How to Play One On One Basketball

Whether you are a pro or a beginner, many people find that playing one on one basketball is the most enjoyable. When you play against one other player, your only focus is to stop him and to score as many points. It can be fun because you can see where you are weak in, where you are strong in and how that other player resembles you. It is faced pace and usually quick. However, there are certain things that should be done when playing. These things can help elevate your game.

Here are several key things that you should do on the court:

1) Always be close to your man: When you play defense, do not be scared to get close because it is something good defensive players do. If you are close, you are able to block a shot or at least alter the shot. This way when the player drives, you are able to stick with them and you can also jump when they shoot a jump shot.

2) Always hustle: When you are on the offensive or not, if you hustle and try to make plays, you will beat the other player. You have to run for loose balls, you have to be aggressive on the rebounds because these plays can help you in the game. If you lack the desire, then you won't play at your potential.

3) Always keep your opponent guessing: When you play, you can drive or shoot in many ways. If you keep abusing the same tactics, it will be easy to guess what the next move will be. This is why you need to mix up drives, shots and more so that nothing is a good guess.

4) Always go for a good shot: Whether you are open or not, you have to create a shot that has a good chance of making it in. Do not shoot something that will easily be blocked. If you are open, ask yourself, can you drive for a better shot? Shooting open jump shots is a good idea.

5) Contest every shot: This cannot be said enough. At times, if you are tired, it can seem pointless to contest the shot because it may not go in. If you do not contest the shots, your opponent will score at will leaving you with more work to make up if you want to win.

6)Work the ball inside: When you have the ball in your hands, you should make an attempt to get a easy shot. If you cannot, then shoot a jump shot which can be done at the beginning of your possession.

7) Play in a good defensive position: If you are on defense, you should bend your knees, lower your body a little, face your opponent and put your hands up. This way you can go for a jump shot and a drive.

8) Fake and protect: When you are on the offensive, you should always fake if you can. If you fake, you can create an open shot that would have been blocked or played tightly. You can make your shot really count if you mix and match until you like the shot you have. When you drive and have the ball, always try to protect with your body and other arm. By doing this, it will prevent steals which can lead to easy shots.

9) Do not do any too fancy: When playing, if you are serious about winning, do not do fancy things that can lead to missed shots.

10) Set goals: When playing, keep track of what is happening. Make adjustments, and make needed actions for the next game.

Playing basketball is fun but remember to do the above and to be in top condition.

McGrady Finally Sees His Best Chance To Win In Playoffs

Tracy McGrady is well aware that this will be his best chance of winning a postseason series.

This is McGrady's sixth postseason and he is also knows that the Houston Rockets have the best record of any team that he has played in the last 10 season. For the first time in his career, McGrady's team will have the advantage of playing on home court.

McGrady said that he has the feeling that something good will happen during the playoffs. After playing for 10 seasons, he is just happy getting to the playoffs.

Rockets supporters are expecting a lot from McGrady and the team. According to former Rocket player and TNT analyst Charles Barkley, if the Rockets do not get beyond the first round in the playoffs, McGrady will have to face the aftermath. He feels that McGrady has more pressure on him than any other Rockets player.

In the last two years, McGrady has missed 40 games because of back spasms and even though he has found a specialist in December 2006 to help him, he played the last few weeks of the regular season as if his career was coming to an end.

McGrady averaged 33 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists in the Rockets five consecutive victory before they lost to Utah 101-91, a game that McGrady sat out.

Before that McGrady scored 39 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists to help the Rockets win 120-117 over Phoenix. This was the game that helped the Rockets get the home court advantage when they take on Utah in the first round series.

McGrady said that he is aware how important it is for the team to play well as they enter the playoffs and that is the reason why he wants to take his game to the next level. He further added that he would do everything it takes to win games.

Even his teammates have noticed a difference in him off the court.

Just before the Rockets went on their three game road trip, he gave the players a pep talk on the bus ride to the airport. It was completely out of character for McGrady.

McGrady is aware that most pressure is on him and he is ready for the challenge.

10 Secrets to Increase Your Vertical Jump

Basketball players know that the ability to out jump everyone else on the floor gives you celebrity status. Dunkers with high verticals to elevate will tell you that there is no better feeling in the world then to rise high and throw it down hard. Certain factors like height, the length of your limbs, and your grip on the basketball do take some consideration when wanting to dunk and jump high. But for those of us that do not fit the 6 foot tall prototype of a basketball player there is no need to fear because what is not natural can be learned.

Here are some of the best exercises you can to do increase your vertical jump.

1. Plyometric Drills for Jumping: plyometrics is the science of training your muscle to release maximum energy in the shortest amount of time. A weaker athlete that can squad 5 repetitions of 100 pounds in 4 seconds will be faster and jump higher then a stronger athlete that can do 300 pounds in 10 seconds.

2. Weight Training for Jumping: although not always necessary but very recommended to reach maximum ability is weight training. Having a strong overall body helps to support motion and impact in any sport, this is also important to reduce injury.

3. Stretching for Jumping: flexibility is key to unleashing the potential of your muscle and ligaments. The ability of your muscle to reach a wider range of motion increases your chances of reaching maximum output.

4. Technique for Jumping: there are only 4 styles of jumping when it comes to dunking. Knowing the style that best fits your coordination will vastly improve your chances of dunking no matter how tall or short you are.

..above are some of the most important steps to work on when training to increase your vertical jump. Most experts will tell you that setting a goal and goals within your goal are the blueprint to success. Keep your eye on the goal and patience along with determination and perseverance will get you the results. To find out how to get started visit www.CrazyHops.com for your blueprint to Dunking.

To learn more exercises on improving your vertical jump, please visit http://www.crazyhops.com/

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