Basketball is a team sport using several skills and techniques that aren't learned or used through any other sport or activity. Because the skills required to play the sport are specialized, practice and training are necessary to developing one's skills and becoming a better player during games. Training can cover offense, defense, stamina or strength, and all are necessary to becoming a well-rounded basketball player.
Develop a Program
When you don't have a structure instituted by a coach or team to guide your training, it's important to develop a consistent regimen that will sharpen your skills across the board. ESPNRise.com recommends creating a program divided into two separate parts--one improving your strength and stamina and the other refining your on-court skills. These aspects of a good basketball player need to be worked on to various degrees each day. Depending on your situation, you may choose to adjust the proportions of these workouts as needed--if you are overweight, conditioning is going to take a much greater emphasis in your training program than it would be for someone who runs daily and can last long periods on the court without consequence. If you have a personal trainer or coach, you may consult them about how they believe you should structure your program to benefit you the most.
Cater Weightlifting to Basketball
Lifting weights is important to endurance, strength, and the ability to handle bumping and rough play on the court. This is particularly true for taller players that may find themselves needing to post up against a defender and use their muscle to produce a quality shot. But the type of weightlifting you do is important--according to ESPN Rise, many younger athletes become over-consumed with developing "beach muscles" such as the biceps, abs, pectorals and back muscles. While these should be exercised through workout exercises, the lower body should also be developed--these muscles are key to running, jump shooting and controlling body positioning on the court. The types of weightlifting that football players or Olympic powerlifting practices is also likely to develop bulk that basketball players should try to avoid, so a focus on adding strength without excessive muscle bulk is important.
Ballhandling Tips
The ability to dribble is very important in basketball, particularly at the guard and small forward positions. Poor dribbling can increase turnovers committed by a player and can restrict a player and team's ability to penetrate high-traffic areas of the court such as the paint. A well-prepared basketball player should use their practice time on the basketball court to improve their ball control while dribbling, such as through drills that practice changes in dribble rhythm, force and direction. Dribbling a ball in each hand at the same time will help you improve the muscle memory in your arms and practice handling the basketball while keeping it in motion, even if you get off-balance or out of rhythm.
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