The first time playing basketball was probably very exciting. You learned how to dribble the ball and make a shot. You might feel like you’ve mastered the game right about now. The following advice will prove there are things you that you still have much to learn.
Practice shooting free throws. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. Practice constantly using this tip. Begin by holding the ball directly in front of your face. Eye the basket and imagine the ball swishing down into it. Then, use the trajectory you just visualized and shoot the ball.
Make sure that you practice your layups whenever possible.Layups account for up being 4 out of the shots in basketball. When you practice, run toward the net, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. This method will teach you to improve your on-court layup skills.
Make sure that your regular practice catching passes. You and your team a favor by practicing how you can best complete imperfect passes.
A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.
You can learn how to better pass the ball if you forgo dribbling during practice. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.
Always be aware of the locations of your feet are and what they are doing.
Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.
Practice with your weak hand as much as possible. Tie your strong hand behind your back and force yourself only use your weak hand. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand soon enough.
Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you wish to handle the ball better.Wrist curls work well at helping you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. You will not be able to stand and shoot. You need to be able to move the ball if you want something to happen.
Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you. If you are unprepared, you may lose the match fast.
Good footwork can really help you get those rebounds. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball. This allows you the rebound without finding yourself penalized.
Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball from being stolen. If you have an opponent who is guarding you relentlessly, halt your dribble and pass to an open teammate.
If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. As a shooting guard, having bulky arm muscles can actually reduce the number of successful shots.
Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. This might seem impossible at first, but once you master it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed. This will help you points on fast break opportunities.
Changing up your pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. When you running towards the basket, straighten up while planting the front foot. The guard may think you’ve slowed down and will then straighten themselves. As they do, plow forward and run by him.
If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. Trying to tough it out and keep playing, even if you are experiencing discomfort, can exacerbate an injury even more. If the injury feels too bad then seek medical attention right away.
Strength and flexibility training can help your game. Stamina and strength are required for basketball excellence.Even kids that play will benefit by getting stronger through exercise. As they age, weight-lifting can be beneficial.
If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, you need to use it to brush your teeth and to do other simple tasks.This will show in your basketball game also.
In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Pay attention to how they play. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. When you are prepared, you play better defense.
With all of this great advice at your fingertips, the sky is your limit. Set and follow through on goals to become more skilled. Fitting these techniques into your game strategy is going to significantly improve your game.