Keeping possession of the basketball is crucial in basketball to maintain control, create scoring opportunities, and minimize turnovers. Here are some tips to help beginners keep possession in basketball:
Strong Ball Handling
Emphasize the importance of proper ball handling techniques, including maintaining a firm grip on the ball with fingertips, keeping the ball low and protected, and using the body to shield the ball from defenders.
Encourage beginners to practice dribbling with both hands to improve their control and confidence.
Protecting the Ball
Teach players to be aware of their surroundings and anticipate defensive pressure.
Emphasize the need to keep their body between the ball and the defender, using their off-arm as a shield.
Teach them to keep the ball away from the defender’s reach and avoid telegraphing passes or dribble moves.
Passing Fundamentals
Teach players proper passing techniques, including using two hands for accurate and controlled passes, leading the receiver with the pass, and using bounce passes to avoid defenders’ hands.
Emphasize the importance of making strong, crisp passes to reduce the risk of turnovers.
Court Awareness and Vision
Encourage players to develop court awareness and improve their vision by scanning the court for open teammates and potential passing opportunities.
Teach them to recognize defensive traps or pressure and make smart decisions to avoid turnovers.
Communication
Emphasize the importance of communication among teammates.
Teach players to call for the ball, provide clear passing angles, and communicate during defensive pressure situations to help each other maintain possession.
Offensive Rebounding
Encourage players to crash the boards on offense to secure offensive rebounds.
Teach them to anticipate where the ball might go after a shot and position themselves for potential rebounding opportunities.
Take Care of the Basketball
Teach players to value each possession and make smart decisions with the ball.
Encourage them to avoid unnecessary risks or forced passes and instead look for open teammates or reset the offense when necessary.
Awareness of the Shot Clock and Game Situation
Teach players to be aware of the shot clock and game situation to avoid violations or rushed decisions.
Help them understand the importance of managing the clock, making timely passes, and taking quality shots to maintain possession.
Simulate Game Scenarios
Incorporate drills and small-sided games that replicate game situations with defensive pressure.
Provide players with opportunities to practice making decisions under pressure and maintaining possession against active defenders.
By focusing on strong ball handling, protecting the ball, smart passing, court awareness, and communication, beginners can develop the skills necessary to keep possession in basketball. It’s important to emphasize the value of possession and provide ample opportunities for players to practice these skills in game-like situations.
