What do you know about basketball? Do you want to learn more about different tips that you can use when you’re playing? This article is going to explain a few things that will help guide you to be a better basketball player. Carefully consider the following information so that you can play at your best level.
Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm. This provides you with much more ball control. Keeping the ball to your side will help it from getting in the way. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.
A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. Try not to lose yourself in frustration if you do not master it immediately, with the more time that passes with you and your team practicing, the more accurate they will become.
If you play serious team basketball, jump rope for thirty minutes before practice sessions. You’ll get used to playing basketball already winded and tired. Doing this can make you very prepared to make shots in late game situations, as your conditioning is already a notch above anyone else just showing up to practice.
Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Learn to play to your strengths and practice to improve your weak points. Not everyone on the team can be the guy who scores every point. Your position may be better suited on the defensive end. You can only learn these things through practice and play.
Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Plant your feet and own that spot. Footwork is the key to either of these.
If you want to improve your jump shot, try shooting free throws blindfolded or with your eyes closed. Your free throw percentage ought to be pretty good before you try this. However, once it is, you can use this technique to really get down a fluid and instinctive shooting motion with your arms and body. Just make sure to do this alone in a gym, as to not errantly hurt anyone or break a window.
Proper aim is crucial when trying to make baskets. Ideally, you should aim for the small square found on the backboard. Doing this increases your chances of the ball actually going down the basket. Avoid trying to aim for the next; you are less likely to be successful when doing so.
In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. Know which players are left and right handed. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. A knowledgeable defender is a strong defender.
Take your ball with you wherever you go and dribble as often as possible. This allows you to practice handling the ball on all sorts of surfaces. For example, it will react differently on grass than it will on a wooden court. If you can master moving the ball on any surface, you will become a better ball handler.
The best free throws come as a result of routine. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.
To develop an accurate shooting stroke, put your dominant hand under the ball and use your other hand on the side of the ball, as a guide. If you develop this consistency, you will be able to follow through with your shooting hand and get a high, looping arc that is more likely to go through the hoop.
If you wanted to know more about the game of basketball, then you should have learned something from this article. Now that you have read this information, you’re ready to take the ball to the court. Whether you play on a team or with friends, you can now improve your basketball skills.