Get In Game Shape With These Great Basketball Conditioning Tips!

The toughest player on the court is the that can last the longest...

If you are not properly conditioned, then no matter how skilled you are, you won't be able to use your skills for too long in a game. Proper conditioning can make you faster, stronger, and better as an overall player.

This page contains a variety of basketball conditioning tips and drills that you can start practicing right away...

INTRODUCTORY BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIPS

1) Everyone knows that running is an essential part of playing basketball and it helps you get in shape. Most people just jog or do sprints but why not dribble when running? This will help you get in shape and with your dribbling at the same time.

2) The game of basketball requires running. If you can´t run, you can´t play. The most horrible loss you can have as a team is when you just get outlasted by the opposing team. You must get in shape for basketball, in which the game is full of sprints and stops; this is how you must train... lots of sprints and lines, resting in between. Remember, "no pain, no gain"!

3) This common conditioner has many different names. The player starts on the baseline and sprints to the free throw line, touches the line then sprints back to the baseline. The player repeats this to half court, the opposite free throw line, then the opposite baseline.



The following tips will work on your quickness, agility, hand-eye coordination, and physical conditioning:

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #1: ENHANCING MOVEMENT

The ability to change direction quickly and move laterally or backwards with minimal loss of speed is contingent upon two factors: (1) an athlete´s ability to send a message from brain to the body about how and when to react; and (2) how well an athlete can coordinate upper and lower extremities while maintaining balance and speed of movement. Incorporating agility drills that focus on coordination and reaction time will help in enhancing movement efficiency.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #2: 17'S

A 17 is a very common conditioning practice . You start behind one of the sidelines. You run to the other sideline counting as 1 then you run back to count as 2. You do this until you reach 17. (Always ending on the opposite side from which you started). To be in very good basketball shape you should be able to do this in under 1 minute.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #3: BALL BOUNCED

Hold the ball in front of you with your legs spread wide. Bounce the ball hard between your legs so that it will come up behind you. Quickly move your hands behind your back to catch the ball. The harder that you bounce the ball, the more quickly you will have to move your hands.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #4: BALL JUMPS

Stand next to a basketball with your feet together. Jump back and forth (sideways) over the ball as quickly as possible. Go for thirty seconds, counting the number of times that you return to the starting point. Try to better yourself every day.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #5: BENCH JUMPING

Either face a bench that is about one and a half feet high or stand beside it. You can either jump over and back or sideways. Feet should be kept together. Go for thirty seconds and count the number of times that you return to the starting point. Attempt to increase the number every day.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #6: CLAP HANDS

Hold the ball behind your knees. Release it, clap your hands in front of your knees, then return your hands behind your knees and catch the ball before it hits the ground.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #7: COBRA

When you are practicing with a partner, you can work on your hand quickness with this drill. Both of you stand inside the jump circle in a defensive stance. Try to hit the inside of each other´s knees while remaining inside the circle. Whoever touches the inside of the other´s knees an agreed to number of times is the winner.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #8: FOUR SQUARES

Find a place on the floor where two line intersect. These create four areas that are numbered one through four. Jump 1-2-3-4, then 4-3-2-1. Count the number of times you return to square #1 in thirty seconds. Try to better yourself every day.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #9: FRONT-BACK-CATCH

Pass the ball from in front of your body to behind it between your legs. Move your hands quickly to behind your body to catch the ball before it hits the ground. Once you have caught it, pass it back to the front of your body through your legs and catch it again.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #10: HAND CLAPS

Start holding a basketball. Toss it up, clap your hands twice, then catch the ball. Repeat, clapping twice. Continue to increase the number of times that you clap your hands. See how many times you can clap your hands and still catch the ball.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #11: JUMP ROPES

One of the most important pieces of equipment a basketball player can possess is a jump rope. Daily use of a jump rope will develop stamina, leg strength, agilty and coordination, timing, quickness, and hand-eye coordination. All of these are extremely important to becoming a good ball player.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #12: LANE SHUFFLE

The lane shuffle is a progressive drill that is outstanding for developing body control and coordination. You shuffle across the foul lane from one line to the other, first touching the line with your outside hand, the second time touching the line with the inside hand forcing a crossover step, then, the third time, touching the line with both hands. The drill can be run for a set time period with players counting the number of times they touch the lines.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #13: LINE JUMPS

Stand beside any line on the floor. With your feet together, jump forward and backwards over the line, then sideways back and forth (two separate exercises). Repeat for thirty seconds, counting the number of times that you return to the starting point. Try to better yourself every day.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #14: MIMIC MOVES

A basketball player´s quickness and agility program would include drills which emphasize lateral movement, change of direction, and sudden starts and stops (with or without ball) because these movement patterns are specific to the sport of basketball. By implementing these drills, inevitably, a basketball player´s skill acquisition is enhanced.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #15: REDUCE GROUND TIME

To develop quicker movements for various drills, a basketball player should strive to reduce the amount of time spent on the ground when performing drills. Whether a player is fresh or fatigued while performing a drill, the goal should be to move the feet quickly and forcefully while constantly spending the least amount of time possible on the ground.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #16: SIDE CATCH

Place the ball between your legs with one hand holding it in front of your body and the other behind. Let the ball go and switch the position of your hands, front to back and back to front, and catch the ball before it hits the ground.

