Difference between revisions of "Be a Good Basketball Player"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Text replacement - "[[Category: B" to "[[Category:B") |
||
| (5 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
#Improve your [[Shoot a Basketball|shooting]]. The shooters get a lot of the glory, and they are obviously critical to the game. But you don’t want to be in a situation where people are blocking your shots or you miss a lot of them. That will land you on the bench. | #Improve your [[Shoot a Basketball|shooting]]. The shooters get a lot of the glory, and they are obviously critical to the game. But you don’t want to be in a situation where people are blocking your shots or you miss a lot of them. That will land you on the bench. | ||
#*Use your fingertips. This helps you maintain proper control of the ball when shooting. | #*Use your fingertips. This helps you maintain proper control of the ball when shooting. | ||
| − | #*Bend your legs and stay small when you begin the shot. Then, spring up, and end tall, with your body straightened and hands up in the air. When players start shooting while standing straight, they can lower their shooting percentage. The legs are critical in shooting. In fact, you should play the entire game with your knees mostly bent. <ref>http://www.basketball4all.net/5steps.html</ref> | + | #*Bend your legs and stay small when you begin the shot. Then, spring up, and end tall, with your body straightened and hands up in the air. When players start shooting while standing straight, they can lower their shooting percentage. The legs are critical in shooting. In fact, you should play the entire game with your knees mostly bent. <ref name="rf1">http://www.basketball4all.net/5steps.html</ref> |
#*Go for the higher percentage shots. Don’t always try to shoot the tricky shots. Figure out which shots are difficult for you to make, and focus on the easier shots. This will make you seem like a better shooter overnight. | #*Go for the higher percentage shots. Don’t always try to shoot the tricky shots. Figure out which shots are difficult for you to make, and focus on the easier shots. This will make you seem like a better shooter overnight. | ||
#*Point the elbow toward the middle of the rim, and keep it in, as well as your middle finger when you follow through. Finish your shot as if you are dipping your hand into the rim. Proper follow through also means that your fingers should hang down, not be together or pointed. | #*Point the elbow toward the middle of the rim, and keep it in, as well as your middle finger when you follow through. Finish your shot as if you are dipping your hand into the rim. Proper follow through also means that your fingers should hang down, not be together or pointed. | ||
#*Fully extend your arm at the end of your shot, with your elbow snapping back. And keep your elbow at the level above your eyes when you release the ball. | #*Fully extend your arm at the end of your shot, with your elbow snapping back. And keep your elbow at the level above your eyes when you release the ball. | ||
| − | #Condition your body. You need to perform practice drills that condition your body in a way that is designed for basketball offensive play, not just exercises like you might do for fun. Coaches look for players with good conditioning - an explosive first step or who can jump {{convert|2|ft|m|sigfig=2}} in the air. <ref>http://www.stack.com/2013/10/14/best-basketball-conditioning-drills/</ref> <ref>http://www.ussportscamps.com/tips/basketball/6-ways-to-be-a-top-high-school-basketball-player1</ref> <ref>https://peakone.wordpress.com/our-philosophy-on-performance/basketball/fundamentals/what-makes-a-good-basketball-player/</ref> | + | #Condition your body. You need to perform practice drills that condition your body in a way that is designed for basketball offensive play, not just exercises like you might do for fun. Coaches look for players with good conditioning - an explosive first step or who can jump {{convert|2|ft|m|sigfig=2}} in the air. <ref name="rf2">http://www.stack.com/2013/10/14/best-basketball-conditioning-drills/</ref> <ref name="rf3">http://www.ussportscamps.com/tips/basketball/6-ways-to-be-a-top-high-school-basketball-player1</ref> <ref name="rf4">https://peakone.wordpress.com/our-philosophy-on-performance/basketball/fundamentals/what-makes-a-good-basketball-player/</ref> |
| − | #*Use a [[Design a Fitness Training Plan|pre-planned workout]]. There are many basketball conditioning plans that will help you get in shape and improve your stamina. Even 45 minutes three times a week can make a big difference. <ref> http://www.usab.com/youth/news/2011/06/45-minute-basketball-workout.aspx</ref> | + | #*Use a [[Design a Fitness Training Plan|pre-planned workout]]. There are many basketball conditioning plans that will help you get in shape and improve your stamina. Even 45 minutes three times a week can make a big difference. <ref name="rf5"> http://www.usab.com/youth/news/2011/06/45-minute-basketball-workout.aspx</ref> |
