How to get better at basketball dribbling?

Dribbling and controlling the ball is a much-needed skill to practice in basketball. Before the score point added on the board, there’s a long struggle of snatching and handling the ball, creating space while defending it from the opponents, eyes on the ball and the rim, and finally getting that score point.

It is a game all about how good you are with the ball. The better you can handle the ball, the more amazing you will be at the game.

Dribbling is one of the easiest skills to practice as it only requires a basketball and some area. No need for big courts or game partners, just you with your basketball practicing different drills.

Although it may be intimidating at the start, as you keep practicing these drills with dedication, you will find yourself become an amazing ball handler.

Here are some easy tips and drills for you. Practice these more often and step up your dribbling game!

Also Read: Get Better Grip On Basketball Sneakers

Basketball Dribbling Skills for Beginners

Dribble with your finger pads

The first basic key to improving your control over the ball is, dribble with your finger pads. Players often forget this basic tip and dribble with the palm of their hand or fingertips. The truth is, dribbling with the finger pads will give you the best control over the ball.

Hit the basketball harder

When practicing dribbling, try to hit the ball with enough force. If you hit harder, the ball will hit the ground faster and return to you in no time. The more the ball stays in your hand, the less the chance of defender to steal it.

Stay Low

Train yourself to play the game with mobility, strength, and stability in a lower stance while you have the possession of the ball. It will help you play more explosive and the ball will be out of your hands for an even shorter time.

Dribbling with both hands

First, practice your dribbling with one hand, and then learn to use alternate hands while dribbling. A good basketball player should dribble equally well with both hands.

Some Drills to Practice for Getting Better at Basketball Dribbling

Ball Slaps

Start your drill practice by continuously slapping the ball from one hand to the other.

Spider Dribble

Spread your feet about shoulder-width. Use alternate hands and dribble the ball between, in front of, and behind your legs as fast as possible.

Crossover

Dribble and cross the ball continuously from one hand to another.

Drop and Catch

Hold the ball between your legs while one hand in front and others behind your body. Drop the ball, exchange hand positions, and quickly catch it before it falls to the ground.

Front V-Dribble

Use your one hand, dribble the ball from side to side in the shape of a ‘v’ in front of your body.

Freestyle

While staying in a stationary position, practice dribbling with all the moves you know. Be creative and bring your own moves too.

Also Read: Install In Ground Basketball Goal Easily 

Conclusion

How to get better at basketball dribbling is all about practicing different drills and techniques. Advance dribbling skills will get you any spot on the floor and set you up for high-percentage shots, eventually leading your team to a win!

How do you get better grip on basketball shoes?

Imagine you are in a basketball match, you have the ball and you are going for the winning shot for your team, there’s no obstacle ahead and you’re running towards the pole.

But suddenly your shoes loose the grip, you slide on the ground and your perfect shot turns into an embarrassment.

In a basketball match, you can’t let anything stop you from scoring a goal for your team. You need to move swiftly in a basketball court and catch every possible chance of scoring. If your shoes aren’t as swift as you are, they can keep holding you back.

To maneuver the abrupt changes of direction in a basketball match, having shoes with solid grip and traction is incredibly important. Slippery shoes can not only affect the player’s performance, but they can cause an injury too.

Keeping good care of your basketball shoes can improve its grip, avoiding slip and slide, and help you move better on the court.

Even if your shoes are slightly worn down, it can cause you to be one second too early or too late. And this is what the basketball match is all about.

6 Best Ways to Get Better Grip on Basketball Shoes

Cleaning the sole of shoes

Basketball shoes can easily collect dirt and dust from the floor. Even if the court is cleaned regularly, it will still have some dust which then coats the bottom of your shoes, loosing its natural grip.

Keeping shoe soles clean is the first trick to improve the grip. When you wipe off the dirt from the bottom of the shoe, it will start having more friction and contact with the floor, providing you a better grip on your move.

Clean your shoes before and after every match for better results. You can clean them either with a washcloth by wiping down the bottom of your shoe, or by scrubbing down the sole with a bristle brush and soapy water.

Make sure you don’t use them for outdoor courts if the shoes are purposely made for indoor play. The material used for indoor basketball shoes can collect a lot of dust and easily get damaged.

Cleaning the court

Make sure your indoor basketball court is free of dust and dirt by cleaning it before every match. A clean floor will definitely make a big difference.

If you go for dry mopping, it will somehow remove dust but won’t helpfully remove dirt from the floor.

For the best result, Wet mopping is the best way to clean basketball courts. Ask your friends to help you with cleaning before the match, so nothing can hinder your play.

Buy a Gel or Traction Mat

Here’s an easy way to get an extra grip for your shoes. Also known as ‘Sticky mat’, a traction board can give your shoes a certain grip.

All you need to do is step on this sticky mat before the match, and it will instantly grab off the dirt from the rubbery sole of your shoes. The effect might not be for longer so you will have to re-step on it every often.

Traction Fluid

When traction fluid is applied to the bottom of a shoe, it enhances the grip by adding stickiness to the outsoles.

You need to apply enough of it on the soles of your shoes before the match starts and during every timeout.

Hair Spray

Hair sprays can also be used as grip enhancers. Just spray the bottom of your basketball shoes and it will help them stick better to the floor.

