You have reached the north side of 40 years, but still have the passion and desire to hoop it up. This article will provide some tips on how you can still be a strong contributor--even if your body isn't what it used to be.
Instructions
1. Be sure to stretch well before playing. It is always best to keep your heart pumping for about 3 to 5 minutes by doing some light jogging or stationary bicycle work--this will make your stretching much more effective.
2. Be a student of the game. Because you cannot depend on your athleticism alone, learn to out-think your competitor. This can be done by watching the tendencies of your opponents, so you will be able to anticipate what they are going to do. This can work on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.
3. Become a good outside shooter. If you are a good shooter already, you are ahead of the game. If you have always depended on your athleticism to score, you will need to work on developing a consistent outside shot. Start out by mastering the 15-foot to 17-foot jump shot from all over the court. You will be a valued team member if you can consistently knock down this shot.
4. Develop good court vision. If you are able to see the whole court, you will be able to find open teammates and get the ball to them with the opportunity to score. Many younger players are focused on scoring themselves--you can be a valuable asset to the team by creating scoring opportunities for your teammates. For reference, Magic Johnson did not have the running and jumping ability of many of his fellow NBA players--he became a superstar through his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
5. Focus on position defense. If you do find yourself guarding a quicker, more athletic opponent--maintain your defensive positioning and fundamentals. When the person you are guarding has the ball, get in a low defensive position, keep your eyes on his/her waist and be at least an arm's length away from your defender, so you have time to recover if he/she tries to dribble past way. You cannot afford to lunge at ball fakes or try to block shots. By staying between your person and the basket at all times, you will not allow easy baskets--they will always have to shoot over you.
6. Be fundamental in everything you do. When dribbling, passing, shooting and rebounding--stick to the fundamentals. The behind-the-back passes and whirling scoop shots will not serve you well as your body starts to lose some of its spring. Watch Tim Duncan and old films of John Stockton to see how you can dominate while remaining fully fundamental.
7. Continue hustling, but be careful not to overdo it. The only people that love the "old dude" who is still diving aimlessly for loose balls is the chiropractor. Try to use more controlled movements to avoid needless injuries. Chances are, you are probably not playing for a world championship. Keep your body intact to play another day.
8. Be the "glue" that holds the team together. Whether it is an ad hoc pick-up game or a community league game, every team needs a leader. With your wisdom and experience, you can take on that role. The leader is the player that encourages team play, helps each player reach their potential and gets players in line when they are hurting the team.
9. Have fun. Playing basketball at this level is for recreational purposes. It is intended to be an escape from the daily grind and a positive way to exercise. Keep a smile on your face and don't take it too seriously--your attitude can be contagious!
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