The game of basketball is something of an enigma. Coaches want their players to give maximum effort when they are on the court. However, when players improve, it's usually not about the amount of effort. It's about working on the specific skills they need to play the game. Play-making, shooting, dribbling and defensive skills are what determines a basketball player's ability level.
Shooting Improvement
To improve in shooting, players have to work on a quick release and follow-through. Take a rack of balls and shoot five shots from the right baseline. Move to the right corner of the free throw line, the top of the key, the left corner of the free throw line and the left baseline. Take five shots from each spot, concentrating on getting good lift your jump, a smooth release and a full follow-through. Do this every day before and after practice. Keep track of your progress. Go over your shooting form once a week with your coach and make adjustments as necessary.
Ball Handling
To become better at dribbling, use two balls to improve your dexterity. Start off at the baseline and hold a basketball in each hand. Dribble the ball in your dominant hand and as soon as you hear that ball hit the ground start dribbling the other ball. Walk slowly to the free-throw line. When you get there, jog to mid-court. Turn around and jog to the free-throw line and then sprint from there to the baseline. Take a 30-second break and repeat the set.
Defensive Drill
A two-on-one drill will help a player improve his defensive skills and thought process. In this drill, one defender tries to stop two offensive players. The defensive player will pick up the ball handler as he hits the top of the key in the offensive zone. The offense will try to score, but it must make three successful passes before attempting a shot. The defensive player has to come up with a steal, block a shot, force a turnover or gain a rebound. To be successful, the defensive player should be successful three times out of 10 attempts.
Rebounding Drill and Outlet Pass
For any team to develop a successful fast-break offense, it must control the backboard, and do a solid job of rebounding. By positioning two players on either side of the free-throw lane, a team can practice its technique for starting the fast-break quickly. Players have to grab the rebound and fire and overhead pass to mid-court to one of the guards. This will get the fast-break going and help players to learn to play at a fast pace.
Function
By improving the overall skill level, a team will improve significantly. Players will be capable of doing more on the court and will have a higher level of confidence. When players feel better about themselves and their game, they become more proficient and play more consistently.
Member Comments