Basketball is simply not something to just play while in gym. You could have fun playing at a park or in your driveway. If you love to shoot hoops, then you should focus on learning all you can about how to play better by reading the content below.
It’s easy to focus on offense when learning to play, but your practice time would be better spent on defense. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.
Keep your head up when you dribble. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.
Free Throw
Free throws are as mental as physical. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. Stay calm and collected to increase your free throw percentage.
A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.
Practice basketball in season and out of season. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you. No problem! You can still do a lot on your own. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. You can always practice.
Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. Oftentimes frustration occurs when trying you aren’t on the same page with a teammate who cuts to the basketball when you try to pass him the ball. You can stay away from doing this if you use a hand signal to see if someone is ready for a pass. If the person doesn’t make a signal the person shouldn’t get passed to.
Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.
Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. This knowledge will help you play the best game possible. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.
Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. This should befuddle your opponent. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. It’s quite a play when done properly.
Whether you enjoy the occasional casual game or compete in local tournaments, improving your skills on the court can help you get more out of the game. Use the information you have learned here. The more you learn, the more you can enjoy playing and watching basketball.