Although the basketball season runs from November through March, the time to work on your skills is from March through November. This page will show you how to become a better basketball player.

• Basketball is a great sport for all ages. No matter what level you play at, you'll enjoy the game more if you polish your skills. Work on your general conditioning, as well as specific offensive and defensive skills.

• Basketball is a game of speed and stamina. To perform at your peak, you should work on both your general cardiovascular stamina, as well as doing specific drills designed to increase speed.

• Offensive skills are key to the game. Shooting, dribbling, and passing are essential basketball skills.

1. You can work on shooting in pick-up games, or by playing shooting games like H-O-R-S-E or 21.
2. Playing 3 on 3 is a great way to hone offensive skills.
3. Being able to change directions, accelerate and stop suddenly are important to being able to execute an offense.

Pick up games improve your skills. (Creative Commons photo by Magnus Franklin)

• A basketball game can't be won without an effective defense. Although the ability to put up a three-point shot effortlessly shouldn't be minimized, the ability to prevent your opponent from getting that shot off is equally important. Good defense combines several skills:

1. The ability to stay low, with your weight back, close to your opponent.
2. Being able to use your body and position to force the player the way you want him to go.
3. Knowledge of the game so you can anticipate the opponent's next move.
4. Quick hands and feet, and the ability to stay with an opponent.

• Basketball is a game that can be learned, with fundamentals can be practiced. When you work on general conditioning as well as offense and defense, you can become a better basketball player.

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