Using Sandpaper

This is a DIY method of improving your shoe’s traction on the floor.

Grab low-grit sandpaper and rough up the bottom of your shoes with a few swipes. This will help them to have a better grip on the floor. Just don’t go too hard or you will puncture the shoe completely.

How to Get Better Grip On Basketball Shoes Video

Conclusion

Grip and traction for a basketball player is an important part of their play. A strong grip will help them score more effortlessly. But shoe soles can wear down quickly and lose their grip. You must take good care of them and follow these tricks to retain the grip on your basketball shoes.

Try different methods and figure out which one works the best for you.

Basketball is a fascinating game sport, played all around the world. The popularity of the game inspires the new players to level up their game and stand out amongst others.

To excel any game, there’s only one key to it, that is to practice the most. As you practice more, you will learn new techniques and bring consistency of excellence in your performance.

For improving your game of basketball, you will need to have your own basketball hoop right in your driveway or yard, so you can shoot some baskets every day.

There are many options in the market for you, but the best and safest ones are those who have their foundation in the ground.

The In-ground hoop offers the best stability and professional-level play. However, installing these hoops is not an easy task at all.

This is why we are here to help you. We will guide you about the installation of in-ground basketball hoop, so you can install one by yourself.

Having a hoop will not just uplift your game to the next level, but it will surely be the best weekend fun for your friends and family.

Factors to Consider While Installing In Ground Basketball Goal

Before we start digging the hole, there are some important things to consider and look upon. Make a decision wisely so you don’t have to regret it later.

Location

This is the first thing to consider after buying an in-ground hoop. Choose a location where you want to install your hoop. The ground should be flat and have enough space for the half-court. The size of the NBA court is 94 by 50 feet. It can be your driveway, backyard, or wherever you want.

Make sure to check for underground pipes and adhere to homeowners association rules if necessary.

Arrange the basic supplies

You have the hoop and you have chosen your location. Now its time for arranging the things you will need in the process. These are the tools and materials you will need:-

– Concrete

– Water

– Hole digger

– Tape Measure

– Level

– Ladder

– Sawhorses

– Concrete form

– Wheelbarrow

– Hammer and nails

– Shovel

– Screwdriver

– Wrench (size according to instructions)

How to Install In ground Basketball Goal Step By Step

Let’s start our process step by step so you can be clear with the instructions.

Step 1: Dig a Hole

Dig a hole where you want to install your hoop. Follow the manufacturer instructions to know how to dig the hole, and how big it should be. You can dig with a shovel or any other digging equipment.

Step 2: Pour Concrete

The secret to a long-lasting basketball hoop lies is in the foundation. Follow the instructions to achieve the perfect mixture of concrete and water.

In this step, you will need your friends to help you. Place the pole in the hole you dug and hold the pole as still as you can. Then have someone pour the mixture into the hole.

When the hole is half full, insert the steel bars. They need to be aligned as in the instructions. Then fill the hole until its full. Smooth out the top, clean any excess, and level it.

Leave the cement to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. Keep checking to make sure the pole doesn’t shift or lean.

Step 3: Raise the Pole

You can skip to the next step of your hoop only includes a pole in the cement. But if you have an adjustable-height type of hoop, you will have to assemble and raise the pole.

Not every model is the same, so follow the manual instructions of your model and assemble the lift mechanism.

Take the help of your friends and lift up the pole. Make sure it matches up with the anchor piece in the cement. Adjust and make the pole completely level.

Step 4: Attach the Backboard

Now it’s time to attach the backboard of the hoop. Remember this is a very heavy component so you will need at least 4-5 adults to help you with the safe lift. Take all the safety precautions.

With the help of your team, lift the backboard up in place to support arms and secure it to the support mount.

After safely mounting the backboard, tighten all the screws.

Step 5: Install the Rim and Net

After attaching the backboard, you will now install the rim and net. This is an easy part as mostly rims are preassembled at the factory. All you need to do is fix it with four screws to the backboard.

If you’ve opted for a breakaway rim, follow your manual instructions for the extra assembling required.

Now attach the net on each of the hooks on the rim and get ready for hours of fun and excitement.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

By this step, you have finished installing your hoop. And now it’s time for the additional accessories (if any) such as court lighting or padding which is attached around the backboard and pole. These finishing touches are generally optional but they can prevent injuries when accidentally bumping into the pole.

Adjust the height of the hoop to the desired height if you have an adjustable-height basketball hoop. Use the height stickers provided as they will help you to easily adjust the mechanism.

You are done with all the mechanical work now. It’s time to go a little colorful as colors enhance the beauty of things.

Paint the basketball court lines on the pavement to get a professional feel. Do it after measuring the lines and marking off with painter’s tape. Remove the tape after you paint it.

And now you are good to play and shoot some basketballs with your friends and family in your own basketball court.

Conclusion

Installing an In-ground hoop may seem a difficult job, but following the instructions correctly will just ease the task. The step by step guide will help you to carefully understand each step.

Take every safety precaution to avoid injuries during the process. Follow the above steps and the manufacturer’s instructions to install the hoop correctly.

It will take a bit of work to set up but in the end, it is worth it. As this will be a source of enjoyment for you and your family for years to come.