If you’ve ever thought about becoming a great basketball player, you should be aware that it will take lots of practice and dedication. Even if you just play for fun, you’ll still want to be a good player. This article is definitely going to aide you better your game.
Learn the mechanics of a free throw. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. Place the ball right in line with your face. Your eyes should be on the goal. You should be thinking about the ball going in the hoop. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.
Many people forget that defense is the key to winning. Defense is what stands between you win a basketball game. Offense may be splashier, but when you lack good defense, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.
Practice hitting your free throw shot.Practice often using the following method.Start out by holding the ball positioned right before your face. Keep your eyes on the goal while visualizing the ball going through the hoop.Then shoot the ball in the trajectory you imagined.
Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. 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 breathe, relax and block out all outside distractions before taking the shot.
Always keep your head up and looking forward.You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while dribbling. Bring the ball no matter where you go out. Dribble as you walk down the market. If you have to watch the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.
Free Throws
If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse. If the pain is bad, visit a doctor.
Free throws require as much mental as physical skill. Stay relaxed and collected to increase your ability to make free throws.
A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately.
To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.
Play basketball games with yourself even during the season and before it. Even though you play on a team, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. You can accomplish a lot with solo games. Practice pivoting and free throws. You can always find things to work on something.
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 the injury is serious.
Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward. Mastering this movement gives you a big advantage on the court.
Ask teammates what they like about your skills on the court. Do you do something really good at something? Maybe you are nimble or maybe you are a strong defender.
Build your core strength and focus on your footwork.Your body will retain balance and easier to move when you have strong core muscles. Focus on the back, abdomen, and hip muscle groups. Jump rope can be used to speed up your fancy footwork.
Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.
Passing between the legs is great when you have defense all over you. You can train for this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball real hard in-between your legs. Mastering this technique can help give you a significant advantage.
To land your layups, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. This will keep you balanced with forward momentum.
Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. Your opponent will assume you are slowing up, and thus will also straighten up. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.
Practice dribbling with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back and force yourself only to use your weak hand. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand.
Now, you need to get going and use the advice and guidance found in this piece. You will soon become a better player if you apply the tips you just read in this article. Use what you have learned here to help become the best player possible.
Until the moment you are prepared to shoot or pass, you must dribble constantly. You are limited once you cease dribbling. Aside from using your back foot to pivot, you have very little freedom. If you cannot shoot or pass the ball, you are in danger of getting the ball taken away from you.