#*Some conditioning workouts suggest exercises like [[Speed Jump Rope|skipping rope]], [[Improve Your Sprinting|sprinting]] from the free-throw line to the net and slapping the net with the hands, shooting for one minute from different spots on the court, and performing defensive slide moves. | #*Some conditioning workouts suggest exercises like [[Speed Jump Rope|skipping rope]], [[Improve Your Sprinting|sprinting]] from the free-throw line to the net and slapping the net with the hands, shooting for one minute from different spots on the court, and performing defensive slide moves. | ||
===Improving your Defensive Play=== | ===Improving your Defensive Play=== | ||
#Keep your feet moving. A good defender must be quick on the feet and constantly on the move. If you stand still too long on the court, you won’t be good at this position. | #Keep your feet moving. A good defender must be quick on the feet and constantly on the move. If you stand still too long on the court, you won’t be good at this position. | ||
#*Mentally envision that you’ve stepped in paint. Ask yourself, how many of your footprints will you see on the court? You want to “paint the floor” by moving a lot and being everywhere. Increase your activity on defense, and you will be more effective. | #*Mentally envision that you’ve stepped in paint. Ask yourself, how many of your footprints will you see on the court? You want to “paint the floor” by moving a lot and being everywhere. Increase your activity on defense, and you will be more effective. | ||
| − | #*Try for every single ball. <ref | + | #*Try for every single ball. <ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Don’t keep your eye on the ball – keep your eye on the other player. Otherwise you could be tricked by ball fakes. Maintain eye contact with the player you are guarding. Keep the player away from the baseline and force him or her to the front of the rim. | #*Don’t keep your eye on the ball – keep your eye on the other player. Otherwise you could be tricked by ball fakes. Maintain eye contact with the player you are guarding. Keep the player away from the baseline and force him or her to the front of the rim. | ||
| − | #Stay low. Good defenders bend their knees. They spend most of the game moving and crouched low. They should also keep their head lower than the head of the person they are guarding. <ref>https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/defense/onball.html</ref> | + | #Stay low. Good defenders bend their knees. They spend most of the game moving and crouched low. They should also keep their head lower than the head of the person they are guarding. <ref name="rf6">https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/defense/onball.html</ref> |
#*Keep feet wide apart and legs bent when on defense. Constantly move your feet. It will be easier for an offensive player to get past you if your legs are together or your feet crossed. | #*Keep feet wide apart and legs bent when on defense. Constantly move your feet. It will be easier for an offensive player to get past you if your legs are together or your feet crossed. | ||
| − | #*Keep your nose lower than the nose of the person you are guarding. This way you can react quickly to motion made by your opponent. <ref>http://basketball.isport.com/basketball-guides/how-to-be-a-great-on-ball-defender-in-basketball</ref> | + | #*Keep your nose lower than the nose of the person you are guarding. This way you can react quickly to motion made by your opponent. <ref name="rf7">http://basketball.isport.com/basketball-guides/how-to-be-a-great-on-ball-defender-in-basketball</ref> |
| − | #*Standing upright can make a defender lose balance. Your feet should be shoulder length apart, with your knees bent slightly. <ref | + | #*Standing upright can make a defender lose balance. Your feet should be shoulder length apart, with your knees bent slightly. <ref name="rf7" /> |
#Put your hand on the ball. If you are careful, you can use this technique to be a better defender without fouling the player you are guarding. | #Put your hand on the ball. If you are careful, you can use this technique to be a better defender without fouling the player you are guarding. | ||
#*If the opponent is holding the ball in shooting position, put your hand on the ball. This will make it harder for them to shoot the ball. | #*If the opponent is holding the ball in shooting position, put your hand on the ball. This will make it harder for them to shoot the ball. | ||
#*If your opponent has the ball below their mid-section, put your hand on top of the ball. This will make it harder for them to shoot. | #*If your opponent has the ball below their mid-section, put your hand on top of the ball. This will make it harder for them to shoot. | ||
