SUPPLIES
Overview
How do you get to the NBA? Practice, practice, practice. OK, so that's not exactly how the old joke goes. Nevertheless, it applies to getting better at basketball. If you want a college basketball scholarship or to become the next Michael Jordan or LeBron James, you'll need to practice ... a lot. Working on the fundamentals is a good place to start when you set out to get better at basketball.
Step 1
Learn to dribble with both hands. Most basketball players can dribble well with one hand, but to stand out from all of the rest, a good basketball player must be able to dribble equally as well with both hands. Additionally, a good ball handler can switch from hand to hand smoothly. Set up some cones or any other obstacle to maneuver around and practice with both hands equally, or maybe even a little extra with your weaker hand, when you work on dribbling.
Step 2
Perfect the pass. Bad passes lead to turnovers and turnovers lead to losses. Grab a buddy, or your mom or dad, and stand about 8 feet away. Practice all of the basic passes--the chest pass, bounce pass, two-handed overhead pass--and, just for fun, practice a few fancy no-look behind-the-back passes, too. You'll be dishing out assists rather than creating turnovers in no time.
Step 3
Practice rebounding. A good rebounder goes after the basketball aggressively. The "Tips" rebounding drill is one of the most effective solo basketball drills. Stand underneath the basket and toss the ball off the backboard, jump up and tap the ball back off the backboard. Do this 10 times, trying to score on the 10th tip, with both hands. This drill improves timing and jumping ability as well.
Step 4
Improve your footwork, one of the most important fundamentals of the game. Players often overlook footwork, both offensive and defensive, when practicing on their own. Even though you'd like to be shooting more, working on the triple-threat position, pivoting, jump stopping and defensive stance are just as important. Each one of the skills comes with its own set of drills to improve. Visit a website such as the Coach's Clipboard or Breakthrough Basketball (see Resources) for drills to practice the various types of footwork.
Step 5
Work on your shooting form. It doesn't do much good to practice shooting if your form is flawed. Start by standing a couple feet from the basket. Place the ball in one hand, palm face up with your arm at a 90-degree angle. Push the ball up to the rim and follow through. When you are comfortable shooting from this distance, move back a step or two. It's OK to use your off hand as long as it doesn't help push the ball toward the rim.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : No one ever got to the NBA , or Carnegie Hall for that matter, without practicing regularly. Adopt a practice schedule and keep to it.
Resources
