When it comes to basketball at the recreational level, players are out there to impress—and they often need to be streamlined so that their skills can be utilized to the fullest.
There are many simple ways to enhance players’ performance.
1. Fitness
Basketball is perhaps the most demanding sport currently being played at the professional level. Considering the amount of physical exertion involved, it’s integral that a coach build up the fitness and finesse of his players.
Light jogging over a large distance, perhaps 4-5 km, is an excellent way to start, but only endurance improves, while muscle strength and stamina remain untouched for the most part.
- Endurance Drill:
Use this drill as an efficient way of building up lactic tolerance. It is far more effective if done after a hard training session. Divide it the court into four parts, two ring sides and two sides from the touchlines.
Run from one touchline to the start of the post area at top speed, but quickly stop and jog till the ring area ends before repeating the step once more.
- Muscle Strength
Gym work is essential to a basketball player’s career. During the long hours spent exercising, it is essential that the upper body be given sufficient time so that the arms and shoulders can develop properly and have the necessary capabilities to score those three pointers when it matters most.
2. Skill Enhancement
- Basketball Shooting Drills:
Although various drills can be incorporated into a basketballer’s training regime, it is important to work on the basics and get as much practice as possible. The form shooting drill is a popular and effective method, which involves tying one hand behind the back and getting the ball into the hoop with only one arm.
Start with the right and shoot from the inside right, with at least 15 attempts, before changing the position and the arm.
Another drill which can help overall passing ability and can help shooting improve is the long-range training routine. Practice your long-shots and stand at a distance which seems comfortable at first before moving back (after taking 5-10 shots). Continue adjusting the distance.
- Basketball Dribbling Drills:
No matter what the position or the skill level of a player is, they should be able to dribble so that they can easily get out of tight spots. One of the more common methods is the Figure 8 Dribble, which is great for offense. Stand with one foot ahead of the other with knees bent. Dribble the ball from the front to the back, and when the ball reaches your leg, quickly change your foot to the left. Do the same for the opposing side and make sure that the ball never goes higher than a few inches off the ground.
The key to improvement in this drill is speed, so make sure that players are giving it their maximum concentration and focus.
While the above-mentioned drill is a great way to improve dribbling speed, it hardly helps while running. So another training exercise comes into play.
Set up cones in a straight line on the court and line up players with balls at the ready.
The action is simple and clear. Dribble between the cones as fast as possible, taking particular care to avoid bumping the cones while maintaining a decent speed.
With these drills, players are bound to improve and outpace most rivals on the recreational stage.
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