Best Books to Learn How to Play Basketball
Although basketball is best learnt on the court, reading a book on the game and sport can help you understand the basics of the game. And while basketball isn’t too difficult to understand, at least from a basic perspective, reading a book from an authoritative source can better assist you in getting acclimated to the game and understanding the basic offensive and defensive plays.
Below, we are going to review the best books to learn how to play basketball. These books are all written for beginners and newer entrants to the sport and the gam. And although these books are written for beginners, they provide a wealth of information that even more experienced and advanced players can benefit from.
However, before we review the best books to learn how to play basketball on, please note, that we here at Ball Are Life are affiliated with both the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs. This means we may receive a small commission from any purchases made via our links below. This is at no additional cost to you. While we appreciate the additional commission, we would never recommend a product or service which does not align with our core values nor any product which we would not, and have not, used ourselves.
Looking for additional basketball book recommendations? Consider checking out our reviews on the best basketball books on mental toughness and the best basketball books on leadership!
Basketball for Kids: A Complete Illustrated Guide for Kids and Beginners Players!
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Basketball for Kids: A Complete Illustrated Guide for Kids and Beginners Players is one of the best basketball books on the market to fully learn how to play the game and the sport. Written in a practical, easy to understand manner, this illustrated guide will give you and your child the chance to get your sweat going, as well as enjoy some quality time together!
Over the course of reading this book, you will learn and be able to teach your child how to shoot a basketball properly, boost your child’s offensive and defensive abilities, simple and effective dribbling, passing, and rebounding drills and much more.
How to Play Basketball for Kids: : A Complete Guide for Parents and Players
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This book is an excellent guide for inspiring youths and kids who want to excel in the game of basketball. Author Tony R. Smith provides not only the basic fundamentals that are needed for success, but a blueprint that can be used on any level of the game.
Basketball is an extraordinary sport to support whole child development. The author showcases key fundamentals for sound player development. Concentrating on essential skills of the game: including conditioning, jumping ability, shooting, defense, rebounding, footwork, boxing out and much more. Smith outlines basics in accessible and easy to understand language.
Basketball is a game of mental and physical endurance – this book shows how to gain it all. As a bonus, a section has been added to help players with diet and strength training. If you are looking for the best basketball books to effectively learn how to play the sport, then this book is the perfect fit.
How to Play Basketball – Fundamentals
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While many people consider shooting and scoring as the main elements to a game of basketball, there are many additional aspects which are too often overlooked and ignored. In. How to Play Basketball, the author discusses the nuances of the sport and provides simple, clear instructions on how to master them.
Beginning by discussing how to effectively dribble the ball, to moving on to discussing how to properly pass the ball, to discussing how to properly shoot the ball and score in a layup situation.
This book discusses all aspects of the game and does so in a clear, and clearly defined, manner. Highly recommended for anyone looking to learn step-by-step on how to be a better overall and all-around basketball player.
How to Play Basketball: A Guide to Getting Better By Playing Pick-up Games
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In How to Play Basketball: A Guide to Getting Better By Playing Pick-up Games, author Thomas Wilkins focuses solely on the pick-up game and how a player can elevate their game by playing against local competition.
Too often, the pick-up basketball game is relegated as an afterthought, a game without many set rules or consequences. However, for many of us, the pick-up game is our main form of play and competition.
And learning how to better play on and at a pick-up game can not only provide us with the confidence we need to compete, but also can help us to avoid common mistakes and errors that may be made on the concrete surface.
Coaching Basketball For Dummies
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While many people may frown upon the “for dummies” franchise, they have proven to be a great source for information on a plethora of topics and guides. In Coaching Basketball for Dummies, you will receive expert advice on teaching the basics of basketball—from dribbling and shooting to rebounding and defending—and guiding your kids to a fun-filled, stress-free season.
In addition, you will get a crash course on the rules and regulations of the game, as well as clear explanations of what all those lines, circles, and half-circle markings mean on the court.
You’ll be better positioned to assign team positions, run great practices, and work with both beginning and intermediate players of different age groups. You’ll also see how to ramp up your players’ skills and lead your team effectively during a game. This book will also help you discover how to:
- Develop your coaching philosophy
- Understand your league’s rules
- Conduct a preseason parents’ meeting—crucial for opening the lines of communication
- Teach offensive and defensive strategies
- Keep your kids healthy and injury-free
- Encourage good sportsmanship
- Make critical half-time adjustments during a game
- Help struggling players
- Address discipline problems and handle difficult parents
- Coach an All-Star or Travel team
How to Be Better At Basketball in 21 days
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While How to Be Better At Basketball in 21 Days isn’t exactly meant for beginners to the sport, it can provide newcomers with confidence and goals to become one of the best in the game. And while that may seem like a lofty dream, it can be done and this book clearly guides you on just how to do so.
Whether you’re struggling to nail that winning shot or just can’t seem to pull off the spectacular passes and incredible crossovers you see on TV, author James Wilson will walk you through how to elevate your basketball game in just 21 days.
In the book, Wilson teaches you precision drills and specific exercises to stack skill after skill. Using his core philosophies, this thorough system will improve your form, develop new skills, and help you challenge even the most advanced players.
Similarly, you’ll gain many offensive and defensive advantages on the court after reading this book. Including the following:
- Expert techniques to dramatically increase your basketball shooting accuracy
- How to crush your crossovers and handle the ball like a boss
- How to toughen your mental state and play with courage, confidence, and control
- How to challenge those more advanced players and succeed while doing it
- How to be that go-to player who takes the winning shot and much more!