Posts Tagged ‘Basketball’

How To Dribble A Basketball Fast

September 6th, 2010 admin

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of 5 players try to score points against one another by placing a ball through a high hoop under organized rules. Leaning how to dribble in basketball is a skill that is crucial. If you want to learn how to dribble a basketball fast, then here are several tips that you can try doing:

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Practice dribbling during the off season. Dribbling begins by pushing the ball toward the floor, or throwing or tapping the ball in the air with the fingers to bounce on the floor one or more times while controlling the ball and making no more than one step for each bounce except when picking up the dribble and taking a couple of steps in the approach to the basket to attempt a field goal. Get into good basketball condition by running up and down the floor while dribbling as fast as you can to develop stamina and speed.

Use only one hand at a time to dribble. Remember that once you have stopped dribbling, you may touch the ball with both hands but then you must pass or shoot before you can get the ball back and dribble again. However, it is legal to change hands by pressing or clapping the ball with one hand or the other while it rests on either hand. It is also legal to release either hand off the ball as it counts as maintaining a continuous touch or contact.

Never watch your hands or the dribbling ball. Instead, use your peripheral vision without looking. Dribble by touch, by feel, sound, and rhythm. Do not stop your dribble. Practice correct form and techniques to learn not to double dribble, or carry the ball.

Once again, learning how to dribble a basketball fast is crucial in the game of basketball.

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Understand Shooting in Basketball

August 19th, 2010 admin

Your party has the leak down and they know how to work with the players. However much your bunch knows, it won’t be the same if they don’t know the basics of shooting the basketball to make the slice. If you want to make surely that your bunch can lacquer what they started with the contest that they are singing, then understanding the basics to shooting the sphere can help them groove.

When one is knowledge how to arrange themselves for necessary shooting, the can system a given stance to help. First, they should be completely aligned with the pursue for the basket. This will help them to aim into the right place. From here, the feet should be still and about shoulder width apart. The knees will neediness to be bent and the back plump. This will help with the alignment and focus towards the basket.

After the basics of shooting have been achieved by the players, then different types of shots can be looked at for the spirited. Usually, you will want to perform with your players on types of shots, ones that are slim and others that are inside. The further shooting will permit the players to film from a longer distance away. If these shots are made, then the squad will make whichever two or three points from the basket. Inside shooting will be when the band is able to make a basket that is quicker to the hoop. Things such as blast dunks are considered part of the inside shooting.

If the shooting doesn’t totally work out, then it will be a foul shot. Generally, there are two types of foul shots, delicate and nominal. A delicate foul is when an opponent from the other party steps over the boundaries of the play by special dealings. A precise foul is when the globe is not handled perfectly while it is being played. Both of these types of fouls will permit the team that is soiled to have a gratis shot or a free toss to make up for the foul.

If you want to make certainly that your team wins, then you will should to edify them how to take. By showing them the crucial techniques and the techniques that are better for them to chart, they will can hit the basket every time they chuck. By practicing the several spacing between the basket and the player, the skills will grow, allowing them to make the points that they want.

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Basketball Shooting – Learn How to Shoot a Free Throw and Become a Good Shooter

August 13th, 2010 admin

Any ball player will tell you that games are won and lost on free throws. A free throw is a shot in basketball that a player gets after they are fouled. It is a direct and unguarded shot from 15-feet away from the hoop. You get two free throws if your shot does not go in the hoop after the foul.

Free throws are an important part of playing basketball. I believe everyone can become a good shooter. To be a good free throw shooter, you have to make sure that you’ve mastered certain techniques with correct instruction on the fundamentals of basketball shooting, combined with drills and practice. This page will discuss the fundamentals of good basketball shooting form and instruct you in the best methods to sink your free throw. The principles are discussed below should be used as guidelines and may be helpful in correcting a player who is struggling with his/her basketball shooting, or is just learning to shoot.

1. Stance: Have your feet about shoulder width apart. Your knees should be bent a little as your thigh muscles will provide power for your shot. If you shoot right-handed, your right foot should be slightly forward. Your shoulders and body should be square to the hoop or find out which is most comfortable for you. Probably the important thing here is that when you jump to shoot, jump straight up but not sideways or backwards. Stay balanced.

