When you first played the game of basketball, it was a whole new world. You explored passing, shooting, and dribbling. If you have been playing for a long time, you might think there is not much more you can learn. These tips prove that you haven’t learned it all.
In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Sometimes you’ll see professional players fall out of bounds while making a shot from afar, but this doesn’t work at all times. They are going with the flow when this occurs. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.
Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!
Make layups a part of your daily practice regimen. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. Perfecting this skill will enable you to get to the rim effortlessly during a game.
Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. If your practice did not include this, you can quickly lose control of the game.
If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.
Hand signals can help you to stay away from making bad passes. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. A simple hand gesture can let your teammate know you’re ready for the pass. If the signal is absent, do not pass to that player.
If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.
If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. If you keep on playing after sustaining an injury, you may make the injury even more serious. Serious injuries may require medical attention.
If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.
It’s great to be quick in basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.
Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.
The best free throws come as a result of routine. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. Just remember it has to be fast and consistent. The reason is, this routine will put your body on alert that the next thing coming is a free throw. This will help insure your success.
You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.
Nothing is impossible with the game of basketball, now that you have these tips. Set your goals and practice all you can to better your skills. Using these tips will allow you to become an amazing player.