No matter if you plan to hit the court or lead the cheers from the stands, some basic basketball knowledge is key. Not too sure what the score is? There is no need to worry. Basket is really fun and not too hard to pick up. Read on for tips you’re going to use when you play, or just watch.
It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. Basketball games are often won by the defense. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.
Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes. During a hectic game, every throw is not going to be perfect. Therefore, it pays to practice catching passes that are a bit off-target.
Never practice only against the zone. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. You might lose your control of the court if the other team use this technique, unless you are ready for this possibility.
You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. Don’t let it frustrate you, just be patient.
Would you like to fool the opposing team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Now hold the ball behind you. Flick your wrists in the direction that it must travel. This should should thoroughly fool your opponent.
Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. That should not matter. You can accomplish a lot by practicing alone. Work on free throws and pivot moves. You can always work on something.
Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it. Keep your palm off the ball, too. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.
Basketball players must be fast. Speed always gives you an edge over your opponent. Playing fast requires steady drilling. Don’t attempt to play more quickly than your skills allow. If you play basketball past your own speed ability, then you can lose control of you game with bad passes and needless turnovers.
Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.
A good drill to try is the five dribble drill. You try to get the ball the entire length of the court in only five dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. You will have easy layups on fast breaks and you will be able to advance your team easily.
If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina. It can help young kids get the exercise they need. As they grow a bit older, they can add free weights to their strengthening routine. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.
Keep your knees loose when you dribble the ball. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball. Just bending a little bit at your knees can really help you to control the ball better.
Shoot hundreds of shots every day from every position on the court to improve your shooting skills. You can get even better if you practice dribbling and pulling up quickly for a shot. Avoid looking at your target until you are in the air. This will help improve your accuracy during a game.
Keep the activity below the knees if possible. Opponents will have a hard time stealing the ball from you if you keep it low. It will be necessary to bend over, but you should be able to get down the court faster.
Know where missed shots are most likely to end up. Place yourself in position after this shot is made. You can get more rebounds by anticipating the ball trajectory.
When catching a rebound, be sure to land with legs that are spread wider than your shoulder span, to help keep your balance. Hold the ball next to your chest with your hand on either side. Make sure you don’t hit anyone else with your elbows.
See, it really isn’t that complicated. It’s quite a fun game, actually. Use what you’ve just learned to enhance your game or to be a better fan.