When you wish to better your basketball game, you must practice. That said, what’s the point in practicing when you aren’t doing it right in the first place? The following article offers helpful advice to get you to improve your practice habits.
Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Defense is what stands between you and a win. Offense gets all the praise and attention, but without a good defense, any basketball team is destined to lose.
Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Keep the ball by your side as you dribble instead of right in front your body. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.
Paying Attention
Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Dribble as you walk down the street. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.
Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!
Free Throws
Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.
Don’t dribble during your drills. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes. Don’t get too frustrated if you’re having a hard time when you start because after a while passes are going to be more accurate.
Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Sometimes you cannot find a team of people to play basketball with. This is perfectly acceptable. You can still practice when playing alone. You can work on pivots and free throws. There are always things that can be done.
Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.
Understanding your opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports. Know which players are left and right handed. If you know their game, you can defend against it. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.
If you experience a slump in your scoring and shooting, your shoulders may be the cause of the problem. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.
Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Look at how you did and judge yourself. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.
Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.
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. Mastering this movement gives you a big advantage on the court.
You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Don’t let them choose what plays to make. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Try making the initial move and interrupt their rhythm.
Take a charge if you can. Turnovers are an important part of the game that can end up giving your team the upper hand. This may completely break the competition down.
Strength Training
If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. As they grow and gain skills, they will be even better players. The adult years are where strength training is crucial to maintain solid performance on the court.
No matter how frequently you play, these tips improve your game. Take it one step at a time to help you improve your game. Better offense and defense is yours when you practice using these ideas.