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Slam Dunk, 3-Pointer, Jump Shot, Dribble, Rebound – the list of basketball terminology is infinite. Whether you’re an NBA fan or a player just starting out, this game goes beyond the hoop and scoring points; it’s in fact the art of tact and technique. The concept of basketball revolves around teamwork and strategic maneuver to ultimately score against the opposing team.
As Michael Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” So if you’re a beginner and want to follow the footsteps of NBA Legends, then you’ll need to keep these basketball techniques in mind to help you level up your game.
Learn the Techniques of the Best Basketball Players
1. Dribble like LeBron James
Ball handling has evolved from simple passing to creating scoring opportunities. Dribbling flawlessly is a plus for this technique. To master LeBron’s powerful dribble, practice by dribbling with your right hand while shielding the ball with your left. Switch sides after 50 reps.
Tip: Grip the ball firmly with your hand spread as wide as possible, placing your middle and ring fingers on the seam of the ball.
2. Pass like Magic Johnson
Quoted by Fox Sports, as “a basketball prodigy”, Magic Johnson’s exceptional passing skills ultimately landed him in the LA Lakers Hall of Fame. Therefore, right after you’ve mastered the dribbling technique, it’s time to move ahead by mastering the art of passing.
One-Handed Pass: This pass is used to quickly pass the ball with one hand immediately out of a dribble. This pass can be a bounce pass, air pass or a chest pass and is used to react quickly to an open player without stopping the dribble
Tip: For a perfect chest pass, grip the ball on both sides with the thumbs behind the ball, then rotate your fingers and snap your thumbs downward on release
3. Defend Michael like a Jordan
What a team really needs is a brick-wall defense to win the championship. Michael Jordan’s defensive intensity led to some of his most memorable plays. A good defense requires balance. Therefore, always remember to keep your feet and shoulders apart for good balance.
Tip: Position your shooting foot slightly forward and maintain the same setup for every shot. Point your feet in the direction of the basket but not necessarily parallel to it. Once you’re comfortable, line up your feet the exact same way for every shot. Remember, consistency builds accuracy.
4. Shoot a Jump Shot like Stephen Curry
The Jump Shot is probably the best way to act against the opponent’s defense. Standing tall at 6 feet, 3 inches is NBA’s best jump shooter Stephen Curry, who not only manages to jump higher but can shoot the ball even quicker.
His quick release and perfect timing make him unstoppable. You can ease your way into your shooting stance just like Stephen by releasing the ball just before you reach the maximum height of your jump.
Tip: Use your legs to generate upward force, land in the same spot to maintain the balance and keep your wrists relaxed upon release.
5. Hoop it the Kevin Durant way
Standing at nearly 7 feet tall, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant is on the list of the top five NBA shooters. The unique thing about Durant’s shooting technique is that he aligns himself to the basket instead of squaring against it.
To shoot like Durant, position your hip towards the hoop, aim your toes at 10 o’clock, sweep your feet forward, sway your shoulders back and shoot in a high-arching shot.
Tip: Keep your non-shooting hand to the side and rest the ball on your shooting hand. Motion the ball directly upwards, position your elbow comfortably under the ball and extend your shooting hand to the rim.
Which Basketball players have their own shoes?
Many basketball players have their own signature shoes in collaboration with major sports brands. These sneakers combine performance with style, making them both functional and fashion statements. Some of the most famous players with their own shoes include:
Michael Jordan – Air Jordan (Nike)
LeBron James – LeBron series (Nike)
Kobe Bryant – Kobe series (Nike)
Kevin Durant – KD series (Nike)
Stephen Curry – Curry series (Under Armour)
Kyrie Irving – Kyrie series (Nike)
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Zoom Freak series (Nike)
Damian Lillard – Dame series (Adidas)
James Harden – Harden series (Adidas)
Shaquille O’Neal – Shaq shoes (Reebok)
Each line is designed to highlight the players’ unique styles of play. These shoes are not only functional for basketball but also serve as iconic fashion statements.
Head to the Sun & Sand Sports Basketball page, Check out the latest designs of basketball shoes worn by celebrities, and explore the newest products to gear up perfectly for the court.
