How to Be Good at Basketball Immediately

Last Updated: March 12, 2023

We've all had that moment where we were the lone player to be picked at recess, gym, or just hanging out and haven't the slightest clue about basketball or its rules. However, there have been a fair share of players that started out not knowing what they were doing, and still contributed to wins.

Steps

1
Know some basics: This is all you need to know: Your team wants to put the ball through the hoop. Your team also wants to stop the other team from getting down the court. Don't touch another player unless they touch you. If you want to move with the ball, dribble and don't stop unless you want to pass or shoot. Don't be afraid; be aggressive.
2
Don't stop moving: If you keep moving, you'll have a better chance of getting the ball. Even if you can't do anything else, get the ball so your team can have it.^{[1]
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3
Do what you can: Though scoring is more praised than other statistics, you can really help contribute to a win by getting rebounds. Whenever someone (whether on your team or not) shoots the ball, you can jump and get the ball so your team will be able to be on offense and score.^{[2]
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4
Pass: Chances are, you aren't much of a shooter if you just started out. Passing to your teammates is one of the most important mechanics of basketball today. Bounce pass to a teammate who isn't near anyone so they can shoot unguarded.
5
Start small. If you can start off shooting close to the rim, that's wonderful. Especially if you're smart, you can calculate the physics involved in using the backboard and force to properly allow a basketball to go through the hoop.^{[3]
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6
Have a Poker face. Sometimes, you can fool your opponents into thinking one thing with a well-timed fake. This will give your teammates time to get in position.^{[4]
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7
Use your reputation to your advantage. What reputation? You've just started playing basketball, so they'll know you're not great. At the beginning of the game, you want to act like you don't know what you're doing so they don't guard you. This way, you'll be wide open when you get the ball to shoot.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I get away from the other team?

Community Answer

Move around a lot. If the other team tries to cover you again, just move again. Never stop moving!
Question

How do I dribble a ball before passing it?

Community Answer

All you have to do is dribble the ball like normal, then easily throw the ball to the person you're passing to.
Question

How do I become better at basketball?

Community Answer

You need to practice every day, for about 10-20 minutes. You should practice your shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense. Practice will help you become better at basketball.

Warnings

When guarding a player of the Opposing team, make sure you don't touch them or you could get called for a foul.

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If you have the ball and you dribble, stop dribbling, then dribble again, that's a violation.

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Don't walk outside the lines that are highlighted, or it could be out of bounds.

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Never... walk with the ball without dribbling. That's called a travel.

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