2. Holding the ball: Use both hands to hold the ball, but only your basketball shooting hand which will actually propel the ball forward. Don’t shoot two-handed. Your shooting hand is the platform and should be underneath the ball with your wrist cocked back. Your other hand helps support or balance the ball, but does not enter into the actual shooting of the ball. Your non-basketball shooting hand should actually come off the ball just before you release the ball, so that you are shooting with one hand. Use your fingertips, not palms, to hold and release the ball.

3. Set Point: The set point is where you position the ball just prior to releasing the shot. If you are right-handed and shoot with your shoulders and feet square to the hoop, have the ball to the right of your face, a little toward the right shoulder. Don’t line the ball up in the center of your face, as this may result in your basketball shooting elbow flying away from your body, and could actually cause your wrist to turn sideways when you release the ball, imparting a side-spin. On the other hand, if you are more comfortable shooting with your body turned in toward the basketball shooting side, and then the set point can be more in front of your face. You will have to find which method works best for you. Also, it is best that the ball is as high as your forehead, or even higher in order to keep your basketball shooting from being blocked.

4. Upward Force: Most of the power in your shot should come from the upward force of your jump or the upward force from your thighs moving upward. You should not try to power up longer shots with your arm. Let the big muscles in the legs do the work. Release your shot on the upward force of the jump, not on the way down.

5. Aiming the ball: Pick out a spot to aim at either the back of the rim, or just over the front of the rim, or the backboard. Concentrate on this spot, and don’t look at the ball, or the flight of the ball.

6. Releasing the ball: Take the deep breath, and shoot. Use the shoulder as a “hinge”. Your basketball shooting arm extends forward toward the hoop, the elbow extends and then you release the ball with a snap of the wrist, with the ball rolling off your fingertips. This will impart backspin that all good shooters have. Backspin makes the ball land softly on the rim, and often creates a favorable “shooter’s” bounce, resulting in a score even though the shot was not perfect.

7. Follow Through: Make sure to follow through with your shot! This will help you get arc, rotation, and consistency. Keep looking at the basket and hold your basketball shooting hand in the “gooseneck”, follow-through position until the ball goes through the net.

This is important in getting the proper rotation (back spin) on the ball. Your fingers should be pointing toward the hoop, and your wrist bent forward, in a “goose neck” fashion. Hold this release after your shot until the ball hits the rim. You will notice that with a proper follow-through, the palm of your hand will be facing downward toward the floor. If it is turned sideways with the back of the hand facing outward, then you are incorrectly twisting your wrist during the release. Remember to keep your eye on the target… don’t watch the flight of the ball.

Tips

1. It is important for you to concentrate. Block out all the factors and just focus on your technique and making the shot.
2. Get into a routine. Take a few dribbles or take a deep breath- whatever makes you feel comfortable before you take the shot. Make sure to stick to the same routine every time. A routine helps program your body and mind and that will help with your consistency.
3. Don’t think too much. Even if you are in a slump, approach the line with the same routine and believing that you will make the shot.
4. Practice makes perfect! Repetition is the key to success in basketball shooting free throws. The more you shoot the more comfortable and confident you will become!

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How to Pratice for Basketball Improvement

August 7th, 2010 admin

With so many drills and different ways to practice to improve your game, you could very easily get confused and frustrated trying to compile a perfect practice plan. Some of the main components I have always stressed with all my private basketball clients, whether they are beginners or a NBA Veteran, is to try and train smarter and just harder.

A major component you have to consider when trying to design a Basketball Improvement system is to leverage your time wisely and work on the areas that are most important to you and your game. To use an example, if you are a point guard, your main job is to be able to handle the rock under control and pressure, control the pace of the game, make sure all your teammates are doing their job correctly and be your coaches on the court general.

Why it would be great if you were a great rebounder, it is not something that you should spend alot of time practicing. You should focus the majority of your time practicing and improving the areas that are most required. Try not to get caught up in trying to work on every aspect of basketball, there just is not enough time to work on every thing in one practice.

