Want To Improve Your Basketball Skills? Take A Look At These Tips!

by | Jun 3, 2023 | Basketball

TIP! Free throws are mental as well as physical. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed.

Basketball is unlike any other sport. You began to figure out how to play such as shooting, dribbling and passing. You might feel like you’re a basketball master today. Keep reading though, you just might find out there’s a lot more to learn.

TIP! Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, your opponent might flip the switch to man-to-man coverage just to change things up and surprise you.

Make sure to dribble properly. Avoid using your palm while dribbling. Instead, use your fingertips. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. Keep your eyes up.

TIP! Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. Always have a basketball handy. Try dribbling even when walking to a store. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

TIP! Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. This keeps it under control.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

TIP! Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game.

It is important that you practice layups. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. Perfecting this skill will enable you to get to the rim effortlessly during a game.

TIP! Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. 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.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.

TIP! Take charges whenever possible. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul.

Don’t dribble during your drills. This helps to develop passing skills with your teammates, making it much more difficult if you’re standing in one spot and not dribbling. The accuracy of passes will greatly improve over time and the drill will become a lot easier.

Strong Core

TIP! Building strength improves your basketball game. Those who do very well at this sport have a combination of stamina and strength.

If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. A solid and strong core lets force that comes from the legs get used for beneficial movements when playing, like faster running and higher jumping.

TIP! If you are in a defensive position, keep yourself low. This helps your jumps become quicker and betters your reaction to the person before you simpler.

If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot. Ensure that you line up your shoulders so that they are squared with the basketball net. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.

TIP! A powerful play called the trapping machine, is to have your guards wait for the point guard to come just past midcourt. Then, they need to run at the point guard to trap him.

Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better. You will not be able to stand in one place and shoot. Things rarely happen unless you are actually moving the basketball.

TIP! In order to improve your weaker hand, make use of it for everyday things, such as brushing your teeth, eating out of a spoon, etc. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball.

A key play on defense is to draw a charge. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent. That can be psychologically disturbing, and is a power play.

TIP! When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen.

Trip up the offense by constantly changing your pace. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up. You will have the guard think that you’re slowing down. In turn, they will straighten themselves. Use this opportunity to sprint past your opponent.

Strength Training

TIP! Become a better basketball team by becoming a stronger team when playing and in practice. A team that works together is an unstoppable team.

If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game. It can help young kids get the exercise they need. When they become teenagers, they can start using weights to increase their exercise. As an adult, strength training becomes vital in order to play your best basketball.

TIP! Make your opponent change their path. Whether you’re playing defense or offense, it’s crucial to control the other player’s movements.

Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. Once your opponent is trapped, he will have no option but to make a pass. As your guards are doing this, send your forwards out to the outside opponents. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.

TIP! For the best balance, make sure you land with your feet spread apart. Keep your elbows out to protect the ball and keep it close to your chest.

Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control. So, drill with the weaker hand and use in it in real life.

TIP! Your height has nothing to do with your ability to play defense. That should make it difficult for the ball to be passed to them.

If it is possible, keep all action below the knee. This prevents your opponents from stealing the ball. You’ll have to bend over, but it will be worth the effort.

TIP! Passing must be a crucial element in your game. Effective passing can trip up the opposing team.

There is no limit to your success when you use these tips. Set and follow through on goals to become more skilled. When you add the tips and use them in your game, you’ll see the results you have always wanted.