5 Basketball Techniques for Beginners

Slam Dunk, 3-Pointer, Jump Shot, Dribble, Rebound – the list of basketball terminology is infinite. Whether you’re an NBA fan or an amateur basketball player, this game goes beyond the hoop; 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. These are five top pointers for your next B-Ball game.

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 some of the most famous basketball players of all time then you’ll need to keep these basketball techniques in mind to get hooping and start scoring.

1. Learn how to LeBron

Ball handling has gone through countless cycles of evolution. Back in the day, ball handling was associated with simply passing the ball from one player to another; however, with due time this technique transformed exponentially into a means of scoring opportunities. Dribbling flawlessly is a plus for this technique. Practice a power dribble by dribbling with your right hand while protecting the ball with your free hand. Switch the dribbling sides after 50.

Tip: Grip the ball firmly by opening your hand as wide as possible and place your middle and ring fingers on the seam of the ball.

2. Pass on the Magic

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. Dribble Pass: This pass is used to quickly pass the ball with one hand off the dribble. This pass usually ends with a bounce pass, air pass or a chest pass.

Tip: To get the perfect chest pass, grip the ball on both sides with the thumbs directly behind the ball. When the ball is thrown, the fingers rotate behind the ball and the thumbs are turned down.

3. Defend like a Jordan

What a team really needs is a brick-wall defense to win the championship. Michael Jordan’s great defensive play over the years has transitioned into some of the most exciting slam dunks in NBA history. A good defense requires a good stance. Therefore always remember to keep your feet and shoulders apart for good balance.

Tip: Keep your shooting foot slightly forward of the non-shooting foot. 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.

4. Jump up like Stephen

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. A complex physics conundrum, 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 up force and land in the same spot you jumped to maintain the balance. Keep your wrists relaxed upon release.

5. Hoop it the Durant way

Standing almost 7 feet tall works for Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant, especially since he 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, put 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.

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