I have outlined a Practice plan that I use to structure all of my Pro Clients workouts,they are very effective and time efficient. The practice will last approximately 1 hour and will begin with a Sports Warm-Up. Sports Warm Up ( 15 minutes) It is very essential you participate in an active warm up that will prepare you for a vigorous work out ahead. The days of static stretching as a team are long over,due to the fact that you want to prepare your self for moving, running, and explosive burst, you want to prepare your body to handle certain movements and game situations. I normally have all my players run 4 to 5 times around the court at about 50%, and then follow that up with 4 half court layups from both the right and left side.Then, we perform 3 full court layups on each side, right and left. Then we move onto two ball dribbling, full court and back 3 times, two ball alternating dribbling full court and back, 3 times, and then finish with a couple of dynamic warm up stretches that improve the mobility, stability, and flexibility of certain muscle groups.

Basketball conditioning ( 10 minutes)

I have always like jumping right into some conditioning drills as my players perform better when we get conditioning done at the beginning of practice.Many practices, the exercise or drills will change and vary, but the principles remain the same. I usually compile 6 conditioning drills that we will perform only once, but at 100% intensity. I will then give them a 30-45 second break and then move onto the next conditioning drill.We do not perform the drills for certain amount of reps, but rather for a duration of time. Usually lasting 30-45 seconds. Hers is a sample Conditioning workout:

Exercise # 1 suicide ( 30 seconds)

Rest(45seconds)

Exercise # 2 ( machine guns while dribbling a basketball) 30 seconds

Rest (45 seconds)

Exercise # 3 Basketball Pushups with a basketball( 20 seconds on each side)

Rest(45 seconds)

Exercise #4 Full court Defensive slides( 35 seconds)

Rest ( 45 seconds)

Exercise # 5 Net or rim touches ( 30 seconds)

Rest ( 45 Seconds)

Exercise # 6 Push Up Holds ( 45 seconds)

Rest Until 10 minutes is up

As you can see, if you structure your workouts and practices correctly, you can get a very effective practice in a short period of time. The next 10 minutes will solely focus on shooting. I have a simple rule when trying to improve your shooting. Think of the 5 most common shots and area that you are most likely to shoot in a game and work on those 5 shots the most. It is almost a waste of time if you are a center trying to improve your 3 point shooting. Once you have figured out your 5 most common shots, spend 2 minutes each working on them and getting up as many shots as you can in those 2 minutes from those specific spots. You will be surprised when you start working on only a couple of shoots how much more you will improve compared to trying to shoot from every where. After you finish working on your shooting, you will then dedicate the next 10 minutes on ball handling. There are millions of drills that will improve your ball handling skills and you can pick which ever ones you like, but follow these rules when you do so.

1. Try not to ever look down at the ball.

2. Try your hardest not to mess up.

3. Involve as much running and movement as you can.

4.When you have mastered a drill, do not continue to do the same drill,

move on to a more challenging drill.

5. Try to incorporate multitasking drills as much as possible, like 2 ball dribbling,

the more you can do at the same time the better.

Follow those rules and you will see a dramatic improvement in your over all game.

Now that you have gotten past those stations, it is time now to move on to the most important aspect of the practice. The last 15 minutes will solely be committed to working on your niche, the most important component of your game.

What Is Your Niche?

This is by far the most over looked aspect in basketball. A niche is what you do best, it is the one thing that you do great, the thing that separates you form the baller next to you. The One thing you can provide the team, and what the coach can count on you for.Without a Niche, you have no identity on the court. If you look at all the Kings in the NBA, you will easily discover their Niche.

Steve Nash- passing

Ben Wallace- Rebounding

Dwayne Wade- attacking the basket

Mike Miller- Shooting

Kobe – Scoring

And the list goes on….

Spend the last 15 minutes working and mastering your niche. Whatever it is, whether it be shooting, rebounding, ball handling, defense, scoring, driving to the basket, 3 point shooting, ect… Work on mastering and improving it. I guarantee you that if you take this outline and use it to structure your workouts and practices, you will have more improvement in a couple of weeks then you probably have had your whole career. Improving your game is easy when you do it the right way.