BASKETBALL CONDITIONING TIP #17: WALL PASSING

A good way to increase both hand quickness and hand-eye coordination is with wall passes. Stand in front of a wall and pass the ball hard against the wall, catching it upon its return. As you improve your hand coordination, decrease the distance you stand from the wall so that the ball will come back more quickly and you have to react more quickly.

Basketball Tips to Help You Become a Rebounding Machine!

If you want to instantly gain the appreciation of your coach and your teammates, then become a great rebounder!

Rebounding is important on both the offensive and defensive ends, and it can be a huge advantage over an opposing team. You can literally control a game with rebounds.

This page contains a variety of basketball rebounding tips and drills that you can start practicing right away...

CRUCIAL INTRODUCTORY TIP 

THE OUTLET PASS

After you get the rebound, you need to make a good outlet pass. A good rebounder who can outlet the ball to the guard can start a fast break on the way to a score. This is a valuable asset to a team. Get the rebound, pivot away from the defense, and outlet to your guard for the fast break. It is a skill that is not much noticed by anyone but the coach knows how valuable you are.

 FUNDAMENTALS

Basketball Rebounding Tip #1: ATTITUDE AND DESIRE

Statistically, over ninety percent of all rebounds are taken below the rim. Therefore, rebounding is a product not of great athletic ability, but attitude and desire. Make up your mind that you want to rebound, go after each and every one, and master box out techniques, and you can provide your team with a valuable asset--a dependable rebounder.


Basketball Rebounding Tip #2: EVERY MISSED SHOT IS A PASS TO YOU!

Perhaps the most important key to being a good rebounder, offensive or defensive, is to assume that every shot will be missed. If you do this, you will always be willing to get in position, ready to be a rebounder.


Basketball Rebounding Tip #3: HANDS UP

Always keep your hands up at least shoulder high when getting ready to rebound. This will allow you to be ready for the rebound that comes off the rim quickly and low. Remember this: shot goes up-hands go up!


Basketball Rebounding Tip #4: WANT THE BALL

Rebounding is a great skill to have as a basketball player. Those players that really WANT the ball and box out become the best rebounders. They take pride in rebounding. Lean back on your man and keep him out of rebounding position. A smaller player can be a good rebounder...Make yourself become good at boxing out.


Basketball Rebounding Tip #5: WATCH YOUR POSITION

The key to rebounding is positioning and concentration on the ball. Anticipate the flight of the ball. Remember that most shots rebound to the opposite side of the basket. Next, you need to concentrate on the ball, until it is safely in your hands or rebounded by someone else.

DEFENSIVE REBOUNDING 

Basketball Rebounding Tip #1: BOXING OUT AND REBOUND

If you are real close to the basket when the shot goes up, you must "box out" and create some space to rebound. To "box out" from your defensive position: Go towards your man and make contact. Pivot so you “Put your butt to their gut” and just slide with them, keeping them away from the rebound. When boxing out, keep your man from pushing you in towards the basket, so you can maintain good rebounding position. (If you let them push you under the basket, the rebound will go over your head). Then go get the rebound!


Basketball Rebounding Tip #2: THE "PERFECT REBOUND"

Rebounding... Most rebounds (90%) are caught below the rim. Try and think out what a perfect rebound is ... The perfect rebound is the one where everyone of your teammates and yourself box out their man so well that the rebound can be easily caught AFTER it has hit the floor. When one thinks about this "perfect rebound" concept the team blockouts get better and better.

OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING 

Basketball Rebounding Tip #1: OFFENSIVE REBOUNDING

In order to get an offensive rebound, you must get the inside position on your defender, who is trying to box you out. You must out quick him, or make some kind of move to get that inside position. You can try a jab step and change directions or you can develop a spin move to get to that position. 

Become A Great Shooter With These Basketball Tips!

So you want to become a great shooter? You want that great feeling of "nothin' but net" when the defender is trying really hard to stop you.

Having a good shot makes you a threat on the floor, especially if you can handle the ball and drive well to the hoop.

This page contains a variety of basketball shooting tips and drills that you can start practicing right away...

Basketball Shooting Tip #1: FUNDAMENTALS

1. For shooting the basketball you must have your entire body in the right position to ensure that you have the greatest chance of making the shot. First you should have your strong arm up and Bent at a 90 degree angle.

2. Also have your weak arm up along side it as a helper hand. This is a basketball tip OFTEN overlooked.

3. Then flick your wrist and push your arm up to propel the ball towards the net. The first step for you is to learn these fundamental basketball shooting tips, and then you can move on to the next section below...

