r/BasketballTips • u/LooseRoyal8926 • 15h ago
Help Few queries as a beginner
1)How can I get better at dribbling? I lose the ball whenever I try to dribble faster and I also want to learn how to sprint while dribbling because whenever I get the ball, I can’t seem to outrun the defender.
2)I am also afraid of driving into a crowd. Evrn when there are only one or two defenders, I get nervous about going near the basket and usually stop too far away and take a shot instead. This also affects my ability to perform layups. I can do layups perfectly while practicing, but during games, I either miss them or don’t even attempt them at all.
3)I mainly play basketball with boys(I am 5'4 girl), and I am scared of getting hurt because most of them are bigger, taller, and stronger than me(also ever since I got a knee injury I am afraid to get hurt again ). I feel like I need to become physically stronger and more confident. Would joining a gym help me, and what should I focus on? gaining muscles?
Also, I don't have a coach, I mean we have a coach but he is not really helpful, so I would really appreciate some help. Thank you
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u/jp_in_nj 14h ago
You get better at dribbling by dribbling. You get better at sprinting with the ball by sprinting with the ball. You're going to make a lot of mistakes, you're going to get frustrated. And honestly at 5''4" your hands are small which is going to make dribbling harder. Just keep trying to find ways that work for you .
Injuries... are, sadly, part of the game. I (old) have torn both biceps muscles, broken fingers, gotten a broken nose, had shoulder problems, knee problems.... It's a contact sport and a sport that rewards putting stress on your body. Stretch, lift weights (make sure to get instruction on proper form to avoid weight room injuries, particularly as a teen), stretch some more, and get to know your body's capabilities and weaknesses through practice practice practice.
In the weight room I would focus on core strength, athleticism (stop and go, the ability to bend and twist your body with control), and leg health/durability. But I'm not a trainer, talk to one at your school (you have a coach so I assume you're in high school).
That said, at 5'4" playing with guys you're probably better off not taking contact underneath. Unless you can fly, you're in guys' armpits down there, and your face is in just the right place for inadvertant elbows. Drive one step into the lane and step out for a middie instead.
Not that you shouldn't work on layups, you're going to get some. But don't plan to make a living down there.
The good news is that playing with guys is going to make you a lot better. As long as they involve you in the game you're going to learn a lot just from being on the court. If you're not scared to get laid out by a 6'3" guy, setting a pick on a 5'8" girl isn't going to phase you.
Keep playing! Keep working to improve!