Measuring success is difficult, as it could mean something differentfor each individual. In abasketballsense, success can be loosely defined as being the best player you can be. That could mean playing on the junior high school team, playing on the high school team, playing college ball, playing professionally. or just being a good player in the summer leagues. How much one wants to improve is up to each individual.How to Improve Your GameFirst, a passion for the game is necessary. Why? Because basketball is a highly intricate andinvolved game that takes endless hours of work to become good at. To truly succeed at the game you have to do more than just "shoot around." A love of the game is necessary in order to put in the proper work. Basketball, to those who take it seriously, is a year round sport. Play as much as you can; wherever and whenever you can. Basketball is a great game. Have fun. Learn from the players around you. Watch what they do well. What can you do to practice and become as good as your opponents? Do other players havemoves that would be effective for you? All great players learn from others.Also, be aware of what you do well. Practice those things often. Take a strength that you have andmake it even stronger. If you are afairshooter, shoot more and become a good shooter. If you area good shooter, shoot even more and become a great shooter.Play as much as you can and improve upon the things you do best, while also working on the things you may not do quite as well. Learn what you need to improve in. Practice to become competentin skills that you have been weaker in. Work on developing a good, all-around game.
The more you practice, the better you'll play. When you practice, practice with a purpose. Break thegame down into skills you need to improve on and the skills you are good at. As I said, work on improving your weaknesses and work at really making those skills you are good at stronger.Make a practice schedule and follow it. Time each drill and stay on schedule. Have goals for each practice session and work toward achieving those goals. Work out with a friend so you can help eachother and reinforce each other. The habits learned in basketball can translate to all aspects of life.The work habits you develop as a player will also help you to become a better student, better worker, better team mate, and a better overall person.
What does it take to become a better player?
• Set Goals
• Work on strengths
• Improve on weaknesses
• Play often
• Utilize clinics, leagues, camps, and programs
• Learn from others
• And most importantly, love the game! Passion is what makes greatness.Here are some general basketball skills to work on:Work ondribblingwith your head up using both handsShoot as much as you can from inside the key and the periemeter Work on offensive moves off the dribble and before dribblingWork on passing skills-practice with a friendWork ondefensive techniques, stance, sliding, and footwork 
Practice ball fakes, jam steps, and up and under movesAlways display a great attitude-listen, learn, and be the best team mate you can.