If being a great basketball player is something you have wanted, you have to work hard at it and practice a lot. Even if it is just recreational, you’ll still want to be a good player. This article will help you in becoming a better basketball player.
Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.
Many people forget that defense is the key to winning.Basketball games are often won because of good defense. Offense gets all the praise and attention, but without a good defense, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.
A good way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros.
Practice your layup shot often. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.
Do not only practice zone defenses alone. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you. If you haven’t trained yourself to counter this, you might lose your game very quickly.
Don’t pump too much iron if you want to be good as a jump shooter. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some guards that play professionally have such big arms that their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.
If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Even though having strong muscles is great for the inside game, being on the outside it can harm you when shooting the ball. Some overzealous shooting guards buffed up too much, and it had an adverse effect on their overall field goal percentages.
This will involve their lower back, lower back, and hips. A well developed core provides a player generate force that can be tapped through the legs while running and jumping higher.
Never turn away from the ball so that you’re ready for what’s coming. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on with the ball at all times.Keep your eyes open for easy shots.
Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Is there something that you excel at? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.
You need to be quick to play good at basketball.Try playing faster than your opponents for a better advantage. You will have to be steady as you play faster. Don’t play too fast and risk your skills allow. Playing beyond your speed can result in bad passes and lots of turnovers.
Always know where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they are doing.
Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.
To become a reliable free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. This may mean you want to dribble three times, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. As long as this is a quick set of movements and it’s consistent, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.
To make your layups count the most, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. This will keep you balanced with forward momentum.
If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.
Practice with your weaker hand.Tie your strong hand behind your back to ensure you only use your weak hand. You will quickly strengthen your weak hand soon enough.
Good footwork will help you to get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. The defender below you will be moving toward you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This will allow you to score a rebound legally.
Shoot from NBA distances to see your three-point skills improve. High school lines, International standard lines, and college lines are closer. You are less likely to be guarded, the farther you are from the basket.
Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one side of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. This can seem impossible, but if you do it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed. This will help you accomplish great layups on those fast break.
Strength training can improve your skills in basketball. Stamina and strength are required for basketball excellence.Even young children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. As they start to get older, let them start using weights for added benefits.
Switch the weight of your body while you are dribbling. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations. There may be times when you are covered by multiple opponents; however, there may be times when you have the whole court in front of you. It helps to master control of your body as you dribble in a variety of positions. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.
If you wish to get your weaker hand built up, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. This also can significantly help you with your basketball game.
You have to practice hard every day if you desire to step up your shooting game.This helps to simulate the conditions of the game and also helps you improve accuracy.
Switching up your dribbling rhythm can really throw the defense off. Changing your pace quickly can take the other player by surprise and give you an advantage. Changing the speed also changes the sound which can be off-putting.
You need to prepare for action, using the strategies that have been discussed here. You’ll get better a little bit at a time if you keep the tips here in mind and practice them as well. This plan will be successful.