Speed is an important factor in most sports. If you are faster than your opponent, you have an improved chance of being successful in competitive sports. This is particularly true in basketball, where the game requires constant motion up and down the court. The players who can move the fastest have the best chance to dominate.
Offensive Attack
Speed on the basketball court can help your team employ a fastbreak offense. When a power forward or center can control a rebound and throw a lead pass to a fast guard consistently, you can set your team up for layups and dunks on a consistent basis. These are high-percentage shots that your team will make and give you a great chance to build a lead.
Defensive Recovery
Speed will help a player get more productive on the offensive end but is an absolute necessity on the defensive end. Your opponent knows where he is going on the offensive end and you must react to his movement. There will be times when a fake or your opponent's initial move will leave you on your heels and a step or two behind. You need the speed and quickness to recover. Great players will have an array of moves to get open so you will need your speed to help you defend plays and help you converge on the ball.
Building Speed
Great acceleration will help you separate from the defender. When your team gets the ball on the defensive end and switches to the offensive mode, you want to turn on the jets to get the ball in a scoring situation. Hill running will build power and explosiveness in your legs, and help you get the ball to the front of the rim for a layup or a dunk.
Speed Dribbling
When a point guard can control the ball well while running at full speed, he can change the pace of a basketball game by himself. The speed dribble is often associated with fastbreak basketball. However, when the point guard gets the ball in the backcourt and has a little bit of daylight, he can help his team play at a faster pace. This will create scoring opportunities and it will force the opponent into a series of mistakes. Speed puts pressure on the opponent and that quickness will create opportunities for your team.
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