Basketball: Taking It To The Hoop With Success

by | Mar 7, 2023 | Basketball

TIP! It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense can make or break a basketball game.

What is there to know about the game of basketball? What will help me to perfect my game? This article will give you a solid basketball information base, so by reading it you’ll see spectacular results the next time you’re on the court.

TIP! Dribble the ball the right way. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers. You retain much more ball control this way. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

TIP! When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing.

A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team.

Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. Some pro shooting guards make their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.

TIP! Practice layups often. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game.

In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

TIP! Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, your opponent might flip the switch to man-to-man coverage just to change things up and surprise you.

If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. Learn who the left handed players are and who the right handed ones are. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. A knowledgeable defender is a strong defender.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills.

Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. Refine this skill by bouncing a ball with force between the legs while stepping backwards or forwards. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times.

Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.

TIP! Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back.

You need to take charge when the opportunity presents itself. Taking charges gives you an opportunity to get defensive stops, get the ball and lay the groundwork for fouls. It can be a momentum changer by making the other team think twice about dribbling the ball into the lane.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Being ambidextrous on the court makes it more difficult for defenders to figure out what you will do next.

Mix things up offensively to keep the other team’s defense off-balance. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. Push forward and blast by them.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time.

Are you a little more informed now? Are you prepared to get out there and show off some new skills? Do you now have a better base of knowledge to work with? Continue to practice and use the above advice and enjoy the outcome.