Making the school's basketball team requires developing skills in several of the sport's basic areas -- such as ball-handling, shooting and rebounding -- well before tryouts begin. You can increase your chances of making the team by developing these skills through long hours of practice, either alone or as a part of developmental teams, such as city or YMCA and YWCA league teams.
Field Goal Shooting
One of basketball's most basic skills is shooting. While not every player on a basketball team is expected to produce a lot of scoring, each player is expected to know how to shoot when the opportunity arises. You can sharpen your shooting skills by finding a spot on the floor that you can regularly make shots from, and then practice that shot repeatedly and for long periods of time. While playground and park courts are acceptable places to practice, it's better to practice on an indoor court with the same type of surface school teams use. As you develop your go-to shot, expand on it by finding other spots and types of shots you are good at, such as layups and three-pointers.
Ball Handling
Handling the ball is an important aspect of the game, especially if you want to play the guard position. You can develop your ball-handling skills by playing one-on-one or team basketball or by repetitively practicing drills designed specifically for this skill. For instance, place a single-file line of chairs or cones about 10 feet apart from one baseline to the other. Beginning on one baseline, dribble the ball while weaving between the chairs from one end to the other. You should use your dominant hand when starting this developmental drill, but should eventually progress to completing it with your non-dominant hand. As you progress, try alternating hands while you weave between the chairs.
Rebounding
Rebounding is a responsibility largely given to the forward and center positions. Rebounding requires a strong central core and the ability to jump. You can develop these skills by strengthening the lower muscles in your legs and feet through weightlifting, running and jumping rope. To help you get a feel for how the ball ricochets off the rim or backboard, have a friend or family member shoot field goals while you position yourself in and around the key, where the bulk of rebounds take place. You can also get a good idea of how the ball careens after a missed shot by getting in the habit of chasing down your own missed shots while practicing jump shots and layups.
Miscellaneous
A missed free throw can be the difference between victory and defeat, making this an important skill. Spending long amounts of time shooting these vital types of shots will help you become more successful in making them, and will help you develop the concentration and dedication needed to be an effective basketball player and teammate. It's also a good idea to introduce yourself to the head coach before tryouts. This won't guarantee a spot on the roster, but it will keep your name and face fresh in her mind.
Member Comments