The key to mastering the sport of basketball is to always be willing to practice. You should use your practice time wisely, though.Keep reading to discover some great basketball pointers that will have you improve your game.
Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. You retain much more ball control this way. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.
Always dribble with your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. You should never be looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. Bring the ball along when you go. Dribble the ball when you’re walking the dog. If you are looking at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.
Make sure that you practice your layups whenever possible.Layups account for up to 80 percent of every 5 shots taken during a game. When you are practicing, run toward the goal and shoot. This method will teach you to improve your ability to jump and shots throughout the game.
When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling. If you are just getting started, bring your ball with you everywhere. Dribble on your way to school. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.
Free Throws
Free throws require as much mental as physical. Stay focused and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throws.
Practice your layup shot often. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. It’s critical to practice running towards the basket at full speed and following up with a good jump and smooth shot. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.
Make sure that your regular practice includes catching passes. You and your team a favor by practicing how you (and they) are more versatile.
Don’t pump a lot of iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some shooting guards made their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.
Watch how the pros play basketball. Go to actual games or watch on TV. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.
Want to trick the other team not know what’s going on? Try using a back pass. Hold the basketball with your dominant hand. This is a very useful trick the opposing team.
Play basketball games against yourself during the season and before it. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, you can still practice on your own. There is much you can accomplish playing alone. Work on your free throws or three pointers. There are always things you can work on.
Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Don’t assume that you are able to just stand anywhere, catch the ball and shoot it. The best way to get into the flow of the game is to be in motion.
Ask teammates what they like about your playing skills? Do you are really good at something? Maybe you are nimble or maybe you are reliably there to support them.
To increase the efficiency of your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. This will keep your body and allows you to use yourself as a barrier between the defender and yourself.
Never pass up a charging opportunity. This play gets your team possession of the ball and a foul against your opponent. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.
Good footwork will help you to get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This allows you a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.
Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles.This may be difficult in the beginning, but once you master it, you’ll have great speed and stride length. This is a vital skill to give you accomplish great layups on those fast breaks.
If you want to improve your outside shooting skills then you need to take hundreds of shots each day from all over the court. Become better and better by practicing your fast dribble then stopping abruptly to make a shot. Don’t look at the target until you are in the air. In this way, you can simulate the conditions of the game and become more accurate.
Changing pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. As you are heading towards the net, plant your foot and then straighten up. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten their own body. As they do, plow forward and run by him.
Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or passing opportunity is imminent. You do not have many options after you cease dribbling.If you choose against passing or shooting, you can only pivot using your back foot. This leaves an opening for your opponents to double team and that means you are also more likely to get the ball away from you.
Forge a strong bond between teammates, whether you are playing the game or off the court. Basketball teams that work together well can take the game to a new level. When you trust your teammates, you’ll play a better game.
This article will help you with your basketball skills, even if you play every day. Choose one favorite tip, and improve your score. You can pass better, shoot better, rebound and make sure you get better all the time.