Have you ever seen yourself as LeBron James, Michael Jordan or some other professional player when playing basketball. Instead of just trying to become great, why not learn more strategies and techniques to help you? Read these tips to take your natural basketball skills to the next level.
The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.
One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. By focusing on balance in your shot, you will develop the consistency needed to be a great scorer.
Zone Defense
Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.
You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove. Keep your emotions in check if quality passing is not happening right away as it takes time to perfect this part of the game.
When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass. Hand signals can tell you if your teammate is ready. If there is no signal, the player should not make the pass to them.
If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. Being tough is one thing, but playing through injury can only harm you even further and make the problem much worse. If you have a very serious injury, talk to a doctor.
Understand your opponent. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. The strongest defenders are those who have information.
Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. Tie your dominant hand behind your back and force yourself only to use your weak hand. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!
Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling. Don’t stay stopped; always move around the court. Things rarely happen unless you are actually moving the basketball.
In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This will help you to gain speed, stride length and control of the ball. This can mean easy lay-ups on fast breaks, or just give your team numbers for a moment.
Never pass up a charging opportunity. Taking a charge allows you a chance to earn a defensive stop, take the ball for your team, and sets up one more foul against the opponent. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.
Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control. This will have a positive impact on your basketball game, too.
Don’t stop dribbling until you are ready to pass or shoot. After dribbling is stopped, your choices are very limited. If you choose against passing or shooting, you are stuck pivoting in place. This will leave you open for double teaming from opponents and you may lose control of the ball.
You should practice your dribbling while switching your balance from right to left. Expect to encounter many different situations in a game. You will have many opponents swarming you. You must learn dribbling from all kinds of directions. This will help you maneuver around trouble.
Stay in communication with your teammates. Basketball involves playing on a team. This means that offense and defense doesn’t mean one on one. Everyone assists each other. If you communicate your wishes before you go out on the court, the team will work better as a unit.
Practice making shots from a lot of different places on the court. Start out by practicing grip and balance. You’re much more accurate if you are balanced well. There is valve located on the basketball which you can use as guide for your grip. Your fingers of the dominant hand can be placed on the ball with your palm centered on the valve.
Now that you’ve finished this article, you can get out there and practice. It’s important to practice regularly and be confident with what you are doing. Don’t hesitate to put your skills to the test, and don’t be afraid to change your strategy up every now and then.