(April 4, 2000) — How would you like to play basketball like the stars Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neil and Scottie Pippen? That might seem impossible, but by following some simple techniques it can be done. Being a good basketball player is not so much about making the most baskets as it is about being good at the little aspects such as rebounding, stealing and blocking. Rebounding, blocking and stealing are what make a good defensive basketball player. Since the object of basketball is to get the ball in the hoop, the purpose of the defense is to block the offense from scoring points. Doing this involves stealing the ball from the other team. The more your team has possession of the ball, the better the chances of scoring winning the game. In order to carry out this action, one must block a member of the other team at all times. Blocking gives the defensive team a better chance of getting possession of the ball. Rebounding is also one of the ways to get possession of the ball and it makes a person more aggressive. Learning these three skills help a person become a better overall defensive player. The opposite of defense in basketball is offense, which has many elements. Offensive playing is keeping possession of the ball and sticking by your team. A good offensive team involves teamwork. As former Ararat basketball team player, Clark sophomore Meg Der-Sarkissian says, “No matter how good you are, your team always makes you better. They help you improve your game and learn from your mistakes.” Passing the ball constantly throughout your team helps keep track of the ball. Also, knowing people can depend on their teammates to help them out if they are blocked on all sides makes up a part of teamwork. Rebounding helps the offensive team because when a shot is missed, rebounding provides another scoring chance. Although shooting is important, it is how you get the shot off that counts. Do not get discouraged if making baskets is one of your weak spots. Keeping the ball moving and getting to every player increases the chances of success. For people who want to play basketball but don’t know where to start, the first step would be to get a team. A player should take one or two fundamentals of basketball and practice them thoroughly. When each player on the team does one thing best, the entire team combined makes for a group of winners.