Scoring In Basketball League Play.

If you are not a very good scorer, it may be very difficult for you to understand how to get points during a basketball game. The key to being a better, more efficient scorer is to minimize mistakes and take advantage of opportunities.

Define your Boundaries

Individual Offense can be broken down into shooting, and driving.

Shooting

Know your limitations, and try not to step outside your abilities. If you can only shoot within 10 feet of the basket, then your job is to always find a way to shoot within that distance. Conversely, if you are a great long range shooter, but not a great inside shooter, it would make little sense for you to be taking close range shots.

Use smart, off the ball movement to get the ball within your range.

Never take shots outside your range, unless the shot clock or game clock is winding down. This, alone, will help you become a more efficient scorer, as it will raise your shooting percentage.

Driving

If you are not a strong dribbler, it will be very difficult for you to drive to the basket. As such, you have to remember to put yourself into dribble positions that are either in a straight line to the basket, or close enough that you can get to the basket in one dribble or less.

If you are a strong dribbler, you should still look to take as few dribbles as possible by setting yourself up to be in optimum driving position while moving without the ball.

Use off the ball movement to get your defender into positions he or she is uncomfortable with before you ever touch the basketball.

Never use more dribble moves than you have to. The key is to do more with less, not the other way around.

The most important part of driving is the finish. Finishing is key as many leagues do not award free throws for fouls until the final two minutes of a half.

Increasing Driving success

Remember that you have two steps after picking up the ball. It is far better to finish off two small steps than one huge leap.

Initiate the contact: If you have a defender that is playing you close near the rim, lean into his or her chest to initiate the contact. This will allow you to be more in control, and places your body between your opponent and the basketball.

Know when to hold them and when to Fold them

If you do not have a good shot: Pass.

If you are unable to safely take it to the rim: Pass

The key to being an efficient basketball scorer is to know the difference between a good scoring opportunity, and a bad one.