The Essentials
“The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander and “Hoop Dreams: True Story of Hardship & Triumph” by Ben Joravsky are among the most inspiring and relatable basketball books for young adults. Read here for more!
“Basketball: Steps to Success” by Hal Wissel and “The Art of Shooting” by Bruce Eamon Brown offer comprehensive and practical guides to mastering basketball techniques. Click here for more!
While a book can provide theoretical knowledge and mental preparation, the physical aspect of basketball is best learned through on-court practice. Discover more about that topic right here!
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of basketball with the perfect companion – a great basketball book! Whether you want to learn the rules, master the techniques, or simply immerse yourself in the sport’s rich history and inspiring stories, there’s a book out there for you. Let’s explore some of the best basketball books that can inspire, educate and entertain any fan of the game. Ready to start your literary journey on the court? Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Ignite Your Passion: The Best Basketball Books for Young Adults
You love the game of basketball, don’t you? Whether you’ve just picked up your first basketball or are already working your way up through the school leagues, books about basketball can inspire you, teach you skills and open your eyes to the incredible history and culture of the sport.
But with so many books to choose from, where do you start? Here are some of the best basketball books for young adults that will leave you wanting more time on the court.
“The Crossover” by Kwame Alexander
Winner of the Newbery Medal, The Crossover is a compelling blend of hip-hop poetry and gripping storytelling. The book delves into the life of 12-year-old basketball prodigy Josh Bell, showing us the challenges and triumphs of his journey both on and off the court. Don’t just read it, feel the rhythm of the game and the passion of the player.
“Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy P.E. Class Invented Basketball” by John Coy
If you’ve ever wondered how basketball came to be, this is the book for you. It’s a delightful journey back to 1891, when a simple physical education teacher invented the game to keep his class occupied. You’ll appreciate the game even more once you understand its humble beginnings.
Fun Fact: The first game of basketball was played with a football and two peach baskets. Talk about improvisation!
“Slam Dunk” by Takehiko Inoue
If you’re into manga, Slam Dunk will definitely appeal to you. It’s not just about basketball, it’s about friendship, dedication and pushing yourself beyond your limits. Bonus: You’ll learn some epic manga-style basketball moves! But remember to always warm up before trying any new basketball moves you read about to avoid injury.
“The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
This isn’t a book about basketball, but it’s a book in which basketball plays a major role. It’s the story of Arnold Spirit, a Native American teenager, and his life on and off the reservation. Basketball becomes his solace and helps him navigate the complexities of identity, poverty and adolescence.
Advice: This book deals with some intense issues and can be a good conversation starter about social issues.
“Hoop Dreams: A True Story of Hardship & Triumph” by Ben Joravsky
This book, adapted from a documentary, tells the gripping real-life story of two African-American boys from Chicago who used basketball as a ticket out of their troubled lives. Their struggles and achievements will inspire you to see the potential in your own dreams. The original Hoop Dreams was a critically acclaimed documentary, so you could have a book and film night!
Elevate Your Game: Top Basketball Technique Books
Whether you’re new to the basketball court or looking to improve your game, the right resources can make all the difference. From shooting to dribbling to defence, these highly recommended basketball technique books can help you master the skills you need. Let’s get started!
“Basketball: Steps to Success” by Hal Wissel
This book breaks down the essential skills in basketball and offers clear, step-by-step guidance on how to master them. With over 120 drills that adapt to your skill level, this book is an incredible resource for players of all levels.
Tip: Don’t rush through the drills. Take your time to really understand and master each step before moving on.
“The Art of Shooting” by Bruce Eamon Brown
Shooting is a critical part of basketball, and this book is dedicated to it. Brown provides an in-depth exploration of shooting technique, footwork and alignment, giving you the tools you need to improve your shooting percentage. Practice the techniques daily, but remember quality over quantity. It’s not about how many shots you make, but how well you make each one.
“Stuff Good Players Should Know” by Dick DeVenzio
This book dives deep into the strategies and mental aspects of basketball. From recognizing patterns on the court to making smart decisions under pressure, this book is a must-read for any player looking to understand the game on a deeper level.
“Play Present: A Mental Skills Training Program for Basketball Players” by Gina Johnson and George Mumford
Playing great basketball isn’t just about physical skill – it’s also about mental toughness. This book will help players improve their concentration, build confidence and deal with the pressure of the game. Remember, a calm mind can be your best asset on the court.
Caution: Mental training is just as important as physical training. Don’t forget to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health.
“Successful Basketball Coaching” by Morgan Wootten
Although this book is aimed at coaches, players can also learn a lot from it. Wootten, one of the most successful high school basketball coaches of all time, shares his offensive and defensive tactics.
Studying these tactics can give you an edge in understanding game strategies. Try to think like a coach as you read this book. It will give you a broader perspective of the game and can help improve your court awareness.
From The Page to The Court: Can a Book Really Teach You Basketball?
Basketball is a sport of movement, speed and energy. It’s a game played on the court, not in the pages of a book. So can a book actually teach you basketball? The short answer is yes…and no. Let’s have a closer look at this fascinating subject!
Theory and understanding
Basketball books can provide a wealth of information about the game. They can teach you the rules, the different roles and positions, and even specific techniques and strategies.
Books like “Basketball: Steps to Success” by Hal Wissel and “The Art of Shooting” by Bruce Eamon Brown can be very helpful in explaining the fundamentals of the game in a clear, easy-to-understand manner.
Fun Fact: Dr James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, wrote the first book on basketball called “Basketball: Its Origin and Development”. This early book laid the foundation for many of the basketball theory books we have today.
Mental preparation
Books can also help you with the mental aspect of the game. Basketball is as much a mental sport as it is a physical one. Books like “Play Present: A Mental Skills Training Program for Basketball Players” by Gina Johnson and George Mumford can teach you mental techniques to improve concentration and handle pressure situations on the court.
Use the mindfulness techniques in these books to stay focused and present during games. These skills will not only benefit your basketball game but also other aspects of your life!
The physical game
Where books fall short, however, is in the physical learning of the game. While a book can describe how to shoot a free throw or perform a crossover dribble, basketball is a kinaesthetic sport. That means it’s learned through physical activity and practice.
You can read about it all you want, but until you physically try the moves, feel the ball in your hands and experience the dynamics of the game, you won’t fully learn the sport.
Combine theory and practice
The best approach to learning basketball is to combine theoretical knowledge from books with practical experience on the court. Read about a technique, understand it, then get out there and practice it. Then go back to the book, refine your understanding and practice some more.
Maybe try keeping a basketball journal. After reading about a technique and practising it, write down your observations, difficulties and improvements. This can help you track your progress and stay motivated.
Get Your Head in The Game
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, basketball books are an invaluable resource. They can offer deep insights into the history, personalities and culture of the game. Technique-focused books will help you understand and improve your skills, while books about players’ journeys and experiences will inspire and motivate you. Used alongside regular practice, these books can significantly improve your game, both in terms of skill and understanding.