Basketball is a classic sport which is loved by all. However, only some people understands how to play the game really well. The following article will help anyone understand basketball better and become an improved player.
Correct dribbling is key. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.
Proper Balance
Proper balance is essential when shooting. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.
To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.
Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. Hold the ball using your dominant hand. Then, bring the ball back behind you. Flip your wrist towards the site where you want the ball to go. It’s a great way to trick your opposing team.
If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. That is okay. You are able to do a lot with solo games. Practice free throws and layups. There are always things that can be done.
Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. Learn who the left handed players are and who the right handed ones are. Your defensive game will be a lot more effective after you get to know your opponent. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.
Opposing Team
Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.
To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.
You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Force them to leave their comfort zone. Execute aggressive moves. Don’t let them dictate the game. If don’t play aggressively, you opponent will run you down. Try making the initial move and interrupt their rhythm.
Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Don’t stay stopped; always move around the court. The best way to get into the flow of the game is to be in motion.
When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team. This may completely break the competition down.
Strength Training
If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina. It can help young kids get the exercise they need. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. Strength training is essential once you reach the adult years.
Bend your knees when dribbling the basketball. It makes it much easier to control the ball while dribbling as opposed to standing straight up, which makes controlling the ball much harder. Just a slight bend in your knees can have a huge impact on ball control.
Don’t stop dribbling until you are ready to pass or shoot. If you stop, you limit your options. If you don’t have the chance to shoot or pass, you can just pivot with the foot in the back. If you cannot shoot or pass the ball, you are in danger of getting the ball taken away from you.
Undoubtedly, basketball has been a popular sport for all sorts of people for a very long time. Learning the game will not only help you enjoy watching the sport, it will also help you play better. Keep what you’ve just read in mind, and grow your love for the game.