Basketball is a great sport that is loved by people of all ages and abilities. This sport can be played all year round as a competitive game or casually at a local court. Basketball is great for your health and it’s a perfect workout since it involves your entire body. The jumping and running aspect of the game will help you stay fit, shed a few extra kilos and boost mental development.
Playing basketball for the first time can be both challenging and exciting. As a beginner, where do you start? How do you prepare?
Here are 4 tips to playing basketball for the first time.
- Get A Good Pair Of Basketball Shoes
The first thing you need to do when preparing for your first game is to get yourself fitted. In general, you do not need much to get started but you should get the right basketball shoes. Good cushioning and support is vital since you will be running and jumping during the entire game.
Even though your running shoes can enable you to run and spring off a hard surface, they might not give you the comfort, performance, and safety you need.
- Find The Right Basketball Hoop
As a beginner, you need to find a hoop that best suits your needs. Whether you are aspiring to become a basketball champion or you are just looking to shoot some free throws during your free time, an in-ground basketball hoop is a great option since it can become a cherished part of your home for many years to come.
In-ground hoops take up less ground space, they are more stable and the adjustable height settings are just what you need to develop your own style of playing. You can get details here on where to find the best in-ground basketball hoops.
You also need to buy an appropriate size basketball that you can shoot comfortably without injuring your arm.
- Learn The Basics
You will need to learn the basics and understand a few rules before playing your first game. A full court basketball game is played by two teams, and each team is composed of 5 players. In order to win the game, your team must score more points than your competitor by netting the ball inside the hoop.
Every member of the team is given a specific role; you can either be a power forward, a small forward, a point guard, a center or a shooting guard. The point guard is usually the team leader and is required to facilitate the team members when on the court. The shooting guard as the name suggests is the best shooter and can shoot accurately from a long distance. The center and the power forward play the ‘low posts’ but their role is very important as they receive passes and take inside shots.
You also need to know how to dribble and pass the ball. Learn how to stand correctly and keep your head up and you will enjoy that first game.
- Practice Practice Practice
Basketball gets better with practice. Master some simple basketball skills then move to the challenging ones. You may not be able to perform a slam dunk during your first practice session but if you love the game and dedicate your time to learning key skills, you will be a pro in no time.
