basketball skills
Basketball is one of the most complex sports out there. Mastering this sport requires a combination of hand-eye coordination, speed, power, agility, and most importantly, willpower. For the amateur, this sport can be very difficult to play, especially against slightly tough competition. I have played basketball since I was four years old and I have also played at the college level. I have some tips on the basic skills of the game that the fan can use to improve their game.
1. Dribbling
Most fans want to be able to handle the ball like Allen Iverson and “shake and bake” their opponent at will, but this ability can be overrated. Basic dribbling skills are all that is required to be a sufficient player. Being able to handle the ball with both hands without it bouncing out of your control is the bare minimum you need for this category of the game. Some of the best players in basketball history — Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller — weren’t the best ball handlers.
2. Shots
The objective of the basketball game is to put the ball in the hoop. In my opinion, this is the most important physical skill on the court. The best players in the history of this game have had the ability to shoot the basketball, and at a very high level. While Ray Allen wasn’t much of a ball handler, he made up for it with his ability to shoot the ball better than anyone else; he holds the record for 3-point shooting in the NBA. This skill can be taught and perfected because it is somewhat mechanical in nature. While someone may not be a good shot, the skill can be acquired over time with replay.
3. Defense
Perhaps the easiest skill to perform in a basketball game. No matter your skill level in the other categories, this particular category can make up for your other inefficiencies. This skill requires good footwork and mobility to stay in front of your opponent, as well as the ability to jump to block and alter shots. Mastering this skill will almost guarantee you a spot on someone’s team during an impromptu game, everyone loves the person who loves playing defense.
4. Passing
Possibly the most underrated ability in the game today. Passing requires the knowledge of where your teammates are on the pitch and the intuition of where they will be once you make your pass. This is a difficult skill to master, many basketball experts say that you were born a great passer or you were not. Magic Johnson, considered to be the greatest passer on the basketball, had a clear sense of where a person was on the court and he knew the exact spot to give the basketball to that person for optimal success.
5. Mental toughness
By far the most important skill to have before stepping foot on any basketball court. Basketball can be a game of trash talking, dirty plays by opponents, and tight games. A strong mindset is needed to withstand these intangibles. Talking trash in basketball games is quite intense and sometimes many opponents can cross the line while doing it, the reason they do this is to make you react and lose your composure. I am guilty of badmouthing my opponents on numerous occasions, it is the easiest way to make your opponent give up and withdraw from the competition. Having this mental toughness, there is nothing on the court that you cannot overcome.
By achieving a higher skill level than you currently have in each of these categories, you can become a better player and enjoy this great game even more.