Basketball Shooting Tip #2: THE JUMP SHOT

1. Body Positioning - Stand 2 or 3 ft. directly in front of the basket. Assume a jumping stance. Your feet are shoulder width apart, and parallel to each other; one foot is slightly ahead of the other (you should learn to shoot with either foot forward). The knees are flexed. Although both feet are entirely in contact with the court, almost your entire body weight should be on the balls of the feet and distributed equally on both feet. Your shoulders should be square to the basket and slightly ahead of your hips, which should be directly over the mid point of your feet. Your head should be erect. Keeping you shoulders squared to the basket is a CRUCIAL basketball shooting tip.

2. Ball To Hand - Hold the ball in two hands, in front of you, close to the body, and just above waist level. The fingers and thumbs of both hands are pointing directly away from you; keep the elbows in. The hands should be on the top half of the ball; The complete inner surface of the hands should be in contact with the ball. The fingers and thumbs of each hand are spread comfortably. The distances separating the fingers and the thumbs should be the same. The forefingers should be parallel to each other. To hold the ball, push both hands towards its centre to create enough pressure to hold it.

To establish fingertip control, apply gentle, but firm pressure with the pads of your fingers, that is, the area between the tips of the fingers and thumbs and the first joint. Applying this pressure creates a paper thin air space along the fingers, thumbs, and palms, starting at the first joint and ending at the heel of the hand. Cock the wrists, making sure they are relaxed, so that you can easily cock and uncock them in a full range of motion. (To cock your wrists, bring the back of the hands towards the body. Do not lock your wrists!)

3. Ball To Body - Now move the ball to the point above and in front of your head from which you will shoot. You must be able to see the basket under the ball. As you raise the ball, rotate your shooting hand so that it is directly behind and under the ball by the time it reaches shooting position. As you rotate the shooting hand, which controls the ball, the non-shooting hand slides over the ball, ending to the side and slightly under the ball. The non-shooting hand takes no part in the shot. Its job is to help hold and protect the ball until the moment the shooting action begins.

Hold the ball as high as possible. The higher you hold the ball, the taller you become. Ideally, there should be only a slight bend in the elbow of the shooting arm, particularly when you are close to the basket. Keep the ball directly in front of you. Looking from the side, one should see that the forearm is vertical, so that the wrist is directly over the elbow. From the front, the elbow of the shooting hand should be directly in front of or slightly inside the shoulder, never outside. Now you are in SET POSITION.

4. The Shot - Your shooting action begins the moment you are in set position. Shooting is a one-piece action in which you quickly jump and uncock the wrist. This quick jumping action generates most of the power for the shot. The feet barely leave the floor. As the hand comes forward as the wrist is uncocked, the ball immediately begins to rise up on the fingertips. Quick wrist action and fingertip control give a crisp back spin to the ball. For maximum control of the ball, it should come off the tips of the forefinger and middle finger. To transfer power from the legs to the ball, release the ball just as, or just before, you complete your jumping action. Make sure the ball leaves the fingertips before the arm straightens in follow through. As the shooting arm straightens in follow through, the wrist should end up only slightly ahead of the elbow, which should not be tightly locked. The hand will have completed its full range of motion from being cocked back to being crisply snapped forward. Throughout the entire shooting action, keep your eyes focussed on a spot on the back of the rim directly opposite you; stay relaxed so that all the joints, particularly the wrist of the shooting hand, move very easily. Key Basketball Shooting Tip: The stronger your legs, the better your jump shot.

The farther you are from the basket, the more power you need. To get more power, increase the flex or bend in the knees. If necessary, you can lower the shooting position of the ball, but never so low that you cannot see the basket from under the ball. When you get to a distance from the basket at which you begin to force the shot, you have reached the limit of your shooting range.

When shooting, you can make yourself taller by jumping higher. However, in doing so, you will not be able to get as much power from your legs. So, you should jump high only when you are fairly close to the basket. Again, it is very important that you release the ball as or just before you reach the peak of your jump. Falling or fading away as you shoot will result in a great loss of power. You should not attempt learning the fade-away until you have mastered the basic jump shot. Usually only gifted athletes are able to become proficient at this shot.

Basketball Shooting Tip #3: LAY UPS

A layup is simply a short range shot that usually hits gently off the backboard. Most of the time layups are preformed while running towards the basket.

To shoot a proper layup you must have your hands and in the correct position. If you are shooting on the left side of the basket, you would shoot with your left hand, jumping off your right foot and vice versa. If you are dribbling towards the basket you stop dribbling until you are about 2 feet from the basket. You then pick up the ball, take one or two more steps and gently bounce the ball against the square on the backboard before you take your third step (that would be a violation). It is not the ordinary shooting method because you do not have a helper hand there to guide, it is more of a one handed shot. The way you would do it would be to have your palm underhand and then with the speed and momentum that you have collected from dribbling let it hit off the backboard.

Lay-ups are definitely a part of basketball shooting tips, and they are extremely important for you to become good at...

Basketball Shooting Tip #4: FREE THROWS

1. Line the foot that corresponds with your shooting hand—if you’re right handed, your left foot—up with the nail that is nailed into the center of every free throw line in every gym, across the country. If you are shooting outside, try to guess where the center of the foul line is. This guarantees you a level of alignment with the rim, helpful to your success. Though there are exceptions to the rule, most great free-throw shooters follow this line of thinking (even if they won’t admit it).

