For decades, people have enjoyed basketball. It allows people to compete but have fun at the same time. If you’re looking to turn into a skilled basketball player, practice and be serious. When you continue reading, you will learn some priceless information.
Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.
Practice catching passes as often as you can. When you practice, mix it up so that you can catch perfect passes and errant throws. When the game is going on, every pass isn’t going to make it to its target. Therefore, it pays to practice catching passes that are a bit off-target.
Keep your weight lifting to a minimum as a jump shooter. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.
Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.
Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This gives you better control of the ball. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.
In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Know which team members are right handed and which ones are left handed. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. Strong defenders are knowledgeable defenders.
Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.
Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.
Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. By being able to easily dribble with two hands rather than one, you have a huge advantage over your defenders. Make an effort to dribble with your weak hand by keeping your dominant hand away from the front. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.
You need to mess with your opponent’s head. Don’t let them get comfortable. Use aggression with your moves. Don’t let your opponent decide their own plays. If you let them, they’ll totally take the control from you. Instead, you move first and throw them off their game.
Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. If you have an opponent who is guarding you relentlessly, it is time to pass the ball.
Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.
Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. As they do, push forward hard and run by them.
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 they should run to the point guard and trap him. Then, have the forwards on blocks run to the wing players. The point guard will make a pass that forwards can steal.
If you wish to get your weaker hand built up, you need to use it to brush your teeth and to do other simple tasks. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing. This will show in your next match.
By using these insights and applying them to your own performance, you will create a stronger, more enjoyable team. Put in the necessary time to read additional articles, and watch videos. Keep learning more than just this article. Take what you need and leave the rest. Practice diligently to improve your game.