Millions of people love playing and watching basketball. Basketball can be enjoyed even more when you know how the game is played well. The intricacies of the game are nearly limitless. This article is meant to help readers do precisely that.
Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble off to the side waist high. Always look upwards, never at the ground.
When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. Always have a basketball handy. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.
Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Almost 80% of shots will be layups. Practice running while dribbling, jumping and shooting as smoothly as you can. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.
Bounce Pass
A bounce pass is essential to learn. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. A useful tip is to have the ball bounce roughly 3/4 of the distance to the recipient. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.
One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.
Practice your pass catching often. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. So do your teammates a favor by learning how to consistently haul in their less than perfect passes.
If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. A strong and solid core allows force that is generated via the legs to be used for helpful movements during the game like higher jumps and faster running.
Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket. Avoid this using hand signals to see if they can get the pass. If no signal is displayed, a pass ought not be made.
Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. Jumping rope can also help you become lighter on your feet and quicker on the court.
It can help you when you pass through your legs. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. Once you get the move down, you can use it to gain a tactical advantage.
Free Throws
Your routines must be consistent for free throws. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket. Practice makes perfect when shooting free throws. If you have a glitch in the routine, you are likely to miss your shot.
To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. This will help you use that hand more easily and improve your dribbling with that hand.
Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot. Your defender is going to assume that you’re slowing your speed and will start straightening up, too. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.
To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will start to appear in the game of basketball, too.
It is impossible to beat the excitement of a basketball match. If you are new to the game, the fast pace makes it difficult to follow and enjoy. Use the skills and practice habits you read about here to take your game to the next level. You can be a real “baller.”