No matter if you’re male or female, basketball can be played by anyone. Basketball is fun to play regardless of your skill level. Do you want to stun all your friends with your new skills? Maybe you are wondering, what moves? Read on to find some great tips that will help you get in the game.
Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Defense can make or break a basketball game. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.
Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. Make the basketball an extension of your body, taking it wherever you are. If you walk to the store, dribble the ball. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.
Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. This should be something you do quickly. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.
Free Throw
Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Take a deep breathe, relax and block out all outside distractions before taking the shot.
Play games against yourself in and out of season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. That should not matter. Solo games also help. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. You don’t need other players to work on your skills.
When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket. Hand signals can be a great way to find out if a teammate will be able to receive your pass. If there is no signal, the player should not make the pass to them.
What do your teammates admire about your skills? Is there something that you excel at? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.
Keep your eye on the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.
When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. Jumping rope can also help you become lighter on your feet and quicker on the court.
Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. If your right hand is your dominant hand, your right shoulder must be aligned with the rim. For left-handedness, the opposite is true.
For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. 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.
Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Being ambidextrous on the court makes it more difficult for defenders to figure out what you will do next. Hold the dominant hand behind the back and make certain you use just the weak hand. In no time, the weak hand will also be useful for dribbling.
In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Force them out of their comfort zone. Always move aggressively as they try to maneuver around you. Never allow them to decide what plays will be made. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.
Since reading these tips, you should be confident in your basketball skills. Knowing skills and tricks that others are unaware of will give you an edge. Never forget that the game should always be fun. Of course, winning is a great deal of fun!