The Ultimate Way to be a Good Center in Basketball
The center position in basketball is not only one of the most crucial positions, but also one of the more difficult ones. The center is in charge of the initial tip-off, they are seen as the last line of defense against an opposing team, they are expected to take high quality, high percentage shots near the basket, and they are paramount in securing both offensive and defensive rebounds.
As if that weren’t enough, centers are also tasked with guarding other centers and big men on the floor and are often seen as the most capable players to block and defend a shot by the opposing team.
The role of a center is multi-varied and requires both intense discipline and hard work. However, below, we’re going to give you the ultimate way to be a good center in basketball and teach you how to improve your basketball skills in that position.
Core Shooting Abilities
As a center, you won’t be expected to take many, if any, shots from too far away from the basket. This is a twofold reason. Firstly, many centers and big men simply do not have the technical prowess, knowhow, or accuracy to take shots from past the three-point line.
Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, as you will be playing close to the basket, it would behoove your team for you to remain closely centered to the basket, able to grab both offensive and defensive rebounds and to attempt shots with a high percentage of likelihood to go in.
As-such, your core shooting abilities should be a bit more narrowed and focused.
One great exercise to help you is dubbed the Mikan Drill. The Mikan Drill is credited to George Mikan, one of the first big men to play the sport. This drill is designed to help centers and other big men to develop rhythm and the ability to score from within the paint.
To complete the Mikan Drill, simply make a layup with the right-hand from beneath the basket. Rebound the ball with your left-hand and make a left-handed layup. Again, rebound the ball with the right-hand and repeat by making another layup with your right-hand.
Similarly, you can practice your shooting abilities close to the rim by performing the Reverse Mikan Drill. This drill is a bit more difficult than the Mikan Drill but will help you to perfect your form under the basket.
- To begin the Reverse Mikan Drill, start directly beneath the basket, with your chest outwards, facing the free-throw line
- Jump off your left-foot and lay the basketball off the backboard with your right-hand
- Grab the rebound and in one fluid motion, jump off your right-foot and lay the ball up with your left-hand
- Grab the rebound and continue alternating between each hand
Develop a Better Blocking Routine
Let’s face it, as the center and big man on the team, the role of blocking shots will likely fall on your shoulders. You wouldn’t want a smaller player to attempt to block too many shots, especially against larger, bigger players, which will not only give the opposing team a clear advantage but will also likely lead to a foul call.
When it comes to blocking a shot in basketball, a lot of the effort needs to be instinct. Don’t go for blocks that seem too far away nor should you overextend yourself for a block and risk a foul call, or even worse, a three-point play.
If you are looking to block a shot, do so with your arms directly in the air. You should attempt to block a shot with your arm closest to the ball. Similarly, never, ever attempt to chase a shot. Some shots won’t be able to be blocked and it is simply better to let it go.
Some simple basketball blocking drills include the following:
- With two players on the court, have the center stand below the hoop and the other playing stand near the three-point line
- With the assistance of a coach or another player, inbound the ball to the player at the three-point line
- With the ball, the player should drive to the basket hard and attempt to score
- The center should attempt to block or deflect the shot
In addition, you can practice your blocking skills with the below drill:
- With three offensive players, one at the top of the three-point line and the other two at the corners, have your center stand below the basket
- Have a coach inbound the ball to either offensive player
- Allow the offensive players pass the ball amongst each other
- With proper defensive motion, the center should face the player with the ball
- When decided, have one player on offense drive to the basket in an attempt to score
- The center player should attempt to block the shot attempt
Maintain a Rebounding First Mindset
In addition to shooting and blocking drills, a basketball player playing the center position should be adept at rebounding the ball. This not only includes defensive rebounds but also offensive ones. Rebounding is a core skillset and one that your team will rely heavily on you for.
Proper and effective rebounding skills can not only help your team to win the game but can also swing the momentum to your side. As a big man, you are in the perfect position to grab a majority of your team’s rebounds.
Defensive and offensive rebounds can swing the momentum of a game. A crucial miss by the offensive team is only as valuable as the ability to secure the ball after the miss. This means that it is absolutely essential to not only practice an effective box out but to also position yourself to where the ball is likely to land after a miss.
A great rebound drill to practice at home is the self-pass off of the backboard. Standing directly facing the backboard, attempt to throw the ball off of the backboard with full force. You should be able to secure the ball with both hands before it lands on the floor. Repeat this drill a minimum of fifty times.
In addition, the importance of your vertical jump cannot be overstated when it comes to securing the rebound. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to practice your vertical jump as a parallel to practicing rebounding skills at home.
Standing directly under the basket, in a rebounding stance, place both arms directly above your head. Jump at full force, attempting to touch the backboard with both hands, giving the backboard a “high five” with both hands.
This drill will not only help you to increase your vertical but will also help to improve your cardiovascular strength and conditioning. In addition, this drill will help you to maintain your momentum throughout a live game as you fight for the offensive and defensive rebounds. Complete this drill ten times for three sets.
Maintain Proper Strength and Conditioning
As a center, it is absolutely crucial to maintain your strength and conditioning. Big men on the court are typically built and may, in fact, be the strongest players on a team. Cue the thoughts of Shaquille O’Neal and other famous centers to play in the NBA.
In addition, centers typically play the most physical position on the team. It is, therefore, crucial to take care of your body both on and off the court.
You should be hitting the gym on a daily basis, working on both your upper and lower-body strength.
Below are some great workouts to help improve your strength and conditioning:
Medicine Ball Wall Throws – great for hand-eye coordination, this drill also mimics the passing motion so often used in the game.
- Facing a wall, hold the medicine ball at your chest
- Forcefully throw the medicine ball at a predetermined location on the wall
- Catch the medicine ball with both hands off the wall, not letting it hit the floor
- Repeat
Medicine Ball Slams – to help build the explosiveness needed in basketball, we highly recommend the medicine ball slam workout.
- Standing in an athletic stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart, hold the medicine ball at chest level
- Raise the medicine ball high over your head
- With full force, slam the medicine ball against the ground
- Allow yourself to slightly elevate while throwing the medicine ball down
- Pick-up the medicine ball and repeat