The happiness that basketball brings to so many is really quite amazing. Many people don’t know all that there is to know about this game. The following tips can help basketball players at every level.
When you dribble a basketball, you are supposed to use your fingertips. Many people think you are supposed to use your palm, but this is incorrect. Using the tips of your fingers when you are dribbling the ball will result in you being able to dribble more in a shorter amount of time.
When you are practicing your shooting, take the practice shots you would attempt during the game. You are rarely going to be open for long enough to get your feet planted and line up the shot, so shoot on the move. Practice off dribble and shooting while moving for better results at game time.
Really practice the types of shots that you’d get in a typical game experience. Yes, it’s fun to play HORSE and try crazy shots, but that’s not prepping you for actual game play. You want to get the types of shots you usually see down cold. Practice them over and over.
To become a better dribbler in basketball, practice with your eyes closed. This will help you to be able to dribble while keeping a close watch on the action of the game. Be sure to practice while you’re moving too, so that you can dribble and maneuver around the court without ever having to look down at the ball.
One of the most important things to understand is when to make the shot. Taking a dangerous shot can result in the ball being overturned. If you do not feel comfortable making the shot, pass it to a teammate and either let them make the shot or get into a better position to make the shot.
When playing basketball, remember that you are playing on a team. Don’t be a “ball hog.” A team is like a support system and your teammates are there to help you and you should be there to help them. The objective of the game is to work together to beat the opponent.
You can build your speed by learning the following technique. Begin your speed training by walking at a moderate speed for five minutes. Then, run as fast as you can for one minute. Follow this with a jog for five minutes. Then sprint again for one minute. Cool down by walking for five minutes.
If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. Being tough is one thing, but playing through injury can only harm you even further and make the problem much worse. If you have a very serious injury, talk to a doctor.
Always know what spots on the court players are good at scoring from. You want to know this about yourself so you can make high percentage shots. You want to know this about teammates so you can pass the ball to them when they are in a killspot and open. When possible, know this about opponents in order to defend them better.
To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Get them outside their comfort zone. Be aggressive in the moves you execute. Do not let them choose the plays to make. You should never let an opponent control what you do on the court. You need to adopt an aggressive style and react quickly so you can interrupt the patterns set by your opponents.
You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This will get you a rebound without having to commit a foul.
Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. Standing there without dribbling takes away most of your options on offense. If you don’t shoot or pass, you will have just stand there pivoting. This causes you to be wide open to some double teaming by the other team and increase your chances of having the ball stolen.
Basketball is a great sport for viewers and players alike. However, to maximize the true potential that basketball offers, it helps to become knowledgeable about what makes the sport a great one. This article is a great resource for accomplishing that.