In the NBA, basketball coaching strategies are important to the outcome of the game. Substitutions, defensive or offensive plays required skilled players to understand and to be able to execute the plays. That is why players need to train in order to be physically prepared to execute basketball strategies when it comes to game time.

Working at a company that produces electronic basketball scoreboards, Electro-Mech is here for all your sports related needs. We try to focus on every aspect of the game. From training (as with this article) to winning and to losing, that’s what we’re here for.

Here are some critical basketball training tips:

Footwork: The most under-appreciated aspect of training is the need for sound footwork. The key to footwork in basketball is the balance exchange that comes from pivoting and the ability to stop and start frequently on the court. This is one of the basketball training tips you can use to develop both skills. Start at one end of the court in an athletic stance. Run to the free throw line and come to a jump stop, landing on both feet. Now pivot on one foot forward and run to the half-court line and jump stop again but this time, pivot backwards. Repeat at the free throw and baseline again. Run this drill at least 5 times to develop balance, pivot moves and get used to jarring starts and stops.

Defense: One of the best training tips for basketball is also one that prospective players like the least: to prepare for the demanding and unspectacular task of playing lockdown defense. It is an invaluable asset to a team and will make you a desired starter but it involves a lot of training. The first important workout is to do defensive slide drills: pick any line, stand facing perpendicular to the line and repeatedly step first to your left with your left foot and then slide your right foot to bring you back to standing position. Do this at least 10 times per rep and then switch directions. It is important to go as fast as you can. The other drill is to find some stadium stairs and run up and then down them at a fast pace, lifting the knees high, for 5 minutes and then build to 10 minutes. Both of these will improve defensive ability and make the player more valuable as part of basketball coaching strategies.

Offense: The part of training that most players work on without coaching is offense. However, many players approach this as a relaxing time to shoot the ball from various spots and then leave the gym. It is important that the practice is intense to simulate games and cause real improvement. The are some basketball training tips to help improve shooting for any player. Pick and mark five spots are the basket and, practicing excellent shooting form, shoot 15 shots and make at least 12 of them to advance from spot to spot. Next, repeat the drill except you must focus on a quick-release to simulate game speed conditions. The shooter must still make 12 of 15 shots and not sacrifice good shooting form for speed. Most offensive basketball strategies assume that the player will have a quick release of the ball and this tip will help develop that skill.