Foundations of a Skilled Basketball Player
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Randy_Brown]Randy Brown

All great athletes possess the basic fundamentals of their sport. In basketball, there are many foundational elements that are part of the overall player and their ability. In this article you will read about 10 foundations that all players must work towards. Young players and coaches need to devise a plan to progressive gain each of these characteristics, skills, and abilities.

These are the ten essential foundations of a skilled basketball player:

1. Desire to play and enjoy the game. Without enjoyment, any activity can become routine and boring.

2. Understanding of the game and its purpose. IQ can be gained by engaging in any activity.

3. Balance. This is a building block for all athletes at all levels.

4. Footwork. A player with good footwork can make up for a lot of other deficiencies.

5. Vision and awareness. Players learn where they are, where their teammates are and what the next move needs to be.

6. Decision making process. The game is packed full of hundreds of split second decisions.

7. Changes of speed and direction. For a player to be effective, he must know how to change his speeds and cut at angles.

8. Toughness. This comprises the mental and physical elements of competition.

9. Skill level and potential. As skill level increases so does the ultimate potential of any player.

10. Playing away from the ball on offense and defense. 80% of the game is played away from the ball on both ends of the floor.

These items form the foundation of any basketball player. Young players can learn each of these as they grow and develop as young people. Being active and participating in activities like athletics allow them to gain an awareness of each of these elements. The process of building a foundation may take time but can be accomplished one at a time.

Parents and coaches can use this list to encourage the learning curve and accomplishments of any young basketball player. Playing the game is not based on fancy passes or dunks. Conversely, it has to do with mastery of the above foundations of the game for each player.

Randy Brown is a basketball instructor, speaker, author and has authored 100+ articles on coaching effectiveness. His 18 years in college basketball highlights a successful 30-year career. Get your FREE bonus at: http://video.kudda.com/coach/Brown Contact him at  [mailto:rb@coachrb.com]rb@coachrb.com

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