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 the age of four and have also played at the college level. I have some tips on the basic skills of the game that the hobbyist can use to improve their game.
1. Dribble
Most fans want to be able to handle the ball like Allen Iverson and “shake and bake” their opponent at will, but this ability may 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 at handling the ball.
2. Shots
The object 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 a great ball handler, he made up for it with his ability to throw the ball better than anyone; he holds the record for three-point shots in the NBA. This skill can be taught and honed due to it being somewhat mechanical in nature. While someone may not be a good shot, the skill can be acquired over time with repetition.
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 ability requires good footwork and mobility to stay in front of your opponent, as well as the ability to jump to block and alter shots. Mastery of this skill will almost guarantee you a spot on someone’s team during an impromptu game, everyone loves the person who loves to play defense.
4. Passing
Possibly the most underrated skill in the game today. Passing requires knowledge of where your teammates are on the court and an intuition of where they will be once you make your pass. This is a difficult skill to master, many basketball experts say you were either born a great passer or you weren’t. Magic Johnson, regarded as the greatest basketball passer, had a clear sense of where the person was on the court and he knew the exact place to give the basketball for that person to achieve optimum success.
5. Mental toughness
By far the most important skill to have before stepping onto any basketball court. Basketball can be a game of trash talk, foul plays from opponents, and tight games. It takes a strong mindset to endure these intangibles. Trash talking in basketball games is pretty intense and sometimes many opponents might 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. By having this mental strength, 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.
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