Learn How To Play Basketball Like The Pros!

by | Apr 17, 2023 | Basketball

TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring.

All around the world, millions of people enjoy the sport of basketball. You can just shoot some baskets at the park, or try to make a career out of playing. Learn a little more about what basketball is all about by reading this article.

TIP! Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult.

Be sure to dribble correctly every time. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. This method gives you much more control of the ball. Avoid dribbling in front of you and only dribble to the sides of your body. You should always look upwards instead of at the ground.

TIP! Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set.

Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!

TIP! Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. It is important that you see how other people play the game.

Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles.

Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. You might lose your control of the court if the other team use this technique, unless you are ready for this possibility.

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

TIP! In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off.

To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”

TIP! Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine.

If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.

TIP! To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball.

If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left. This gives you better balance, while keeping you poised toward the basket.

TIP! Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge.

To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Don’t allow yourself to use your dominant hand when practicing. Soon enough you will develop those weak hand dribbling skills.

TIP! When you’re working with defense, staying low is a good idea. You will become faster and react faster.

Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. This causes the ball to return to your hand more quickly, so the offense has less time to try to get it away from you. If your opponent is playing you up close, stop what you’re doing and quickly look to find and open teammate to pass the ball to.

TIP! Keep on dribbling until your shot or passing opportunity is imminent. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform.

Make sure that the pace changes when you are on defense. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body. The guard will think you are slowing down and will also straighten themselves. Like them, push and run past them.

Cease Dribbling

TIP! Keep the action beneath your knees, if you can. Doing this makes it more difficult for members of the opposing team to steal the ball from you.

Don’t cease dribbling until you get ready to shoot or pass. The moment you cease dribbling, you have given yourself very few options. If you decide not to shoot a basket or pass the ball on, you are only allowed to pivot on the heal that is furthest back. If you cannot shoot or pass the ball, you are in danger of getting the ball taken away from you.

TIP! Anticipate where the ball will go. For instance, corner shots usually bounce off the rim, ending up on the opposite side.

Try to contain the action to the area below your knees. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball. You’ll have to bend down a little to do this, but you’ll find you move more quickly down the court because your opponents aren’t able to impede your progress.

TIP! You have to learn to get your opponent to alter their path. Whether you’re playing defense or offense, it’s crucial to control the other player’s movements.

You should now know what you need to do to get the most out of basketball. It really is not that hard, you just need a bit of knowledge and dedication. Once you start playing you probably will start to do so regularly. You can be a real player in no time.