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How do you become a professional basketball player? How old should you be when you start to play/practice?
Greetings! I'm Ms. Tipton at the International Community School. My 3rd graders have a few questions and I'd like to share your advice with them. Thanks in advance!
#athlete #basketball
10 answers
Updated
Jose’s Answer
Hi Ms. Tipton, thank for having the heart to care enough about the children under your tutelage. When I was little basketball was part of the fabric of the neighborhood for the children. I also came from a family with a number of older siblings who were athletically inclined. All this to say that basketball/athletics was something that presented in my life as something to be sought after. I had a yearning to play basketball in the N.B.A. in early grade school but unfortunately there was no team. Therefore I was faced with practicing in playgrounds. Here is the first key to help find success. It is more helpful to have an organized forum to play basketball in and more importantly to have basketball guides/mentors. This creates a better atmosphere as opposed to the kid like me who was learning in street basketball. A child in a system will be taught fundamentals, experience organized play, learn the meaning of organized sports and how it relates to real life, and most importantly professionals in basketball can learn who you are. Mentors in organized basketball help children learn game situations. Mentors hopefully also help the child be able to navigate real life. I mention this because I knew a guy who had a 50 inch vertical but because of issues with drug use was not able to do anything with this God-given ability. This isn't to say that plying the trade of playing basketball only in playgrounds has no merit but the reality is at some point that person is going to have to do something to become involved in an established organized basketball system. Therefore, long story short 1. organized basketball play is a basic. One last point on promoting organized basketball with mentors is to learn it's okay to make mistakes. Not having the necessary guidance except my own I was unable to overcome what I was taught which was to be afraid to make mistakes. When pro talent scouts from Argentina invited me to travel to their country for a try-out I declined for fear of making mistakes.
The 2nd step can be encapsulated in a general idea that applies to any work and for anybody. This point lends to the type of character the child is building along with learning and playing the game of basketball. There is no substitute for doing the work. Use sound fundamentals always and allow your own style to grow out of the fundamentals. Don't focus on looking cute at the expense of fundamentals. As you practice the fundamentals your own particular way of wanting to do the work will manifest itself to you and over time the way you do your moves will organically present themselves. Fundamentals is like a firm foundation which will stand up against adversity.
Better to be in the basketball system, have worthwhile coaches, learn that mistakes help you to grow, build a wholesome character, and work hard. As it is generally understood when a person is prepared and makes the effort the opportunity will come and hopefully with the help of a great support system success will result.
Good luck to you and all of the children you serve!
The 2nd step can be encapsulated in a general idea that applies to any work and for anybody. This point lends to the type of character the child is building along with learning and playing the game of basketball. There is no substitute for doing the work. Use sound fundamentals always and allow your own style to grow out of the fundamentals. Don't focus on looking cute at the expense of fundamentals. As you practice the fundamentals your own particular way of wanting to do the work will manifest itself to you and over time the way you do your moves will organically present themselves. Fundamentals is like a firm foundation which will stand up against adversity.
Better to be in the basketball system, have worthwhile coaches, learn that mistakes help you to grow, build a wholesome character, and work hard. As it is generally understood when a person is prepared and makes the effort the opportunity will come and hopefully with the help of a great support system success will result.
Good luck to you and all of the children you serve!
Updated
Richelle’s Answer
In order to become a professional basketball player, you have to make sure you're willing to put in a lot of work. It is not going to be easy. There will be days that you don't feel like practicing because you want to hangout with your friends. Your dedication to the game will determine your drive. If you have the drive to practice when you don't feel like it. Playing AAU, and doing well, also helps because you will get exposure to coached outside of your local area. Hope this helps! Good luck to you!
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Ms. Tipton’s 3rd grade class!
In order to become a professional basketball player you have to practice, practice and practice some more. You should start practicing as soon as you can start dribbling a basket ball.
However, it take a lot more than being good at basketball to be a professional basketball player. You have to be a good reader because you have to be able to read your contract. You also have to be good at math so you can count money.
Good luck!
In order to become a professional basketball player you have to practice, practice and practice some more. You should start practicing as soon as you can start dribbling a basket ball.