2. Fix your eyes on the front of the rim. Do not use the back of the rim, or, even worse, the white square on the backboard as your point of reference. Doing so means that you are looking towards a place on the basket where, if you hit them, you will most probably miss. Whereas, if you aim towards the front of the rim, your mind automatically tells you to shoot the ball at this point with a trajectory conducive to a friendly bounce. And even if you hit the front of the rim, if you have the rotation that you should as a shooter, the ball will roll into the basket.

REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT!! Key Basketball Shooting Tip: Practice free throw until they become automatic.

Basketball Shooting Tip #5: THE JUMP HOOK

In the jump shot, your shoulders and body are square to the basket. In the jump hook, you protect the ball by keeping your body and non-shooting arm directly between the ball and the opponent guarding you.

1. Getting set for the jump hook is the same as described in jump shot tip above. Stand 2 or 3 ft. directly in front of the basket. To get set, go through the steps explained in the Jump Shot Tip above UNTIL you get to shooting, then read the instructions here.

2. Once set, rotate your body ninety degrees so that the shoulder of the non-shooting arm is pointing directly at the basket. While rotating the body, slide the non-shooting hand along the surface of the ball so that it ends up directly between the basket and the ball. The shooting hand continues to face the basket. If you are shooting with your right hand, your forearm should be vertical and the ball should be directly over your right shoulder. To make yourself as tall as possible, your shooting arm should be fully extended, with only a slight bend at the elbow. This is the stance for the jump hook.

3. Once set for the jump hook, jump and shoot as explained in the Basic Jump Shot. To protect the ball, keep the non-shooting hand fully extended, until the ball is well on its way to the basket. Learn to shoot the jump hook with either hand.

After shooting from a stationary position, work on shooting by stepping on to your non-pivot foot and raising your pivot foot off the floor (see my tip the Stride Stop Lay-up in the shooting category). For example, if you want to shoot a jump hook with your right hand, then establish your left foot as the non-pivot foot. Then, take a step with it, jumping vertically and shooting as you complete the step. To avoid traveling, make sure your non-pivot foot does not come down to floor until after the ball leaves your hand.

To practice the jump hook with a step-in, do the following. On the left side of the basket, stand at a 45-degree angle to the backboard about 4 or 5 ft. from the basket. Get set to shoot the basic jump shot. Instead of shooting the jump shot, step into the paint with your left foot on a line that is parallel to the baseline. As your left comes to floor, execute the jump hook.

Return to the starting position. Get set. Then step with your right foot toward the baseline on a line that is parallel to the sideline. Execute the jump hook with your left hand. After several repetitions of each shot, do this exercise from the other side of the hoop.

Practice executing the jump hook after receiving a pass or ending a dribble near the basket from a lay up position on the court. Use the jump hook when your opponent denies you from shooting a lay-up.

The jump hook will help you against taller defenders, so don't under-estimate or under practice it ... Study the jump hook basketball shooting tips carefully.

Greatly Improve Your Passing Using These Basketball Passing Tips!

Passing is a skill that makes you very appreciated on the court. Players will love to be on your team and best of all, you will get to control the ball.

The biggest advantage of great passing is that it creates easy shots and lay-ups. With less energy, your team will be able to do a whole lot more

Basketball Passing Tip #1: BAD PASSES

One bad pass can beget another. Whenever a player receives a bad pass, he or she should make sure that they regain their balance before throwing another pass.

Basketball Passing Tip #2: BASEBALL PASS

The baseball pass is most often used to advance the ball up the floor. The ball is held with both hands on the ball, one on either side with the throwing hand usually a little higher on the ball. The ball is cocked up near the ear to aid in a quick release. The passers hand must be BEHIND the ball so the pass doesn´t have too much side spin, making it hard to catch. The pass is made over the defense, leading the receiver.

Basketball Passing Tip #3: BEHIND THE BACK PASS

One of the most deceptive passes is the behind the back pass. This should become a fundamental pass in every good basketball players game. Although the pass looks hard it is quite simple. First place the ball in your dominant hand and hold it there. Then put the ball behind your back. Then you flick your wrist in the direction the ball should travel. This pass is deceptive and is a great way to build up finger pad control and to build up wrist flexibility and strength. This should really become a fundamental pass and not a pass used for "showboating".

Basketball Passing Tip #4: BOUNCE PASS

The bounce pass should travel from your waist to receiver´s waist. The ball should bounce about 2/3 of the way to the receiver. You should follow through as in chest pass with your thumbs down. The backspin that this creates slows the ball down when it hits the ground and makes it easier to catch.

Basketball Passing Tip #5: CHEST PASS

The chest pass should go from your chest to receiver´s chest. You should step into the pass with your knees bent and follow through, with the ball coming off of your fingertips and your thumbs down. This creates good backspin and makes the pass easier to catch.

