Basketball is a favorite of all ages. However, there are subtle nuances to the game that you may not be aware of. These tips can help anybody improve their basketball skills, no matter what their age.
Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. Help your team by learning to catch those bad passes, as well as those perfect passes.
A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.
To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball. Using signals helps communicate passes with your team. If you don’t see a signal, try to find someone else to pass to.
You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.
Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. Do you do something particularly well? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable. Determine what others like about your game and fine tune those skills.
When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. With strong core muscles, you will have better balance. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.
If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.
Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents. You need to really drill to get to the point where you can play fast. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. You will not be able to control your moves if you play faster than you are able to.
Always be aware of your feet. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.
You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Force them to leave their comfort zone. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. You don’t want the defense choosing your plays so to speak. This will give your opponent the chance to run over you. Instead, make the first move and interrupt their rhythm.
To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. They should then trap the point guard. At the same time, have your forwards on the blocks sprint out to the players on the wings. Your forwards should easily be able to steal the pass that the point guard throws.
When dribbling, bend your knees. Standing straight will make you see that it’s harder to handle and easier for the opposing players to take. Your ball control will improve dramatically by simply bending a little at the knees.
You should make sure when practicing dribbling that you shift from one hand to the other. Basketball games are fast and you will encounter different scenarios while dribbling. It is possible to be completely open, but it is also possible to be surrounded. You will have to know the right way to dribble when the body is doing different things. By nailing this skill, you have a better chance to avoid a turnover.
Keep the action beneath your knees, if you can. This will make it harder for opponents to get the ball away from you. You’ll have to bend over, but it will be worth the effort.
Use the hand you are not dribbling with to keep your defender away from the ball. You can’t push with that arm, but it can serve as an obstacle that helps keep your opponent from reaching in. Keep it up and dribble with your other hand.
Always know the angles the ball is likely to take if it misses a goal. This knowledge will help you get more rebounds.
Create a strong team environment on and off the court. Basketball is something that can work in a team’s favor if they all work together well. If you feel like you know your teammates like the back of your hand, and you trust them too, then you’ll see your game lifted to new heights!
Having good positioning on the court when trying to grab a rebound will help you keep the ball. Jump using both of your feet to gain greater balance and control and grab the ball with two hands. After rebounding the ball, land with your feet wider than your shoulders for better balance and keep the ball close to your chest.
Basketball is enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds. The more you know about this sport, the more you will get out of it. This article can help you build your skills.