#Become a [[Rebound in Basketball|better rebounder]]. Rebounding the ball can determine the outcome of games. Your team can't score if it doesn't have possession. | #Become a [[Rebound in Basketball|better rebounder]]. Rebounding the ball can determine the outcome of games. Your team can't score if it doesn't have possession. | ||
| − | #*Move to the inside position, so you have a better chance at the ball. <ref>http://www.maravichbasketball.com/10-tips-to-becoming-a-better-rebounder/</ref> | + | #*Move to the inside position, so you have a better chance at the ball. <ref name="rf8">http://www.maravichbasketball.com/10-tips-to-becoming-a-better-rebounder/</ref> |
#*Don’t stand straight. If you squat down, you will have more power in your jump and a better chance at the ball. When you jump for the ball, keep both hands as outstretched as you can. | #*Don’t stand straight. If you squat down, you will have more power in your jump and a better chance at the ball. When you jump for the ball, keep both hands as outstretched as you can. | ||
#Improve your defensive conditioning. Defenders need to do a lot of running and must stay low to properly guard another player. Defensive [[Have More Endurance|endurance training]] will improve play. | #Improve your defensive conditioning. Defenders need to do a lot of running and must stay low to properly guard another player. Defensive [[Have More Endurance|endurance training]] will improve play. | ||
| Line 44: | Line 44: | ||
#Try [[Build Your Lower Body Strength|lower body strength training]]. Lifting weights will improve your body’s overall strength, which is good on defense when you need to get rebounds or block shots. You want to vary exercises, though. | #Try [[Build Your Lower Body Strength|lower body strength training]]. Lifting weights will improve your body’s overall strength, which is good on defense when you need to get rebounds or block shots. You want to vary exercises, though. | ||
#*Do [[Do a Squat|squats]]. Take a dumbbell, keep feet flat on the ground and go as low as you can, keeping your thighs parallel to the ground. | #*Do [[Do a Squat|squats]]. Take a dumbbell, keep feet flat on the ground and go as low as you can, keeping your thighs parallel to the ground. | ||
| − | #*Try [[Do Lunges|lunges]] and step ups. Using a barbell or dumbbell, keep your leading foot flat on the ground and your torso erect. Step up on a box and then down again or lunge forward with each leg. <ref> http://www.stack.com/2012/09/18/basketball-strength-training-program/</ref> | + | #*Try [[Do Lunges|lunges]] and step ups. Using a barbell or dumbbell, keep your leading foot flat on the ground and your torso erect. Step up on a box and then down again or lunge forward with each leg. <ref name="rf9"> http://www.stack.com/2012/09/18/basketball-strength-training-program/</ref> |
#Try [[Increase Upper Body Strength|upper body strength exercises]]. These exercises are divided into pushes and pulls. You can use bands to help you by putting a foot or knee into a band when doing things like chin-ups or pull-ups if they are hard for you in the beginning. | #Try [[Increase Upper Body Strength|upper body strength exercises]]. These exercises are divided into pushes and pulls. You can use bands to help you by putting a foot or knee into a band when doing things like chin-ups or pull-ups if they are hard for you in the beginning. | ||
| − | #*Use a barbell or dumbbell to do[[Bench Press| bench presses]] or shoulder presses. To bench press, lie on a weight bench with your feet on the floor. Unlock the bar and lift it with straight arms. Lower it to mid-chest, and then press it upward, locking your elbows. Don’t move your butt off the bench. Try to do this in sets of five reps. <ref> http://stronglifts.com/bench-press/</ref> | + | #*Use a barbell or dumbbell to do[[Bench Press| bench presses]] or shoulder presses. To bench press, lie on a weight bench with your feet on the floor. Unlock the bar and lift it with straight arms. Lower it to mid-chest, and then press it upward, locking your elbows. Don’t move your butt off the bench. Try to do this in sets of five reps. <ref name="rf10"> http://stronglifts.com/bench-press/</ref> |
| − | #*Use a barbell or dumbbell to perform [[Do Bicep Curls|bicep curls]]. When doing a bicep curl, you want to stand straight with a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your elbows in close to your body. Make sure your palms face forward. Then curl the dumbbell until the biceps fully contract and dumbbells stop at the shoulder. Now, lower the dumbbells to the starting position, and repeat. <ref> http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/dumbbell-bicep-curl</ref>. | + | #*Use a barbell or dumbbell to perform [[Do Bicep Curls|bicep curls]]. When doing a bicep curl, you want to stand straight with a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your elbows in close to your body. Make sure your palms face forward. Then curl the dumbbell until the biceps fully contract and dumbbells stop at the shoulder. Now, lower the dumbbells to the starting position, and repeat. <ref name="rf11"> http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/dumbbell-bicep-curl</ref>. |
