As a beginner, there are many skills to practice and perfect to become a good basketball player. From learning to maintain control over the ball to building endurance, mastering the fundamentals of basketball is crucial to improve your game. Basketball has a slightly steeper learning curve and may prove to be challenging for new players. So here are a few tips to help beginners become better basketball players –
- Warm Up
Before you actually start playing, it’s important to prepare your body through warm up. Since basketball is a fast paced and intensive sport, it’s crucial that your body is sufficiently warm before the game. Ideally a good warm up would raise your heart rate and must incorporate some drills. Warming up is not only an efficient way to increase your ability to perform but also reduces the chances of injuries.
- Learn Fundamentals
While it’s enticing to perform flashy back dribbles, as a beginner, it’s important to master the fundamental movements first. For instance, beginners often make the mistake of thinking that hitting the ball harder will make it bounce. However, the key to maintain control over the ball while dribbling lies in the player’s body posture and control over the energy with which they hit the ball. Since, dribbling is a rather important part of the game, it’s a good idea to practice dribbling with the non-dominant hand to practice one’s control over the ball.
- Develop Stamina
Basketball is a fast paced game and involves a lot of running. A basketball player needs to be able to run fast enough from one end to the other end of the court while being quick enough to rapidly change directions. Basketball also involves a lot of jumping. So, in order to become a good basketball player, you need to have the stamina to run and jump.
- Jumping
Another common mistake beginners make is focus all their energy and efforts into becoming a fast runner. However, in all this they forget that they need to become a good jumper too. Jumping is a rather crucial part of basketball because a player’s ability to jump affects their ability to collect rebounds, block shots and make a shot. Vertical jump training helps improve the height you can reach while shooting.
- Shooting
One of the most important and fun parts of playing basketball – shooting the ball in the net. Dunking the ball in the net isn’t as simple as it sounds. To ensure that the ball always goes through the net, you need extensive practice of shooting from a variety of positions and perfecting your posture and technique.
- Master a few and then some more
A game of basketball has several moving pieces. As a beginner, it can get overwhelming to learn too much all together. So start small and simple. Master a few skills and then move on to others. For example, practice shooting from a short range and gradually increase the distance from the net. Learn to maintain control over the ball while dribbling rather than the speed.
- Study your game
Even as a beginner, it’s important to pay attention to your game. Study your posture during shooting, stamina throughout the game and weak spots. Making a note of what you do well and what you don’t will allow you to work on the deficiencies and become a better player.
- Practice
There is absolutely nothing other than consistent practice that can help you become a better player. Work on key skills such as dribbling and shooting to perfect your technique. Do strength training and cardio to improve your stamina. As a beginner, it’s important for you to practice and practice. But don’t forget to have fun.
- Watch and Learn
While studying yourself is important, another great way to learn about the game is by studying others. Watch basketball games and note the techniques used by professional players.
- Make a kit
Last but not the least, make a basketball kit for yourself. This kit should include all the basic stuff you would need to play, from water bottles to basketball shoes. Like any other sport, it’s important to invest in shoes meant specifically for basketball to get you off on the right footing.
ASICS Best Sports Shoes for Basketball
GELTRIFORCE 3
The Asics Geltriforce 3 are high top shoes and thus offer more support to the ankles. The TRUSSTIC structure at the sole offers improved stability. The structure of the sole also supports a sharp drive operation which helps bring out further acceleration. The Geltriforce 3 has extra heel counter and multi-contact edge support for fast and accurate operation. The new upper structure provides better fit and durability. These basketball shoes for men are not only functional but stylish as well.
GELBURST 22 GE
The Asics Gelburst 22 GE has a new heel cup which offers better comfort and support to the player. The GEL and spEVA midsole provide better cushioning to help avoid injuries. The Gelburst 22 GE have a built in gel midsole and AHAR PLUS rubber outsole. These basketball shoes for men are designed to ensure that the shoe body remains stable and is not easily twisted. The outer arc design of the shoe makes them wear-resistant, suitable for beginners.
Explore the whole range of best sports shoes at Asics India now!
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