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There are many ways to ruin a basketball game, from bad shots to bad passes. Some basketball fans have even argued that Steph Curry ruined the game by changing the way it is played, with his three-point shots and half-court shots encouraging younger players to emulate his style and neglect the fundamentals of the game. However, others disagree, arguing that Curry simply contributed to a change in the game and that the blame for ruining basketball lies with those who try to emulate him without understanding their own skill level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Passing the ball | Pass the ball to each other and not throw it up for grabs |
| Dribbling | Bouncing the ball off the court; used to move the ball |
| Shooting | Aim for getting the ball just over the rim and into the basket |
| Jumping | Jump straight up, not forward |
| Defense | Grab rebounds by boxing out your opponent |
| Offense | Getting a good shot will nearly always assure that you have time to get back on defense |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid bad shots, unnecessary dribbles, and bad passes
To avoid bad shots, unnecessary dribbles, and bad passes, there are several techniques you can employ. Firstly, recognize that ball handling is a fundamental skill in basketball that requires discipline, consistency, and practice. Spending even a small amount of time each day on ball-handling drills can significantly improve your game.
To avoid bad shots, you need to focus on your shooting form and technique. One common mistake is holding the ball on the tip of your thumb, which can cause strain and affect your accuracy. Instead, the ball should rest on the side of your thumb, which may feel awkward initially but will improve your accuracy. Another mistake to avoid is flicking the ball with your thumb on the guide hand, which causes the ball to spray left and right. To fix this, squeeze your thumb against your index finger on the guide hand. To check for a flat shot, bring the ball to your set point and then bring it straight down; if your shooting hand lands on top of your head, you have a bad set point. To fix this, move the ball forward so that when you bring it straight down, the back of your shooting hand grazes your forehead.
To avoid unnecessary dribbles, every dribble should have intent. Use dribbles to create opportunities, such as driving to the basket, setting up a teammate, or getting out of pressure. Minimize unnecessary dribbling to keep the offense flowing. Avoid dribbling directly in front of a defender, as this can lead to steals. Instead, practice dribbling with your eyes up by using mirrors or working with a partner, so you can scan the floor and make smart decisions.
Finally, to avoid bad passes, you need to value passing in your practices. One drill is to scrimmage without dribbles, which teaches players about spacing, passing angles, getting open, and making effective passes. To improve court awareness and avoid dribbling into double teams, know where the help defense and outlets are, and learn to read spacing to avoid tight traps. Practice being strong with the ball under physical pressure, and simulate pressure situations in training to build confidence for game-time situations.
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Master the fundamentals, not just 360 dunks
Mastering the fundamentals of basketball is essential for players who want to excel and avoid common pitfalls that can "ruin the game." While flashy moves like 360 dunks may be eye-catching, focusing solely on such tricks can detract from the core skills that form the foundation of a winning player and team.
One fundamental aspect is passing. Effective passing ensures that the ball is securely moved between teammates without giving the opposition an easy opportunity to intercept and score on a fast break. This means avoiding "maybe passes," where the passer is uncertain if the ball will reach its intended target. Instead, players should prioritize "sure passes," holding on to the ball if there is any doubt about completing the pass.
Another key area is shooting. Taking good shots is crucial, as missed shots can quickly turn into fast breaks for the opposing team, giving them an opportunity to score against a disorganized defense. Therefore, players should strive for accuracy in their shooting, ensuring they have the necessary skills to make those shots consistently.
For smaller players, in particular, undersized point guards, mastering specific skills and habits can be a game-changer. By focusing on fundamentals and perfecting their technique, they can overcome size disadvantages and become a force to be reckoned with on the court.
While moves like 360 dunks may be impressive, they are not a substitute for the core skills that make a well-rounded player. Practicing and refining these fundamentals will ultimately contribute more to individual and team success in basketball than merely chasing flashy, high-risk plays.
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Keep the ball moving to throw off the defense
Keeping the ball moving is a crucial aspect of basketball, as it helps to create opportunities for your team and throws off the defense. Here are some ways to effectively keep the ball moving:
Passing:
Passing is a fundamental skill in basketball, and effective passing can help keep the ball moving and disrupt the defense. Avoid "maybe passes," which are uncertain and can result in turnovers. Instead, focus on throwing sure passes to your teammates. Learn to pass with precision and timing, and utilize chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes depending on the situation.