However, it take a lot more than being good at basketball to be a professional basketball player. You have to be a good reader because you have to be able to read your contract. You also have to be good at math so you can count money.
Good luck!
In order to become a professional basketball player, you have to make sure you're willing to put in a lot of work. It is not going to be easy. There will be days that you don't feel like practicing because you want to hangout with your friends. Your dedication to the game will determine your drive. If you have the drive to practice when you don't feel like it. Playing AAU, and doing well, also helps because you will get exposure to coached outside of your local area. Hope this helps! Good luck to you!
Richelle Chandler
Updated
Ruth’s Answer
There is not a right or wrong answer to this question. I believe that one must outwork those around them and practice everyday. You have to position yourself on a team that is able to get noticed by college coaches and pick the best college for you that will give you the opportunity to showcase your skills to grab the attention of Pro scouts. The most important thing is to stay focused on your goals and always work hard in every aspect of your life. Do not minimize the importance of a good education. Study hard! Get good grades. You will have more opportunities for college and eventually the pro's if you have a solid foundation (education).
Updated
Tiana’s Answer
Hi Class!
A friend of mine played pro basketball and he started practicing at a young age by joining a youth basketball league that allowed him to travel and play against different people around the country. He went on to play for his school team and many people were again to see him and wanted him to come their school to play. He played everyday, got to meet important people, became a better player and still studied in school. He eventually was drafted and became a professional ball player!
Good Luck! Study hard!
A friend of mine played pro basketball and he started practicing at a young age by joining a youth basketball league that allowed him to travel and play against different people around the country. He went on to play for his school team and many people were again to see him and wanted him to come their school to play. He played everyday, got to meet important people, became a better player and still studied in school. He eventually was drafted and became a professional ball player!
Good Luck! Study hard!
Updated
Arthur’s Answer
You can start playing once you know how to walk and run. When you're young, learn how to dibble, defend, and pass the ball. Once you get those fundamentals down, then work on your offense by shooting the ball.
The main thing is to have fun!
The main thing is to have fun!
Hi Arthur, can you give more details on how to become a professional basketball player? This is good advice for practicing but how does one join the NBA?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Updated
Michael’s Answer
The earliest you can start to prepare for one day becoming a professional basketball player is once you have coordination. In other words, when you begin to walk and run without falling. Your parents or someone you trust can then begin to teach you the fundamentals of the game of basketball. In additon, you can begin to read and learn what coaches have to say about the game. To become really good at the game of basketball you have to dedicate yourself to practicing, listen to your coaches, play on teams and work to be a standout (but not purposedly selfish), and keep your grades up (why? Because if you do not do well in school you cannot be on the basketball team). No team participation, No Pro Basketball!
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Angelita’s Answer
You can start learning and practicing at any age. Basketball is not only fun but a great workout for your body and brain. There are basketball camps , programs, and groups that you can join. I would start by checking your local community centers like a YMCA for a basketball camp. Remember to have fun while learning about the great sport of basketball. Once you start to strengthen your skills, you can possibly participate in local leagues as well. In addition, you can get an opportunity to earn a basketball scholarship for college. Also, there are many ways to play basketball professionally, locally in the United States or on a professional league in many places in the world.
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Evelyn’s Answer
You ;can start as early as you would like to become a basketball player. You will need to play and practice a lot! Also playing for your school and a park or club team will allow more coaches / scouts to see you. My son played basketball from 4th grade to 12th grade, and he played a lot!!!
I would also suggest if basketball is your main goal call this your plan A, but always have another interest in case you change your mind. I call this a Plan B. You must have a plan B. Good Luck!!!👍
I would also suggest if basketball is your main goal call this your plan A, but always have another interest in case you change your mind. I call this a Plan B. You must have a plan B. Good Luck!!!👍
Updated
Talmus’s Answer
In order to become a professional basketball player, you have to make a commitment to practice hard and smart everyday. You can start practicing at any age. In order to become a professional basketball player, I recommend you attend college and develop your skills. You also need to develop a job skill as basketball does not last forever!!!
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