Old heads... what ball advice do you have?

[andgar923]

I always try to give tips to younger players when I can. What tips can you give some of the younger posters to help improve their game?

Here are mine...

Learn the angles of the game. Learn everybody's position on the floor with the rim's location in mind.

Slow down. Young bucks have tons of energy and are always playing 100 miles per hour, but slow down. It allows you to read the defense and make calculated moves. While playing defense don't try to run to every player and try to make every steal and block. Mature players will take advantage of that energy and use it against you. As I mentioned above, learn the angles and everybody's position.

Be observant. Study your opponent closely, learn their weaknesses and favorite moves.

I know this all sounds obvious, but for some reason I don't see young bucks applying any of this to their game.

Oh yeah.... adapt your game to your size and athletic ability.

I see cats trying to play like their favorite player, but if you're a short 5'7 fat dude with zero athletic ability, don't think you're Kobe, Lebron or Durant. Adapt your game to your strengths.

That's it for now.

http://www.geekchunks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ancient_kung_fu_master_pai_mei.jpg

[poido123]

Should always focus on a full flick of the wrist when following through with a shot.

Keep your eyes up and not down at the ball when dribbling.

Use your ass to create separation from you and the basket when boxing out a guy for a rebound. Using your arms helps, but should not be relied upon.

If you're a big guy, always look to screen for your guards at the top of the key.


That's all off the top of my head...Sure there's more :pimp:

[HomieWeMajor]

It's not how you it's how you play

[LAZERUSS]

Pattern your game after John Stockton's...

[oarabbus]

I always try to give tips to younger players when I can. What tips can you give some of the younger posters to help improve their game?

Here are mine...

Learn the angles of the game. Learn everybody's position on the floor with the rim's location in mind.

Slow down. Young bucks have tons of energy and are always playing 100 miles per hour, but slow down. It allows you to read the defense and make calculated moves. While playing defense don't try to run to every player and try to make every steal and block. Mature players will take advantage of that energy and use it against you. As I mentioned above, learn the angles and everybody's position.

Be observant. Study your opponent closely, learn their weaknesses and favorite moves.

I know this all sounds obvious, but for some reason I don't see young bucks applying any of this to their game.

Oh yeah.... adapt your game to your size and athletic ability.

I see cats trying to play like their favorite player, but if you're a short 5'7 fat dude with zero athletic ability, don't think you're Kobe, Lebron or Durant. Adapt your game to your strengths.

That's it for now.

http://www.geekchunks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/ancient_kung_fu_master_pai_mei.jpg


What are you supposed to do in that case? I think the Jesus for fat, non-athletic players is Boris Diaw, but he can only do what he does since he's 6'8".

[JohnFreeman]

Always try to dunk, even if you can't

[IGOTGAME]

Pattern your game after John Stockton's...

don't work on your left hand?

[imdaman99]

Always tell them to play defense with high IQ. In other words, if the guy struggles to go left and only goes right, to force him left. It frustrates me when they let the guy blow by them the same side every time. Defense is 100% about the desire to wanna play it, anyone can do it. They just need to try.

[HylianNightmare]

Bank shots. Learn Em and abuse em

[inclinerator]

arch ur shot

[L.Kizzle]

Practice with your off-hand.

Practice going the opposite way you're used too. If you have a sweet spot on the left wing, develop on the right wing also (no politic pun.)

[nathanjizzle]

when you first start a game cold, focus on shooting first, dont think about controlling the ball or anything, just run past screens get open and shoot to make it. Once you make 1 or 2 buckets then start controlling the ball more. And always stay involved in the game by moving off the ball, players are more likely to pass it to you if you are involved in the game rather than standing around waiting for a pass.

[Crystallas]

Get one of those oversized 33" training balls. Show up to pickup games, and tell everyone they're playing with a WNBA ball, and you have the league size. (I've done this before, many times. Only once did someone figure it out) It's hilarious.

[andgar923]

What are you supposed to do in that case? I think the Jesus for fat, non-athletic players is Boris Diaw, but he can only do what he does since he's 6'8".

Learn how to use your strengths to your advantage.

If you're not athletic, use your body more to punish players, create space/separation. Work on playing without the ball and getting putbacks. There's a number of things a player can do to be effective.

Pro players do this as their career winds down as well.

