Kristian Ferrell
There are several books available that aim to help readers improve their basketball skills. One such book, written by James Wilson, promises to drastically improve readers' basketball shooting, passing and dribbling skills in just 21 days. The book is based on the author's 30 years of basketball coaching experience and includes precision drills and specific exercises. Another book, by Jim Drewett, a professional sports writer, also promises to help readers improve their basketball skills. This book includes step-by-step photography to make difficult skills easy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | How to Improve at Basketball |
| Author | Jim Drewett |
| Format | Kindle, Paperback |
| Content | Diagrams, step-by-step photography, written descriptions of fundamentals and techniques, links to demonstration videos |
| Focus | Drastically improving your basketball shooting, passing and dribbling skills |
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What You'll Learn
Drills and exercises to improve shooting, passing and dribbling skills
Shooting drills
Shooting drills are a great way to warm up and refine your shooting technique. These drills are foundational and reinforce good technique in the "release" portion of your shot. For beginners, it is important to focus on the basics, such as getting your feet about shoulder-width apart and maintaining a strong, balanced position. You can also try the 1-hand shooting form drill, which focuses on pushing the ball up and out, finishing with your elbow above your eyes.
For more advanced players, it is beneficial to develop a consistent shooting routine. Top shooters like Stephen Curry and Ray Allen practice the "boring" form shooting drills every day. You can also add a shooting progression to your workouts, such as the 1-2 step, to improve your rhythm and coordination.
Passing drills
Passing drills can be variable or block practice drills. Variable drills involve continually changing distances, angles, and types of passes, while block practice drills repeat the same pass over and over. For beginners, coaches can start with simple drills like partner passing to introduce skills and terminology, such as the chest pass, bounce pass, push pass, and overhead pass.
Once players are comfortable with the basics, more dynamic and challenging drills can be introduced, such as game-based drills that include decision-making, random types of passes, movement, and passing under pressure. One such drill is Bull in the Ring, which helps players read the defence and make good passes.
Dribbling drills
Dribbling drills can be stationary or involve movement and games. Stationary dribbling drills are great for warming up, introducing new skills, and getting lots of touches in a short amount of time. For beginners, it is important to start with simple stationary drills that introduce skills, concepts, and terminology. More advanced players can benefit from game-based drills that simulate game situations and improve dribbling skills. These drills often involve 1v1 situations, forcing the player to dribble without the option to pass.
Some fun and challenging dribbling drills include Pirate Dribbling, Mr Fox, and Coin Drops, which keep players motivated and improve their skills.
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Developing a strong mental attitude and focus
A positive mental attitude can influence how long a person perseveres with a task, and how they relate to others. Positive people are more successful, healthier, and have better relationships than their negative peers. So, how can you develop a positive mental attitude? Well, one way is to adopt a mindset of gratitude. Be grateful that you're able to play the sport you love. Instead of focusing on results, which can be a trap, focus on the process and the fact that you get to play at all.
Another way to develop a positive mental attitude is to visualise success. This can be done through meditation, where you imagine yourself succeeding and responding well to mistakes. You can also think of things you're grateful for right before you step onto the court. This will help you to stay present and focused during the game. It's important to stay in the present moment, as this is a skill that will help you make better decisions and execute plays with precision.
Mental toughness is also a critical component of success in basketball. Players must be able to handle criticism, maintain their confidence, and bounce back from setbacks. Learning techniques to manage stress and control emotions will help players develop the resilience they need to perform under pressure. This can be done through mindfulness techniques and visualisation exercises, which will help players to make better decisions and execute plays effectively.
Finally, confidence is key. Players with a strong sense of self-belief are more likely to take risks, make assertive plays, and perform at their best. Mental training can help players develop and maintain confidence by teaching them to reframe negative thoughts and cultivate a growth mindset. By viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, players can build the self-belief necessary to reach their full potential.
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Techniques to improve accuracy and ball handling
Improving accuracy and ball handling in basketball requires dedication and persistence. It's important to understand the reasons behind your misses and identify areas for improvement. Working with a basketball coach or specialist can be beneficial, as they can provide personalised feedback and recommend specific drills and exercises. Here are some techniques to improve accuracy and ball handling:
Drills for Improving Shooting Accuracy:
- "Around the Cones": Place cones at various points on a basketball court, ensuring they're clearly marked. Players should visit each cone and practice their shots, incorporating movement and skill. This drill helps strengthen strong throws and improve weak points.
- Partner Pass-and-Shoot: Players pair up, with one person passing and the other shooting. This drill helps players focus on improving their shot accuracy while also practising passing drills.
