What Are Simple Ways to Become Better at Basketball?

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, largely due to the simplicity and minimal equipment needed to play the game. Becoming a better all-around basketball player requires a grasp of the fundamental techniques used in the game. Simple drills exist to improve and sharpen these skills, which will help immeasurably improve your overall game.

  1. Shooting

    • Developing an accurate shot is one of the most crucial aspects of becoming a better basketball player. One simple drill that can help with consistency and accuracy of your shot is to place the ball in your shooting hand, place the hand slightly above your forehead, and flick the ball out of your hand so the ball is released with a backspin. The ball should not be shot any more than 3-4 feet above your head. The goal is to develop a consistent motion with your shooting hand, which will increase the accuracy of your shot during games.

    Passing

    • Passing the ball to your teammates is a highly effective technique for moving the ball up the court and finding easy opportunities to score a basket. The accuracy and speed of the ball are probably the two most important components of a pass. A simple way to practice this is to stand 10 to 20 feet away from a wall, choose a single point on the wall, and try to hit that point using different types of passes. You can attempt chest, bounce, overhead and behind-the-back passes.

    Dribbling

    • Dribbling is an important element in basketball for pushing the ball up the floor and getting in to a better position to pass or shoot the ball. Several drills can be used to improve your dribbling skills. Set up a series of pylons and dribble in between them to improve your dribbling when close to other players. You can also dribble two basketballs simultaneously, one with each hand, to develop your ball control. You can also practice dribbling while running at top speed, which you might need to do during a game.

    Defense

    • Defense is a crucial component of basketball games. One drill that can enhance your defensive skills is to get into a defensive-ready position, with your legs spread past shoulder-width apart, your feet angled in opposite directions, and your arms outstretched with your palms up. Practice moving in different directions, such as sideways or backwards, while in this position. If you have a partner, have him blow a whistle when he wants you to change direction. This will help you change direction quickly and efficiently.