You can play basketball just about anywhere. It is possible to play basketball at a sports center, the park, or even at home. If your passion is basketball, take the time to read the following article to learn more about the sport.
Make sure to dribble properly. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.
Work on improving your strengths to become an even 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. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.
Practice layups often. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.
Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.
Free Throws
Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.
Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.
Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.
Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. It’s great to get an idea of how your teammates think of your skills, this way you know what areas of the game to focus on.
A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.
A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent. To increase your quickness, you must practice playing fast while running drills. However, don’t try and push past your limits. Playing beyond your own capabilities sends the game spinning past your ability to control it, and turnovers are bound to occur.
If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards. This technique can really throw off defenders.
Look away when you practice passing. This throws your opponents off. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. It’s quite a play when done properly.
No matter what type of basketball game you like to play, the better your skill level, the more you will enjoy your game. Since you’ve devoted this time to reading this article, the next step is to take these new skills out to the court. As you learn more, you play better.