2 answers
Izabela
Student
Coral Springs, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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How to get better at basketball ?
I’m 5’5 1/2 but it’s really hard for me to handle the ball, i’m also not the best with my left hand.
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2 answers
Naim Rahaim
Basketball Coach, Sports Analytics, Athletic Director
32
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Naim’s Answer
Hi Izabela,
No worries at all if you're a tad shorter or find it a bit tricky to control the ball and use your non-dominant hand. You can absolutely enhance your basketball skills! All it needs is a good dose of dedicated practice and a solid commitment. Here's a tailor-made plan to help you level up:
Mastering Ball Handling: Start with simple dribbling exercises, and as you improve, gradually introduce more challenging drills. Focus on maintaining control and accuracy with both hands. Make sure to put extra effort into practicing dribbling with your weaker hand to strengthen it.
For example, set aside 15-20 minutes each day for dribbling exercises, such as stationary dribbling, crossovers, dribbling between the legs, and figure-eight dribbles. As you gain confidence, push yourself to dribble lower and quicker.
Boosting Your Weak Hand: Since you've mentioned some difficulty with your left hand, assign specific drills to improve its coordination and strength.
For example, try easy exercises like dribbling in place, doing low dribbles while walking, and dribbling around cones using only your left hand. Incorporate these drills into your daily routine to steadily enhance your weaker hand's skill level.
Improving Footwork and Agility: Focus on agility exercises to enhance your movement on the court and increase your ability to dodge defenders.
For example, take part in ladder drills, cone drills, and lateral shuffles to improve your footwork and speed. Superior footwork will help you create distance from defenders and make it easier to drive to the basket.
Practicing Shooting: Make it a habit to practice shooting from various spots on the court, emphasizing correct technique and consistency. Practice shooting off the dribble and catching and shooting to simulate game situations.
For example, spend time shooting mid-range jumpers and three-pointers from different angles. Pay attention to your shooting form, including your foot placement, hand position, and follow-through.
Learning by Observation: Gain insights from the pros by watching them play, observing their techniques, moves, and decision-making process.
For example, watch videos of NBA players who are similar in height to you, like Isaiah Thomas or Chris Clemons. Analyze their playing style and see if you can incorporate any of their moves or strategies into your own game.
Gaining Game Experience: Nothing can substitute the experience gained from actual games. Look for opportunities to play pickup games or join a recreational league to test your skills in a competitive setting.
For example, search for local pickup games at parks or gyms, or join a recreational basketball league in your area. Regular game experience will help you apply the skills you've been practicing and enhance your decision-making when under pressure.
Remember, improvement takes time and consistent effort. Stay patient, stay focused, and keep challenging yourself to improve. With dedication and persistence, you'll see progress in your basketball game.
Best of luck,
Naim Rahaim
No worries at all if you're a tad shorter or find it a bit tricky to control the ball and use your non-dominant hand. You can absolutely enhance your basketball skills! All it needs is a good dose of dedicated practice and a solid commitment. Here's a tailor-made plan to help you level up:
Mastering Ball Handling: Start with simple dribbling exercises, and as you improve, gradually introduce more challenging drills. Focus on maintaining control and accuracy with both hands. Make sure to put extra effort into practicing dribbling with your weaker hand to strengthen it.
For example, set aside 15-20 minutes each day for dribbling exercises, such as stationary dribbling, crossovers, dribbling between the legs, and figure-eight dribbles. As you gain confidence, push yourself to dribble lower and quicker.
Boosting Your Weak Hand: Since you've mentioned some difficulty with your left hand, assign specific drills to improve its coordination and strength.
For example, try easy exercises like dribbling in place, doing low dribbles while walking, and dribbling around cones using only your left hand. Incorporate these drills into your daily routine to steadily enhance your weaker hand's skill level.
Improving Footwork and Agility: Focus on agility exercises to enhance your movement on the court and increase your ability to dodge defenders.
For example, take part in ladder drills, cone drills, and lateral shuffles to improve your footwork and speed. Superior footwork will help you create distance from defenders and make it easier to drive to the basket.
Practicing Shooting: Make it a habit to practice shooting from various spots on the court, emphasizing correct technique and consistency. Practice shooting off the dribble and catching and shooting to simulate game situations.
For example, spend time shooting mid-range jumpers and three-pointers from different angles. Pay attention to your shooting form, including your foot placement, hand position, and follow-through.
Learning by Observation: Gain insights from the pros by watching them play, observing their techniques, moves, and decision-making process.
For example, watch videos of NBA players who are similar in height to you, like Isaiah Thomas or Chris Clemons. Analyze their playing style and see if you can incorporate any of their moves or strategies into your own game.
Gaining Game Experience: Nothing can substitute the experience gained from actual games. Look for opportunities to play pickup games or join a recreational league to test your skills in a competitive setting.
For example, search for local pickup games at parks or gyms, or join a recreational basketball league in your area. Regular game experience will help you apply the skills you've been practicing and enhance your decision-making when under pressure.
Remember, improvement takes time and consistent effort. Stay patient, stay focused, and keep challenging yourself to improve. With dedication and persistence, you'll see progress in your basketball game.
Best of luck,
Naim Rahaim
Aditi Kannan
Management Consulting
26
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Aditi’s Answer
Practice, practice, practice - specifically focused on exactly what you need to improve. If you're bad at dribbling with your left hand, dedicate time to doing only that. I can almost guarantee that after 1-2 hours of JUST that, you'll notice an improvement.
I'm sure you practice very hard overall - but our bodies are designed such that when we go into autopilot, we operate in the most energy efficient way. So your body will never automatically choose to evenly use the right and left hand, so your right hand is getting better and better, and leftie is out of practice. Focus specifically on the 'problem areas', and you will be good to go!
I'm sure you practice very hard overall - but our bodies are designed such that when we go into autopilot, we operate in the most energy efficient way. So your body will never automatically choose to evenly use the right and left hand, so your right hand is getting better and better, and leftie is out of practice. Focus specifically on the 'problem areas', and you will be good to go!