Fixing Common Basketball Mistakes on Offence

Common Offence Mistakes
Basketball Players Make

Even experienced basketball players pick up bad habits on offence that can lead to turnovers or even injury. These are a few common mistakes people make while handling and shooting the ball.

Crosscourt Passes

This is a “high risk, high reward” play. It can result in some very quick buckets, but if the receiving player isn’t ready it can easily result in a turnover or a steal. Make sure that everyone is prepared for the play and when in doubt, don’t try it.

Over-Dribbling

When advancing the ball, it is common for players to dribble it up the entire way. When you receive the ball, you should always look for the open player to pass to.

Not Stepping Into Passes

One of the biggest things that lead to deflections and turnovers is offensive players not stepping into a pass. Stepping or jumping a short distance into a pass is an excellent way to protect the ball. Also, when your teammate has picked up their dribble, move towards the ball to help, don’t try to cut to the basket.

Standing Still

It is very easy to be caught standing in one place, especially down the stretch of a game. On the other hand, you don’t want to be running around aimlessly just to wear out your defender. Make cuts towards the basket and come off screens to move effectively and free yourself from your defender.

Forgetting Plays

The easiest way to get a one way ticket to the bench, forgetting a play multiple times during a game could throw your whole team’s offence into chaos. Memorise what plays your coach wants to use and when they should be implemented.

Shooting Form

Make sure you pay close attention to your shooting form, having a consistent form is essential for a consistent shot. Ensure the thumb on your shooting hand is flat across the ball with only the side touching it. Your guide hand thumb should not interfere with your shot.

Having your feet set before you attempt a jump shot will prevent you from unintentionally twisting your body or fading away, affecting your shot.

Shooting before you reach the top of your jump will help make your form consistency and give you more power. A late release will make your jump shot appear jerky and less accurate.

How to Identify Your Mistakes

These are just some of the common mistakes that players make on offence during basketball games. If you feel like your skills have slipped, try watching footages of yourself playing. Then you can identify fixable mistakes while observing areas of improvement and integrate changes in your basketball training.

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