How to Get Better at Basketball: A Player’s Guide

Basketball is a fast-paced sport that requires a complex combination of physical abilities, sharp mental capacity, and tactical insights. Whatever your basketball skill level may be, you can always ask yourself “How can I get better at basketball?” – and we have the answers for you. 

This guide goes through actionable tips and tricks on how to get better at basketball by covering:

1. Mastering the Basics
2. Improving Your Fitness
3. Develop Basketball IQ and Mental Awareness
4. Mental Preparation
5. Performance Tracking
6. Consistency and Dedication

1. Master the Basics of Basketball

a) Shooting

Shooting is one of the most important aspects of basketball. A great shooter tends to make a lot of difference in whether their team wins or loses in a certain game. To improve:

• Form and Technique: Develop good, consistent shooting form-square the shoulders, keep the elbow in, follow through with the wrist.
• Repetition: As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Shoot each day from different positions on the court-such as mid-range, three-pointers, and free throws.
• Shot Variety: Practice making jump shots, layups, and floaters to be able to score in many ways. Find more tips on shooting here.

b) Dribbling

Ball handling is the essential foundation for developing scoring opportunities and sustaining possession.

• Basic Drills: Start off doing simple dribbling drills like crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back moves.
• Cone Drills: Place cones in the fashion of defenders and practice dribbling around the cones at different angles and speeds.
• Practice with your weak hand. With this, you can be more unpredictable and effective. Include weak-hand dribbling drills in your daily routine.

c) Passing in Basketball

To open up defenses, there should be effective passing to open up chances to score.

• Chest Pass: Do chest passes to deliver the ball quickly over a short distance.
• Bounce Pass: The bounce pass is a passing method to get around the defenders.
• Overhead Pass: Overhead passes are to be done in long distances and fast breaks.

To learn more, find a comprehensive list of all basketball passes.

d) Defence in Basketball

Having a great defence may win games, don’t underestimate it. Focus on the following:

• Footwork: Stay low and work your lateral quickness with defensive slides.
• Anticipation: Work on reading your opponent and be able to anticipate their next move.
• Closeouts: Practice closeouts on shooters without fouling while maintaining a hand up for shot contesting.

2. Improve Your Basketball Fitness

a) Increase Basketball Endurance

The nature of basketball is such that one has to keep moving around the court constantly, so endurance is the key.

• Interval Training: Add high-intensity interval training, which will help you work up the endurance you need to sprint time and time again during a game.
• Suicides: Run suicide drills up and down the court; this will help simulate game-like situations and also build your speed and endurance.
• Core Strength: Planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws will build the core strength necessary for stability and power.
• Lower Body Strength: Squats, lunges, and calf raises will go a long way in improving your vertical leap and overall explosiveness.
• Upper Body Strength: Master push-ups, bench presses, and shoulder presses to fight through contact and protect the ball depends on these muscles.
• Agility Ladder: Do foot speed and coordination exercises with an agility ladder.
• Cone Drills: Set up cones for rapid changes of direction in simulated defensive movements and dribble drives.

3. Develop Basketball IQ and Tactical Awareness

a) Study the Games

Developing a deeper understanding of the game will set you apart:

• Watch Professional Games: Observe professional games to understand spacing, movement, and decision-making.
• Play Different Positions: Study different positions and the responsibilities that go along with each position. The more you understand these positions, the more varied of a player you will be.
• Game Analysis using SkillShark: This app will help you evaluate your performance in games and at practice. Log vital statistics, watch videos, and get feedback from coaches. These will be helpful for determining what to focus on by setting specific goals.

c) Communication in Basketball

Basketball is a team sport, so communication is key.

• Talk Defense: Make sure you are communicating with your teammates on the defensive end, calling screens, switches, and assignments.
• Lead by Example: Whether you are the point guard or the role player, good communication will lift your whole team’s game.

4. Mental Preparation for Basketball Success

a) Confidence in Basketball

Developing confidence is important to perform under pressure.

• Visualization: Regularly visualize plays working successfully. Staying positive with how you visualize in games will boost your confidence ahead of time.
• Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with affirmations in order to stay focused and motivated during both practice and competition.

b) Focus and Concentration

Keep sharp for the entire game, getting your mind in order is vital in basketball.

• Mindfulness Techniques: Learn either mindfulness techniques or meditation that help increase your focus and maintain calm during the most crucial moments.
• Pre-Game Routine: Have a pre-game routine in which you get into the right mindset before hitting the court.

c) Handling Pressure in Basketball

Performing under pressure is difficult for everyone. Practice strengthening your resilient mind to handle stress better for basketball.

• Controlled Breathing: Work on breathing exercises as ways to control stress and anxiety during clutch moments.
• Experience: The more you play, the better equipped you will be in handling stressful situations.

5. Performance Tracking for Basketball Players

SkillShark is something no serious player should ever have to go without. By using SkillShark, you are going to be able to:

• Performance Indicators: Monitor key statistics like shooting percentage, number of turnovers, and dribbling accuracy.
• Video Analysis: Coaches can upload game footage so you can review & analyze where your strengths and weaknesses are.
• Coaches’ Feedback: You have the capability to get personalized feedback from your coach or trainer on where you should focus your energy for the next level in your game.

6. Consistency and Basketball Dedication

Improvement in basketball, like in any other sport, requires hours of practice and commitment. Take an hour each day to practice different skills, and week after week track your progress. With hard work, a smart training plan, and the right mindset, you will be well on the way to becoming a better basketball player.