Basketball is an exciting sport that requires a high level of skill and immense fitness. It’s brilliant to watch and great fun to play at any level. With the NBA being such a big league rounding off the season with a playoff battle that is sure to send shivers down your spine, it’s no wonder that the number of children taking up the sport is increasing. To have a shot at getting in your high school team you’ll need to put the time in and practise, but where should you concentrate?
Here are 6 ways to improve your game.
Challenge Better Players
It’s one thing to feel great about getting a few shots in, even going against people that aren’t quite as good as you, but it’s no way to improve. Challenging players that are better will force you to improve your game and find ways to beat them. Losing is alright when you’re learning and many NBA all-stars attribute their game-winning ability to their older siblings or people they grew up playing against.
Finding local courts and playing against your school mates during lunch is going to allow you to improve your game much faster than if you only play a few times a week. Seek out the tough competition and ask them to play, with enough practise you’ll end up surprising them with a win. Don’t be afraid, improve your game.
Look For Programs
There are hundreds of basketball camps spanning the entire U.S and they’re brilliant for ramping up your skill level. Not only is it non stop basketball, but you can find opponents of all skill levels ready and waiting to play. They’re often run by ex NBA stars or professionals within the world of basketball, meaning you have tutors of the highest level to help you progress.
You can even find programs that are specifically designed for certain areas of the game. The creator of Bounce Kit, Jordan Kilganon, is arguably one of the best dunkers of the modern era and has put together a 12-week course that’s designed to help your dunking game. There’s no question that having the dunk in your locker is going to help you win games, ensuring that 2-pointers is slammed through the hoop will take away any uncertainty.
Delve into the world of basketball programs to hone your skills, get ready for the court and ensure your place on the team.
Watch The Pros
Learning from watching the best is a sure-fire way to fill your brain with ideas and things to work on. To be the best you have to learn from the best. Watching how they move on the court and what they’re trying to evade their opponents is not only going to inspire your game but also teach you their habits.
Watch anything you can, from YouTube videos to practise sessions, and as many games as you can on the television. Another good idea is to go and watch some college games if you can and be a regular down the courts where the best local ballers are playing.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
There’s no getting around the fact that to be the best you have to put the time in. There’s a rule that states, to become an expert in something you have to invest 10000 hours of your time. Genetics and natural ability are going to come into play, but there’s no reason as to why hard work and dedication can’t pay off.
If you’re serious about improving your game then make sure you take time to practice whenever you can, during your breaks, after school, before school, even at home if you’re lucky enough to have a hoop. Understand that things take time and don’t get frustrated with yourself if you don’t grasp something straight away.
Repetition Is Key
You may think you’ve mastered a trick, some skill, or your 3 point throw, but things are going to be different in a game situation. The pace of a game is much faster than your practice sessions so you may feel overwhelmed trying something you’ve recently learnt. There’s a chance your muscle memory hasn’t embedded what you’re trying just yet, this is why repetition is key.
Facing up against an opponent and not thinking about a move or a shot is where you need to be. Repeating the same moves over and over again is going to help your brain settle into the game and perform without thinking. Once you’ve finished a session, don’t think it’s done. Return to it in a few days and keep going over it until it comes as naturally as walking.
Think Positively
You won’t find a pro that doesn’t think they’re deserving of what they’ve achieved. Everyone in the NBA and the NCAA believes they are there for a reason, so believe in yourself. Think positively and try to remain in that mindset, it’s going to be a lot easier putting in the time if you believe it’s worth it.
Following these simple tips is sure to enhance your game, but it is also important to have the right mindset. Thinking clearly about your goals will help you achieve them, everything else along the way is a formality that needs to be completed. Set yourself up for a winning season and improve your game.
