Basketball is a sport that millions of people all over the world love. You can play a game with friends, or become a professional with enough effort. Use this article to get more of an understanding of the game of basketball.
Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.
Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.
Quickness is a key skill in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. However, don’t try and push past your limits. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.
Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Look at how you did and judge yourself. Sometimes you think of yourself as something you are not.
When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.
Free Throws
If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. Inconsistency will ruin your shots. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. If your free throw routine is out of whack, you will miss.
If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.
In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start. By working on this drill regularly you develop speed and great, lengthy strides. In games, this drill will become useful when you have fast break opportunities.
Hopefully you have a better understanding of what it takes to play basketball. It really is not that hard, you just need a bit of knowledge and dedication. After you begin playing it you probably won’t want to stop. Go out there and enjoy yourself!