They change/adapt their game to their current situation.

Reason I mention what I did is because I see cats that try to do And1 crossovers when they can't. They try to be slashers but they're slow and clumsy. They try to be Kobe and shoot fadeaway 3s from the corner but they can't. They should focus on what can help them, not trying to emulate their fav player.

When i was young I tried to be like MJ (like most kids), but I wasn't 6'6 and couldn't dunk. So I adjusted my game and emulated Stockton, Van Exel, took bits and pieces from different players such as Kareem's hook, and eventually mastered MJ's fadeaway (only used when necessary).

[ralph_i_el]

What are you supposed to do in that case? I think the Jesus for fat, non-athletic players is Boris Diaw, but he can only do what he does since he's 6'8".
Pick up baseball? :confusedshrug

If you play good enough defense, move the ball and only take good shots no one is going to be pissed at you or laugh you off the court.

[TylerOO]

dont be a *****

[Le Shaqtus]

Any advice for better ball security and improving handles?

[Levity]

- dribble with a purpose. sounds so simple, but its almost unheard of by most teens.

- for the love of god, learn to move off the ball. (proper cuts, back picks, flashes, etc)

[CelticBalla32]

Put the ball on the floor with a purpose. Every young player likes to dance with the ball and act on a live dribble before they even have an idea of where they want to go with the ball. Sure, you have to make quick decisions but overdribbling is an enormous problem with some kids. Conversely, some people like to decide what their move is going to be before they even know what is in front of them. Read and react, as quickly as possible, and take advantage of what the defense gives you.

[IGOTGAME]

learn to be efficient and purposeful with your movements.

also, you gotta crawl before you can walk. may kids try to work on counters before they actually have something down. you build from the bottom.

[DonDadda59]

Oh yeah.... adapt your game to your size and athletic ability.

I see cats trying to play like their favorite player, but if you're a short 5'7 fat dude with zero athletic ability, don't think you're Kobe, Lebron or Durant. Adapt your game to your strengths.



Extremely underrated advice. Always cringe worthy to see short, fat guys trying to play like Kobe. Last week I played a pick up game against a guy that was built like an out of shape young Charles Barkley. Dude was trying to pull some And 1 bullshit, taking fadeaways from 3. When he finally tried to do what he is built for- back to the basket in the post, he was completely lost, clumsy, and I was muscling him out of position even though he had a good 50 lbs on me. Couldn't move me an inch when backing down. Absolutely no clue how to play with his back to the basket. I was torching him in the post offensively too :facepalm

[SamuraiSWISH]

Always cringe worthy to see short, fat guys trying to play like Kobe.
Co-sign.

Sadly, much like even the pro game ... a consistent, reliable low post offensive game makes WORLDS of difference. The game is is still easiest, most efficient, and prolific played from the inside - out. If you're a threat down low, it makes the game so much easier for everyone else.

Everyone wants to dribble around the perimeter and be the Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Durants of the world. When in reality as a microcosm of both the league itself, and weekend warriors ... we need more Al Jeffersons.

When I'm a 5'11 combo guard, and I am by far the best post up option for my team, even though I'm also the best ball handler but I'm filling a void, and much needed threat on offense. Well, then there is problems with today's game.

Also word of advice, adapt your skill set to competition, and teammate level of talent. Don't go out chucking or looking to score against quality opponents, or with superior scoring option teammates. KNOW YOUR ROLE, and KNOW YOUR PERSONELL. No shame at all in just being a good decision maker, making timely pin point passes.

Also, another lost art for when there actually is a low post threat. ENTRY passes. It's a skill. Observe. Watch Kidd, Nash, Stockton tapes. It helps your teammates significantly.

Also, when someone passes it to you on the perimeter, go to the pass. Don't wait for it to come to you, otherwise it can easily result in a turnover from overzealous defenders in passing lanes. Pet peeve of mine as a PG. Don't let me get the turnover because you're the lazy one.

Last but not least, at least try on defense. If you're out of shape, at the very least use your mouth to communicate to other defenders what's going on. It makes worlds of difference. MFers who can't tell me when a blind side pick is coming, or if we should switch or trap annoys the hell out of me. Use your damn voice. I rather someone talk too much on defense as a teammate than not at all.

