I need help!

[Argyle]

Right, I may have mentioned on another thread (that we shall no longer talk about   that some of the American Sport discussions on here baffle me a bit.  Not because i am not interested, but simply because over here we are not exposed to the finer elements of any of your big four games.

Anyway, to the point of this post.  Somehow I have managed to get involved in a basketball summer league over here in Sheffield.  It starts next Thursday.  Fundamentally I understand that the aim is to get the ball in the net, i know the 3 second rule, i know that you have to take a shot every 24 secs etc.  I am actually quite good defensively having played last year.  Although my pic doest really show, I am 6ft 4 and pretty stockily built so mixing it up and getting onto rebounds is no problem. 

However, my positional sense is abysmal, not like football at all which is my only sporting comparison.  I also find it difficult to get into positions to score.  So, I wondered whether or not any of you guys could provide me with some online coaching tips.  Some of the teams in our league are pretty good, and although we have one or two excellent players, a couple of former pros and also the England coach we have the remainders as complete novices. 

I am ready to absorb your collective sporting knowledge!

[BaldRob]

I only played for a couple of years and that was a long, long time ago... but here's some links that have tips on them:

http://www.powerbasketball.com/index.html

http://www.bbhighway.com/

http://www.coachesclipboard.net/

[Tyler]

Argyle, if you can get good at rebounding, this is as valuable as being able to score.  And you triple your worth on the court if you can get offensive (when your team shoots) rebounds and put them back up for a score.

Since you're a big guy, you're going to want to primarily stick being around the lower key without getting to far under the basket.  I'm assuming  you'll be playing one of the forward positions or center.  Since you're close, you'll want to practice using the backboard to bank your shots into the hoop.  Remember to position yourself between your opponent and the ball when your team has the ball.  Once you get the ball, you'll need to either shoot over your opponent, or dribble and position yourself to get in between your opponent and the hoop - again making sure you don't get too far under the basket.

Hope this isn't too high level.

[tomgallagher]

Can you dribble the ball and maintain control of it, if not practice. As T. has said rebounders, both offense and defense, are worth their weight in gold  and if you can rebound, practice your outlet pass. Phew, that is enough for a while.

[Argyle]

Thanks guys that is great.  Yep i think i am better than most in my team at defensive rebouds particularly.  I seemed to be quite good at getting in the right place at the right time.  I think the rest will come with practice, but knowing what i am aiming for is extremely helpful.  At the moment, it feels like watching a load of seven year olds playing football, all following the ball rather than holding position.  Great fun though, I never thought a game with so many breaks could be so exhausting, i am converted!!