Galen Harkness • December 18, 2023
Mastering the Art of Assists: Elevate Your Game with These Pro Tips
In basketball, assists aren't just about passing the ball
In basketball, assists aren't just about passing the ball; they're a testament to a player's vision, skill, and team spirit. Inspired by an NBA game featuring an impressive 15 assists, let's explore how you can elevate your assist game.
The Value of Being a Willing Passer:
- Build Team Chemistry: Understand that passing is a two-way street. It's about creating opportunities for your teammates and enhancing the overall team play.
- Action Steps:
- Practice different passing techniques – chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass – in various game situations.
- During scrimmages, consciously decide to pass more and observe the team dynamics.
The Power of Vision - Looking Up the Court:
- Benefit: Improves your ability to make quick, effective decisions and spot open teammates.
- Action Steps:
- During practice, focus on keeping your head up and scanning the court.
- Use drills that involve decision-making under pressure to simulate game scenarios.
Navigating the Paint with Skill and Patience:
- Advantages: Being able to penetrate the paint with control can dismantle defenses and create scoring opportunities.
- Action Steps:
- Work on dribbling drills that emphasize agility and control in tight spaces.
- Practice patience in the paint; use drills that require you to hold your position before making a play.
Fostering a Team-First Attitude:
- Benefits: Encourages a more cohesive and effective team unit.
- Action Steps:
- Celebrate your teammates’ successes in games and practice. This builds morale and team spirit.
- Actively look for opportunities to assist rather than score, especially during practice games.
Conclusion:
Improving your assist game is about more than just passing skills; it’s about developing a comprehensive understanding of the game, honing your technical abilities, and nurturing a team-first mindset. Remember, every great assist is a step towards not just personal improvement but also towards building a stronger, more cohesive team.
Final Tip:
Watch professional games, not just for entertainment, but as a study tool. Analyze how top players make their assists, their positioning, and decision-making. Try to emulate these in your practice sessions.
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