Basketball Passing Tip #6: DIFFERENT TYPES OF PASSES

There are several different types of passes, to be used in different situations: The chest pass is used primarily in the open court and on the perimeter: The overhead pass is used on the perimeter and on the outlet pass: The bounce pass is a pass that is used anytime under defensive pressure: The baseball pass is used when you need a long pass.

Basketball Passing Tip #7: ENTRY PASSES

To enter the ball to the wing, the passer and reciever should ensure a proper passing angle. The passer from the guard spot should attempt to get to, what we call, the "Entry Line". The Entry Line is a line drawn from the basket THROUGH the corner of the key and the free throw line, on out to half court. The passer should attempt to get as close to that line with the dribble prior to passing to the wing. This ensures a good angle to the wing and cuts down on the defense´s chance of denying or intercepting the pass.

Basketball Passing Tip #8: FAKE A PASS-THROW A PASS

When you are prepared to pass the ball while being pressured by a defender, pass fake (which is a fake throwing the ball in one direction) then pass the ball other way. Fake a bounce pass and throw overhead. Fake overhead and throw around.This will usually make the defender go for the first pass and clear some lane for a pass in the opposite direction.

Basketball Passing Tip #9: FEEDING THE POST 

One of the biggest problems with passing the ball into the post is passing from bad angles. The passer, the post player and the basket should all be in a direct line. This forces the defender to pick a side to guard, and you can get a good angle from which to feed the ball into the low post.

Basketball Passing Tip #10: FOCUS UNDER THE BASKET

In order to be a better passer who gets the ball to the right player at the right time, learn to focus under the basket. As you develop your peripheral vision, you will learn to see all the players on your team and be able to pick out who is open without telegraphing your passes.

Basketball Passing Tip #11: KEYS TO PASSING

-Eye contact. -Crisp two handed pass motion. -Pass to the target, if the player is in motion, throw a lead pass. -Thumbs should be pointing in the direction of the ball after the ball is thrown.

Basketball Passing Tip #12: HAND POSITION FOR THE CHEST PASS

When throwing a chest pass, position your hands on the sides of the ball, both thumbs pointing up. When the pass is thrown correctly, the hands should rotate so that the backs of the hands face each other and the thumbs point down.

Basketball Passing Tip #13: KNOW THE DEFENDER

A good rule of thumb when passing is to pass around or under a taller opponent, over a shorter one. These passes will be more difficult for that particular defender to stop.

Basketball Passing Tip #14: OVERHEAD PASS

The ball is held straight up in the air avoiding any bend in the elbows. The ball should not be put behind the head. The passer extends a leg toward the receiver and delivers the pass with a snap of the wrists. The ball should be thrown on a straight line with very little spin.

Basketball Passing Tip #15: PASS UP THE COURT

Put a player at each end line, one at each free throw line and another at mid court. Have those players relay the ball from one end line to the other and back again. To do so take EIGHT passes. Then take the FASTEST dribbler and have him try to dribble to the opposite end and back before the group of FIVE players throw EIGHT passes. The passing team ALWAYS wins (unless, of couse, they drop the ball or really miss a pass). This demonstration usually enlightens young players as to the importance of passing.

Basketball Passing Tip #16: STEP TOWARD

When passing the ball, step toward your receiver to put more power behind your pass.

Basketball Passing Tip #17: SEE THE DEFENSE

As important as seeing your teammates is, seeing the DEFENSE may be more important. You are going to KNOW where your players should be through practice and naturally react to their same color uniforms. It is better if you have a "soft focus" on the floor and see your teammates through your peripheral vision. However, you should concentrate on where the defense is, attack their weak areas and pass AWAY from the defensive player.

Basketball Passing Tip #18: TWO HAND BOUNCE PASS

The pass is made with the ball held close to the chest and the elbows in to the side of the body. Push forward with a thrust of both arms and a snap of the wrists. In releasing the ball, the player steps or puts weight on the front foot. The passer assumes a slightly lower position and aims his pass for the receiver´s thighs. The ball should be bounced about three quarters of the way between the players. 

Become A Super Solid Defender With These Basketball Defense Tips!

You can be a scoring machine, but if you can't defend on the other end, you'll lose all respect as a player.

Defense is the one skill than can truly set you apart as a great player. There's nothing like the feeling of shutting down a good offensive player! Defense is mostly intensity and heart, but you do need some technique...

OFF THE BALL

Basketball Defense Tip #1: BALL/MAN LINE

When you are guarding a player without the ball in man to man defense, it is important to be aware of the "ball/man line". The ball/man line is an imaginary line between your man, and the man with the ball. You should be on the basket side of the ball man line and away from your man enough to help your teammates. This position helps form what is called the "defensive triangle."


Basketball Defense Tip #2: COVER DOWN DEFENSE

Whenever the ball penetrates on a pass or a dribble, all players should cover down to the level of the ball and force it back out. When the ball is dribbled toward the baseline, the nearest help side defender must quickly stop the ball before it reaches the lane. If the ball is passed to the post, we keep him from dribbling by quickly covering down. When we cover down to the baseline from on top. When the ball is passed back out, all players recover to their man. USE THE CLOSEST MAN TO THE BALL RULE ON RECOVERY.