Your # 1 Fan

Rali Todd

Pro Basketball Performance Coach

Go Basketball Pro

Since you have read this entire article, I would like to reward you a with a special FREE gift.

You can get a FREE Subscription to my 12 keys To Basketball Greatness Email Course.( A $19.95 Value).

Just simple visit http://www.gobasketballpro.com to get the 12 Keys To Basketball Greatness and Unlock your full potential.

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The Missing Link to All Basketball Players!

July 26th, 2010 admin

With all the new talent, changing of the game, transformation of the play, there is still one vital aspect that most basketball players completely miss the boat on. Think to yourself what one of the most important aspects of the game is and how can you get better at it. What is one thing that you can do that will improve your defense, ball handling, shooting, rebounding and also improve injury prevention?

The answer, bending your knees!

That’s right, getting lower to the ground. If you do not believe me I want you to try a few things.

Right now I want you to stand up and put your feet together. Next I want you to try to jump with out bending your knees. Most likely you tried it but you still bent your knees. So this time I want you to really try and jump with out bending your knees. If you did it correctly you would find that it is nearly impossible to perform a jump without bending your knees. So what does this mean? Well I will get to that in a second. The next one I want you to try is a defensive slide. I want you to try to slide across your room or wherever you are without bending your knees. Again, if you performed it correctly you will find that it is impossible to do effectively. Now I want you to go back to the first one and bend your knees. So now I want you to bend your knees and jump. You will find that not only did you jump significantly higher but it was also a lot easier and more effective. Now try the same with the defensive slide. Again, you would have found that you can slide laterally a lot easier and effective with your knees bent!

So what’s the point?

The point is that almost every basketball player plays with their legs straight and knees not bent. This plays a major role in all aspects of the game. Because as you demonstrated that it is almost impossible to move and jump with your legs straight. So what does your body do? It does it for you. Let’s look at an example:

Let’s say that you are coming off a screen preparing to catch the ball and shoot but you are playing tall, and not bending your knees. When you catch the ball you will have to dip down (bend your knees) in order for you to jump and shoot the ball. This will take slightly longer that if you already had your knees bent and did not have to dip down to shoot the ball. It may not seem like a big difference, but in the game it could be the difference to someone blocking your shoot and you getting your shoot off faster.

Another great example would be rebounding.

If you are under the basket preparing to rebound a missed shot with your legs straight, you will again have to dip down and bend your knees in order to jump. But if you already had your knees bent you would just simply have to jump straight up while your opponent had to take the time to bend their knees and then jump. Again, this might only be half of a second, but that is all it takes to grab a rebound.

So do you see how important it is to bend your knees and stay low? That’s why almost all shorter players are faster than taller players. Their center of gravity is lower to the ground which provides them with an advantage.

So how do we correct this problem?

Well besides consciously trying to remind yourself to bend your knees all the time, it is all a form of muscle memory. You have to train your body and the muscles that are most used in this position (your gluteus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves) I will tell you that this position hurts and most players are very uncomfortable in this position because it is painful. But if you are truly seeking ways to improve your game you should be willing to do whatever it takes to get better.

Here are two drills that I have found that are the most effective in training this position and the muscles that are used.

1. Two ball pounding

Start off with your legs wider than your shoulders. Squat down bending at your knees and not your back. Get two basketballs and try to dribble both of them in between your legs at the same time. Your focus should be at pounding the balls into the ground and staying low. After about 20 seconds this drill will start to hurt but push yourself as much as you.
Try to perform three to six sets of at least 45 seconds of duration.

2. Squat explosive lay ups

Start of right under the basket with a basketball, legs wider than your shoulders. Hold the basketball with your arms straight down by your knees. Squat down bending at the knees and not your back and touch the ball to the ground, as soon as the ball touches the ground explode up and lay the ball up. Perform ten lay-ups in a row and then switch sides. Your focus should be to explode up while keeping your back straight. Perform two to three sets on each side of 10 made lay-ups.

Staying low is one of the most important aspects of basketball and you should focus on bending your knees and keeping your back straight. If you can train your body to stay in this position you will have a huge advantage over your competition.