===Improving your Basketball IQ=== | ===Improving your Basketball IQ=== | ||
#Master the [[Know the Rules of Basketball|rules]]. Sometimes younger basketball players forget the game’s rules. If you don’t know the rules by heart, you will cause problems for your team. A good way to master the rules is by joining a club team when you’re young or in the summer in between seasons. | #Master the [[Know the Rules of Basketball|rules]]. Sometimes younger basketball players forget the game’s rules. If you don’t know the rules by heart, you will cause problems for your team. A good way to master the rules is by joining a club team when you’re young or in the summer in between seasons. | ||
#*If the team on offense has the ball behind the mid-court line, it has 10 seconds to move the ball over the mid-court line or it loses the ball. Knowing a rule like this helps you prevent turnovers. | #*If the team on offense has the ball behind the mid-court line, it has 10 seconds to move the ball over the mid-court line or it loses the ball. Knowing a rule like this helps you prevent turnovers. | ||
| − | #*The offensive team can’t bring the ball back over the mid-court line once it gets the ball over the mid-court line, or it loses the ball. These are the kinds of rules that smart basketball players know. <ref>https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/basics/basics.html</ref> | + | #*The offensive team can’t bring the ball back over the mid-court line once it gets the ball over the mid-court line, or it loses the ball. These are the kinds of rules that smart basketball players know. <ref name="rf12">https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/basics/basics.html</ref> |
#Study the game. You need to understand everything you can about your position and about court strategy. You are going to get more playing time if you are a strategic player in addition to one with strong technical skills. | #Study the game. You need to understand everything you can about your position and about court strategy. You are going to get more playing time if you are a strategic player in addition to one with strong technical skills. | ||
#*You can find many training videos on You Tube. | #*You can find many training videos on You Tube. | ||
#*Study your past games and those of the competition. What worked? What went wrong? After a game, sit down with your coach. Together, try to come up with one area that you need to improve. Then, work on that area in practice. | #*Study your past games and those of the competition. What worked? What went wrong? After a game, sit down with your coach. Together, try to come up with one area that you need to improve. Then, work on that area in practice. | ||
#*[[Find a Mentor|Find a mentor.]] You can ask a basketball coach or find a good basketball player who'd be willing to teach you. | #*[[Find a Mentor|Find a mentor.]] You can ask a basketball coach or find a good basketball player who'd be willing to teach you. | ||
| − | #*Different coaches have different philosophies and systems. Figure out yours so you can adapt to it. Maybe they don’t want point guards to get more than three turnovers in a game. Whatever their own personal rules are, it’s helpful if you learn them. <ref | + | #*Different coaches have different philosophies and systems. Figure out yours so you can adapt to it. Maybe they don’t want point guards to get more than three turnovers in a game. Whatever their own personal rules are, it’s helpful if you learn them. <ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Watch professional and other high-level games to see how the best play the game. Use what you learn in your own game. | #*Watch professional and other high-level games to see how the best play the game. Use what you learn in your own game. | ||
#Understand your role. Don’t focus solely on scoring. One mistake young players make is they put all the emphasis on scoring. Focus on how you can add value to your team. Maybe you are a great passer, for example. | #Understand your role. Don’t focus solely on scoring. One mistake young players make is they put all the emphasis on scoring. Focus on how you can add value to your team. Maybe you are a great passer, for example. | ||
#*If you’re not good at being a three-point shooter, don’t try it much. You should give up the ball to the teammate who’s better at that role. | #*If you’re not good at being a three-point shooter, don’t try it much. You should give up the ball to the teammate who’s better at that role. | ||
