Basketball IQ

​THE GAME OF BASKETBALL IS MORE THAN JUST LAYUPS, JUMPERS AND DUNKS. NOT EVERYONE IS AN ATHLETIC FREAK LIKE GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO OR A PURE SHOOTER LIKE KLAY THOMPSON OR A CRAFTY BALL HANDLER LIKE KYRIE IRVING. BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU CAN'T BE A VALUABLE PLAYER TO YOUR TEAM. UNDERSTANDING THE PLAYBOOK, KNOWING THE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF YOUR TEAMMATES AND KNOWING HOW TO PLAY WITHIN YOUR ROLE ARE ALL VERY IMPORTANT COMPONENTS TO BECOMING A BETTER BASKETBALL PLAYER. ARE YOU SITTING ON THE BENCH JUST WATCHING THE GAME OR ARE YOU WATCHING THE GAME. ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT THE OPPONENTS ARE DOING, WHAT TYPE OF DEFENCE THEY ARE PLAYING, WHAT TYPE OF OFFENCE THEY ARE RUNNING, WHAT IS YOUR POTENTIAL CHECK'S DOMINANT HAND. EVEN THE SMALLEST DETAIL CAN MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN HAVING A SUCCESSFUL GAME. 

Offensively it is important to know when and where to make the correct pass or the right time to take a shot. Sometimes the first look isn't always the best. Pay attention to what your teammates are doing and how to play away from the ball. 

Defensively, communication and help side defence are two major keys to success. However knowing where to be and how to properly cut off the ball handler are equally as important. COmmunicating to teammates will go a long way towards helping get defensive stops, especially when the other team runs a pick and roll or sends a cutter through the lane. 

Being mentally attentive in practice and games is just as important as working with the ball. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Focus on details both in practice and in games as every play is like a snowflake, it is always different in even the smallest way. 

One of the best ways to help improve your individual basketball IQ is to keep a notebook in your bag and always write down important tips and key points to practice and games. Then remember to review your notes, you will be surprised how much it helps.