[AirFederer]

Go hard in da muuthaeffing paint :rockon:

Look to pass, it's the extra pass that gets the open and easiest shot. Move w/o the ball. Don't try to be the hero, just play team ball. Play to your strengts, when guarded by a taller player you drive and you post up a smaller guy. Play a thinking mans game.

Be Jason Kidd :bowdown:

[mehyaM24]

utilize your pivot foot. your footwork and handle are #1 (unless you're just a set shooter). everything else will fall into play afterwards.

[inclinerator]

Any advice for better ball security and improving handles?
dribble the hardest u can on every drill, lose the ball as much as u can

[Pointguard]

Any advice for better ball security and improving handles?
Practice dribbling hard with your head looking straight up the length of the court. Run fast, dribble hard with only your left hand looking up. Then do it two times right hand, crossover, two times left hand, behind the back, two times right hand... . Now do the same but keep the ball very low on the crossovers. Pay lil bro to guard you. Practice keeping the back of your upper shoulder on lil bro while he tries to steal. When you get better try a double crossover in front of him.

Dribble into traffic in pickup games, the brain will remember how you escaped. A lot people (even pros - Westbrook had it bad his second year) lose the dribble when accelerating after a crossover to the weak hand. Practice the first three dribbles after the crossover.

Practice will enable you to get confident.

[Jailblazers7]

I always just preach basic shit. Defensive principles, box out, make the easy pass, etc. The game is a lot easier and more fun when you do the basics well. My #1 tool is the triple threat so I always advice young players to get good with it. Jabs, pumps, swing throughs, etc in the triple threat are the easiest way to create space. Best advice I ever got was no more than 2-3 dribbles in the half court. Learning to play without the ball is also a valuable and fun skill.

[BoutPractice]

Also, another lost art for when there actually is a low post threat. ENTRY passes. It's a skill. Observe. Watch Kidd, Nash, Stockton tapes. It helps your teammates significantly.

And co-sign. I'm a post player with reliable go-to moves down low, and nothing is more frustrating for me than playing with guards that can't do entry passes, then chuck ill-advised shots. You shouldn't have to be open on the perimeter to get a pass from your guard, but it's often what I end up having to do...

Anyway, slowing down is probably the biggest advice you can give to a player. The speed of the game is 100% mental. The best players don't even need quickness, because they make the game slow for everyone else.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Anyway, slowing down is probably the biggest advice you can give to a player. The speed of the game is 100% mental. The best players don't even need quickness, because they make the game slow for everyone else.
Yes, agreed. Not many know how to do it anymore. Also another thing you said that I'd like to elaborate on.

A player doesn't need to be blinding quick off the dribble / first step or freaky speed like Rose, Iverson, Jordan. If anything craftiness with great ball handling can allow for change of pace moves that keeps defenders guessing.

It makes average to slow players with a good handle, an intelligent way to keep defenders off balance. See: Nash, Joe Johnson, Kyrie Irving and Paul Pierce as references.

[eliteballer]

Watch a guy like Barkley and learn the tricks to his game and how he overcome his disadvantages(height) and used his advantages and skill(athleticism, strength, positioning, length) vs. a Dwight howard who is all athleticism and size.

Don't try to be Iverson or Jordan like every other fool out there. Play a balanced game like a Jason kidd and you'll get your teams wins.

...and learn to post up. It's a lost art. I see so many teams where no one knows how to post up and the teams go through scoring droughts.

[IGOTGAME]

Once you learn the game it is so easy in a typical pickup scenario. Im tall but slow now. However, playing pick up is still just as easy. I can dominate a game without even getting the ball passed to me because I can defend, get my teammates in position and dominate the boards and get put backs. I can score as well but that isnt even really fun for me anymore, I like passing better. Sometimes my teammates make me go at my man but it isnt fun usually.

I find that people practice way too many things. They need to just work on one thing at a time and then try it in games. I added that one legged step back in the post because my body can't take that pounding the way it used too. It took me a while to get it, but it got it because that was my primary goal.

[josh99]

Move the ball and keep the offense flowing instead of trying to take the whole team on by yourself.

Learn to do a proper pick-n-roll/pop as both the ball-handler and the screener.

Also learn to play off-ball, when to cut, when to move out of the way, when to set screens, where to spot up, when to go in for the offensive board, etc. Off-ball offensive skills are such an underrated art.