When we sit and watch a basketball game, we are always yelling at our team for every screw up they throw our way. We are fans - and as fans - it is our job to judge, heckle and to annoy these men who, as far as we are concerned, are not worth as much as they are paid to play a "simple sport" or "game." Basketball is big business like any other sport.
Make no bones about it though - it is not easy. There are a lot of things that go into making a great basketball player and height, surprisingly, is not one of them. It helps - do not get me wrong - but there have been some short men to play the sport over the last hundred years or so (Muggsy Bogues to name one of recent play). Strength, stamina and endurance are all important factors in your basketball game. The following simple techniques will help you achieve your potential.
1) Run the Wood
Endurance is a major factor in the game of basketball and you are required to constantly run, run, run up and down the court. So in order to meet the needs of the game, this is what you do - run up and down a basketball court for 20 minutes to start. Gradually increase your time and speed. Timing your pivots and run backs are important as well, so make sure to touch the line before you pivot as making quick changes during a game are important.
2) Tire Throw
Besides throwing the basketball into a hoop, you always need to be able to pass with accuracy. A simple way to accomplish this feat is by stealing an idea from football players. Unused car tires make a perfect target for throwing your "rock" and hitting the mark. If you have some friends who want to improve their skills at the same time, you can take turns running in-between several hanging tires, to pass the ball through the holes, avoiding possible steals.
3) Nothing Beats Calisthenics
No one likes doing these. I know I hated them. It brings me back to high school gym class, but nothing can get your stamina, endurance and strength up as much as doing jumping jacks, push ups, pull ups and up downs (jogging in place, hitting the floor and getting up to do it all again).
Doing these simple things for at least 20 minutes before your practice will help you gain endurance, stamina and strength to make your game all that much more improved.
