Q&A for How to Make Your School Basketball Team

Your actions have to match your goal! If you want to play Division 1 basketball, simply playing 2 times a week isn't going to cut it—you have to play 8 days a week (which means you'll have to play twice in one day). The biggest thing is to really dream it and want it; even if your goal doesn't pan out, a whole lot of good things are going to happen because you did what you said you were going to do.

Try to practice beforehand, on either your own or somewhere else. This will help boast your confidence right before tryouts. Try not to worry about the outcomes; focus on the tryouts and do your best.

Not necessarily. For example, you wouldn't want to look at the ball when you dribble or shoot. Just try to keep control of the ball, and don't try to do fancy moves to impress your coach. Play your best, and focus on good teamwork.

Practice at home with the other hand repeatedly, even if you mess up. You can even start super slow, if it helps. The more you practice with your other hand, the easier it will become. Soon, you'll be able to dribble with both hands.

Try to find someone who is really good at basketball, and ask them to help you practice. You should also practice several times a week. A good rule of thumb is: 4 days a week for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Most short basketball players tend to play point guard, so practice passing and layups, plus jumpshots and crossover drills/ball handling skills.

Practice lay-ups, without the ball. Run at the basket and bring your arm and leg up as normal. Practice defense moves too. A great basketball player can improve both with & without a basketball! Local gyms may also provide balls for you to use there.

Make sure your feet are shoulder length apart and your elbow is square. Your shooting hand should be on the ball, and your non-dominant hand lightly holding the ball. A good drill to do is to lie down on your back and toss the ball up in the air, catch it, and repeat.

If you don't make the team, then try out for a different league so that you still get to play basketball. This will help you become better for next year. You can also ask the couch what you could have done better, and what you should work on.

Look up how to do "21" - it is a practice drill in which you shoot from both sides of the court on each end. For example, you would shoot from the corner twice, and then you run to the wing and shoot twice, and then do the same on the opposite side.

Try to show that you can make shots anyway. Even though you probably won't be the next big power forward, you could still show that you can make your threes and foul shots and hope that your coach doesn't let your height take away from your potential.

Honestly it depends on the team, your disability, and how hard you're willing to work. I have a disability and I made the team, you can do just about anything if you set your mind to it.

Keep practicing. No matter how hard it gets, you have to know how to play under pressure. Don't let it get to you and just keep going. In the end it will make you a better player.

Get contact lenses, or try to find glasses that stay on very well. Don't wear them if your eyesight is good enough to see the white rectangle on the backboard from the 3-point line.

Just walk up to him and ask. The coach is there to guide you; it's his job to help you be the best you can be. So, just relax, be yourself, and approach the coach with your questions with confidence that he will want to and be able to help you.

Coaches don't usually dislike players who follow the rules, pay attention, and work hard. Always hustle. Show you are having fun. Don't get too down on yourself. Don't be a show off. Listen well.

You have to be coachable, so for now, just do your best at the position you've been given. You're probably one of the bigger kids there. If it does become a big issue for you, talk to the coach about possibly changing your position.

Practice a steady shooting form that is comfortable for you. Square your dominant hip toward the basket (you may need to turn your feet). Make sure you shooting elbow is square to the basket. Dribble the ball a couple of times to gain focus. Concentrate on where you are aiming the ball and take a few deep breathes and relax. Finally, start your smooth shooting rhythm and sink the free throw.

Keep practicing, run drills as often as you can. Ask your coach for advice on how to improve.

Just study and always work hard in the classroom, so you can get that high grade and be a star on the court.

Just try your best. Your coach will watch you and they will decide what position they think is best for you. If you already know you have a preference, let your coach know, but they will ultimately make the decision.

You don't necessarily need a hoop to practice. You could practice dribbling or passing in your garage, outside, or at the gym.

You can try to think about things that calm you down, during the day before your tryout do something you enjoy and try not to overthink the tryouts. Also try getting a friend to tryout with you so you and your friend can always have each other's back. Most importantly, just have fun! Never overthink your tryouts!

While being tall is often an asset when playing basketball, there have been many good players (especially girls) who have been short. If your friend is willing to work hard and practice a lot, and if she has any athletic ability at all, the coach would probably welcome her to the team.