Expert: Michael Muro - 1/2/2005

Question
Okay, I've got four questions, PLEASE ANSWER!

1. I am a great shooter but only second best on my team. This kinda gets me down a little, how do I become a better shooter?

2. I suck at dribbling, how do I dribble better?

3. I want to be a good defender but I'm OK, any ideas on how I can improve?

4. When I get the ball and my man's all over me, I panic a little and I throw the ball away, how can I calm down when I get a pass?  

Answer
Hi Joey,

You are on the right track to becoming a better player because you are seeking information. On all your questions, the basic answer is to practice.

1. It sounds like you are already a great shooter but we always can get better. If you want to become a better shooter, practice! I do not mean just shoot the ball a hundred times a day but work on game like shots. Go game speed and work on game like cuts that would get you open in a game. When you are done shooting you should be tired and winded from going so hard.

2. To get better at dribbling you need to practice dribbling. Take a ball wherever possible and just keep dribbling. Work on reverse dribbles, cross-over, between your legs, change of direction, right hand, left hand, etc.... Ask your coach for some dribbling drills and spend as much time on dribbling as you do on shooting.

3. Defense is mental toughness. Do not get me wrong there are fundamentals for defense but its how you approach it. Most players don't like to play defense so they do what they have to, to get by. You have to approach it with pride and want to play it. There is nothing more beautiful in basketball then a team playing defense with pride and intensity. You have to play within your coaches scheme of defense so listen to your coach and understand what he is asking you to do. Then take pride in your defense and go as hard or harder than you would on offense.

4. Improving your dribbling skills will probably help you when a defender is all over you. What I teach is to triple threat protecting the ball. This way you can shoot, pass, or dribble. If a man is all over you this is a perfect scenario to drive past him and pass the ball to an open man or take it to the hoop. If he is all over you, triple threat-pump fake-and then drive past him.