How to get better at basketball without a ball or court? | Tips

If you’re an aspiring basketball player anytime you are away from the game it can feel as if you are missing out. You may feel you aren’t getting any better or improving. So you are probably wondering…..

How can I get better at basketball without actually playing? There are a number of things you can do to get better at basketball without actually playing, such as working out to get stronger and faster, watching game film, and even reading books on basketball to further improve your basketball knowledge and I.Q.

In this article I am going to give you some suggestions on how you can improve your game off the court, this way you will feel as if you’re improving and not wasting time when your not playing.

 

Improve your basketball game with a Weights & Plyometric program

If you want to excel and become a better basketball player then working out and adding jumping exercises such as plyometrics to your routine is a must.

While you may be genetically gifted with great athleticism right now, once you reach the higher levels, you will realize you may not be able to keep up with the other player’s speed and explosion.

Getting stronger for basketball has so many benefits that it would be a detriment to your game to not workout. There are just too many benefits not to.

For example, the byproduct of getting strong for basketball is an increase in your range when shooting.

Think of getting so strong that all you need to do is simply aim rather than think about how much power you have to put behind your shot.

Working out with weights will make you not only stronger but more explosive. Who doesn’t want to jump higher or run faster?

Adding plyometric jump exercises can help you do so.

Your mentality when working out shouldn’t be results-oriented as we humans tend to have a tendency to want things now.

I want to jump 10 inches in 4 weeks or squat 400lbs right now.

This is a really bad approach that will almost always have you failing. A better approach is slow and steady wins the race.

Working out should be included in your regimen to help you increase your game in the long run. You must think long term not short.

It is only one piece of the puzzle that shouldn’t be overlooked and it will not only improve your overall game but will prevent injury.

If your looking for a free program check out THE VAULT on our site for some free ones.

Stretching For Basketball

Yes, I am including stretching in this list as it is the number one reason to prevent injuries when it comes to basketball.

We all know injuries suck and could sideline you and halt your progress at improving in basketball for months one end.

There are some injuries that can not be avoided such as a torn Achilles or ACL tear. But there are other injuries that can easily be avoided such as muscle pulls.

Stretching not only prevents injury but can also improve performance on the court. Getting on a stretching routine can increase the strength and power you already have and maximize to its full potential.

Simple hip flexor stretches can increase power output in running and jumping on the court.

Adding a foam roller is even better, foam rolling helps to relieve pain and tightness in the muscles, if you need a routine or some exercises a quick google search will do you good.

Study Basketball Game film

Have you heard of Youtube, of course you have. Youtube and Google have an endless supply of basketball resources to help improve your game. 

Take the opportunity to do some research on topics in basketball that you are not familiar with or struggle with. 

Do you know what to do in the case of being down or up at the end of the game?

Do you know the proper way to shoot a basketball? Do you know how to move without the basketball?

All good topics to research and study on and add to your game without having to touch a basketball.

Take 10 minutes before bed and watch a video on these very topics, this seems so small but completely undervalued for a basketball player.

Pick a topic and study it for one week and then move on to another topic. Not sure which? There are some articles on this site on basketball I.Q. in THE VAULT.

I would spend a good month moving without the ball, if you can really learn how to do this you will increase your scoring easily.

Basketball Footwork

Footwork when it comes to basketball is undervalued. If you play in a position that doesn’t involve a lot of dribbling of the basketball then you need to listen up.

Footwork is important for both big and tall players, fundamental footwork never stops even in the NBA no matter what your size is.

Being able to pivot on both feet, jab step, and laying the ball up with your hand both off left and right foot are important.

Shadowing your footwork and pretending as if someone is guarding you will help you improve your footwork even if you don’t have a basketball.

Even Better there are drills you can use on an agility ladder that will help you move efficiently on the basketball court.

The great thing about footwork is 5 to 10 minutes is all you really need.

Not only will you get a good sweat but it’s low impact so you can do it practically every day.

Read books on basketball

Sounds so simple but how many players do it? This doesn’t just have to be books that improve your game this could include biographies and life stories.

Any book on basketball that can help you view the game a little differently is beneficial.

You will realize while reading a lot of books how little of the game of basketball you really do know.

If I could choose one basketball book to read or recommend for you it is called Stuff Good Players Should Know by Dyck Devenzio.

By far this is one of the best books that no one knows about that has basketball tips you can apply right now to your game in an Alphabetical order fashion.

I will go back to it from time to time and pick up something new every time I read it. I can’t believe this book is not talked about more.

The book is full of excellent content and topics of basketball that you would otherwise not even think of.

Another book that Dyck wrote was for coaches and players is called “Running the Show.” It is an excellent book on leadership and how both players and coaches should address the game of basketball and their team.