Basketball is a sport that people have loved for years. If you want to become a great basketball player, you need to practice and take the game seriously. You will receive the advice you’re looking for in this article, so keep reading.
Shooting has much to do with proper balance. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. They are improvising. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.
Always work on your layups. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.
You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.
Keep your weight lifting to a minimum as a jump shooter. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.
It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.
Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. With strong core muscles, you will have better balance. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Jumping rope is great for improving your footwork and also helping you to gain speed.
Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.
Free Throw
Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.
If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it. Mastering this technique can give you a significant advantage.
If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. If you don’t stick to your routine, you could miss the shot.
You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Force them away from their comfort zone. Execute your moves with aggression. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Rather, you make the initial move and break up their flow.
Do not release your defensive stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position. Don’t forget not to cross your feet, and you won’t be easy to get around.
Strength Training
If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball. It can help young kids get the exercise they need. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. Adult players must use strength training to prevent loss of mobility, speed, and power.
When you use these tips, you will have more fun when playing basketball. Keep reading other resources so you can build up your game skills. Find out everything you can, and you can improve your game.