Basketball Defense Tip #3: DEFENSIVE TRIANGLE

On Defense always be able to see your man and the ball (this is when your man doesn´t have the ball). When your man is ONE pass away, you can deny the player from getting the ball. You must be in a defensive triangle position with you, the ball and your man. Flatten out the triangle, with you at the center point of the triangle. Try to get a hand in the passing lane (straight line between the ball and your man). Position your head so that you can see both with your peripheral vision. Then slide up and back with your man, keeping that triangle position.


Basketball Defense Tip #4: DOUBLE DOWN

This is a defensive strategy that is used when a very good low post player gets the ball. When the ball is passed to the post, the perimeter (outside) player quickly will double team the post player. This will make it difficult for a good post player to make their offensive move and force them to pass the ball back out.


Basketball Defense Tip #5: JUMP TO THE BALL

Any time the ball is passed YOU MUST JUMP TO THE BALL to play good defense. Make gradual, quick, immediate adjustments in your stance. You must be in position before the ball is caught. Jumping to the ball allows you to be in proper position to front cutters, avoid screens (be a moving target), and help teammates. Any time the ball is dribbled you must make the proper ball side or help side adjustments in positioning.


Basketball Defense Tip #6: QUICK HELP AND EARLY RECOVERY

There is no such thing as helping too quickly. When your teammate steers the ball into the next gap, be ready to provide quick help with your rear to the ball. When you help, you must recover on line to your man as the ball is picked up.In all screening situations you must talk, provide quick help and then recover early.


Basketball Defense Tip #7: STRONGSIDE LANE CLOSURE

Strongside lane closure is the way you play defense when your man passes the ball and cuts to the basket. As soon as your player passes, make a quick jump to the ball side of your man, and slide down the lane with your player, putting yourself in the passing lane, and denying a pass from going into your man.


Basketball Defense Tip #8: WEAK-SIDE DEFENSE

When your man is 2 passes away from the ball, you must learn to play weakside or help defense. Help defense means just that... if someone else´s man is driving to the hoop and has beaten the defender, you must leave your man and move to a position in front of them with both feet on the ground, (facing the player) and stop the drive; then once the ball is stopped, go back to your man. Point one hand to your man and the other to the ball and maintain a position that allows you to see both your man and the ball. Align yourself with the center of the basketball floor. Stopping the ball, no matter who is guarding him, is your first concern. This contributes to good team defense.


Basketball Defense Tip #9: WEAK-SIDE LANE CLOSURE

You are in your weakside defensive stance in line with the basket, pointing to your man and the ball. Weakside lane closure to how you defend a player on the weakside who cuts to the ball.What you must do as your player cuts towards the ball is to slide up into deny position, make contact with the cutter, and make him cut behind you. As he cuts behind you, you then still deny the pass into your man.

ON THE BALL DEFENSE

Basketball Defense Tip #1: CLOSE DOWN

This is a strategy to use when you are coming to defend a player from a distance away, such as sprinting out to your man on a skip pass after help defense . What you do is sprint half way to your player and then in a low defensive position, use shuffle steps to assume good defensive position.


Basketball Defense Tip #2: CONTEST ALL SHOTS

Never allow an opponent to shoot the ball uncontested. The problem, however, with players attempting to block shots is the tendency to commit fouls. Therefore, the proper way to contest a shot is to stay on your feet facing the shooter until the shooter leaves his or her feet, then attempt to get your hand on top of the basketball. At the very least, get a hand up so it limits his vision of the basket or he has to shoot over you. While you may not block the shot, you will put the shooter under a maximum amount of pressure.


Basketball Defense Tip #3: DEFENSIVE SLIDE

The proper way to move when guarding the dribbler is to step and push off. This is accomplished by stepping sideways with the lead foot (the foot closest to the direction in which you wish to go), then pushing off with your trail foot to catch up. Always keep your feet in contact with the floor. Stay low and keep your feet wide. Make quick slides.


Basketball Defense Tip #4: HALF A MAN AHEAD

When guarding the dribbler, your head should be even with the ball, which puts you slightly ahead of the man you are guarding. Make the dribbler turn and change directions. This will slow him down and make it more difficult for the dribbler to beat you.


Basketball Defense Tip #5: ON THE BALL DEFENSE

One of the most important defensive concepts is the theory of keeping your body between your man and the basket. Your defensive positioning should always be between the ball and the man you are guarding. Be within an arms reach of your man, so you can put pressure on the ball. Focus on his belly button...where it goes, he will go. You can be faked out by his eyes, head and shoulder fakes. Try to make him go where he doesn´t want to go. From the middle of the court... force him to the sideline. From a wing position, force him baseline 12-15 feet away from the basket.


Basketball Defense Tip #6: PRESSURE THE BALL

A key to being a good defender is to always put pressure on the ball. Don´t let an offensive player do anything with the ball--dribble, pass, or shoot--without having one of your hands trying to get into the way. Force him to his weakest side. Make him go where he doesn´t want to go.


