Today is the day to learn about basketball. Everyone who loves basketball wants to excel at it. However, you cannot know everything there is to know about basketball, and all good players are aware of that fact. Read this article to find out if there is something you can use to make you a better player. Read on to learn all new tips and tricks to improve your basketball game.
Look forward when dribbling. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the dog. By looking forward instead of at the basketball, you are able to see the happenings on the court.
To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. They are not doing it right. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.
You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.
One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.
In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Try to keep your palm off of the ball as well. Whether you are passing or shooting the ball, your fingers are the only part of your hand that should be touching the ball.
Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.
If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.
In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot. Your body remains balanced while you move towards the basket.
A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. You should work on your free throw techniques as much as possible until they become a second nature. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.
To improve your dribbling skills, practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Before you know it, your weak hand will become strong.
Ensure that you have good court awareness. This means more than just being able to see well enough to play, but “seeing” the court deeply. You have to build your peripheral vision. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.
Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Shuffle your feet in a side to side motion, then use your opposite foot to push off and give you good leverage. Keep your feet from crossing to make it hard for your opponent to get by you.
Armed with the tips presented here, you can take your game to a whole new level. Learning to do something new and excelling at it is one of the best feelings you can have. Keep these tips in mind as you play the game. Basketball is a great sport to have fun with!