#*Maybe you are a great catch-and-shoot player. Then focus on that. If you are a center, you want to spend your time practicing rebounding and post drills, not dribbling. So figuring out your role also helps you pick the right training exercises. | #*Maybe you are a great catch-and-shoot player. Then focus on that. If you are a center, you want to spend your time practicing rebounding and post drills, not dribbling. So figuring out your role also helps you pick the right training exercises. | ||
| − | #Be [[Be Mentally Tough in Sports|mentally tough]]. Basketball is a mental game, not just a physical one. Some experts say the mental aspects of the game are 70% of it. Coaches look for players with mental toughness. <ref>http://blog.coachup.com/2014/10/14/10-qualities-that-make-a-basketball-player-great/</ref> | + | #Be [[Be Mentally Tough in Sports|mentally tough]]. Basketball is a mental game, not just a physical one. Some experts say the mental aspects of the game are 70% of it. Coaches look for players with mental toughness. <ref name="rf13">http://blog.coachup.com/2014/10/14/10-qualities-that-make-a-basketball-player-great/</ref> |
| − | #*Provide 100 percent effort. Basketball is a game of dedication and persistence. Don’t be afraid to be criticized, either. It’s how you will learn. <ref>http://www.stack.com/2012/06/03/become-a-better-basketball-player/</ref> | + | #*Provide 100 percent effort. Basketball is a game of dedication and persistence. Don’t be afraid to be criticized, either. It’s how you will learn. <ref name="rf14">http://www.stack.com/2012/06/03/become-a-better-basketball-player/</ref> |
#*Coaches want players who are passionate, determined, who want to get better and who will work hard to do so, and who have the will to prepare to win, not just the will to win. | #*Coaches want players who are passionate, determined, who want to get better and who will work hard to do so, and who have the will to prepare to win, not just the will to win. | ||
| − | #*Be aggressive. Coaches look for players who are aggressive and focused on the court and off it. They want someone who will dive on the floor if there is a loose ball and is constantly applying pressure to other players when acting as a defender. <ref | + | #*Be aggressive. Coaches look for players who are aggressive and focused on the court and off it. They want someone who will dive on the floor if there is a loose ball and is constantly applying pressure to other players when acting as a defender. <ref name="rf3" /> |
#Remember it’s a team sport. Basketball consists of two teams, each containing five players each, who try to score by shooting a ball through a hoop that is 10 feet off the ground on each end of the court. | #Remember it’s a team sport. Basketball consists of two teams, each containing five players each, who try to score by shooting a ball through a hoop that is 10 feet off the ground on each end of the court. | ||
#*Great players elevate their teammates’ play when they are on the court. | #*Great players elevate their teammates’ play when they are on the court. | ||
| Line 80: | Line 80: | ||
*Be friendly to all players - even when they're from the opposite team! It shows dignity. People will notice it sooner or later, you can be assured of that. If you're rude and swear, boss people around all the time - people will not enjoy playing with you. | *Be friendly to all players - even when they're from the opposite team! It shows dignity. People will notice it sooner or later, you can be assured of that. If you're rude and swear, boss people around all the time - people will not enjoy playing with you. | ||
*Have good shoes. But make them affordable. Buy shoes that you feel comfortable moving in, not those firm ones that stop you moving your feet around. In shoe stores, try on the shoes - walk around in them. Jump up and down. Turn left and then turn right. If you feel that the shoes were too small but you liked the style, don't buy it. Ask for a bigger size and if the store doesn't have one, find another pair. You don't want shoes that hold you back when you play. | *Have good shoes. But make them affordable. Buy shoes that you feel comfortable moving in, not those firm ones that stop you moving your feet around. In shoe stores, try on the shoes - walk around in them. Jump up and down. Turn left and then turn right. If you feel that the shoes were too small but you liked the style, don't buy it. Ask for a bigger size and if the store doesn't have one, find another pair. You don't want shoes that hold you back when you play. | ||
| − | *Have the right amount of sleep your body requires. For most people, it is usually 8 1/2 hours of rest a night. It truly improves your body's functions. If you don't know how many hours of sleep a night you need, navigate to [[Know-How-Much-Sleep-You-Need|this | + | *Have the right amount of sleep your body requires. For most people, it is usually 8 1/2 hours of rest a night. It truly improves your body's functions. If you don't know how many hours of sleep a night you need, navigate to [[Know-How-Much-Sleep-You-Need|this article article.]] |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
