Are you a basketball fan, but know little about the game? You are not alone. Few people know what it takes to shoot, pass, and block like professional players. This article will help you play just like them.
You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Defense is how you win a basketball game. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.
Learn the mechanics of a free throw. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Then repeat that when you take the shot.
Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Get tickets to some pro games, if possible, or catch some games on television. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.
Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.
Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Try doing what is known as a back pass. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand. Pull it behind you. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This should be helpful in tricking them team.
Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. Passing is tough, especially if you and your teammate are not in sync with one another. The use of hand signals can help you avoid this difficulty. If you don’t see a signal, try to find someone else to pass to.
Don’t play when you are injured! Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. Trying to tough it out and keep playing, even if you are experiencing discomfort, can exacerbate an injury even more. Visit a doctor if you think it’s serious.
You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.
To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. The defender below you will be moving toward you, so find a way to slip around him and get to the ball. This technique will help you rebound the ball without getting a foul called on you.
Remain low when playing defense. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path. Stay in your defensive stance. When you have to break out of stance to block a shot, get back into form as quickly as possible.
Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. By improving your weaker hand’s dexterity, your control over the hand will significantly improve. You will soon see a difference on the court if you are consistent with these simple exercises.
Always bend the knees while dribbling. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you. Bending your knees slightly will improve your overall ability to control the ball.
Keep the activity below the knees if possible. This makes it more difficult for your opponents to steal the ball. This will help you move the ball down the court easier.
Learn to control where your opponent can and can’t move. Whether you are playing defense or offense, you must be capable of controlling the directions of opposing players. This will let you go where you would like and they cannot determine your path.
Stop Dribbling
Do not double dribble. This happens when you stop dribbling and then begin again. Once you stop dribbling, you choices are to either shoot or pass the ball. You can’t just start dribbling again. When you do that, it’s called a turnover. It will cause you to have to surrender the ball to the opposing team.
In conclusion, you may enjoy basketball and just didn’t know much about it before you read this. Hopefully now that you’ve finished reading this article, you feel like you understand the game much better. Go play a game, so you can start using these great tips?