Dribbling and Ball Handling:
Dribbling is essential for moving the ball around the court and creating space from defenders. Develop a strong dribble with both hands to keep defenders guessing. Practice dribble moves like the crossover, where you change direction quickly, and the jab step, where you test the defender's stance before driving or shooting.
Player Movement:
Encourage constant movement off the ball. Cut to the hoop, move without the ball to create open spaces, and set screens to free teammates for passes. Learn to read the defense and exploit gaps. If you're a smaller, quicker player, use your speed to your advantage with give-and-go passes and drives to the basket.
Pick-and-Roll:
Master the pick-and-roll, a common play where a player sets a screen for the ball handler, allowing them to drive to the basket or create an open shot. Understand the timing and spacing of the pick-and-roll to create scoring opportunities and keep the defense guessing.
Offensive Rebounding:
Offensive rebounding can extend possessions and create second-chance scoring opportunities. Box out defenders and pursue rebounds aggressively. If a shot goes up, anticipate the rebound's trajectory and position yourself for a rebound or tap out to a teammate.
By implementing these strategies and emphasizing ball movement, you can effectively throw off the defense and create high-percentage scoring chances for your team.
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Don't jump forward, jump straight up
Jumping straight up is a fundamental skill in many sports, including basketball. It is a crucial ability for gaining height and performing various movements and tricks. Here are some tips to improve your vertical jumping technique:
First, focus on jumping upwards rather than bending at the waist or jumping forward. When bending your knees to prepare for the jump, ensure you are bending at the ankles and not the hips. Keep your back straight and avoid leaning backwards, as this can negatively impact your jump.
Second, engage your core muscles. A strong core is essential for generating power and maintaining a straight posture during your jump. Concentrate on keeping your torso upright and tight, as curving forward can affect your balance and the overall effectiveness of your jump.
Third, practice jumping on the spot and aim for height. This will help you isolate the muscles required for vertical jumping and improve your overall form. Once you master the basic technique, you can progress to more advanced drills, such as bunny hops or waltz jumps, which will further enhance your jumping ability.
Additionally, if you are performing a backflip, it is crucial to maintain proper form. Avoid leaning back during takeoff, as this can result in a backward landing. Instead, try to keep your body upright and focus on tucking at the peak of your jump. Practicing with a tower of blocks or a mattress can help you refine your technique and ensure a safe landing.
By following these guidelines and practicing consistently, you will be able to improve your vertical jumping ability, ensuring that you jump straight up without leaning or jumping forward.
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Steph Curry's influence on the game: good or bad?
Steph Curry is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, and has had a profound influence on the game. Dubbed "the Michael Jordan of the three-point era", Curry is credited with revolutionizing basketball by inspiring teams and players at all levels to utilize the three-point shot more prominently. This has led to a shift in strategy, with the game transitioning from physical play around the basket to a "pace and space" approach that emphasizes three-point shooting.
Some fans and analysts believe that this shift has been detrimental to the sport, arguing that Curry's influence has reduced the game to a one-dimensional bombfest, with players at all levels attempting to emulate his style. They claim that Curry's focus on three-point shooting has negatively impacted the quality of defensive play and taken away from the traditional, well-rounded aspects of the game, such as passing and dunking. There is also criticism of his perceived selfishness and showboating on the court, which some believe goes against the values of inclusion, diversity, and sportsmanship that the game was built on.
However, others argue that Curry's impact on the game has been overwhelmingly positive. His exceptional shooting accuracy, quickness, and athleticism have made him one of the most dominant players in the league, even when surrounded by other elite players. Curry's ability to create his own shots with dazzling ball-handling skills has been described as game-changing, and his influence extends beyond the court. Curry has been praised for his character and sportsmanship, such as when he honored a victim of the 2015 Chapel Hill shooting by wearing sneakers bearing their name.
Overall, while Steph Curry's influence on basketball has sparked debates about the changing nature of the game, his impact cannot be understated. He has inspired a new generation of players and transformed the strategic approach to the sport, for better or worse. Whether one agrees with his style of play or not, Curry's impact on the game is undeniable, and he will likely be remembered as one of the all-time greats.
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