Basketball is a simple sport that is played throughout the world. Every player that gets into the court is an integral part of the team’s success. The following article will share some useful advice to help you improve your basketball skills.
Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.
Many people forget that defense is the key to winning.Basketball games are won by the defense. Offense is flashier, but when you lack good defense, any team is sure to lose.
Passing Skills
Practice your layups a lot. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. Practice running while dribbling, jumping and shooting as smoothly as you can. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.
You may have better luck honing your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills.
Don’t bulk up if you plan on being a jump shooter. Muscle is good, but there is such a thing as too much. Some pro shooting guards worked on their arms large enough to decrease their percentage of field goal percentage.
You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.
Would you like to learn how to fool your opponents? Try using a back pass. Hold the basketball with your dominant hand. This is a very useful trick to confuse the other team.
Play basketball games against yourself during the season and out of season. While it’s a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. There is much that can be accomplished when playing alone. Practice pivoting and free throws.You don’t need other players to work on something.
If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. A strong core provides a center of force that can be tapped through the legs while running and jumping during games.
Never have your back to the ball so that you can always be prepared for anything in a basketball game. This will make you more aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Keep your eyes open for easy shots.
The key to ball control is to spread your fingers. This makes sure that it won’t escape away from your grip. Your palm should not be touching the ball as little as possible.
If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. Did you spot something that could be improved? Look at how you did and judge yourself. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.
Understanding the opponent is key in beating a good way to win with defense. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on scouting reports. Once you understand the opposition, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. A smart defender with an education will be good at his position.
Always know where your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing.
You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer. The simplest way to get better at shooting free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the ball. Failing to stick with your routine can adversely affect your shooting accuracy.
Ask a video of you can see how yourself in action. Are you able to see missed opportunities or things that you could improve on? Be honest in your assessment but don’t be too harsh.
Free Throws
To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). They can then trap the point guard. While this is happening, your forwards must sprint toward players in the wings. By doing this, you increase the chances for your big men to steal the pass from the point guard.
A routine is necessary for improvement in free throws. If you’re not consistent then you’ll find yourself missing free throws. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routines time and again.
You need to take charge anytime you can.
In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot. Do not focus on the target until you are already in the air. That helps you boost your accuracy.
Don’t allow your feet get crossed and opposing players will have difficulty getting around you.
You will gain a lot of ball control with bent knees.
When coming down from a rebound catch, try to land and spread your legs wider than your shoulder span to better your balance. You want to bring the ball tight into your body with both hands. Take care with elbows, since it is a foul if you strike someone on the opposing team.
Everyone who tries their hand at basketball works on perfecting certain skills needed to do well. After reading the advice here, you should know what needs to be done to improve your game. Read the article again if you have to, but never stop practicing these tips in order to get better.