Basketball is not just a game you play in gym class or intramural competition. You could have fun playing at a park or in your driveway. When you love basketball, use this article to learn as much as you can.
You must have good balance to shoot well. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. When you shoot, you should always be properly balanced, which will help you make more baskets more consistently.
You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. Try not to lose yourself in frustration if you do not master it immediately, with the more time that passes with you and your team practicing, the more accurate they will become.
Keep your weight lifting to a minimum as a jump shooter. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.
Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. These skills require solid footwork.
Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.
Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.
Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. If you can master this move, it can really work in your favor.
Ball Handling
Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can stay stationary, catch all the ball, and shoot them from that same location. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.
A great way to make sure you’re in a good position defensively is to keep yourself in the defensive stance. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time. Don’t cross your feet and no one will get around you.
If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer. By practicing at the NBA line, you will be used to getting a look a little further than what most defenses will cover.
If it is possible, keep all action below the knee. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you. This also allows you to cover large distances across the court, which makes it difficult for opposing players o block you.
The best way to become a better player is to talk to your teammates and know what they are going to be doing. In order to win games, you have to work together as a team. It is not a one-on-one game. You have to help each other. Talk to them and let them know you need help and you will all play better.
Dribble in a rhythmic way until you desire to catch the opposing player off guard. By dribbling consistently and then breaking it up into a different rhythm that’s fast, you can trick an opponent so you have more time to shoot. The change in speed and sound can surprise your opponent.
If you’re serious about your game, you should take your diet seriously. Carbs, fats and proteins all keep your energy levels at the right place. Good foods that provide these essentials include nuts, lean meats and whole wheat breads. Salts and sugars shouldn’t be used that often.
If someone is attempting a shot from one of the court’s corners, that shot (if missed) will probably bounce over to the opposite side of the net. Figure out where it will be and rebound the ball.
Double Dribbling
Double dribbling is not a habit you want to get into. When you stop dribbling and then begin again is double dribbling. Once you’ve stopped dribbling, you can only pass the ball or shoot the ball. You are not allowed to resume dribbling. A turnover means you will have to give up the ball to the other team.
No matter what kind of basketball game you are playing, be it one-on-one, H.O.R.S.E. or something else, learning about how to become better will make you better. Since you’ve devoted this time to reading this article, the next step is to take these new skills out to the court. As you develop your skills, you will automatically become a better ball player.