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 tips you’ll find below will teach you there is still a better ball player.
Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Dribble to the side of your body rather than directly in front of you, bouncing at waist level. Don’t look down, always look up.
Learn how to hit a free throw. Practice a lot with the following technique. Start by holding the basketball right in front of you. Keep your eyes on the goal and visualize the basketball going into the goal. Shoot the ball how you saw in your mind.
Always keep your head up and looking forward. You should never be looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. Take the basketball to all the places that you are. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the shops. If you have to watch the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.
Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. It’s critical to practice running towards the basket at full speed and following up with a good jump and smooth shot. This technique helps improve your on-court layup skills.
Focus on your strong point to help you become a better at basketball.You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you can be an outstanding team player. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until you have perfected them.
Make sure to practice your layups frequently. Layups sometimes wind up to 80 percent of every 5 shots taken during a game. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, run toward the goal and shoot. This method will assist you to improve your ability to jump and then shoot.
Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. Relax and concentrate on your basket to increase your free throws.
Hand signals can help you from turning the ball over.Hand signals can tell you if your teammate on the court.
Understanding the opponent is key in beating a good way to shut him down on defense. Watch replays and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. When you know more about the opposing team, you’ll have a leg up during a game as you’ll be able to predict what he is going to do. A knowledgeable defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.
Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. The accuracy of passes will greatly improve over time and the drill will become a lot easier.
Ask a video of you playing and watch it. You can see where you observe the game and notice things you missed. Be honest in your assessment but don’t be too harsh.
Practice passing while not looking in other directions. You are able to confuse opponents this way. If you do it right, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. It’s a play if done properly.
If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.
Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent’s concentration. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable. Be aggressive as you execute.Do not allow them to pick and choose the plays that they make.
Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you wish to handle the ball better.Wrist curls work good if you wish to start handling the ball. You will not be able to stand and shoot. You have to start moving the ball if you want something to happen.
If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent. If you are just stepping into position, you now have to secure the spot. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.
Good footwork will help you to get those rebounds. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound. This will get you to grab the rebound without getting penalized for a foul.
Strength and flexibility training can help your game. Stamina and physical strength are two things you need to do well in this sport. Even young kids can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and strengthen their core. As they grow and gain skills, weights can be used for even greater impact.
In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. If you know their game, you can defend against it. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.
These tips will make it easy for you to become a stellar basketball player. Set goals and practice regularly if you want to hone your skills. Use the tips here when you are creating your strategy and you will see big improvements in your game.