Basketball is one of those dynamic games that require sharp focus, intuition, and a pretty good physical level of play. The players must focus on the team plays and at the same time, level up their individualistic gameplays too. With the fame of the NBA and many other popular basketball associations throughout Australia, many individuals, especially children, want to try their hand at shoots and dunks while sporting a stunning Lakers or a Kobe jersey. A survey conducted in 2018 showed that there are over 298,000 basketball players under the age of 18 and around 285,000 below the age of 2 in the country.
Basketball can be fun and exhilarating at the same time but like all great games, basketball takes an immense amount of skill and practice. But not to worry! As a beginner, there are plenty of things to work out and start with. To help, here is a short list of all the accessories required when starting:
Things To Consider
- Basketball Shoes: Always have three or four pairs of shoes, two for formal games or competitions and two casual ones for practice and warm-up. There are lightweight styles and high tops but that will depend on the player's game style. Make sure the formal pairs always match the uniform or the roster.
- Jerseys: Again, a pair for formal games and a pair for casual warmups. Jerseys should match the shorts as always and should represent the team or the company. For casual games or warm-ups, players can opt for simple jerseys or branded ones like a kobe jersey.
- Sleeves: Although not a requirement, leg sleeves, and shooter sleeves can cushion impacts and make movements a little more confident.
- Other Accessories: Basketball pumps, water bottles, and carry bags are all part of the arsenal when it comes down to a good practice session.
Some Important Tips For Beginner Players:
- Always buy shorts and apparel that is comfortable to work with.
- Having the correct athletic gear is important for any game that will protect you from injuries, increase your capacity to breathe, protect you from the elements, and support your fitness mindset.
- Getting the wrong gear can be very difficult to work with and can lead to injuries. Being an aerobic game, get shorts and a jersey that is easy to play with and does not cause discoloration during the game due to sweating.
- Hire a professional coach to ensure proper guidance and training through out the practice. it's easy to learn through other friends and games but having a coach will allow the player to identify any weakness in practice that others may not recognize easily.
- Be physically fit and active. As mentioned before, being an aerobic game basketball requires a lot of stamina and fitness to play through the whole quarter. The player will not be able to reach a peak level of gameplay if they are not physically fit.
- Always have a proper stretch and warm-up routine before every game. This allows the player to get ready for action and activates the muscles for gameplay. Not doing enough stretches or warmups can lead to poor gameplay and may even lead to injuries.
- Work on the basic basketball moves like dribble and shooting. Once these simple moves are mastered, it'll be easier to move on to complex skills and movements. Failure to master these moves will not allow the player to reach their full potential, leading to bad gameplay.
- The final piece of advice for this article is to have lots of fun. Having a fun attitude and confidence in oneself can result in a drastic change in gameplay. It's all in the mindset and this translates into every activity during the game. Be clear-headed, don't be easily distracted, and let go of all expectations and fully immerse the mind in the game.