Basketball for Beginners

Summary: Ever embarrass yourself in a pick-up basketball game? Maybe that behind the back lay-up didn’t quite make it back to the front before you tried to shoot. Maybe that jam attempt bounced off of the back of the rim. Or perhaps you missed everything from long range. These may be painful memories, but at least you went down trying. Let us now stop to consider a different sort of embarrassment, that of being too scared to even step on the court because you’re afraid you can’t compete. Not because you’re not a good enough athlete, but because you just don’t think you know the game well enough to not make a fool of yourself. Afraid that everyone will turn around and stare at you when catch a pass with your stomach or shoot a jump shot like your granny. Well you are absolutely right, so listen up.

You can swish baskets from all over your driveway court. You think you follow along well enough when the Spurs are whipping their opponents yet again. So now you’re anxious to try your hand in a real game, but just not sure what it takes. Well it takes much more than a three-pointer from the mailbox and virtual high-five for Tim Duncan. Expert Village knows and now you will too.

In this series of videos covering basketball fundamentals, our expert gives you an overview of such basics as how to dribble and pass, and demonstrates how to shoot lay-ups, jump shots and free throws. He even gives you insight on how not to foul, important information if you are avoid getting ridiculed in that local pickup game. He also shares his insights into stretching exercises and how to get in shape so you won’t be gasping for air at one end of the court while the game rages at the other basket.