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The Most Interesting Quora Threads on Playing Better Basketball

dirty looking basketball with ugly stitching. Awesome.

How does one shoot the perfect basketball jump shot?

Always shoot with the same form. Always follow through fully. Always keep eyes inside, not on the basket. Jump equally everytime. If too tired, use more arms. Repeat thousands and thousands of times, yearly. You can find more jump shot tips here.

Why do big men overseas shoot better long-range shots than domestic players in the US?

Because they can. Big men overseas are encouraged to be well rounded players, not simply well-rounded big men who should dominate only the post, rebounding and defense. Overseas, what the players lack in athleticism, they make up for in basketball IQ and versatile skill sets. International big men have proven they can handle the ball better, shoot it better from long distance and even pass better on offense than local big men who grow up playing high school and/or NCAA ball.

Which sport’s athletes are better: hockey, basketball, football?

As a basketball fan, I’m biased, but I have to go with basketball. In every meaningful game, the elite show the ultimate combination of concentration, skill set, experience, practice, fitness, intelligence, courage, composure, determination, patience and many other heroic traits. Yes, most of these apply in football and hockey but not all, not as many. In every position of the game, you’re expected to perform at your best. Basketball is it. It’s not even close.

What are the most important point guard skills?

It’s more of an attitude than a skill set, but composure. In high pressure situations, a point guard is the most responsible for ensuring all his teammates stay calm and make good decisions. It’s up to the point guard to orchestrate and guide the rest of the squad. His dribbling, driving, passing and shooting all must be on point, in sync all at once. Neither one of these skills is more important than the other. It all depends on the player and the team/offensive system he plays in. Like Chris Paul and Derrick Rose do in crunch time, elite point guards need to control the tempo and preserve key possessions.

Why do NBA players have low free throw shooting percentages?

They don’t believe in its’ value. Most players average 3-4 free throw attempts a game. Whether they shoot 50% or 80%, it seems that the difference isn’t worth spending more hours at the free throw line in practice, but rather all the other FG shots. It’s an understandable decision players take but I don’t agree. Free throws, and even single points, make a big difference. While free throw percentage is a key indicator, the ability to make free throws in crucial moments is the greater point to note.

Would raising the rim make the game more exciting?

No. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I’d love to see some other rule changes like eliminating intentional drawing of offensive fouls and double technicals.

What are the most important basketball fundamentals to teach a kid?

Learn to love the game. Let the kid figure out what aspects of the game he enjoys. Start with basic shooting, passing, dribbling. Let him/her get comfortable with the ball. The closer he/she grows with the basketball, the more likely to use it consistently. This develops better practice habits.

Once one habit is solid, develop the next, and the next after that. That’s the path to continuous improvement. Small and gradual habit changes. It doesn’t matter specifically which habits or which skills. Every skill is created equal so let the kid figure it out over time and repetition.

What are some good sources to learn about basketball analytics

RealGM, 82games, basketball-reference, synergy sports, elias

How do I deepen understanding of NBA games?

Watch basketball games in person at all levels. Pay attention to the local pickup games at your gym, the high school games, the college games and most importantly, the NBA/WNBA games. The more you watch each of these, the clearer the patterns that emerge. Over time, you’ll really develop habits to keep your focus on the moving parts of a basketball game. You start noticing off-the-ball activity, as well as on-the-ball. You eventually develop a sense of predictability.

Also, pay attention to coaches during games. Watch Tom Thibodeau of the Chicago Bulls coach and you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

Lastly, listen to selected analysts who know what the fuck they’re talking about. 80% are clueless. On tv and on the web. My favorites are Chris Webber, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Steve Kerr, Tim Legler and yes, at times, the often hated Skip Bayless.

How to develop basketball in India as a secondary sport

Align it with cultural values, tradition and history. Cricket, as a sport alone, has just as much significance to India as any other sport. However, cricket is symbolic. Until basketball can be conveyed in similar fashion, it’s tough to encourage the youth to increase participation. Advertising it won’t cut it, the game itself has to be sold not just to the players, but supporters such as family, teachers, health clubs, etc. Done effectively, basketball can spread like wildfire in less than a decade or it could grow gradually and take a century.

How many people play basketball in the world?

Not enough. 🙂