Become a Better Offensive Basketball Player

In order for basketball players to be successful on the offensive end of the court, they must develop good habits. At the same time, they should avoid or eliminate bad habits. As simple as this sounds, players have a tendency to continually repeat their bad habits on the basketball court.

Bad habits are developed the same way good habits are - through repetition. The key then, for coaches, players, and even parents, is to practice the good habits and eliminate the bad habits. This occurs during in-season and out-of-season practices and work-outs.

Steps

  1. Avoid focusing too much on the one-on-one aspect of offense, rather than the team aspect. Players that are more concerned with their individual game hurt the overall success of their team.
  2. Be a part of the game, instead of standing around and watching the action. Players should not be spectators of the game. They must always be involved and moving, even when they don't have the basketball.
  3. Learn when it is appropriate to make a pass or take the shot. Players must always be aware of their teammates and the defensive players on the court and be ready to make a pass when appropriate. If a teammate is open and has a better scoring opportunity, then the pass must be made to them. But if you are a player that only looks to pass, your team will be unable to win due to a lack of points made. Be aware at all times of the basket and where you are in proportion to it. If no one is guarding you, take a good shot, and if a defender stabs at you, drive past them and go for a layup.
  4. Look for more than one option on every play. This makes the defenders' job much harder. Players must always look for various scoring options on their set plays. If the first option that opens up leads to a good scoring opportunity, then the pass should be made. Otherwise, the players should look for other options.
  5. Make smart passes. Telegraphed passes are easier for the defensive players to read and possibly steal. Players should use eye, head and ball fakes before passing the basketball.
  6. Keep your cool -- don't commit a cheap and foolish foul after making a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes in basketball. When it happens on the offensive end of the court, players should hustle back and play good, strong defense to make up for it. They should avoid committing fouls out of frustration.
  7. Know your teammates' ability levels. Avoid using fakes and moves that your teammates are not ready for or familiar with. You must play within yourself on the court. New moves and fakes can be worked on during practice - not the game.
  8. Be aware of how much time is left on the game clock or shot clock. Players must always know how much time is left on the shot clock during each possession. They must also be aware of how much time remains at the end of each quarter, the half, and the game. This is every player’s responsibility, not just the point guard's and coach's.
  9. Maintain your concentration throughout each offensive possession. Players must always stay focused and concentrate when playing basketball. They should know what their responsibility is at all times and also follow the action of their teammates.
  10. Don't stay at the same speed the whole game; if you do your defender will always know how fast you will go.

Tips

  • Always look for weaknesses in your game. If you don't dribble very well, work on dribbling, if you don't pass very well, work on that. Don't work on your jump-shot every time you hit the gym if you already shoot really well. Try to be a well-balanced player and improve your game everyday.
  • Take practice and drills seriously. Make them realistic. Everyone can hit an open jump-shot in a drill, so challenge yourself and try to make your drills more game like.
  • Practice drills on your own or with your buds, but always go 100%. If you don't work hard when you practice, you'll never be able to score in a real game.
  • If you're in a game and you're tired, make sure you tell your coach. If you don't, you most likely won't run as fast as you can, back down for defense, and the other team may score.
  • Don't just work on your basketball skills, also try to improve your athleticism and overall physical conditioning. A huge part of the game, besides skill is "hustle." Become athletic enough to play with energy the whole time you are on the court.
  • See the entire court, not just the hoop don't just focus on getting to the hoop but look at your open or not open team mates and defenders.

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Sources and Citations

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