Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Basketball | Prep Tech

🏀 Fundamentals of Basketball

A progressive guide for athletes at all skill levels—developing core skills, confidence, and court IQ.


🔰 Beginner Level

Perfect for athletes just starting out. Focus is on core mechanics, understanding the rules, and building confidence.

  • Proper shooting form (B.E.E.F. method)
  • Basic ball-handling and dribbling drills
  • Triple-threat position and pivoting
  • Chest and bounce passing fundamentals
  • Basic defensive stance and footwork
  • Understanding court layout and positions
  • Learning game rules and scoring

🏃‍♂️ Intermediate Level

Athletes ready to build on basics and apply skills to live games, scrimmages, and team play.

  • Advanced dribbling techniques (crossover, hesitation, behind-the-back)
  • Layups with both hands (off-the-dribble and on the move)
  • Footwork drills (jab step, step-through, closeouts)
  • Zone vs. man-to-man defensive concepts
  • Basic offensive movement (cutting, screening, spacing)
  • Transition offense and defense awareness
  • Basketball IQ: decision-making and shot selection

🔥 Advanced Level

Athletes with strong fundamentals working toward elite skills, competitive play, and advanced understanding of the game.

  • Creating space: step-backs, spin moves, euro steps
  • Advanced finishing (floaters, reverse layups, contact finishes)
  • 1-on-1 and 3-on-3 competitive breakdowns
  • Team offensive sets and motion principles
  • Help defense, rotations, and advanced closeouts
  • Conditioning with purpose (game-speed drills)
  • Film study, stat tracking, and game analysis

Ready to Level Up?

Join a Prep Tech training session and take your game to the next level.

📅 Schedule a Session

B.E.E.F. Shooting Principle

 B – Balance
Feet Position: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your shooting foot (same side as your shooting hand) slightly forward. This is called a "staggered stance."

Knees Bent: Slightly bend your knees to generate power and maintain balance.

Weight Distribution: Keep your weight evenly balanced or slightly forward on the balls of your feet—never leaning back.

Why It Matters: Proper balance ensures stability, helping you shoot straight and consistently.
 E – Eyes on the Target
Focus: Keep your eyes locked on the target (usually the front or back of the rim) before and during your shot.

Avoid Distractions: Don’t follow the ball with your eyes—trust your form.

Why It Matters: Your eyes guide your shot; losing focus can lead to misses.
E – Elbow In (Straight and Aligned)
Elbow Position: Your shooting elbow should be tucked in, forming a straight line from your shoulder to the basket.

"L" Shape: Your arm should make an "L" (90-degree bend) before extending.

Why It Matters: A crooked elbow can cause the ball to veer off course. Keeping it aligned improves accuracy.
 F – Follow-Through (Flick the Wrist)
Wrist Motion: After releasing the ball, snap your wrist downward (like reaching into a cookie jar).

Fingers Pointed: Your index and middle fingers should be the last to touch the ball, pointing toward the rim.

Hold the Pose: Keep your arm extended until the ball reaches the basket ("holding the follow-through").

Why It Matters: Follow-through ensures proper backspin and control, increasing shooting consistency.

Bonus Tips for Beginners:
Repetition: Practice B.E.E.F. daily—muscle memory is key!
Start Close: Begin shooting near the basket (e.g., layups) before moving farther out.
Use One Hand: Start with one-handed shots to master form, then add your guide hand (the other hand stabilizes but doesn’t shoot).
By mastering B.E.E.F., you’ll build a strong foundation for becoming a reliable shooter. Happy practicing!

🏀