When basketball players are serious about their game, they know it's all about training and the effort that they put in to get in better condition and improve their skill level. When it comes to improving at the game, they can take part in a number of drillsbut the most important aspect is practicing against players who have a high level of talent and will present a significant challenge.
Conditioning
To train hard for basketball and get the most out of your ability, you have to get in top shape. You need to do this by working on your cardiovascular conditioning and getting stronger. Run baseline sprints to build speed and work on your endurance. Start off at the near baseline and sprint to the near free throw line and back. Then sprint to midcourt and back, the far free throw line and back and finally the opposite endline and back. Take a one-minute break and repeat this sprint. Do this before and after every practice session. Build strength by going to the weight room and doing the bench press, arm curls, lunges and the dead lift to build strength and explosive power.
Dribbling Skills
All players need to improve their dribbling ability. You have to be able to handle the ball competently whether you are a point guard or a center. To work on your dribbling, set up four cones on both sides of the court. Start off on the right side of midcourt and dribble to the cones on the right side. Dribble to the right of the first cone, the left of the second, the right of the third and the left of the fourth. Then speed dribble to the opposite side and do the same exercise with that set of cones. Sprint back to midcourt and pass the ball to the next person in line. Do this drill at least twice.
Shooting Drills
Work on your shooting skills to build confidence in the court. Before you start practicing, look at films of top professional shooters to see why they are consistent. Look at the hand positioning, the lift they get on their jump and the release. Then go out on the court with a rack of balls and take 10 shots from the right baseline about 18 feet from the rim. The move to the right wing, the top of the key, the left wing and the left baseline. Reverse direction and repeat the drill. You will take approximately 100 shots and this will help you enhance proper shooting techniques.
Scrimmage Games
When you are training, you have to play games to enhance your skills. However, if you are going to reach your potential, you need to seek out more talented and experienced players who will challenge your ability. If you are a junior high player, look for games involving high school players. If you are a high school player, look for games involving college players. Always challenge yourself with tough competition when you are training.
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