HOW TO PLAY BASKETBALL
Every game starts with the tipoff. The referee tosses the ball in the air. The centers jump. The center who leaps higher tips the ball to his team. The action begins.
Basketball is a game of movement. Players run from end to end. They dribble the basketball. They jump for rebounds. They leap to block shots.
The team with the ball is the offense. They try to score points by shooting the basketball through the hoop.
The team without the ball is the defense. They try to stop the other team from scoring.
Back and forth they go, until the whistle blows or the buzzer sounds. Halftime gives the players a rest.
The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. If the teams are tied, they play overtime.
LEARN HOW TO DRIBBLE BASKETBALL
- Keep your head up and your eyes on the game. Don’t look at the ball.
- Extend your arm and snap your wrists to send the ball into the ground.
- Use your fingers, not your palm, to control the ball.
- Do not bounce the ball too high while dribbling. That will give you more control over the ball make it harder for defenders to steal the ball.
- Use your body and your non-dribbling arm to shield the ball from defenders.
LEARN HOW TO DO LAYUP
- Dribble close to the basket with your right hand.
- Step toward the basket with your right foot.
- Jump off of your left foot.
- Jump off of your left foot.
- Aim for the sweet spot on the backboard.
- Practice until your muscles remember the movement.
LEARN HOW TO SHOOT A BASKETBALL
Part 1 Having the Right Stance
- Keep your feet no further than shoulder width apart, preferably closer together, and slightly staggered.
- Flex your knees slightly.
- Turn more in the air and jump forward, keeping your shoulders back, if you need to shoot a longer shot.
Part 2 Holding the Ball Correctly
- Dip the ball down to your waist or thigh.
- Position your elbow so it’s under the ball, not cocked to the side.
- Grip the ball correctly.
Part 3 Taking the Shot
- locate the target
- Straighten your knees and jump.
- Jump slightly forward when you shoot, making sure your shoulders lean back and are relaxed.
- Push the ball upward with your shooting hand.
- Release the ball.
- Follow through.
Part 4 Perfecting Your Technique
- Develop muscle memory.
- Practice free throws.
- Start to use the backboard.
- Practice in a game setting.
HOW TO IMPROVE TEAMWORK AND ATTITUDES OF BASKETBALL PLAYERS
- Practice makes perfect.
Practices are an excellent tool for building teamwork. As a coach, you can set aside time to do drills structured to draw out the strengths of each player while improving upon their weaknesses. Craft drills to work on fundamentals, but create others that are fun and let your players bond as teammates.
- Build unity away from the court
Creating an atmosphere of teamwork isn’t limited to what a team does on the court. Engaging in team building exercises outside of the gym or arena can be a great strategy for strengthening chemistry within a team.
- Leadership matters
Teamwork begins and ends with leadership. A coach must put a plan in place and stick to it. Create a culture where hard work and discipline are rewarded. Make the game fun for your players, but also build an environment where selfishness is not tolerated. Let your players feel like they are equally important to you, and they will soon model your attitude.