Best Videos to Learn How to Play Basketball

Whether you’re a seasoned basketball player or simply just looking to get started in the game, there are a ton of helpful videos both online and DVD’s available to purchase to help you become a better player. 

These videos, often produced by world-class basketball athletes, will help you to learn both the fundamentals of the game and more advanced techniques, such as the weak side and defending against an incoming layup.

Below, we are going to review and recommend the best videos to learn how to play basketball with.  Many of these videos are free and available to watch immediately online, while others are available to purchase and can be viewed from the comfort of your own home.

However, it is important to view the videos in their set chronological order.  Regardless of your own skill level, these videos, which are produced by some of the best basketball players in the world, will uncover new and unique tips and tricks which will help you to increase your overall basketball knowledge and IQ.

Admittedly, and considering, that we run a website dedicated to basketball and sports in general, we cannot overstate the importance of watching and learning from basketball videos.  And while reading text online on some of the intricacies of the sport is helpful, if you are looking to learn specific plays, moves, and techniques, then a video source is your best bet.

Why Should You Watch Basketball Videos?

These videos, often produced by world class basketball players, will go over and review, step-by-step, the best ways to increase your basketball knowledge.  But, perhaps more importantly, they will show you clearly how to perform specific moves and sequences which will increase your basketball knowledge and understanding.

However, it is important to remember that while both video and text sources are important components in learning how to play basketball and increase your overall basketball knowledge, nothing can replace practice.  As such, be sure to head out to your local park or driveway and perform the techniques and plays that you are shown to better help you grasp those points.

Best Beginner Basketball Videos

If you are just getting started and would like to learn the fundamentals of the game, these are some of the best beginner basketball videos.  These videos will help you to get a better understanding of the game and will help you to be more confident on your first time on the court.

• Ganon Baker’s Basketball School –  Ganon Baker’s Basketball School is, without a doubt, one of the best basketball DVDs to learn how to play basketball.  A complete set of basketball videos, Ganon Baker reviews the fundamentals of the game from ball handling to passing to shooting and driving to the basket.  A great resource and one of the top basketball videos which effectively showcase how to play the game.

• Driveway Basketball Drills – if you are just getting started in basketball, there is no better way to practice then from your own driveway.  Once setup with a proper hoop and ball, Driveway Basketball Drills will showcase over 30 different ways to improve your game.  These drills are relatively simple to learn and can be practiced alone or with a group of friends and neighbors.

• 21 Best Youth Basketball Drills for Beginners – perhaps our favorite video on YouTube for learning how to play basketball for beginners, this video reviews 21 basic basketball drills which can be practiced to help you feel more confident on the court.  Organized into five fundamental skills, you’ll learn how to dribble, defend, layup, and shoot the ball.  Just over 17-minutes in length, this video is a complete tutorial on how to learn how to play basketball and an indispensable resource for anyone just getting started in the game.

Best Intermediate Basketball Videos

If you have a solid grasp on the fundamentals of the game and would like to take your game to the next level, then these videos are for you.  More advanced than the beginner videos above, you’ll learn more advanced tips and tricks to help you become an even smarter basketball player.

• Handle the Rock – we’ll be the first to admit that the DVD, Handle the Rock, is a bit old looking.  But this is one of the best intermediate basketball videos out there.  Segmented into three 24-minute videos, you’ll learn more advanced techniques, including how to better dribble the basketball, how to beat a double-team defense, and how to better your crossover skills.

• The Process:  Reaching the Next Level –  a three-part series,  The Process: Reaching the Next Level helps you to learn how to take your basketball skills to the next level.   Done and explained in an easy-to-follow process, you’ll be able to learn alongside real live workouts and basketball practices.

• How to Instantly Boost Your Shooting Accuracy – a pretty self-explanatory video, in How to Instantly Boost Your Shooting Accuracy you’ll learn, in less than eight minutes, how to shoot better and more accurately.  An easy to understand and follow video, simple repeat the process shown to see your scoring numbers go higher.

Best Advanced Basketball Videos

If you’re a professional player or someone who has spent a majority of their time on the court, then these videos are for you.  Advanced and made for players who already know the fundamentals inside-and-out, you’ll be able to take your game to the top of your potential.

• Advanced Ball Handling Drills – no advanced player can succeed on the court without proper ball handling skills.  This video, in less than five minutes, will help you to learn more advanced dribbling and ball handling moves, helping you to escape tough defenses and help you to drive to the basket.

• Intense At Home Dribbling Workouts with an LA Lakers Coach – who better to learn from to get better than an NBA coach.  In this video, you’ll learn some of the secrets which the professionals use to get better, quicker, and faster.  A must watch for anyone looking to take their basketball skills to the next level.

• Quick Release – Advanced Shooting off the Dribble – one of the most important skills a basketball player can have is the ability to shoot quickly off the dribble.  In just over 2-minutes, this video will show you how to shoot quickly and efficiently off the dribble, leaving your defender behind and  your teammates in awe.