Because You Can Never Know Enough About Basketball…

by | Jan 14, 2023 | Basketball

TIP! Learn the best way to make your free throws. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard.

Many people share a love for basketball. If a basketball team wants to have happy fans, the team members must play well. Every teammate contributes, so taking time to figure out your skills can help you better your game. Start practicing today. Let these tips be your guide to helping out your team.

TIP! Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball.

Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Look up, not down.

TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique.

You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. When you don’t know how to defeat it, you will lose.

TIP! A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. Some shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal rate went down.

TIP! Try playing basketball games alone before and during the season. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play.

You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

TIP! Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Do you see anything you could do differently? Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical.

Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. A foul will be called if your feet move while you attempt to screen other players.

TIP! Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth.

To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot. However, they need to be the same combination of movements each time. Having a consistent routine is ideal, and that helps train your body to know how to be in the proper position every time you shoot the free throw.

TIP! Look away when you practice passing. This may confuse your opponents, greatly.

To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

TIP! A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off.

You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.

TIP! If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it.

Playing basketball well means developing good court “eyesight.” You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well. Your peripheral vision should be at its best. If you view the entire game without focusing on the ball, you’ll see defensive pressure advance, along with open teammates.

TIP! Practice drills that force you to get the basketball to the other end of the court in less than 5 dribbles. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed.

If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball. This may lower the other team’s morale, and it gives you a chance to take the offensive when play resumes.

TIP! Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. While you run at the net, plant the front foot and start straightening your body.

Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you may use your free arm to create a barrier that keeps your opponent away from the ball. Keep it up and dribble with your other hand.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner often results in the ball landing on the opposite side of the net. If that happens, you need to anticipate when it will land so you can catch it on the rebound.

Practice rhythmic dribbling up until the point you wish to shake an opposing player. A consistent dribbling broken up by a fast paced dribble can surprise your opponent and give you a major edge for a shot. Both the speed and the sound will contribute to confusing the player that is guarding you.

A missed shot from the corner often results in the ball landing on the opposite side of the net. It may bounce back right into the opponent’s hands.

Double Dribbling

TIP! Pivoting is essential to becoming a great player in basketball. A good basketball player can pivot without thought or tangling.

Avoid double dribbling. To keep from double dribbling, simply refrain from starting to dribble a second time after you have already stopped dribbling once in that same possession. If you have already ceased dribbling, your only options are to pass or shoot the basketball. You are not allowed to recommence dribbling. A turnover means you will have to give up the ball to the other team.

TIP! Penetrating dribbling is essential to defeating the zone defense. Getting by a defender and into the lane will cause the defending team to either shift or collapse on the ball.

Focus on the path of the basketball as it leaves a players hand. Watch whether it is an opponent or teammate. Rebounds are a critical component of the game. It makes no difference if you defend well when the other team misses a shot if you are unable to retrieve the ball.

TIP! When you workout, write down your goals. Frequently, players visit the gym without any plan in mind.

Set your workout goals in writing to help you focus upon them. Many players go to the gym with no plan. They have no direction and spend time with friends. If you have your workout routine written down, you can focus on improving your conditioning and physicality without distractions.

TIP! Be sure to give your footwork plenty of practice. You should know foot placement for playing different positions and for pivoting.

Regardless of your skill level, there is always room for improvement. Better players make better teams. Just a little knowledge can go a long way. As a basketball player, you need all the help that you can get. Remember these tips to become that player that is wanted on all teams.