Basketball Skills - How to Beat Taller and Stronger Players in 1-on-1, 2-on-2, and 3-on-3 Games

This is article will take your basketball IQ to a new level. I have perfected this material over the past 25 years playing high school basketball, college basketball, city-league basketball, 3-on-3 tournaments, and pick-up games all over the country.

The most memorable implementation of these strategies was in the finals of the 3-on-3 tournament sponsored by the NBA at the 1995 NBA All Star Game held in Phoenix. In that final game we faced a starting line-up of 6'4", 6'8", and 6'10"-- all former Division 1 players. In contrast I am 6'2" and my teammates where 6'1" and 6'5". This stuff works.

Lets get started.

First, and most importantly, in order to defeat a taller and stronger player you must develop an excellent 15-20ft. jump-shot. Pick-up games are usually started at the top of the key--so make sure you are a deadly shooter around the top of the circle--on in to the free-throw line. Also make sure you can take a couple of dribbles to your right and to your left, square-up and nail the 15-20ft jumper.

Secondly, learn how to shoot lay-ups equally well with both hands. This is easy to learn but unbelievably important. Otherwise a smart defender will force you to your weaker side. If you are a deadly jump-shooter and can shoot lay-ups ambidextrously you are virtually unstoppable (think Steve Nash). When a defender crowds you, go around them for a lay-up. If the defender plays off you, make them pay with your jumper.

Thirdly, you absolutely must understand how to execute the pick-and-roll. The pick-in-roll will be your main strategy in 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 games. It is virtually unstoppable if those executing basketball can hit their mid-range jump-shots and make their lay-ups.

Lastly, you have to play defense. When you are playing bigger and stronger players they will usually try to basketball you down into the paint, turn and try to shoot over you.

This is how you defend it.

Hold your position and battle them as hard as you can as they try to back you into the paint. When they turn to shoot, use your quickness to strip the ball before it gets above their shoulders.

To sum it up, this is how you beat taller and stronger players.

1.) Become an excellent midrange jump-shooter (15-20ft.)

2.) Shoot lay-ups equally well with both hands

3.) Learn how to execute the pick-and-roll

4.) Develop hand quickness and foot speed for defense (stripping the ball).

Good luck and have fun.

Visit http://www.JumpHigherSports.com for more tips and strategies on playing better basketball.

Dave Zalewski is a Peak Performance Coach. He uses his experience as a USPTA Tennis Pro , former College Basketball Player, and Multi-Million Dollar Realestate Agent to change peoples lives. He loves to help clients discover the time-tested principles that lead to lasting success. Stay tuned for more power packed articles.