1. Local Basketball Courts
Basketball courts are the most commonplace to practice basketball. All over the world, kids and adults can be found shooting hoops, warming up for a game, or simply playing around with their friends.
Find one nearby that is safe to practice on. Look for smooth concrete or asphalt surfaces, low objects that could get in your way, and a space large enough to move around in.
Playing time at courts can be limited due to game schedules, but it’s okay to ask for some court time if they are not in use. You might even make some new friends who play basketball!
2. The Driveway
If you don’t have access to a local court, try practicing at home. The driveway is the best place for this because it’s easy to clean up balls that go astray and probably already has markings for basketball courts.
Plus, you’ll be warmed up before heading out to practice with friends! However, because your driveway isn’t explicitly designed for basketball, there are some things you should keep in mind: Make sure it’s not too elevated or steep to shoot on. You want the ball to bounce the same way it does on a court.
3. Community Centers
If you live in an apartment or condo, there are probably basketball courts available. However, if your home isn’t large enough for multiple courts (and it probably isn’t), you can always go to the community center.
Community centers are usually attached to a school, so use them if you have access to one. Their play areas are typically large and open, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding space to shoot hoops.
4. A Last Resort
Last resorts are where you play if there is no other option. The last resort can be used for any sport, not just basketball. If there is no other choice, these are the best practice locations because they are usually open, but they are not meant to hold many people or games.
Depending on the courts you’re using, some last resorts may have a limited number of hoops available. Always ask first if playing time is limited! This doesn’t indicate that there is no space elsewhere; however, it only means they have enough space to fill up their court area. Last resorts can be found at parks, community centers, or even outside gyms if tenants move out.
5. Open Gymnasium
Open gymnasiums are the perfect place to play basketball with a group of friends. Open gymnasiums are usually large and have a lot of space to move around in. Often available gymnasiums will have lockers, benches, basketball hoops, and even bleachers.
Open gyms usually have schedules posted on the bulletin board, so be sure to check them out before going. The best practice locations with open gyms offer multiple courts as there is more room to move around as opposed to just one court with only a few hoops available for free play.
6. DIY Basketball Station/Mini Court
The most helpful place for basketball players would be the home of an avid player who has a court set up at home. If you have the luxury of having a basketball court at your home, that is usually where players will practice.
Basketball stations are great for practicing your shots. They are cheap, easy to assemble, and portable, so you can take them with you when you move! An average DIY basketball station has two hoops, an area for drills, and a section for free play.
4 Basketball Drills You Can Do Inside Your House
Barber Pole
This is the most straightforward drill that you can do inside your house. You can do this by hooking up the hoop to your ceiling, putting on some music, and getting started.
You want to make sure that you are doing this exercise on a flat surface (like the floor or carpet) so no bounce on the ball. Also, make sure that your feet are stable on both sides of the floor or carpet, don’t try to jump up and down.
Figure Eights
This drill works on your passing and moving skills more than shooting them, as it’s not as easy as shooting with the net. This is also a drill that you can use an actual partner with to make it more challenging or competitive!
On the Floor Form Shooting
This is a basic drill that involves the rest of your body.
This drill is good for working on your form and making sure that you can form a shot and make it go through the hoop. It’s also suitable for all opposite skills, like turning and running (which will be explained in another post).
Sit in Your Stance
This is a drill I like to call “Stay in Your Spot.” It’s essential to use this as you’ll see what happens when you don’t do it right later, but for now, stay as still as possible as you shoot the ball.
When I say “Stay in Your Spot,” I’m not saying that you can’t move at all. You need to get into the best position possible. Once you’re there, stay there and keep your body steady while you take your shot.
I like to start with my feet shoulder-width apart and about a foot’s distance away from the ball to get into the correct position. Make sure that your feet are pointing straight forward (not outwards or inwards), and make sure that your knees aren’t locked out but bent a little bit.
Rules and Positions of Basketball
- Basketball is a team sport played with five players on each team.
- Each half of the game consists of two twenty-minute periods or four quarters.
- The NBA uses five officials to officiate the game.
- Players call a foul on a player who commits a violation or breaches the rules.
- A free throw is awarded to the player who was fouled after their team has been penalized for committing a violation or breach of the rules.
- A field goal is worth one point when scored from inside the 3-point line and two points when scored from beyond the 3-point line.
- A three-point shot is taken from beyond the 3-point line extending into the playing court, 15 feet away from the sideline and 24 feet away from the baseline.
- A shot hit from behind the 3-point line is automatically a three-point shot.
- The ball may not be tapped twice before the shooting, dribbled once, and then shot, nor may a player begin their dribble by bouncing the ball more than one time.
- The ball shall not be thrown inbounds more than once without being picked up by a player of either team.
- A change of possession occurs when a team in control of the ball contacts a player who has been inbounding, resulting in the other team regaining control of the ball and gaining possession.
- Infringement of the rules can result in a foul.
- A personal foul is committed when any player commits an illegal action resulting in contact with their opponent.
- A technical foul is when an official deems unsportsmanlike conduct such as abusive language, taunting, or intimidation of an official, another player, or a spectator.
- Penalty shots are awarded for severe infractions such as fighting and the use of profane language by players and coaches while they are on the playing court area.
- The winner of a game is decided by the team that scores the most points after the match unless overtime is played to break a tie score; overtimes frequently occur in high school and college basketball games.
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Conclusion
We hope you find the best possible basketball practice locations for playing basketball, but keep in mind that they’re not all ideal locations. If you don’t know much about basketball, there’s no need to practice on an official court. You can always ask someone who practices at that particular location what their opinion is.
FAQ’s
Q. Do I need to practice basketball?
A. It depends on your goal. If your goal is to play basketball for fun with friends, there isn’t a need to practice every day. If you are looking to be competitive or join an organized league, then practice is necessary!
Q. How often should I practice?
A. This question depends on your goal as well. Usually, people who already play basketball will say “3-5 times a week”, but that is because they are looking to become better at it and not just for fun (see Q&A above). If you are looking for a recreational goal, you can practice a few times a week.