Just like any sport, basketball requires a lot of practice and training to be played efficiently and at a professional level. While natural gifts like height and physique are sure rewarded in basketball, they are not what makes a true player. Any talent or gift should be nurtured well for it to reach peak levels and for its users to be able to reap its fruits. A lot of people have compensated for their height by learning how to do various basketball tricks and by increasing their speed. There aren’t any obstacles that can’t be overcome without enough knowledge and practice. Every sport comes with its own unique tricks and basic strategies that can make you a better player, whether you’re a pro or a novice still starting out.
We’ve compiled a list of the best training tips, tricks, and secrets that you can use to your advantage.
Workout Plan
Whether its basketball or golf, you always need to have a workout plan that you religiously follow and avoid straying off from. When it comes to basketball, it’s only natural to want to use the most realistic conditions. A lot of professional players advice on using in-ground NBA style hoops that replicate the ones used in professional matches. The more you practice and work out on authentic hoops, the more acquainted you’ll be with them in matches. You’ll want to analyze your points of strength and weaknesses to see which parts you should focus on the most. They’ll determine the type of drills you go with, the number of shots, and ball-handling proficiency.
You can use technology to your advantage thanks to smartphones and tablets. It’s quite easy to make an organized scheme or plan to follow on your phone that details every workout you should be doing and at what time; a pen and paper also do work if you’d prefer the old school way. The more you stick to a schedule, the more disciplined your routine and practice will be.
Overthinking Shots
At every match you’ll be in, you’re bound to miss a few shots. While it’s okay to think about what exactly went wrong with your shot while you’re practicing, and it’s even quite helpful, doing so in a match will only bring you down. There is no time to analyze your shooting mechanics and footwork when you’re in a fast-paced match where your opponents can use your distractedness against you. Train yourself to not thinking about anything at all and following your instincts and the strategies you’ve practiced.
Watch and Learn
Almost every great athlete of any sport has watched videos of the best playing. Watching athletes play isn’t the same as watching movies, expect to repeat the same shot over and over to be able to get the technique and footwork right. The more you watch different styles the more you’ll be able to adapt and improve your own by mimicking certain techniques until you nail it down.
Film Yourself
You may think you know what you look like and how your form is, but the reality is that it’s quite hard to see yourself from the outside without a camera. Filming yourself during matches is one of the best secrets of basketball and many other sports that can help you nail down what exactly you’re doing wrong. Seeing your shot on the camera will help you stop the footage and focus on how exactly your standing, your shot mechanics, and many other aspects that can be improved if you focus on.
Practice Consistency
If you look at the world’s best basketball players, you’ll notice that they all have one thing in common, fluidity and consistency. Fluid motion is one where there are no sudden changes or stopping in movement. A fluid shot consists of a movement that flows by the equilibrium provided by your feet, hands, legs, and upper body. This is only achieved through constant practice.
Eliminate Negativity
Any and every physical activity can be affected by one’s mental state. Even if you have the best body and technique possible, having the wrong mindset or cracking under pressure will cause you to lose your form. Many experts advise practicing in a nonchalant way by focusing on improving your shot, whether the ball goes in or not. This will help you gradually lose the fear of missing a shot.
Basketball is a very competitive sport where only a few can make it big. This heat of competition should never put you off, but rather push you to reveal what you can truly offer. The more you work towards your goal, the more rewarding the outcome will always be.
