Because You Can Never Know Enough About Basketball…

by | Aug 7, 2021 | Basketball

TIP! Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Use fingertips to dribble.

The best way to achieve your goals in the sport of basketball is to always be willing to practice. Nonetheless, technique is also important. Practicing poor technique will not help you. Follow the helpful information presented here to learn how to play basketball consistently well.

TIP! Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard.

Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. Take your basketball everywhere. If you walk to the store, dribble the ball. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

Free Throw

TIP! It is important that you practice layups. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Stay relaxed and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throw rate.

TIP! Perfect your bounce pass. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. You might see a decrease in your goal percentages if your biceps become too large.

TIP! A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. This is just fine. You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. There is always something to practice.

Core Muscles

TIP! Practice using different types of defenses. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back. The core muscles link lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they won’t have strong athletic performances. A well developed core lets a player generate force with their legs to be applied to faster running and jumping higher.

TIP! You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds.

Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. Is there something that you excel at? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player. Learn what other’s see as your natural skills and make sure to keep and develop those skills more fully.

TIP! Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs.

Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game. Figure out which people are right or left handed. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.

TIP! In order to ensure that you are always ready to defend, keep your stance at all times. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. In no time, the weak hand will also be useful for dribbling.

TIP! Change your pace up to throw the offense off. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up.

Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. A hard dribble returns the ball back to you faster, leaving less chance of it being snatched by the other team. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.

TIP! Strength training can improve your game. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball.

Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. Your peripheral vision should be up to par. If you view the entire game without focusing on the ball, you’ll see defensive pressure advance, along with open teammates.

Strength Training

TIP! Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. When you stop, your options are limited.

It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. Use weights when they get older. As adults, it will be imperative to maintain a strength training routine.

TIP! You have to change the path of your opponent. Whether you’re playing defense or offense, it’s crucial to control the other player’s movements.

Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt. Then they need to get to the guard on point to trap him. While this is happening, your forwards must sprint toward players in the wings. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.

TIP! As you come down from catching a rebound, land with your legs spread wider than the span of your shoulders to increase your balance. Have your hands on both sides of the ball.

If you wish to get your weaker hand built up, you need to use it to brush your teeth and to do other simple tasks. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball. Your basketball skills will benefit.

TIP! Whether you keep possession of the ball or not is based in your position just before and right after a rebound. When you jump, use both legs to give yourself a boost.

You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot. Make eye contact with the target as you are off the ground, but not a moment sooner. That helps you boost your accuracy.

TIP! You must know as a ball handler how to read when to take a shot and when you should be passing. When you assist, you are still winning the game.

Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. In the middle of a game, lots of dribbling situations will arise. It is likely that you will be fending off two or more players from the opposing team. You have to figure out how you can dribble while you’re working with your body leaning. Good dribbling skills will make getting out of a bad situation a lot easier.

TIP! When dribbling, you need to work on bouncing the ball quite hard. This will make it harder for any defender to pull off a steal from you.

These tips will help you improve your game no matter how frequently you play. Every skill can be improved on. You can improve your game in every way, just like professional.