Even the basketball greats don’t know all there is to know about this wonderful game. Times change, and so does the game of basketball. You must always be ready to learn and stay updated. Want an edge on the competition? Keep reading so that you’re able to find that edge you desire.
It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Even though everyone loves to watch offense, defense is what wins you most games.
Free Throws
Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. There are usually a lot of distractions when you are shooting free throws so you need to concentrate. Practice this technique regularly. Hold the ball level to your face. Focus on the ball and visualize it going toward the goal. Shoot the basketball exactly as you saw in your mind.
Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. Carry your basketball everywhere. Dribble as you walk down the street. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.
If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to your right hand and back again. This action most be quick to work out. If done correctly, a good crossover helps you get past your opponent and to the rim.
Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level. It’s smart to get the ball to bounce about 75% to the receiving player. There are other things to keep in mind, though.
Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws. However, if you’re not in the right state of mind, you won’t succeed. Relax and concentrate on your basket to increase your free throws.
Watch how the pros play basketball. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.
One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.
Play games against yourself in and out of season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. No problem. There are many ways that you can improve your game alone. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.
Core Muscles
If you have student that wants to play basketball for their high school team, they will need to spend some time training their core muscles. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles. The core connects the lower and upper extremities, and if a person has a weak core, they will fail to excel in athletic pursuits. A strong core helps the legs move better, like jumping higher and running faster.
To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. This routine will help you make your free throws, but make the routine a quick one.
If your opponent is pressing hard, you can give yourself some room to work by dribbling the ball between your legs. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.
You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. This will help you develop a routine. If that routine goes off, it will cause you to miss your shot.
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. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand soon enough.
You should now feel a new level of confidence about playing basketball. These techniques will help improve your game. Never stop learning or practicing. Take your basketball prowess a step above, and use what you’ve just learned along the way.