Good Ways to Increase the Chance of Making a Basketball Team

Basketball players who want to play at the traveling, high school or college level often fund keen competition for a spot on the team. And for players who have dreamed of playing on an organized team, not making the team can be particularly disheartening. There are several ways that basketball players can increase their chances of making the team.

  1. Intangibles

    • Not all basketball players are blessed with the same skill levels. While players improve with practice, they still may never have the same skills as especially gifted players. But there are things that anyone can do that will impress coaches, such as hustling around the floor, being open to coaches' suggestions and input, being ready to play at all times – whether in practice or in a game – and being a supportive teammate.

    Play Defense

    • There is a saying in sports that "defense wins championships." And one thing about defense is that it is more about effort and hustling than skill. Basketball players who have the mindset that the player they are guarding will not score are important to coaches. Hustling on the defensive end and doing your best to disrupt the game of the player you are guarding will go a long way in increasing your odds of making the team.

    Focus on Fundamentals

    • Some basketball players can do flashy dunks and behind-the-back passes. But if they are not fundamentally sound, they may not make the team. Focus on being able to dribble the ball with both hands, on catching and passing the ball cleanly and on being able to consistently hit your shots. Coaches will be more impressed by players who are fundamentally sound and know how to play a team game than those who can dunk the ball but have trouble with their dribbling or passing, for example.

    Arrive Early, Stay Late

    • If your skill level puts you on the cusp of making the team, you can push yourself over the top by showing the coaches that you are dedicated to improving your game. They will notice if you are the first one in the gym, or the last one to leave. If there is a particular aspect of your game you need help with or advice on, ask the coaches. Many coaches will choose a less skilled player who is dedicated to improving over a slightly more skilled player who doesn't believe he needs to work on his game.