How can a 19 year old learn basketball?

[GoBBall]

So I'm a 19 year old guy, I am pretty physically fit because I go to the gym 2-3 times a week and eat well. However, it's been a LONG time since I've had any basketball instruction and I'd like to learn more about the game and become a better player.

I haven't played in about a year but even when I was playing, I wasn't learning. I don't want to just go to the local park and shoot hoops because what ends up happening is I get into a game, and I'm not good so people just get frustrated and don't pass me the ball. They don't teach me anything, they just get frustrated because I'm like a barrier between them and victory. Think about it, don't you get annoyed if your team has some new guy who doesn't know what he's doing? I understand where they are coming from so I'd like to know how someone my age could learn without going and making a fool out of himself in front of a bunch of strangers at a park. Thanks.

[Daniel Masters]

hey,
my advice to you would be to go watch some nba
The playoffs are on now, and it's intense
The way I learnt to play was by watching and mimicking what others did
good luck :)

[atcrossover]

Your just not a baller.

[SankTheTank]

Your just not a baller.

You're just a bum.

Anyway, GoBBall, I'd suggest going to the gym and shooting hoops. Depending on how good you want to be, I'd take about 200 shots a day. If you're not sure how to shoot a basketball correctly, go into youtube or google and type in "basketball shooting fundamentals" or something like that. Make sure to work on your form and don't shoot off balance until you're good enough of a balanced shooter. Work on your fundamentals more than anything.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IPuD8bGdts

The second most important thing in my opinion is rebounding. Since you're pretty fit I'd assume that you're atleast moderatley strong.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ozw1PTgC8

Lastly, defense... I'd suggest going to the gym and getting some one on one games, those games will tremendously help your defense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2A9iGhatcc

[GoBBall]

Thanks for the replies, I'll try this.

[Maniak]

Ahhh, I remember when i started playing basketball...

To start off, since your older/more fit...Just go to wherever you can play basketball, and start dribbling the ball(switching hands frequently) and shooting to try to find "your shot"

Also, you can work on passes to the wall.

And finally, continue your workouts of course.


-Maniak

[iamgine]

First thing, learn PROPER Defense and be vocal about it. Always call screens, switches and always box out. I get really pissed off when somebody don't make a decent effort on the defensive end. If your defense is stellar nobody will ever be annoyed by you, even if you miss simple lay ups from time to time.

[Big Money Mike]

The following youtube links are VERY helpful videos about the fundamentals of basketball. these videos helped me, and im sure they can help you too.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mwqzC2sTKzI

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mcSoL9iCM90

http://youtube.com/watch?v=q_ozw1PTgC8

http://youtube.com/watch?v=o_DTrabY-o0

http://youtube.com/watch?v=thvTgiAyI5g

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PTX67oKzjUA

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wP2Id-YQ4jY

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xIjGzNrMcXI

also, the guy who said "always play great D" was right on. defense is like a lost art nowadays in casual games. at the park and the gym, a good defender is hard to find. hustle for loose balls and always play with your heart.

good luck!