Basketball is an exciting sport that mixes teamwork, strategy, and personal skills. Whether you’re just starting out or want to get better, knowing the basics is important to play well. But it’s not just about the moves; it’s also about playing smart and staying safe.
This Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started in Basketball will help you build your skills and avoid common mistakes. This guide will also help you feel more confident and prepared to step onto the court.
These are the key points that you’re going to want to consider before you hit the court. Let’s get started!
These are the key points that you’re going to want to consider before you hit the court. Let’s get started!
- Get into the Correct Gear
- Warm Up the Correct Way
- Start Jogging, Cycling, or Walking Every Day
- Lay Off the Caffeine
- Work on the Dribble
- Work on Your Shot
- Bring in the Defense
- Practice Passing with a Medicine Ball
- Make Sure to Have Fun
Table of Contents
- 1 Get into the Correct Gear
- 2 Warm Up the Correct Way
- 3 Start Jogging, Cycling, or Walking Every Day
- 4 Lay Off the Caffeine
- 5 Work on the Dribble
- 6 Work on Your Shot
- 7 Bring in the Defense
- 8 Practice Passing with a Medicine Ball
- 9 Make Sure to Have Fun
- 10 FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
- 11 Are You Ready to Begin Playing Basketball?
- 12 What’s Next
Get into the Correct Gear
One day, during my junior year of high school basketball, the equipment manager forgot to pack my uniform shorts. There were no spares, and I had to play the game in my blue jeans. It was the worst experience ever. Not only was it hard to move, but the sweaty jeans rubbed my legs raw. Even though we won the game, I definitely didn’t win in the comfort department.
There was also the time I didn’t have a practice jersey and wore a flannel shirt instead. A teammate went for a rebound, and his hand got stuck in my pocket, tearing my shirt to pieces.
Before jumping into a pickup game or sending your kid to practice, make sure the right basketball gear is ready. The right gear helps you play better, while the wrong gear could cause injuries, embarrassing situations, or other problematic issues.
Here’s what to consider:
- Choosing the Right Basketball Shoes: Best basketball shoes provide the right ankle and foot support. You can choose low, mid, or high-top shoes, with increasing ankle support. Make sure they fit snugly, but not too tight. Leather is best, but there are affordable synthetic or mesh options. Look for shoes with secure laces and non-marking soles.
- Selecting Comfortable Basketball Shorts: Basketball involves a lot of movement and sweat. When selecting the best basketball shorts, comfort and functionality are key. Your shorts should reach your knee and stay up comfortably around your waist. A secure pair is important, so you don’t have to worry about them falling down during a jump or rebound.
- Essential Equipment for Practice: Having the best basketball equipment is key to improving your game. You need a basketball to practice. If there’s no gym nearby, having a hoop, whether portable or permanent, will help. A bag for your basketballs and a duffel bag for your clothes and other gear is also a good idea.
- Protecting Your Joints During Play: Basketball can be hard on your joints, especially if you’re playing with an injury. Knee supports, leg sleeves, kinesiology tape, and other joint supports can help keep you going and prevent further damage.
Investing in the best basketball gear makes a world of difference in your performance and protection. Proper footwear, shorts, and support will keep you focused on the game, not your gear.
Warm Up the Correct Way
Before any game or practice, it’s important to warm up your muscles. A 20-minute warm-up can loosen up your joints and get you mentally prepared. Start with light cardio like jogging, followed by dynamic stretches such as leg swings and arm circles. Finish with movements like dribbling and short sprints to get your body ready for the game. This helps improve flexibility, mobility, and overall performance.
A proper warm-up also helps reduce the risk of injury by gradually increasing your heart rate and preparing your muscles for the intensity of basketball. It activates key muscle groups, increases blood flow, and enhances coordination, making you more agile and quicker on the court.
Start Jogging, Cycling, or Walking Every Day
Basketball is a very demanding sport. You can play it in any physical condition if you wish, but you’ll have a better overall experience if your body can support your basketball activities. Even before your first practice, it’s a good idea to start some exercise routines at home. Running about 2 miles a day will help make sure your heart and lungs are strong enough for the game. If you prefer, you can walk 3-4 miles or ride a bike for 20 miles instead.
If your knees complain when the weather changes, then try low-impact exercises to save your joints for the court. An ElliptiGO outdoor elliptical bike is a great way to combine running and cycling, giving you a good workout without putting too much strain on your knees.
Lay Off the Caffeine
Caffeine might give you a temporary boost, but it dehydrates your body quickly. This can make you lose focus and energy during a game. For better performance, avoid caffeinated drinks before playing and stick to something that will hydrate and energize you without the crash.
Instead, opt for water or a natural electrolyte drink to keep your body properly hydrated and ready to perform. Staying hydrated ensures your muscles function at their best, preventing fatigue and improving overall stamina on the court.
For serious players in an organized league, you’ll want to abstain from caffeine as much as possible. I switched to Sprite from Mountain Dew. It’s going to help.
