If being a great basketball player is something you have wanted, you surely realize the commitment it requires. Even if it is just recreational, wouldn’t you prefer to be good at it? This article will help you better your game.
Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team. Realize your limitations, and roll with your talents.
You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works. You may lose control of the game if you aren’t prepared.
If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.
To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. Once there, you have to firmly claim the area as your own. Each of these skills is reliant on good footwork.
When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Also, you need to stay aware of areas which might open up and give you an easy basket.
As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. To help get even quicker and have better footwork you can jump rope.
Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. Sometimes you have to face reality about your skills and just not dream about how you want to be.
Practice looking the other way when passing. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. It can be a really powerful move in the game.
To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance. To help develop your weaker hand, avoid using your dominant hand. Before you know it, your weak hand will become strong.
Stay in your defensive stance while defending your basket against opponents. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot. Keep your feet from crossing to make it hard for your opponent to get by you.
To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). Then your defending guards should encircle the point guard to trap him in place. It also lets you have forwards on blocks sprint to the wing players. Your forwards should easily be able to steal the pass that the point guard throws.
Keep the action beneath your knees, if you can. This makes it difficult for the ball to be stolen. It will be necessary to bend over, but you should be able to get down the court faster.
To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. A good basketball team consists of players who understand that this is not an individual sport. Offense and defense are not one-on-one. All players on your team are interdependent. Talk to your teammates when you need help, so that you’re all on the same page.
Practice all kinds of shots from various spots on the court. Practice your grip and proper balance. You can shoot when you’re not balanced, but it isn’t very accurate. The basketball’s valve can improve your grip. Spread out your fingers, and center the valve in your hand.
Use the various techniques discussed in this article during your next ball game. You will start to see improvement little by little as you remember what you’ve read, use the tips, and practice them. Follow the 3-step plan for ensured success.