BEST TIPS IN BECOMING A BASKETBALL PLAYER

1. Overview

   Basketball is a team sport that also requires individual skills. Teams must work together but rely on the skills of each player to score and defend against other teams. Improving your skills as a basketball player will increase your chances of moving up and participating in more competitive teams, such as in recreational leagues or in high school.
    
   
2. Practice using good form, follow-throughs and stuff like that. Shoot 20 jump shots inside the perimeter at game speed(meaning like shooting in a real game). Then, shoot 20 free-throws and repeat 5 times.
   Make sure to bend your knees and always follow through.
3. Don't take 3's all the time. Warm up from inside the perimeter.
4. Although some great shooters shoot with their shooting hand side angled toward the basket, it is more accurate to keep your body square to the hoop. This also helps get more power on your shot.
5. Practice controlling the ball. Go up and down the court running with the ball. Then, when you're done, take a two foot stomp on the ground in the perimeter of the hoop and try to get it in.
6. Constantly work on arm strength and that will help you so much!
7. Remember though BALANCE is key to proper shooting. Balance yourself and fire!
   

                  NOW THE STEPS

   Step 1

   Practice the fundamental skills that will make you a better player. Practice dribbling in between cones or chairs for better ball-handling skills. Practice shooting 3-pointers, free throws and mid-range jump shots to develop an all-around shooting game.
   

   Step 2

   Work on dribbling with both hands to become a better ball-handler. Being able to use both hands will help you change directions and move more confidently around the floor. Practice shooting left-handed and right-handed layups equally to be able to execute either one depending on how the play unfolds during the game.
   
   
   

   Step 3

   Ask a couple of friends to help you with rebounding drills. Have one player shoot the ball while you practice boxing out the other player. Turn your back to the player as the ball is shot and use your body to establish position. Jump and catch the ball as it bounces off the rim.
   

   Step 4

   Develop your footwork by doing simple drills at home. Set up two cones about 6 to 7 feet apart. Stand next to one of the cones and bend your legs in a standard defensive position. Slide your feet and move toward the other cone. Bend down and touch the cone with your hand, then slide your feet and move back toward the first cone. Repeat this process for 30 seconds, trying to touch the cones as many times as possible.
   

   Step 5

   Concentrate on using the skills you've practiced during the game. Get in rebounding position after every shot. Slide your feet on defense rather than using your hands to avoid fouling.
   
   
   

   Tips and Warnings

   • Pay attention to where all players are on the court and other details of the game, such as the amount of time on the clock and when your team may need a timeout. Know your teammates' strengths and weaknesses and how best to adapt to them during the game. Sit down with your coach after games and go over your individual strengths and weaknesses. Try to identify at least one area in which you can improve during each practice. Be open to advice and criticism from the coaching staff of your team.