Basketball is a great sport and it’s easy to learn about. You can pick up the basics in a few short minutes. Once you get started, though, you will undoubtedly want to learn more, and this article is a great starting point.
Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Many times, defense actually wins the game. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.
When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. If you are just getting started, bring your ball with you everywhere. Dribble on your way to school. If you look your ball, you can’t see the court.
If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover. Crossovers must be done quickly to keep defenders at bay. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.
Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.
Core Muscles
If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back. The core is what holds the body in balance and allows the limbs to work well. A solid and strong core lets force that comes from the legs get used for beneficial movements when playing, like faster running and higher jumping.
When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.
Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.
Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. A foul will be called if your feet move while you attempt to screen other players.
Upset and disrupt your opponent’s play. All successful basketball players do this. Focus on getting them out of the comfort zone. Stay aggressive. Don’t let them dictate the game. If they do, they’ll dominate you. You should make the initial move and throw them off.
Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. The defender below you will be moving toward you, so find a way to slip around him and get to the ball. Then you gain the ball without the foul.
Dribble very hard to prevent the opposing team players from stealing the ball. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If you have somebody guarding you very closely, pass the ball to an open teammate.
Strength Training
If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. In order to be the best you can at basketball, you need to be strong and hardy. Young children that play can even benefit from strengthening arms and legs through proper exercise. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. During the adult years, strength training is vital to keeping on-court performance at a high level.
Shoot hundreds of shots every day from every position on the court to improve your shooting skills. Taking quick shots during practice will help you during the game when the pressure is on. Make eye contact with the target as you are off the ground, but not a moment sooner. This helps to simulate game conditions and improving your accuracy.
Only cease dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling. Your only option, besides shooting or passing, is to use your back foot to pivot. When you do this, your opponents can double team you and steal the ball.
You might be a complete novice at basketball. Perhaps you were good at basketball already. Whatever the case may be, you should be able to use what you’ve learned here so you can do better at basketball. Use this advice during your next game.