If you feel like you could benefit from some advice about bettering your basketball game, this article can help you. It’s time to lace up and get out there to make improvements each time you practice. Even if you just play for fun, wouldn’t you like to stop the defense or be able to better make that shot?
Improving your flexibility will greatly help you during a game. If you’re flexible, you’ll be able to move around defenders better. Flexibility will help you to move better when you’re being blocked. You’ll be able to do more moves than others which will result in you getting the change to score or pass freely without being blocked.
You should practice boxing out the other players to improve your rebounding. It is really easy to do, but many experienced players forget about it during the game. Boxing out is simply getting in front of the other player when the shot is in the air. This puts you in a prime position to grab the rebound.
Practice catching the basketball while you are moving and stopping cold for a shot. Basketball is a fast paced game, and the constant movement can throw your shot off during game time. This is especially true if you’ve practiced your shooting standing still. That is not as common in a game experience. Get the feel for moving, stopping, and shooting.
Every shot should have an arc. The ball should arc at the highest point, then began descending toward the goal. This arc helps keep the ball on course. Learn how to consistently shoot using the same arc for best results. As you practice, you will learn what works best for you.
To be successful with free throws, you need to be sure you’re taking the best approach. When at the foul line, have your feet about a shoulder’s width apart. Now, use both hands to dribble the ball. Bend your knees and and picture the ball going into the basketball as you take your shot.
If your child has a hard time learning to dribble a basketball with their fingertips, you can try using naugahyde gloves. They will help them learn proper dribbling since it forces them to use their fingers instead of their palms. Eventually, they will learn to just use their wrists and fingers. You can find these gloves in sporting goods stores or online.
If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.
Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.
One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. Pay attention to how they play. Remember which player shoots left and which shoots right. Once you have a solid idea of your opponent, you can dial in on the best way to defend. A defender that is knowledgeable is an effective defender.
Bend your knees as you dribble the ball. This gets you closer to the surface you are dribbling on and causes the distance between ground and ball to be reduced. This gives your opposition less of a chance to steal the ball away from you as you head for the net.
If the basketball game is quickly getting out of hand for your team, find a way to slow the pace down. Your opponent wants to keep the chaos for your team going as it’s causing you all to make mistakes. You need to do the opposite. The minute you have the ball, dribble up court slowly. Or take a time out if you’ve got one available.
If you want to become a better basketball player, exercise your forearms and your wrists whenever you possibly can. This will significantly help you with your ball handing and control. A strong dribbler always has strong forearms. Practice wrist curls in your exercise routine to improve forearm and wrist strength.
Patience can be a key component to getting the best shot. Taking a perimeter jump shot from near the three point line while early into the offense is probably not the best idea. Instead, get into your half court set and begin looking for the open shot. Look down low for an easy basket or outside for an open three point shot.
Become a great athlete. There are few great basketball players out there who aren’t also superb athletes in general. This is a very athletic sport, so prepare for it by playing all sorts of athletic games. This can be running, swimming, cycling, you name it. All of these sports will add to your abilities on the court.
Always keep your eyes up when dribbling the basketball. You need to be looking for a lot of things when dribbling. First, you want to be able to see teammates open for a good pass. You also want to be looking for any weaknesses in the defense, especially in transition.
Practice moving the ball from one courtside to the other in just 5 dribbles of the ball. This may seem like an impossible challenge, but it will increase your stride length and your speed. This can mean easy lay-ups on fast breaks, or just give your team numbers for a moment.
How confident are you that you can get out there and put these tips to use? This article has explained many strategies for improving your game, and now it’s up to you to make it happen. It takes time and practice, but you can do it. Get on the court and use that energy!