How to Get Better at Basketball? Unlock Your Hidden Potential!
Mastering the Basics First (No Skipping!)
I was talking to my buddy James last weekend — we played a casual 3v3, and after the game, he sighed and said, “Man, how do I actually get better at basketball? I feel stuck.” And honestly, I’ve been there too.
Focus on dribbling, shooting, and footwork
Before you start dreaming of flashy dunks or ankle-breaking crossovers, you need to get your fundamentals sharp. I once made the mistake of only practicing long shots (because hey, Steph Curry vibes, right?) — but my dribbling was weak, and I’d panic under pressure. Lesson learned: solid handles + clean shooting form + strong footwork = foundation for everything else.
Daily practice matters more than long sessions
James thought he had to train for hours, but actually, 20-30 minutes of focused daily practice can work wonders. Work on your weak hand, set a goal (like making 100 free throws), or just dribble around obstacles. Small, consistent steps.
Building Game IQ and Awareness
Watch the pros intentionally
Okay, we all watch NBA games — but do you watch like a student or just for fun? Start noticing how players move without the ball, how they communicate, how they space the floor. I started doing this, and honestly, it changed how I play pickup games. Suddenly, I saw openings I’d never noticed before.
Play with people better than you
This one hurts the ego, no lie. But every time I played against stronger, faster, smarter players, I leveled up. Yeah, I got crushed sometimes, but I learned way more than when I was just dominating with friends. James recently joined a local league and texted me: “Bro, they’re destroying me, but I can FEEL myself improving.” That’s the grind!
Physical Conditioning and Mental Toughness
Strength and agility matter
You can’t skip the gym. Basketball needs core strength, leg power, and endurance. I used to hate conditioning drills — suicides? Ugh! — but now I get it: if you’re gassed, your skills crumble. Do some squats, lunges, planks, sprints. Your future self will thank you.
Confidence is built, not given
Here’s where I’ve had a huge shift. I used to think I just wasn’t “naturally confident.” But confidence grows from preparation. When you KNOW you’ve put in the work, you step on the court differently. Sure, you’ll miss shots, mess up plays (I still do all the time), but you trust yourself more.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t compare your journey too much
James was frustrated because his friend picked up new moves faster. But listen — everyone progresses at their own pace. I’ve had phases where I plateaued for weeks, even doubted myself. Stick with it. The improvement sometimes sneaks up on you.
Rest and recovery are part of the process
I can’t stress this enough: don’t burn out. I once overtrained, got a minor knee injury, and was sidelined for weeks. Schedule rest days, stretch, listen to your body. Better to take a break now than be forced into a long break later.
So, how do you get better at basketball? Combine smart, daily practice with game awareness, physical prep, and mental grit. Want me to share some of my favorite drills or recommend good YouTube channels? Hit me up — I love swapping tips with fellow hoopers!
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.