Yours in hoops,
Rali Todd
Basketball performance coach
http://www.gobasketballpro.com
Remember Training hurts…. Sitting on the bench hurts more!

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Essential Instructions On Basketball

July 8th, 2010 admin

Basketball is most popular sport all over the world. Both the gender can play this game according to their abilities and age. Basketball is main sport founded in America. This is simple to play and the main equipment is require to play this game is ball which is easy to obtain, called “basketball”.

There are two team required to play this game and each team has five players.  The goal of  the players are throw the ball into the adversary basket  and score the points, as well as try to stop the other team players to score the points .Ball can  be passed in any way but followed by the rules of this game.

Below few important Instructions are given about the basketball game:

First        : You should set up an order for the player’s replacement is such a way that you cannot change it throughout the game.

Second    : Let the first person start the game by shooting a free throw. This opening usually called “breaking the ice.” If the first free throw becomes successful than two points will be counted, does not matter which team made it. After the first throw other successive free throws get one point only.

Third         :If by any chance the first player fail to spot the free throw than allow  the second player to bounce back the ball and shoot it because the ball can’t rebound before  getting back and shot. The ball can return only once but if the ball rebound more than once and the player could not get it, than the player’s turn is lost.

Subsequently the next player in rotation shoots to start the game again but without having three-point line because the three-point shot is worth only two points.

Fourth    : Before you handle the ball be clear in your mind that you jump every time. if  you are not shooting the free throw than you are not at all permissible to handle the ball, although your feet are on the ground.

Fifth        : Rotate in the situated order until player make a basket and play continue in that manner. Two points will be counted in this part of the game if any shot made during the game.

Sixth        : If you make a basket, shoot free throws after that because that free throw also worth one point, Carry on to shoot free throws until player miss one throw because there is no limit has been set up for how many throws you can make in a row .Even if you missed free throw than also play continues in the set manner as before.

Seventh    : Most important part to remember in basketball is that if players acquired exactly 30 points than end the game because whenever players goes more than 30 points  automatically score drops to 19 points.

Free Tips to win the game:

1. The simplest method to score points that shoot and rebound the ball before ball touches the ground.
2. You should be very quick to find out which area the ball will rebound to and before the ball goes there you try to reach.
3. Be careful to touch the ball when it’s not your turn because it’s usually goaltending, but try to be a barrier if it is not your turn and you can’t tap the ball.

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10 Out of the World Basketball Tips

May 15th, 2010 admin

Basketball the ever popular sport came into being in 1891. Designed by Dr. James Naismith, the game of basketball keeps players fit and can be played indoors when weather prevents outdoor sports.

A popular sport in schools and college basketball is now played professionally and the NBAs are popular world wide. The game is fast and vigorous and involves shooting, passing and dribbling. The game of basketball is regulated by rules with no disruptive physical contact and violations applicable to ball handling.

Players train hard throughout the year and teams plan strategies so that they can win competitions. Here are a few insights that can make you a winning player:

1. Run like the wind. Outrunning your opponent will give you an edge. So practice being quick on your feet and get a few moves that will guarantee you fast breaks.

2. Passing is the key. Learn to pick up a ball mid-dribble and pass it in a fluid movement to an open perimeter player.

3. Keep you mind on the game and learn how to vision movements on the court even before they happen. This will enable you to get ahead and pas sthe ball to open teammates.

4. Conditioning is important. Introduce basic conditioning drills to get in shape and keep in shape. Adopt weight training and exercises like lunges.

5. Keep an eye on nutritional aspects of the sport. To be in top condition you need to eat the right foods and regulate water and fluid intake. Avoid colas and coffee and drinks plenty of water and eat foods that provide balanced nutrition and minerals and vitamins.

6. Improve basketball performance by using age-old proven techniques like focus and mind training. Learn how to keep in control and think ahead.

7. Offense and defense are important. According to the gurus while offense can win games it is defense that will win your team a championship. So create a team that has strengths in both offense and defense.

8. Ball handling skills need to be perfect at all times. Dribble the ball through the day and practice different moves including the time-tested figure eight. Learn how to control the ball between right and left hand.

