Basketball has a global audience with fans across the world. It is a simple game that can be appreciated by everyone. While playing, you learn cooperation skills and good sportsmanship. When you seek to know everything you can about the game of basketball, the information you find below will be invaluable.
It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.
Correct dribbling is key. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm. This helps you to control the ball better. Bounce the ball no higher than your waist and keep the ball at your side rather than in front. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.
Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. Dribble as you walk down the street. Maintaining unbroken visual contact with the ball makes it difficult to be aware of your surroundings.
If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand. The action must be very swift if it is to be successful. When done properly, crossover dribbling is a great way to quickly switch direction or move around the court in an efficient manner.
It is important that you practice layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.
Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Watch as many games on TV as you can. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.
Understand your opponent. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. Your defensive game will be a lot more effective after you get to know your opponent. Smart defenders are good defenders.
If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot. Your shoulders should always be squared towards the hoop. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.
In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.
To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Don’t let them dictate the game. If they do, they’ll dominate you. It’s important, then, to be aggressive and mess up their game rhythms.
Take charge when the opportunity presents itself. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This can devastate a competitor psychologically as well as being a powerful play on the court.
If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. If you’re able to become more ambidextrous, you are going to be able to better control it on the court. That can make your game better.
Keep all motion below the knees if possible. The opposing team will have a harder time separating the ball from you. Practice moving quickly while dribbling below knee level.
Why does the world love basketball so much? It’s due to the sport being fun and simple to play. If you love to play basketball, these tips will help you improve your game. Have fun playing, and improve your own gameplay by applying these tips.