A Basketball Guide For Players And Fans

by | Jan 15, 2023 | Basketball

TIP! If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in.

The inventor of basketball was Dr. James Naismith in the year 1891. Basketball over the past century has exploded in popularity. Celebrities such as Doctor J and Magic Johnson have made the game fun for everyone. Magic Johnson and Dr. J are just some of many players who have become celebrities through the game. To learn from the experts, keep reading.

TIP! Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

Balance is vital to good shooting. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you.

You have to know how to bounce pass properly. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. But, there are some factors that can change this.

TIP! Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent.

A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Get tickets to some pro games, if possible, or catch some games on television. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Try using a back pass! Hold the basketball with your writing hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This should should thoroughly fool your opponent.

TIP! One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop.

If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. That means their hips, lower back and abs. A good core leads to a solid foundation and that is required to be very good at basketball. A strong and solid core allows force that is generated via the legs to be used for helpful movements during the game like higher jumps and faster running.

Free Throws

TIP! Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot.

To help you shoot better free throws you need to come up with a consistent routine. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. If you break your routine, you’ll start missing shots.

TIP! In order to do the best you can with layups, you’ll want to take off with the foot that is opposite of your shooting hand. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot.

A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Don’t let them get comfortable. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. Other players should not influence the plays you make. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. Instead, make the first move and interrupt their rhythm.

TIP! To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand.

To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball. Doing this lets you get a rebound freely and not commit a foul in the process.

Peripheral Vision

TIP! Never stop your dribble unless you are going to shoot or pass the ball. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options.

Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard. Your peripheral vision should be the best it can be. By seeing the court well, you can anticipate defensive moves as well as what all your teammates are doing. Good vision is vital to basketball success.

TIP! Use the non-dribbling hand to create a buffer between the ball and your opposition. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball.

Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time. Keep in mind that your feet shouldn’t cross and this should make you good at defense.

TIP! Do exercises that will assist you in becoming a better player. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina.

You can really up your performance on the court by doing strength training. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. As they age, begin adding weights to their exercise routine. Adult players must use strength training to prevent loss of mobility, speed, and power.

TIP! Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. Basketball is not an individual sport.

To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. High school lines, international standard lines, and college lines are much closer. Nailing shots from the NBA line can really help improve your overall shooting skills.

Dribbling Skills

TIP! When you shoot, try to stay calm. It’s important that the basket is your main focus.

Switch the weight of your body while you are dribbling. Dribbling during game play requires you to adopt a variety of dribbling skills. You might be swarmed by various opponents or get an open court. You must know how to dribble effectively by leaning your body in both directions. Good dribbling skills will make getting out of a bad situation a lot easier.

TIP! It is important to know when to make the shot and when to pass the ball to another player. It is far better to contribute to the winning shot than be the only person involved in the shot that lost the game.

Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. Basketball is played by a team. Offense and defense aren’t 1 on 1. You all help each other out. Constantly let your teammates know when you are open or in need of some assistance.

TIP! Focus on the ball and where it is going. Rebounds are a critical component of the game.

Always practice from all spots on the court. Start by practicing grip and balance. You can shoot off balance, but it’s not very accurate. Use your basketball’s valve for perfecting your grip. Spread your dominant hand’s fingers, and place the center of it over the valve that’s at the the ball’s center.

TIP! You must know how to pivot correctly when playing basketball. Practice often so you do not have to think about pivoting during a game.

Create a team environment that is tough on the court and off of it. Basketball teams that work together well can take the game to a new level. The ability to intuit and appreciate the actions of your teammates can significantly improve your performance as a whole.

TIP! When performing a workout, take notes of what you want to get done. A lot of players go to practice with no plan.

All you need to have a basketball game is a basketball goal and a few friends. A strong knowledge is required if you want to play it well. This article should have started you off in the right place, so you have to keep at it until you’re a master of it.