There is no recipe for becoming a better basketball player. Rather, it is essential to find out what makes YOU better. For many players, the skills and talent are there, but focusing on the physical (conditioning) or mental aspect of the game is what they need most.
1. The Weight Room:
Spending time in the weight room is key. Getting stronger adds a whole new level to your game, as it allows for the development of new moves and more space to make them.
2. Stretching and Recovery:
To go along with lifting, stretching and recovery are hugely important. Take time out of your day to roll out, stretch, and do specific exercises that help loosen up muscles and allow your body to recover from a hard day of work. Ask your trainer for exercises specific to you, your injuries, and where you're lacking. You will feel much better and prevent injuries.
Related: When to See Your Athletic Trainer
3. Confidence:
Confidence plays a huge role in how you perform, and it is always at a high when you don't need to worry about an injury. You will see huge differences if you put in the extra time to build your mental game. Like 3-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry says: “Play like you're in first. Train like you're in second.”
4. Practice at Game Speed
Sessions at the gym need to be game-speed, because set shots can only get you so far as a basketball player. Picking up the pace in practice is key allows the game reps to feel much easier. As Stephen Curry says: “I want to practice to the point where it's almost uncomfortable how fast you shoot, so that in the game, things kind of slow down.” Obviously, Stephen Curry is one of a kind, but this is important advice to athletes in any sport. The difference between players who train at game-speed versus those who go just through the motions is glaring.
Related: Do You Know What It Takes to Be a Recruitable Student-Athlete?
5. Find a Workout Buddy
Find a workout buddy and play competitive shooting games, or do fast ball-handling drills. Having a buddy keeps you accountable and encourages you to push yourself, especially if your workout buddy is more skilled than you. Competing against better players is a great way to elevate your game and help you find where you need the most improvement.
6. Practice Drills That Make You Uncomfortable
Find shooting, dribbling and footwork drills that make you uncomfortable. Pushing out of your comfort zone allows you learn new skills and become better than the guy who practices only what he's good at.
7. Work on Skills You're Lacking; Perfect Skills You're Good At
Work on the things that you need to, and perfect the skills you are already comfortable doing.
You can never stop improving skills. Even NBA players put in hours and hours of practice to continue to perfect their game. The more skills you're great at, the more recruitable you are.
8. Practice Mindfulness
There are a ton of players who constantly get in their own head, and prevent themselves from maxing out potential. You can train and practice as much as you want, but if your head gets in the way, none of that matters. If this sounds like you, meditation or practicing mindfulness can be hugely beneficial. It allows you to calm down, be present, and not overthink. Spend 10 minutes a day to relax and control your breathing.
Related: Athletes: How to Practice Mindfulness
9. See a Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists can help ascertain the aspects of your mindset or game that are holding you back. This is not necessary for everyone, but many athletes do not approach the preparation or game in a healthy way. Basketball should bring you joy, and the process should be tough, but rewarding. Finding a sports psychologist can help you build a healthy relationship with the game, which will make you a better player.
Related: Sports Psychology and the Impact of Mental State on Physical Performance
It can be tough to know what exactly needs the most work, but putting in the time will allow you to discover the weaknesses in their game. Even if you only follow some of these steps, it will put you ahead of the recruit who is relying only on talent and not working to improve their game.
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* Originally published on February 11, 2022, by Christian Fioretti
