Better Basketball
NBA all-stars Grant Hill and Kevin Johnson offer advice for improving your game.
There are few sure things in professional basketball. But you can bank on the fact that Grant Hill and Kevin Johnson will be among their teams’ leaders in scoring, assists, hustle, and hard work.
Both Hill and Johnson are perennial National Basketball Association all-stars who have also played on U.S. Olympic teams.
I spoke with these two players separately, and both offered some sure-fire tips to help you improve your own game.
How do you become a good ball handler?
Hill: Just like with schoolwork, you simply have
to spend time with it. I grew up bouncing a ball throughout
the house. I’d dribble on the way to the store and
practice working with both hands.
Johnson: A good dribbler must be ambidextrous—able to use both hands. You have to keep your head up as you dribble, and most important of all, practice a lot.
What’s
the secret to a good pass?
Johnson: Good passes are crisp and chest level. The
most commonly used pass is the two-handed chest pass.
Hill: Know what types of passes your teammates can handle and then deliver the ball to them where they can handle it. This is easiest to practice in game situations. I enjoy making a good pass as much as making a good shot.
What’s
the best way to take a jump shot?
Hill: I don’t think there is one right way. A lot
of great shooters don’t have textbook form. But you
have to shoot the same way over and over, with good arc
and rotation on the ball. Start in close to the basket until
you feel comfortable there and slowly work your way farther
out. Use your legs to provide power.
Johnson: Square up with your body, keep the elbow on your shooting hand in, jump into the air, shoot the ball from your fingertips, and follow through with your wrists.
How do you manage to concentrate on shooting free throws
with all the noise and pressure?
Johnson: You have to keep your composure and block out
everything else from your mind except the basket in front
of you. And practice foul shots as much as possible.
Hill: Focus only on the rim and putting the ball in. Learn to tune out the crowd noise and the fans with streamers and other distractions. I always follow a set routine. I dribble the ball three times, look at the rim, and shoot.
What
are the basics of good defense?
Hill: It’s like rebounding, which is all desire.
Bend your legs and concentrate on stopping your opponent.
Johnson: Defense is mostly effort. Stay low by bending your knees, slide your feet from side to side, keep your arms extended with your palms up, and always stay between your opponent and the basket.
Any
other tips?
Hill: Learn to shoot lay-ups with both hands, not just
your strong hand.
Johnson: There is no substitute for hard work and desire, and the only way to improve is to practice, practice, practice. Aim to do your best at all times, even in practice.
“Winning
is definitely not everything. Although it seems important
at the time, you have to remember that basketball is only
a game.”
— Kevin Johnson
“Practice
is the place where you develop a proper attitude and the
work habits you will take into games. Practicing hard and
listening to your coaches is essential.”
— Grant Hill