Basketball Defense Tip #7: STANCE

The proper defensive stance is necessary in order to play good defense. On the ball, feet should be shoulder width apart, with the knees bent, and your butt down and your back straight. Your hands should be outside your knees with the palms up. You should be low (your nose to your man´s chest) in "nose-chest" position. When you are low, you can change directions more quickly, which is a key for playing great defense.


Basketball Defense Tip #8: WALL SITS

A great exercise for increasing the strength and stamina needed in the legs for defense is wall sits. Take a position as if you were sitting in a chair with your back flat against a wall but with nothing underneath you to support your weight. Gradually build up the amount of time that you can do this.


Basketball Defense Tip #9: WATCH HIS MID-SECTION

When guarding the dribbler, watch his midsection (waist). He can´t go anywhere without it, and you won´t fall for foot fakes or ball fakes.

POST DEFENSE

Basketball Defense Tip #1: DEFENSIVE POST POSITION

If a defender is posting you up (having his back to the basket looking for the ball) try to get in front and deny him the ball. If you can´t, get a good wide base and don´t let him back you in any deeper. Any contact with his elbows on your chest should be a foul on him.


Basketball Defense Tip #2: HIGH POST DEFENSE

The basic rule for guarding the high post(post player at the free throw line) is to deny the pass in from the side. This is a position where the defensive player is at the ball side of the post player, with the forward arm denying the pass into the post. Use the back of your other hand to maintain contact with your man. When the ball moves to the other side, go on the basket side of your man and assume the side denial position on the other side.


Basketball Defense Tip #3: LOW POST DEFENSE-BALL ABOVE THE FREE THROW LINE

If the ball is above the free throw line extended (imaginary line extending from the free throw line to the sideline), then you should deny on the high side. You should be chest to chest with the post player with your arm closest to the ball in the passing lane.


Basketball Defense Tip #4: LOW POST DEFENSE-BALL IS BELOW THE FREE THROW LINE

If the ball is below the free throw line try to get around the post player and "Full Front". Your teammates will need to help you on any lob pass. The post player probably is not going to want you in this position, so it is a constant fight for position between the post player and defender. Be active and try to AVOID contact. The post player will have more trouble "pinning" you in a position where they can receive the ball.


Basketball Defense Tip #5: LOW POST DEFENSE-HE'S PUSHED YOU OUT

The low post player might try to push you out after you "full front". If you get out too far you can release and get behind so that your feet are OUTSIDE of the key. Now you are between him and the basket and have him 12´-15´ away. This makes it a tough shot for the offense and you have rebounding position.

TEAM DEFENSE

Basketball Defense Tip #1: BLOCK-OUT AND OUTLET

The defensive effort is completed when we have POSSESSION OF THE BALL. When the ball is shot we must have ALL FIVE PLAYERS fulfilling their rebound responsibility until the ball is CHINNED. The team will rebound covering the paint in a triangle shape. Then you can outlet the ball and apply your offensive pressure with the primary and secondary break.


Basketball Defense Tip #2: ECHO SYSTEM

Players should communicate using the ECHO SYSTEM. The coaches tell one player the drill or play, he calls it out to the team, team echoes it.


Basketball Defense Tip #3: TRANSITION AND COMMUNICATION

Quick, organized transition with communication by all five players is a must for a great defensive team. You must STOP THE BALL. You must sprint to the level of the ball, eliminate all cheap baskets, and make opponents go against your set defense. NO LAYUPS, NO THREES, NO FOULS, NO SECOND SHOTS... 

Great Ball Handling Tips To Improve Your Dribbling Skills

INTRODUCTORY BALL HANDLING TIP

To be a top-flight ballhandler (which is key to being a great point guard) one must be able to survey the floor while handling the ball. The ball-handler cannot afford to be concerned with whether he/she is going to be able to control the ball at high speeds especially while running a break. Everyone on the team relies on the ball-handler to get the ball down the floor and be the catalyst toward making something happen for the team.

A classic rule of life applies here: If you can handle two of something, then mastering one thing will be much easier. In other words, if you can handle two balls at high speeds while keeping your eyes looking ahead, handling one will be a piece of cake.

Drill: Stand at one end of the court. Hold one basketball in each hand. Begin to walk forward toward the opposite baseline, bouncing the ball in your right hand first. In the fraction of a second after the ball in your right hand has hit the floor, bounce the left ball. In the fraction of a second after the left ball hits the floor, bounce the right ball. Continue in this fashion down the court. As you begin to feel more comfortable doing the drill, start to pick up your pace. Ideally, you will eventually be able to sprint down the floor, bouncing both balls with equal skill. Don't underestimate the importance of this ball handling tip! I have seen NBA and WNBA players STILL performing this drill at the on-set of a practice. It sounds simple, and it is, so make sure to master ball-handling and you're on your way to a great basketball career!

