How to Learn How to Play Basketball from Scratch
Basketball is one of the most fun sports out there that you can play. As well as being an exciting sport, it is also great exercise (you can get a full-body workout from playing basketball) and it can be an excellent social activity. Many friendships have been forged on the basketball court!
If you are interested in learning how to play basketball, there are plenty of ways that you can do this. Read on to find out more.
Watch Basketball Games
The first step to learning how any sport works is to watch others play it. Whether you are watching amateurs play at your local park, court, or on the street, or are watching the professionals play in the NBA, watching the sport is vital. This is how you can learn how the sport works on a basic level and some of the tactics that players use. Not to mention, the sport is fascinating to watch. If you can’t get to live games near you, there are plenty of ways you can watch live basketball online or on TV.
Invest in the Right Equipment
The best place to start is at home in your own backyard. This is because you can spend as much time as you want to learn how to play without pressure or interruption from others. All you will need to get started is a good quality ball and a hoop. Hoops usually come in one of three types—portable hoops, wall-mounted hoops, and in-ground hoops. Which type is best for you depends on the space you are using, but if you want to practice in your yard regularly, a wall-mounted hoop can be convenient and not too difficult to install.
Practice Alone
Once you have the equipment needed to start playing basketball, you will need to get practicing. The first step is to learn how to dribble the ball. This is best done alone before you attempt to play with others. Once you have learned how to dribble the ball with both hands, you can practice shooting and jumping. Take your time learning these skills. Thankfully, there are many tutorials and videos online that can show you the best tips.
Practice with Others
After you get confident with controlling the ball, moving around the court, and shooting hoops, you will probably want to put these skills to the test with other players. If you have friends who like to play, why not invite them over or go to a local court or park to play? You don’t have to dive straight into a full team game—the beauty of the sport is that shooting hoops can be just as fun playing with just a handful of people as with a full court.
Consider Joining a Team
Whether you have dreams of playing in the NBA and becoming the next Michael Jordan or just want to play a proper game at the amateur level, it is worth checking out what teams there are in your local area. Learning how to dribble and shoot hoops is one thing but learning how to play as part of a team is a whole different ball game (no pun intended!) entirely.