9. Learn all winning defense moves. Watch your opponent and try and b between him and the ball at all times. Learn how to move even before he moves.

10. Be a learner. Study the basket ball court, its physics, and layout. So basketball conditioning four squares. This will intensify your training level.

Basketball is not just about shooting hoops. It is a game of strategy and sports management. Planning, training, and commitment make a winning team. So be a learned sportsman and study the game. Read the history, plays of winning teams and great players. Become an encyclopedia of the game and know what to do at every stage of a game. Lead the team well and be a team player share your ideas and expertise.

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Great Tips on Basketball Dribbling and Ball-handling skills

April 17th, 2010 admin

In a basketball game, can you guess who often gets the most “ooo…”s and “ahh..”s from the audience? It is usually the guards ball-handling past the defender!

The purpose of this article is to teach players how to elude defenders with the dribble, creating opportunities to score on the offensive end while at the same time protecting the ball. It also has an in-depth guide section on different basketball dribbling tips to increase your ball-handling ability.

Basketball dribbling allows you to move on the basketball court while in possession of the basketball. Basketball players first learn to dribble the basketball with one hand, then to alternate hands, and progressively to increase to more advanced basketball dribbling. Once mastered, each move can become a powerful weapon. As a basketball player, a powerful and effective way to keep defenders on their toes and increase your threat as an offensive player is to develop an agile and quick basketball dribbling technique.

Firstly, basketball dribbling is not done while staring at the ball. Dribbling on the side minimizes the possibility of getting your ball stolen. You dribble with your finger tips and pads of the hands without looking at the ball. Finger tips give you more control over the basket ball. Lower your body slightly so that the ball is bouncing rapidly at waist level. When times switching the ball from one hand to another, bouncing the ball hard off the ground allows you to greatly reduce the time the ball is out of your control.Keep your head up at all gives you the vision on what is happening on the court and your defender while you dribble.

Also, to be an advanced ball-handler, basketball dribbling becomes more of a physical-plus-mental thing. There are many things you need to keep in mind. (more…)

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Basketball Basics: Faking and Moving Without the Ball

January 15th, 2010 admin

Two important skills in basketball are faking and moving without the ball. Both should be practiced well.


Faking


In order to be an offensive threat you must be able to elude your guard whether you have the ball or not. A fake is an act designed to throw your guard off balance, so you can drive past him or free yourself for a shot. Do this by faking with your head, eyes, feet, shoulders, and body.


The fake drive-and-shot is designed to throw the defensive player off balance and force him back to make room for the shot. Feint a dribble around the guard, using the front foot to force him back.


The offensive player then comes up to position for the shot. Any feint will produce some recoiling action on the guard’s part. The fake shot-and-drive is a maneuver in which the player with the ball fakes a shot at the basket to draw the guard close to him so he can dribble around him.


When you are faking, keep the ball protected and in position for the dribble. The first stride should be a long one with the right foot if going right, placing the ball well out in front while driving by the guard.


A double fake is executed by faking a drive with a deep step to the right, causing the guard to drop back a little. The offensive man then moves his front foot a bit back and poises for a set shot.


As the guard comes up on his toes to stop the shot, the offensive man lowers his body and drives off his front foot, placing the ball well out ahead and drives in for the goal. To go to the right side, the deep step is faked to the left with the right foot. The shot is faked, then comes the drive to the right. A left-handed player will use his left foot as the forward foot and follow the same technique as above.


In starting a fake, a player never knows whether it will be a single or a double fake. This will depend on the action of the guard. Sometimes a guard commits himself on the first fake. If he is not fooled on the first fake, then try the double fake.


A common fault of many players executing feints is that they do not allow enough time for the defensive player to “fall for” the deception. Shooting or driving too soon simply means that the deception is wasted.


Moving without the ball


Players often do not know how to act offensively when they do not have the ball. In my coaching experience I have found this to be especially true of young players. Too frequently they do nothing. They stand around watching the man with the ball, waving their arms for a pass even though he is closely guarded. The easiest man to guard is the player who stands around and moves slowly and aimlessly. Basketball is a team game and all five players must work as a unit to get the best results.