AROUND THE WORLD

Ball Handling Tip #1: Circle the ball around your head, than your waist, and finally put your legs together and take the ball around both legs at the knees. Then, bend at the waist, spread your legs, and circle the ball around one leg, then the other. This exercise will give you a great feel for the ball in addition to hand coordination and speed.

THE SCISSORS

Ball Handling Tip #2: To start this exercise, place your left foot ahead of your right and bounce the ball between your legs from your right to your left hand. As the ball gets to your left hand shift your feet so that your right leg goes ahead of your left and bounce the ball back between your legs. Shift your feet with every bounce.

CATCH-CATCH-CATCH

Ball Handling Tip #3: This is a drill to work on your ball handling. Hold the ball between your legs, with both hands on the ball, right hand in front and left hand in back. Quickly switch your hands,(now left hand in front and right hand in the back), without letting the ball touch the ground. Do as quickly as possible...this drill is one of the hardest to master... but it just takes lots of practice.

CRAB WALK

Ball Handling Tip #4: This drill can go from baseline to half court. Step forward with your left leg and pass the ball from your right hand to your left under your left leg. As you take your next step with your right leg, pass the ball from your left hand to your right under your right leg. Continue this pattern all the way down the floor.

FIGURE 8

Ball Handling Tip #5: Spread your legs, bend at the waist, put the ball through your legs, around one leg, back through your legs, and around your other leg, making a figure eight. This will help you get a feel for the basketball as you move it around. Keep your head up not looking at the ball and increase your speed.

FIGURE 8 DRIBBLING

Ball Handling Tip #6: This is a drill to practice your ball-handling. Dribble the ball as quickly as possible in a figure 8 through and around the legs. Use the fingers when you dribble, and dribble very low and quickly. Switch from the right to the left and back to the right. Example: start with the right hand dribbling the ball in front and then dribble through your legs with your right hand, switch to your left hand and dribble from the back, around your left side to the front and back through you legs... then switch to your right hand behind the body and around the right side. Try to go as fast as possible, and your dribbling skills will improve with daily practice.

FIGURE 8 DROP

Ball Handling Tip #7: The ball is moved around the outside of the left leg from the back to the front. Then it is passed in front of your body and around the outside of your right leg from front to back. Now the ball is between your legs at the back of your body. Bounce the ball, and as it is bouncing, reverse your hands, bring your right from the back to the front and your left from the front to the back. Catch the ball before it bounces again. Continue to do figure eights.

FIGURE 8 DROP REVERSE

Ball Handling Tip #8: For this drill, follow the procedure described in the Figure Eight Drop Drill, except that when you bounce the ball, your movement will be reversed. After the bounce, circle the ball around the outside of your right leg, in front of your left leg, and around your left leg from the front to the back.

FIGURE 8 RUNNING IN PLACE

Ball Handling Tip #9: Move the ball around your legs as in the Figure Eight Drill, but in addition, run in place.

ONE ON TWO

Ball Handling Tip #10: A good drill to use to better your dribbling under pressure is to try to advance the ball against two defenders. This will force you to use a variety of manuevers while being alert to the defense.

PASS AND CATCH

Ball Handling Tip #11: With 2 hands, make a bounce pass between your legs from front to back and catch the ball with 2 hands behind you. Then bounce the ball through your legs from the back to the front, and catch the ball in front of your body. This is a good drill for body awareness.

SIT-UP DRIBBLE

Ball Handling Tip #12: While doing bent-knee situps, dribble up with your right hand as you sit up, and around your feet, then switch hands to your left as you go back down, and then dribble with your left hand as you sit up, back around your feet, switching back to your right hand. Continue as quickly as possible.

SQUEEZE THE BANANA

Ball Handling Tip #13: This is a drill that helps increase the strength in your fingers. Hold the ball in front of you at eye level with two hands. By squeezing your fingers and thumb together with one hand at a time, you move the ball from one hand to the other as quickly as you can. More finger and arm strength will imrove your ball control.

TOUCH-TOUCH-TOUCH

Ball Handling Tip #14: This is another ball-handling drill that seems very difficult at first, but with daily practice, will improve your handles. This drill is called touch-touch-touch because that is what you do... while keeping the ball between your legs, you touch the ball once with your right hand(fingers) in front, then with your left hand(fingers) in front, then with your right behind you, and then with your left behind you. Continue in this manner as fast as possible. Before long, you will master this skill.

UP THE LADDER

Ball Handling Tip #15: Hold the ball out in front of you and pass it back from hand to hand using only your finger tips. Go from out in front of your waist to above your head and back. This will help you develop the finger tip control that you will need to properly handle the ball. 

Basketball World

Look, the number one key to be a great basketball player is to have confidence and heart. If you're not confident, you'll never reach the level you want to be at ... Without heart, you won't have what it takes to come through in tough situations when your team needs you most.

We have the basketball tips to help you become better, but you have to practice and develop confidence. Practice makes good, but confidence and heart makes perfect. You need hunger, drive, desire...

Here, enjoy this game and look around the website for some awesome tips to help improve your game.

Directions: Aim and shoot - Use the mouse to aim, left click to shoot the ball