Ten Ways to Get Better at Basketball

After coaching young people up through the age of middle school for many years, I’ve come up with this list of 10 ways to get better at basketball.

1. Focus on dribbling skills first for all players.
2. Practice layups of all types often.
3. Realize your strengths and weaknesses and work on the things you need most.
4. Get in the best conditioning shape that you can.
5. Be a student of the game by watching college basketball games on TV.
6. Proper shooting form is the first key to being a good shooter.
7. Put the work in to get better and good things will happen.
8. Focus on the team being successful when you play.
9. Listen to what your coach has to say to you with an open mind.
10. Have fun and a passion for the game.

Focus on dribbling drills first

I strongly feel, that focusing on dribbling drills and being the best ball-handler that you can be is the very best place to start as a young basketball player. If you are not comfortable on the court but the basketball is in your hands you are at a great disadvantage. Your defensive opponent will also realize this and take advantage of it.