A player without the ball can do the following:


1. Move at all times to prevent the defense from double- teaming a teammate.


2. Keep the middle of the court open to permit plays down the middle.


3. Set up a screen for teammates.


4. Be alert to cut in for a possible play.


Situations change with every pass of the ball. Watch for weaknesses in the defense so you may take advantage of them.


It is important to know what you intend to do. Indiscriminate running will only tire you out. Never run straight or in circles. An opponent can easily guard you. Deception and change of pace will help you elude your guard.


Learn to fake and also to move without the ball, and you will become a much more valuable player for your team.

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Powerful Basketball Visualization Techniques Revealed

January 5th, 2010 admin

Visualization is a powerful method used by global sports superstars to programme their minds for success.

It has been proven by such celebrated individuals as the great Maxwell Maltz that if an individual can use the body’s psycho-cybernetic system to its full potential, then they will achieve things that others felt was impossible.

Our minds require a target in order to operate at maximum capacity.

From a basketball perspective, many players who are getting ready to shoot the ball are allowing thoughts of self doubt enter there mind. Thoughts like ‘I hope I don’t leave it short’, ‘miss it’ etc.

If these are thoughts you are allowing to enter your mind, then you are in effect programming your mind for failure.

Most often the last thought you permit to occupy your mind, is what is going to happen to the ball.

I play a lot of Golf and I can tell you no where is the effect of the mind more evident than on the Golf course. If you play remember when you are faced with a shot over a lake or with a tree in front of you? If you feared hitting the tree or ending in the lake, that is what usually happens.

Basketball is no different. Sure you won’t lose your ball in the lake or have the fear of the ball ricocheting off the tree and hitting your face, but you will still miss the target.

If you are a serious basketball enthusiast and you have a real hunger for improvement, then the following tips will help you no end.

Tip #1 Visualize your shot to improve your distance control.

An essential element in shooting hoops is to apply the correct force behind the shot such that the ball will fall through the net as opposed to falling short and flying beyond the back board.

A great drill in practice is to shoot the ball with your eyes closed. This summons the incredible power of your sub conscious mind to the fore and I guarantee your shooting distance control will improve no end.

So go through the process of setting up as normal, use your usual technique, shoot the ball and then after releasing the ball open your eyes and enjoy seeing your ball fall through the basket.

This will be frustrating initially but with practice the results will shock you. Its like athletes who run with tires strapped to their waists, they make training more difficult. Then when you remove the ‘tire’ (shoot with opened eyes) it suddenly appears so much easier.

Tip #2 Develop a pre-shot routine This may sound like golf lingo to you but sports psychologists agree that it is an essential ingredient for success in every sport.

By pre-shot routine I mean in the moments right before you shoot the ball, you should perform a consistent sequence of events.

For example you might dribble from the left hand to the other, bounce the ball 3 times and then shoot.

It is essential that you take this exact routine and apply it consistently whether in practice or tournament play. This settles your mind, makes you feel in control and reduces pressure because if you always use the same routine, your mind will treat every shot the same and thus your technique will not be stressed under the pressure of tournament play.

Tips #3 Mentally visualize shooting hoops in your spare time.

A famous study was conducted by the University of Chicago many years ago with basketball players to prove the power of visualization. It consisted of three basketball teams.

Team 1 were instructed to go to the gym every day for one hour and practice throwing free throws. Team 2 were instructed to go to the gym every day, but to lie down and visualize themselves successfully shooting instead of physically practicing. Team 3 were instructed to play no basketball whatsoever neither mentally or physically for the month.

At the end of the month, the three groups were tested to determine their shooting proficiency.

The team who didn’t practice had deteriorated in their shooting ability. The team who practiced physically had improved by 24%. Amazingly the team who had only visualized themselves throwing successful free throws had improved by 23%.

This study proves that you maximize your success by visualizing your free throws at every available opportunity. It is a powerful supplement to physical practice.

So to conclude, never rule out the power of your mind. If you think negatively or with doubt you use you must powerful resource against yourself. Think positive and visualize and it will bring you along way to success.

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