Work on the Dribble
This is one area of basketball I wish I had practiced more. Most players can dribble with their strong hand, but it takes time and effort to dribble with your weak hand. Start by dribbling with your right hand, then your left, switching back and forth quickly. Once you feel comfortable, try running while alternating between your hands as you dribble. You can also include these weak hand dribbling drills to work on this skill:
Once you’re comfortable, practice dribbling only with your weak hand while running. After that, try advanced moves like dribbling between your legs, around your back, and working on your jump step. This will make it harder for defenders to predict your movements. These advanced dribbling drills will help your game begin to mimic what the pros can do in the NBA or WNBA:
Work on Your Shot
To be successful in basketball, you need a good shot. Start by choosing a spot on the court where you feel comfortable shooting. Practice from that same spot for at least 15 minutes every day. At first, you may miss a lot of shots, but don’t give up. Keep practicing, and you’ll start to see improvement as your hand-eye coordination gets better. When you can consistently make 70% of your shots from your chosen spot, try the same thing on the other side of the court. It may feel different at first, but with practice, you’ll become more accurate.
Once you’re hitting shots consistently, it’s time to move on to free throws. Make sure you take at least 50 free throws every time you practice, focusing on your form. The difference between an 80% and 90% free throw shooter could be the difference between winning and losing a game. These free throw shooting drills from Delta State might also be helpful to include with your new basketball routines:
Sometimes you’ll need to drive to the hoop to get your points. At other times, a few individual moves can help give you some space so you can take a shot. One of the most common jump shots, however, is the catch-and-shoot. Working on this skill will greatly improve your shooting game over time:
Bring in the Defense
In high school basketball, with the addition of a shot clock, it’s important to be quick, read the game, and anticipate where the ball will go. Defense isn’t just about watching the ball, it’s about reading the shooter’s body. Watch their hips, not their feet, to stay in position and avoid getting faked out. Instead of reaching for the ball, predict where it will be and try to steal or intercept it from there. By understanding the game and positioning yourself well, you’ll be able to grab rebounds or make a steal.
When playing defense, always remember you have the right to your position on the court once it’s established. Keep your hands straight up when defending vertically, and jump straight up to block shots. If contact happens while you’re in a vertical position, it’s the offensive player’s foul. But if you’re reaching or moving sideways, it’s on you. Keep practicing these defensive moves, and you’ll quickly improve your ability to stop your opponent. You’re going to love this high energy team defensive drill that will strengthen your defensive skills right away:
Practice Passing with a Medicine Ball
A medicine ball is a weighted ball that comes with various weights and sizes. If you practice with one that is of a similar size to a basketball, then you can begin to work up some needed muscles and stamina in the arms and chest. This will give your passing more accuracy and speed over time. This is a great medicine ball to use for this purpose: Click here to compare pricing on Amazon and get an awesome deal.
If you don’t have a partner, then passing the medicine ball to a specific target will still help you develop the muscle strength, stamina, and memory that you need. As you’re developing this skill, there are certain drills that you’ll want to run as well, especially if you’re working with a team. Here are 3 killer passing drills that you’re going to want to start working on right away:
Make Sure to Have Fun
Basketball requires a lot of hard work, and it can get exhausting, especially during intense drills. But the key to winning is being in better shape than your opponents. But when you’re in better shape than your opponents, you’ll have the upper hand. Repeating drills like dribbling, defense, and shooting can feel boring at times, but that repetition helps you get better. Soon, making shots and playing defense will feel natural.
Even though the work can be draining, it’s important to find ways to still have fun with the game. When you enjoy the process, you’ll stay motivated and keep improving. Remember, all the hard work will pay off, and it will feel great when you finally win.
What equipment do I need to start playing basketball? To get started, you’ll need proper basketball shoes, comfortable shorts, and a basketball. If you’re practicing at home, a hoop and a basketball bag are helpful. You may also want joint supports like knee pads to protect your body.
FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS
How can I improve my shooting accuracy?
To improve your shooting, start by practicing from a consistent spot on the court. Focus on your form and hand-eye coordination. Gradually increase the difficulty and vary your shooting locations. Don’t forget to practice free throws!
What’s the best way to warm up before a game or practice?
Begin with light cardio like jogging, followed by dynamic stretches like arm circles and leg swings. Finish with basketball-specific movements such as dribbling and short sprints to prepare your muscles for the intensity of the game.
How can I get better at dribbling with my weak hand?
Start by practicing with your weak hand while standing still, then try dribbling while running. Gradually add advanced moves like dribbling between your legs or behind your back. Consistent practice will help build your weak hand’s control and confidence.
Why is defense so important in basketball?
Defense is crucial because it prevents your opponents from scoring and can create opportunities for turnovers. Focus on reading the shooter’s body, anticipating the ball’s movement, and maintaining a good defensive stance to stop your opponent.
How do I stay motivated when practicing?
Remember that improvement comes with repetition and consistency. Celebrate small wins, and focus on the process rather than the outcome. Keep the game fun and challenge yourself to get better with each practice session!
Are You Ready to Begin Playing Basketball?
This Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started in Basketball has provided you with the essential tips and skills to begin your journey. Remember, basketball is about more than just physical abilities, it’s about teamwork, dedication, and developing the right mindset. As you progress, you’ll encounter challenges that may make you feel like giving up, but these moments will also shape your best stories and victories. Stay committed, keep practicing, and enjoy the process.
The time when two towering players tried to intimidate me during a free throw. Despite their threats, I grabbed the rebound and passed it out for a game-changing three-pointer. That experience is just one of many memorable moments you’ll encounter as you continue to develop your skills, both mentally and physically.
So, keep pushing forward, stay dedicated, and enjoy every step of the process. Every drill, every shot, and every team play brings you closer to becoming a better player. Embrace the journey, because the more you grow on and off the court, the more rewarding your basketball experience will be.
What’s Next
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