You probably felt like you entered an alternate universe the first time you played basketball. You were learning how to pass, dribble, and shoot. Perhaps you think you have learned all you need to know about basketball. The following article will offer some great advice, for even the most seasoned player.
Practice your defense more than your offense. Defense is essential to winning these games. Offense is often what gets the glory, but most winning basketball teams play great defense.
Balance is important when shooting. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score. They improvise to do that. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.
You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.
Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos. By doing this, you will quickly find that players all have their unique subset of skills, allowing you the best chance to see what areas are the best fit for your personal game.
Perfect Passes
Practice your pass catching often. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. When playing in the game, it’s rare that every pass will hit a bulls-eye. Therefore, it pays to practice catching passes that are a bit off-target.
If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play. There is nothing wrong with that. In solo games, you can accomplish quite a bit. You can practice free throws or pivot moves. Many things can be practiced.
Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.
Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Get them outside their comfort zone. When you are guarding, do so aggressively. This will keep them from being able to choose which plays they will make. This will give your opponent the chance to run over you. Try making the initial move and interrupt their rhythm.
Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. Use weights when they get older. As an adult, a player must continue strength training for optimum performance.
If you are in a defensive position, keep yourself low. You will be able to react more quickly and jump higher because of this. Remain in a good defensive stance always. You may have to break your stance if you must block a shot, but return as fast as you can.
Keep on dribbling until your shot or passing opportunity is imminent. If you stop, you limit your options. Aside from using your back foot to pivot, you have very little freedom. When you do this, your opponents can double team you and steal the ball.
You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. You don’t need to push any opponents since that’s a foul, but try using your non-dribbling arm like a separator for keeping the ball safe. Keep it slightly up when you dribble with your opposite hand.
Dribble in a rhythmic way until you desire to catch the opposing player off guard. You can for instance suddenly speed up your dribbling to get past an opponent and get the edge you need for a shot. It’s not just the speed, it’s the change in sound too that can stymy the person guarding you.
Work on taking shots from various on-court locations. First, practice your balance and grip. Shooting when you are not in balance is less accurate, but it is possible. You can perfect your grip on the ball by using the valve. Spread out your fingers, and center the valve in your hand.
It is necessary to be capable of altering the path of your opponent. Whether you are playing defense or offense, you must be capable of controlling the directions of opposing players. It also allows you to have the freedom to move to an increasingly powerful position.
Make sure you don’t double dribble. Double dribbling happens when you’ve stopped dribbling once, and then start again a few seconds later. If you have already ceased dribbling, your only options are to pass or shoot the basketball. You can’t just start dribbling again. Doing so results in a turnover, which means the opposing team will get the ball.
These tips can help you advance your abilities on the court. So, set some goals and practice with all your might. Using these tips, you will see you game skills improve with each game.