Trying To Improve Your Basketball Skills? Check Out These Ideas!

by | Jan 27, 2023 | Basketball

TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Victory requires the ability to play defense.

Basketball is enjoyed by both genders. People of all races, and ages love basketball. Develop your skills and share with your friends and teammates how much you have improved. What new skills do you mean? You should keep reading to learn more about basketball.

TIP! It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand.

Pay attention to what you are good at. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Realize your limitations, and roll with your talents.

TIP! Improving your balance means improving your shots. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.

TIP! A bounce pass is essential to learn. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level.

One good way to learn good passing is drill often without dribbling. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes. Don’t get discouraged if it is hard initially’ because the gains you will make are sure to be worthwhile.

TIP! Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Even though you play on a team, practicing alone can be helpful.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. Some shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal rate went down.

TIP! Quickness is a key skill in basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents.

One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.

TIP! Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Do not waste time criticizing yourself.

Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. You should know if a player is right or left handed. Knowing an opponent’s dribbling, passing and shooting styles gives you a definite edge on defense. The more knowledgeable a defender is, the stronger he is.

TIP! If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward.

When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. As with boxing, you can increase footwork speed and dexterity by jumping rope.

Shoulder Position

TIP! If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. Your shoulders should be facing the hoop. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

TIP! Dribbling hard keeps the ball from being stolen from you. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you.

Learn to pass the ball without looking at your intended target. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition. If you can pull it off, it’s effective to draw your opponents away from the shooter. That way the shooter gets a great look before shooting. It’s a powerful play when done right.

TIP! Trip up the offense by constantly changing your pace. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up.

Your routines must be consistent for free throws. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too. You can shoot better free throws by making sure you use the same exact routine every time, and of course practice. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

TIP! One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine. Never assume you can just stand somewhere, catch and then shoot. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

TIP! Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. You don’t need to be shoving the opponents, but you’re able to keep them away by using the arm that isn’t dribbling as a separator.

Keep your knees bent while dribbling. The ball is harder to control dribbling when you stand up straight. It also leaves you open to a steal from the opposing team. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.

TIP! Keep your dribbling in a rhythm until you want to throw your opponent off guard. Your opponent is looking for the best opportunity to steal the ball, and switching it up can break their concentration.

You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. Become better and better by practicing your fast dribble then stopping abruptly to make a shot. Do not focus on the target until you are already in the air. This simulates what actually happens in a game and improves your accuracy.

TIP! 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.

You’ll now be able to feel confident the next time that you step onto a basketball court. With the advice from this article on your side, your game is sure to improve. Enjoy the game every time you play. Winning or losing, you’ll have a great time.