- Free Throw Line Sprint: Players line up at the free throw line and sprint down the court with the ball. At the net, they perform a lay-up, then sprint back to the line and pass the ball to the next player. This drill emphasises fast-paced shooting and decision-making.
Drills for Improving Ball Handling:
- Basic Dribble Moves: Master the fundamentals, including dribble pounds, crossovers, between the legs, and behind the back. Start stationary, then add movement and vary the speed and pace.
- Two-Ball Dribbling: Dribble with two balls, focusing on different heights and sides, as well as changing balls. This drill challenges your coordination and control.
- Full Court Ball Handling: Stay low and work on moves like low walking crossovers, walking between the legs, and pull backs. This drill helps with manoeuvrability and quick direction changes.
- Point Moves: Set up a chair at the corner of the free throw line. Start at half court and attack the chair, practising moves like inside-out hesitations and crossovers to get by. Finish with a lay-up or pull-up jumper. This drill helps with agility and finishing near the basket.
- Glove or Plastic Bag: To increase difficulty and improve ball control, try dribbling while wearing a glove, wrapping a plastic bag around the ball, or using heavier balls.
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Strategies for challenging advanced players
Advanced players should be encouraged to go beyond the basics and focus on developing a well-rounded approach to basketball. This includes mastering technical skills, such as shooting, passing, and dribbling, as well as tactical skills like reading the game, making smart decisions, and executing strategies.
- Advanced video analysis and performance tracking can be used to break down footage and refine in-game decision-making. By analyzing movement patterns and reviewing their performance, players can develop a deeper understanding of the game and improve their tactical skills.
- Focus on defensive drills that teach players how to move their feet, play good defense, and communicate effectively. One such drill is the pick-and-roll, where players practice reading and reacting to different defensive schemes. Emphasize quick reads and decisive actions by the ball handler to counter the defensive strategy.
- Two-ball dribbling drills can improve ball handling and enhance hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, and control. Players dribble two balls simultaneously at waist level, alternating between high and low dribbles, and then moving forward, laterally, and in reverse.
- Incorporate shooting drills to help players develop their shooting form and accuracy.
- Create game-like situations and small-sided games (2-on-2 or 3-on-3) to keep practices competitive and engaging.
- Develop a strong offensive strategy to break down defenses and create high-percentage scoring opportunities. This includes mastering transition offense, such as fast breaks and outlet passing, to catch defenses off guard.
- Challenge players to constantly refine their technique and push themselves beyond their comfort zone. This could include setting specific goals, providing feedback, and tracking progress over time.
By implementing these strategies, coaches can help advanced players continue to develop their skills, tactical understanding, and overall performance on the court.
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Exercise routines to increase strength, speed and conditioning
Anybody is capable of improving their physical conditioning for basketball, even over a short period of time. To improve your strength, speed, and conditioning, you can incorporate the following exercises into your routine.
Squats
Start in a standing position, move into a squat with your hands on the ground, kick your feet back into a plank position, jump back up to the squat position, and then stand up. This exercise works many muscles in your body and builds up your conditioning.
Mountain Climbers
Get into the top of a push-up position and hold your upper body still as you pump your legs in a running motion. This exercise helps with conditioning and ab strength.
Lunges
Lunge across the room and back, or lunge in place, jumping to switch to the other side. This exercise builds up your leg strength and conditioning.
Speed Skaters
This is a cardio exercise that can be done with no equipment and very little space.
Minute Sideline Sprints
Run from sideline to sideline as many times as you can in one minute.
Suicides
Start on the baseline of the basketball court, sprint to the free-throw line and back, then sprint to the half-court line and back, then to the far free-throw line and back, and finally to the other baseline and back without stopping.
Full-Court Partner Sprints
Alternate sprinting the length of the court and back with a partner.
In addition to these exercises, you can incorporate speed training into your strength training. Small-sided games in pick-up (3-on-3 and 4-on-4) can induce sufficient heart rate intensities. You can also try running 100-500 metre runs every 30-60 seconds to improve VO2 Max results. Remember to continually progress your exercises, adding weight and increasing the number of sets over time.
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Frequently asked questions
The book offers a 21-day program with drills and exercises to improve your basketball skills, including shooting, passing, and dribbling.
The author of the book is James Wilson, a 30-year veteran of basketball coaching with experience in 20 countries.
Wilson's book is based on his special core philosophy, which aims to improve your form, develop new skills, and help you challenge more advanced players. The book also includes practical, step-by-step techniques that are easy to follow.
