Basketball is a time honored sport that people have loved for years. Becoming a good basketball player takes practice and plenty of practice. Reading this entire article can help you obtain the basketball knowledge that you need, so continue on.
It’s easy to focus on offense when learning to play, but your practice time would be better spent on defense. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.
Learn how to hit a free throw. Practice often using the following method. Hold the ball level to your head.Keep looking at the goal while visualizing the basketball going into the goal. Shoot the same path you imagine it going in.
You may have better luck honing your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling during practice. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, it helps the team make better passes.
Practice your layup shot often. This is the most popular shot in basketball. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. This technique helps improve your on-court layup skills.
Don’t pump too much iron if you want to be good as a jump shooter. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that it started decreasing their field goals.
The core muscles include the lower back, the hips and the lower back. A well developed core lets a center of force that can be tapped through the legs while running and jumping higher.
Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. It’s okay! You can accomplish a lot by practicing alone. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. You can always find things to practice.
Never turn away from the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. This will help you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Keep your eyes open for easy shots.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. Watch tapes of their games and stay up on the court. When you know your opponent, you will play a better defense. A defender is a strong defender.
To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents. You can actually force yourself to utilize your weak hand by tying your other hand behind you. This will help you use that hand more easily and improve your dribbling with that hand.
Pay close attention closely to the shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump.If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, your shot is not going to go in. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket. Your dominant shoulder should also needs to be exactly lined up perfectly with the rim.
Ask someone to take a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. You can see where you observe the game and what plays you missed in the game. Be honest with yourself but not overly critical.
A good drill to try is the five dribble drill. You try to get the ball the entire length of the court in only five dribbles. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.
To maximize your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. This will keep your body and allows you to use yourself as a barrier between the defender and yourself.
Good footwork will help you to get those rebounds. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball. This gets you the rebound without finding yourself penalized.
When you are defending, keep your stance low. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. Make sure you always maintain your defensive stance. When you break your stance to block, return to proper form as quick as you can.
Dribble hard if you don’t want to avoid the ball being stolen. If you are being closely guarded, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.
Don’t allow your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.
To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball. Your game will be noticeably better.
Changing pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. When running toward the hoop, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. The guard may think you’ve slowed down and will straighten themselves. When they do, push ahead and run past.
Keep dribbling until your shot or passing opportunity is imminent. You have few options remaining to you cease dribbling. If you don’t shoot or pass, you can just pivot with the foot in the back. This makes you open up to people that want to double team and that means you are also more likely to get the ball stolen.
To become a great player talk with your teammates and learn what they have planned. Basketball is nothing if not a team sport. Therefore offense and defense do not play one-on-one. By communicating, you can work together more efficiently. You must communicate with your teammates so that you can all play better.
If you’re training to become a very good basketball then you should be serious about your diet. When you play on a regular basis, you need plenty of carbs for more energy, along with protein and fats. You should eat more lean sources of protein, nuts and whole grain bread. Avoid sugar and salt.
If you have the right tips in mind as you practice basketball, you will find the game becomes easier and more enjoyable. Put in the necessary time to read additional articles, and watch videos. Keep learning more than just this article. Absorb all the advice you find and work on your game.
As you hit the ground after catching a rebound, improve your balance by spreading your legs wider than your shoulder span as you land. Put your hands on the sides of the basketball and then put it close to your chest. Take care with elbows, since it is a foul if you strike someone on the opposing team.