As a basketball player, you want to have all around skills to help your team win. To be a great player you will need to know how to play both sides of the ball. Too many players only focus on shooting, there is much more to the game than this. I’ve compiled a list of 50 quick tips for you to keep in mind next time you step on the basketball court.
1. It’s a 5 on 5 game, so use your teammates.
2. Remember B.E.E.F when shooting the basketball.
3. Remember to pack jersey, shorts, socks and sneakers at the least. This is assuming you are already wearing underwear.
4. Stretch at least 15-30 minutes before practice and games. It’s always a good idea to stretch afterwards also.
5. Know your role on the team. If you are there for defense then play tough D. When everyone knows their role on the team, you synch into a good team.
6. Practice with the right ball. If you are a male, don’t use a girl’s ball to practice (and vice versa). Your muscle memory will be out of wack.
7. Have fun, it’s not the end all if you have a bad game.
8. Keep your eyes on the rim when you shoot.
9. Play with kid’s better than you, it will pay off in the future.
10. Invest in some nice sneakers. You dress well, you play well.
11. Always listen to the coach. He may see things on the sideline that you don’t see on the court.
12. Mix up strength and endurance exercises. It’s not good to concentrate on one, basketball is a game of stamina and strength.
13. Trust muscle memory. To build this up, you need to practice, practice, practice.
14. Set priorities. If hanging out with friends is more important than practicing in the backyard then go for it but the player who practices will be one step ahead of you.
15. Always be learning. Study the game of basketball, whether it’s a new technique or the history. Learn from this site. Whatever it is be a student of the game.
16. Don’t be afraid to be successful. Some people shy away from the spotlight. If you want to become someone, step up and own the stage.
17. Don’t let anyone bring you down. If a teammate tells you to stop shooting because your bad at it, work on it for next year and show him or her up!
18. Use the backboard. Coaches hate when you finger-roll it off the back or front of the rim.
19. Be flexible. Don’t be stiff on the court. Relax and be loose.
20. Share the rock. Pass and you shall receive.
21. Do you. If listening to Tupac pumps you up before a game, then listen to him. Every player is different in terms of what motivates them.
22. Have good posture. I may sound like your parent but having good posture enables your core to be strong and not sore.
23. Don’t get discouraged with teammates. Even though you might not approve of their play, you need to keep an even keel and encourage your teammates. You guys or gals are there for 2 reasons, have fun and win.
24. Don’t play to impress. Play for only you.
25. Never take a break on defense. Only take breaks when the whistle blows. If you need a break, raise your hand for the coach to take you out.
26. Always look to expand your skill set. For example, if you are a low post player and you have “perfected” the drop step, move on and try to practice the up and under move.
27. Look up to NBA players but don’t play like them. Play your own game because once you start copying someone is when you tend to make mistakes.
28. Be involved with every play. If there is a timeout huddle and you are not one of the 5 current players on the floor, listen and know what’s happening anyways.
29. Play year round. I know some players play other sports but, if you are serious about basketball, you will the time each season to work on your game.
30. Find a target on the rim to concentrate on when you shoot. Always look at this spot. For me, I’ve always concentrated on the back of the rim.
31. Always be in position. Whether we are talking about a place on the court or your body, always be ready to make your next move.
32. See plays before they happen. There is a thing called basketball intuition that I think is learned. Try to be one step ahead of your defender.
33. Never through cross court unless there is a person absolutely WIDE open. Many passes that get intercepted because the passer throws it too far so the defense can adjust.
34. You’ll get in funks. Throughout my years as a player, I’ve gone through many multiple games where I couldn’t find the bottom of the barrel. I knew it would pass and I found other ways to help me team out.
35. Don’t pollute your body. When you eat like crap, you play like crap. Food has a big influence on how our body and mind operate.
If you have any other tips, please feel free to share them in the comments section!
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