Basketball is a sport where overall athleticism and physical ability play a key role for many players. Tall, athletic players who can run well and jump high would seem to have an advantage over those with normal stature and average physical abilities. However, basketball is a game of learned and practice skills and there are drills and lessons that can help make a player much more effective on the court.
Ball-Handling
All players have to know how to handle the ball competently, whether you are a point guard who controls the action or a center who gets the ball in the low blocks. In order to improve your ball-handling skills, start off at the far baseline with a basketball in each hand. Dribble the ball in your dominant hand and as soon as you hear the ball hit the floor, dribble the ball in the other hand. Do this while walking slowly toward midcourt. As you get more comfortable dribbling the ball with both hands, pick up the pace and start trotting. When you get to the endline, turn around and go back to the starting point. Do this prior to the start of every practice.
Defensive Drill
While players may have varying amounts of ability when it comes to offensive talent and the ability to score, you can improve your defensive play by hustling and taking your responsibility seriously. This defensive drill requires two offensive players and one defender. The point guard will come across half-court with the ball. The offensive players have to complete three passes before attempting a shot. The defender's goal is to come up with a steal or a rebound of missed shot. The defensive player must hustle and work to make this happen. While he has a numerical disadvantage, he should be able to come up with three stops in 10 attempts. This will teach the player to keep hustling throughout the play.
Improve Your Shooting
Players who are not good shooters must realize that the condition is not permanent. By reviewing videotape, working with their coach and practicing their shot they can improve. Do an around the world drill prior to the start of every practice. Take a rack with five basketballs and go to the right baseline and launch five 18-footers. Move to the right elbow and do the same. Then go to the top of the key (the semi-circle behind the free throw line) and take five shots from that spot. Do the same from the left elbow and left baseline. Concentrate on finger placement, getting full extension on your jump and the release of the ball. Keep track of your performance and note your improvement. If you have a coach who will work with you, listen to any fine-tuning advice he can give you.
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