A great thing about the game of basketball is that the fundamentals are easy to learn. You can pick up the basics in a day. However, you can always learn more to improve your game, and the following tips will help.
Dribble the ball the right way. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Keep the ball by your side as you dribble instead of right in front your body. Don’t look down, always look up.
You need to keep your balance when you shoot. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. You need to maintain good balance while shooting, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.
Make sure to practice includes catching of passes. You and your team a favor by practicing how you (and they) are more versatile.
Free throws are as mental as physical. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws. However, if you’re not in the right state of mind, you won’t succeed. Take a deep breath, relax and imagine you are at practice to help yourself make the shot.
Do not restrict your practices to zone defense. The majority of the game is in that area, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. If you haven’t practiced against it, you may lose the match fast.
Play games with yourself in and out of season. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, practicing alone can be helpful. There is still much you can be accomplished when playing alone. You can work on pivots and free throws or pivot moves. There are always things you can be done.
In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. After grabbing the position, you need to hold the area. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.
Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a vital part of basketball.You always want to beat the open spot. Once you have a location, you need to secure it. These will both require solid footwork.
Never try to push through an injury when playing basketball. Basketball is challenging physical and you can get injured. Trying to play through the pain could just make your situation worse. See a doctor if you think your injury is serious enough.
Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. Know which team members are right handed and which ones are left handed. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.
Never turn away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for anything in a basketball game. This will make you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Keep your eyes open for easy shots.
The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers out. This will help you better grip on the ball. Don’t let your palm touch it.
Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. It can be very confusing to your opponents. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. It’s quite a play when done properly.
Understanding your opponent is a tough defense.Watch tapes of their games and stay up on scouting reports. Once you understand the opposition, you can dial in on the best way to defend. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong defender.
Ask a video of you playing and watch it. You may see where you can improve and notice things you missed in the game. Be honest in your assessment but don’t be too harsh.
Remain low when playing defense. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path. Always stay in the proper stance on defense. When you need to block, quickly get back into your stance.
Practice looking in a different direction when passing. You are able to confuse opponents with this way. When done properly, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. It’s a great play if done right.
Started Playing
The first step when dribbling is to bend at your knees instead of standing straight-legged. The ball is harder to control dribbling when you stand up straight. It also leaves you open to a steal from the opposing team. Bending your knees slightly can really make a difference in the way you control the ball.
Maybe you recently started playing basketball. You may have started playing when you were a small child. Either way, the preceding advice will help you improve your game. Use these tips when you next play a game of basketball.