Basketball is exciting and challenging to play well. However, to play the best you can, you should know all you can. The tips will help you take your game up a notch.
It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play. Offense may be splashier, but lacking a solid defense, any team is sure to lose.
Always dribble with your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball.You should never be looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. Bring the ball no matter where you go out. Dribble the ball when you’re walking to the dog. If you’re looking at the basketball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.
Watch the pros play if you want to improve your game.
Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Don’t look down, always look up.
Hand signals will help stop you from turning the ball over. Hand signals can tell you if your teammate on the court.
Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. If they’re in a poor position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot. Be sure to keep the shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. You should also make sure that your strong-side shoulder is lined up with the rim.
Figure out how to perfect your free throw. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. Make sure that you’re applying the following technique when practicing. Begin by holding the ball directly in front of your face. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Then shoot! Shoot the ball in the trajectory you imagined.
Be sure that you’re able to see well. This will enable you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes. You have to build your peripheral vision is at its best.
Defensive Position
Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.
Always stay low when playing defense. This will help you be quicker on the jump fast and react quicker. Maintain your proper defensive position at all times.If you break form in an attempt to shot block, quickly get back into that good defensive position.
If you wish to get your weaker hand built up, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. This will make you with your basketball game also.
Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.
You can improve your shooting game. This will help improve accuracy.
This makes it more difficult for opponents to steal the ball. You need to bend a bit more for this to succeed, but you will be able to move along the court fast because you’ll be throwing off your defenders.
If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members. As a shooting guard, having bulky arm muscles can actually reduce the number of successful shots.
Be sure that off-court exercises off the court to help you on it. Running for long distances will increase your stamina, and long-distance running is better for improving your game stamina. Lifting weights can help you need for shots and the hustle of the game. The resulting sense of confidence and adrenaline that builds don’t hurt either.
If you are serious about basketball then start changing your diet. When playing regularly, you are going to need lots of carbs for serious energy, and you also need proteins and fat. Good foods that provide these essentials include nuts, lean chicken and nuts. Avoid using excessive sugar and salt when possible.
Would you like to pull one over on the other team? How about the behind the back pass? If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. Flip your wrist towards the site where you want the ball to go. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.
You need to learn how to change your opponent to alter their path. Whether you are playing defense or offense, it is important to control the moves of your opponent. This enables you to get to the spot that you are going rather than letting your opponents control you.
Your position both before and after a rebound to assure you will keep possession. Jump with both feet for improved power and stability and grab the ball using both hands. When the ball has rebounded, ensure your feet are beyond shoulder width apart and hold the ball near your chest.
Don’t play when you are injured! Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. Trying to play through the pain could just cause more damage. If it is a serious injury, see a doctor.
As you have learned from this article, basketball is a fun sport that people play all over the world. This article has given you some of the knowledge you need to truly excel. Follow these tips to enhance your game and play at the top of your ability.