"Get the fundamentals down and everything else you do will rise," once quipped Michael Jordan. Basketball fundamentals are the tried and tested techniques of how to play the game properly. These techniques are taught by coaches around the world and perfected by stars such as Steve Nash and Larry Bird, who spent a good portion of their lives alone in the gym working on these techniques.
Shooting
Shooting is considered the most important fundamental to learn. To be a consistently great shooter you have to master the various different components of a basketball shot. Before you begin your shooting motion, have your eyes focused on the center of the rim, your feet set shoulder-width apart and the correct hand placement on the ball. With your elbow underneath the ball, bend your knees and jump upwards as you simultaneously follow through with an upward motion of your shooting hand towards the basket.
Dribbling
Dribbling is the easiest of all fundamentals to practice, as it only requires a ball and a hard surface. Standing with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, dribble figure eights between and around your legs. Practice dribbling the ball low and quick and then high and slow. Another popular dribbling drill, is to dribble two balls, one with each hand up and down the length of the court.
Passing
Steve Nash recommends practicing the fundamentals of passing with a friend. Stand 10 feet apart from each other and use a two-handed chest pass to pass back and forth. Then switch to a two-handed bounce pass. Finish this set of drills with a two-handed overhead pass. Once you have mastered those, practice the chest pass and the bounce pass while dribbling.
Defense
Learn how to get into a proper defensive stance by standing with feet shoulder-width apart and your knees bent. Basketball coach Rick Torbett says to balance on the balls of your feet while having one hand up high to guard against a shot, and one hand down low to intercept a pass. Move side-to-side as your defender dribbles by sliding instead of crossing your feet. Stay between your opponent and the basket.
Rebounding
Rebounding has a lot to do with desire and effort. But it helps to have great technique. Watch the shot and get an idea of where it is going to bounce off the rim. Block out your opponent by stepping in front of him and spreading your stance wide. Keep your arms out so that your opponent can't get around you. As the ball comes to you, go up strong and grab it with both hands.
References
- Steve Nash; NBA basketball star; Phoenix, Arizona
- Rick Torbett; basketball coach; Cleveland, Ohio
- "Michael Jordan Speaks"; Janet Lowe; 1999
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