The NBA regular season has recently begun. Like any other fan of the sport, we bet it has already rekindled that little fire in your heart, urging you to pick up that ball and get some shots up.
A great basketball player can develop in a multitude of ways. You can observe basketball icons and how they play or hone and master your skills through practice. Even adding a simple inspirational sign in your space can contribute to your dreams of playing in the big leagues.
We’re here to give you some advice to help you achieve your ultimate goal of being a great player. Let’s first tap into how and where the sport began.
The First Bounce: A Brief History of Basketball
It may be hard to believe, but basketball has been a sport for over a hundred and thirty years. Like any other invention, it all started with boredom. James Naismith, a Physical Education teacher, and his students at the International YMCA Training School were bored out of their minds during a stormy day in 1891.
Back then, there weren’t many enjoyable indoor sports and games. So Naismith took it upon himself to keep his students entertained and engaged despite the raging storm outside. With the limited resources he acquired from the school janitor (peach baskets and a ball), the incredible sport of basketball was birthed.
Of course, since it was the first time basketball game, it didn’t have any concrete rules yet. In fact, the only goal of the sport was for players to get the ball in the peach baskets, which were placed 10 feet high on the gymnasium balconies. So it’s not surprising that the very first basketball match turned into a game of punches and kicks—an all-out basketball brawl.
Taking note of the fight that occurred, the professor gradually created, modified, and enforced more rules as the game progressed and as time passed, eventually leading to the sport that we know and love today.
5 Ways to Become a Brilliant Baller
Learning the sport's humble beginnings is one thing; knowing how to be a great player is another. So how exactly can you reach your dreams as a professional basketball player? We’ve listed some tips you should remember in your pursuit of becoming an excellent athlete.
It Takes Practice
Practice makes perfect: that’s the motto of almost every successful athlete. If you wish to be as great as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and other basketball legends, you must hone your skills with practice.
Start with the basics by learning how to dribble, pass, and shoot. Don’t forget to know the rules of the game by heart. Polishing and mastering the fundamentals will help you become a fully-developed and seasoned player.
Be Keen and Observe
It is relatively known that humans learn mostly by observation. Use this skill to your advantage by keenly watching other players during basketball games. Learn how they move and shoot, and try to integrate these lessons into your skills.
Attend and watch as many basketball matches as possible and observe how certain strategies, plays, and tactics work on the court.
Work on Your Stamina
Playing the game doesn’t stop at gaining the requisite skills. Besides learning to shoot three-pointers like Steph Curry, you must also improve your physical health to keep up in the game.
Regularly exercise with a routine that can help you build on several components of your physical fitness, such as strength, stamina, agility, and speed. Try the following exercises in your room as a starting point:
- 30 Pushups
- 20 Sit-ups
- 20 Squats
- 30 Burpees
- 30 Jumping jacks.
Wear the Proper Attire and Gear
Another important component to consider is your attire while playing. A tight-fitting shirt can hinder your movement and make you lose your focus. To avoid that, remember to wear the proper attire before playing:
- Breathable and light jerseys
- Snug basketball shoes or sneakers with strong grips
- Wristbands and ankle supports
- Socks and headbands.
Stay Inspired
It might not be apparent at times, but plenty of players suffer from athlete burnout. That’s why you should not disregard your mental health throughout your basketball journey. Keep the fire burning by looking up to your basketball legends.
Decorate your space with inspirational materials such as quotes and posters of your idols. A true basketball enthusiast will even consider hanging an Air Jordan 1 LED neon sign on their wall to keep them inspired! Besides lighting up your man cave, inspirational neon signs and art can motivate you to keep going.
Get Your Michael Jordan Neon Sign with Neonize!
Ultimately, the journey to becoming an exceptional basketball player starts and ends with you. You’re bound to be one of the next Michael Jordans on the court with the right skills, enough practice, and a limitless drive. So keep your baller dreams bouncing with Neonize!
Neonize has a huge selection of LED neon signs and lights that can light up your space and brighten your spirit. Our neon lights are hand-crafted with the finest and most durable materials and electrical components, such as LED Flex, PVC, acrylic, and flex rubber tubing.
You can also have your neon signs personalized. Send your custom design, and we’ll Neonize it for you!
Get your Michael Jordan logo neon sign in your favorite color today with free shipping!