain heights.
• Play with peers. As a player, you need to know how your opponents handle the ball. If you can't beat them, then work harder. After solo workouts that focus on boosting ancillary qualities like speed and stamina, be sure to be the best on the court.
• Focus on dribbling. The only possible way to achieve great success is to be good at dribbling. You may be the most accurate basketball player on the planet, but you won't be a good player if you can't break through the opposing team's defense.

How to become a good basketball player?

• The main thing to remember is that hard work is the key to becoming a great basketball player. A cheerful spirit and self-confidence will definitely contribute to this.
• Remember that clever attacks are key.
• Eat healthy food. During the game you lose a lot of calories, recover well. Eat more protein and plant foods.
• When you play defense, always stand face to face with your opponent.
• Get used to constant interaction with teammates. Develop your signals.
• Remember that basketball is a team game where the team wins, not just one player. If you want to win, then be as united as possible.
• Be friendly and never scold other team members. If you think that you are better than them, then know that arrogance is a terrible character trait.
• You will win favor with the judges if you play fair.
• Earn the respect of your new teammates with a good game.

Top warnings to help you avoid big mistakes

• Never be afraid to throw the ball or attack if you think you're not ready. Also, never show off, let your partners know that you have your place and that you are a useful team member.
• Warm up well before playing. Do a light jog, then joint exercises and stretching. Flexibility while playing is a must. If you get hurt, you will blame yourself for it. So be smart.
• Get rid of stereotypes. You don't have to be tall to play basketball. Everyone can enjoy exercising.
• Do not show aggression towards other players, otherwise you will simply be escorted off the field. Treat your opponents with respect. It is clear that the release of adrenaline makes itself felt, but try to control yourself.
• Do not play basketball in enclosed spaces such as an apartment. The clatter of the ball can annoy your cohabitants. Moreover, you risk breaking something.

Keep your body in good physical shape

Sport involves the development of all physical abilities to one degree or another. To be a good basketball player, you need to keep fit, learn new tricks and learn new things.

Good athletes never miss a workout and constantly develop their skills. For many sports players, the ball is the meaning of life. Are you ready to sacrifice a lot in order to master it professionally?

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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 watching the game during the flight

4. Learn

Read books, watch educational and useful videos, do something else.

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