Get In The Game: A Guide To Playing Basketball

by | Feb 4, 2021 | Basketball

TIP! Watch your form while you dribble the ball. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms.

Are you interested in basketball, but wish you knew more about the sport? You are not alone. Professional basketball players make the game look so easy. The following article will give you tips used by pros.

TIP! Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise.

A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.

TIP! Improving your balance means improving your shots. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate.

A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.

TIP! Work on being able to receive a pass. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well.

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’s OK! Solo games can help you immensely. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. You can always practice something.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back.

If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. If you continue playing, you could make the injury even worse. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you feel that the injury isn’t going away.

TIP! Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent.

Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. Being aware of your body movements can give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed.

Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. Just remember it has to be fast and consistent. The reason is, this routine will put your body on alert that the next thing coming is a free throw. This will help insure your success.

TIP! Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs.

To be a good dribbler, and a more versatile player, you have to develop not only your dominant hand but your weaker side as well. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Soon enough you will develop those weak hand dribbling skills.

TIP! You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes.

The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Focus on getting them out of the comfort zone. Stay aggressive. Never allow them to decide what plays will be made. If they do, they’ll dominate you. Instead, make the first move and interrupt their rhythm.

TIP! Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up.

The trick to grabbing a rebound on a teammate’s missed free-throw is to plan your footwork in advance. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. You won’t foul as you catch the rebound this way.

TIP! When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something.

If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. A hard dribble returns the ball back to you faster, leaving less chance of it being snatched by the other team. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. Being more dexterous means you will have better control.

Use workouts to better your game. Sprints helps with individual plays, and long-distance running gives you stamina. Lifting weights can build the muscle you need for shots and the hustle of the game. You will also gain aggression and confidence that will help you when shooting.

TIP! When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you.

In conclusion, you may enjoy basketball and just didn’t know much about it before you read this. Now that you finished reading it, you can take what you learned, and play more like the professionals. So get moving, get on the court, and put this advice to use.